Recently, the Costa Rica Social Security Fund (CCSS) issued a Manual regarding Insurance of Technical Education Students who perform Professional Practices and Internships. The document provides that students who perform professional practices in companies are not subject to the mandatory insurance with the CCSS, and that proof of coverage in the institution or company during the duration of the practice or internship is sufficient.

In addition, the Manual mandates that the student or intern must have the authorization of the education center that he/she attends and that the company must have a technical sheet specifying the activities that this person will carry out. In case of an inspection by the CCSS, the fulfillment of these aspects would serve to prove that there is no employment relationship, but rather a teaching-learning process to complement the professional training and, therefore, the insurance of the student by the company is not required.

The above applies to students under the age of 25 who are under family coverage of the CCSS Health Insurance (by one or both parents), as long as they are enrolled in the educational system. If the student is not covered by the CCSS Health Insurance, he/she can opt for a voluntary student insurance.

To obtain legal advice on this topic or any other topic regarding Costa Rican Labor and Employment, HR and Immigration Law, please do not hesitate to contact us.