Costa Rica has Special Health Insurance for Bullfighters

Bullfighting has long been part of the Costa Rican culture and the Spanish tradition, with many men in support of the event. However, some questioned the danger these people are facing every time they go to catch a bull.

According to Inside Costa Rica, bullfighting is one of the many celebrations of Costa Rica this holiday season. However, bullfighters have been risking their lives to put on a good show.

Fortunately, they now have a health insurance specially dedicated for bullfighters. As one example, the picadors of Zapote will now be given one million colones (about $2,000) in the case of an emergency, like lifelong disabilities or tragic death.

The bullfighters, too, are qualified to have 750,000 colones or $1,500 for medical help in case they have to be moved to a hospital. These two plans are the ones the banderilleros are entitled to so far, with the last one being the most chosen. 

The Costa Rican Times added that the Ministry of Health stated that bullfighting events should have insurance policies with INS of 23.5 million colones for emergency purposes. However, there are times when the money given doesn't compensate the amount needed.

The Tico Times noted that about 100 men, who were mostly young, gathered to attend each bullfight in 2014. 

In these events, the host's voice is heard asserting his welcoming remarks, which is composed of the bull's name, weight, origin and its history. When this is done, the orange gate is opened and the tension between the crowd and bullfighters then begins.

Each of the picadors will then look for their safe spot, while some will even try to climb the ring's barriers. The bull will generally be quite irritated while running around. At times, however, it will just stand still, but will stomp in anger at any time.

This will be the best time for brave bullfighters to get close, catch and take advantage of the bull, while some guard the back of the viewers, making sure the pathway is clear. Costa Rican bullfighting is a more compassionate kind of bullfighting compared to Spanish bullfights.

It can be compared more to Pamplona's Running of the Bulls than the classic "Corrida." Bullfighters of Costa Rica will only be seen running around the ring away from the bull.

However, while more tame, The Costa Rican Social Security Fund noted that there were still 61 people rushed to both hospitals and clinics in the last 11 days of 2014's bullfights, which roughly cost 9.2 million colones.   

Watch Costa Rican bullfighting by jDaddy 2317.