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Travel Insurance for Mexico

With any travel destination, it’s smart to plan ahead for the unexpected.
One way that travelers prepare is by purchasing travel insurance
— but is it something you need?
In This Article
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Do You Need Travel Insurance for Mexico?

Technically, you aren’t required to have travel insurance to enter Mexico but it’s definitely worth considering. Things like delayed flights, lost luggage, or an unexpected illness or injury can derail even the best-laid plans.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that all travelers to Mexico carry medical coverage that’s valid overseas. They also suggest looking into supplemental insurance that covers medical evacuation — just in case you need to be transported for emergency care.

What Type of Travel Insurance Should You Get for Mexico?

There are two main types of travel insurance you might consider: trip protection and travel medical insurance. Your decision depends on what kind of protection matters most to you.

A trip protection plans great if you’ve already prepaid for flights, hotels, excursions, or car rentals and you want to protect your travel investment. If you need to cancel your trip or if your trip is interrupted for a covered reason, you could be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses. It also includes coverage for delays, luggage, and emergency medical care.

Travel medical insurance is designed for when you don’t need to insure your trip costs and want to have coverage for an unexpected illness or injury while abroad. With Atlas Travel you are able to utilize Air Doctor, a claimless service for telehealth, in-clinic, or in-hotel visits when traveling abroad. These plans are flexible with the ability to choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.

Travel Medical Insurance

Atlas Travel

Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.

Highlights

  • Coverage for New Illnesses, Injuries, and Accidents
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation
  • Emergency Dental
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Lost Checked Luggage
  • NO Trip Cancellation

<p>LEARN MORE</p>

Trip Protection Plans

Atlas Journey

A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.

Highlights

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Missed Connection
  • Medical: Accident and Sickness
  • Emergency Evacuation
  • Baggage Damage or Loss

<p>LEARN MORE</p>

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Why Choose WorldTrips for Your Mexico Trip?

There are many travel insurance companies out there to choose from. Make sure you’re picking one that has a reputation for quality and excellent customer service. WorldTrips has been providing insurance for travelers for over 25 years.

At WorldTrips, we understand there is no one-size-fits-all travel insurance plan. We offer flexible policies and optional coverage upgrades to better support your insurance needs, itinerary, and budget. We can help you plan for the unexpected with coverage for cancellations, accidents, illness, travel complications, and more.

All our plans come with 24/7 travel assistance for emergencies so you can get back to enjoying your trip. We do it all for the love of travel.

WorldTrips offers flexible, customizable plans, 24/7 support, and comprehensive coverage for your Mexico adventure.

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“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.” 

Healthcare in Mexico

Mexico’s healthcare system has a reputation for its excellent hospitals and highly trained doctors.

According to the U.S. Department of State, “Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City and other major cities.” They also note that though training and availability might not be up to U.S. standards, ambulance services are widely available. Additionally, if you don't speak Spanish, you might want to choose healthcare providers that offer services in English or provide translation services.

Mexico has both private and public healthcare; however, non-residents only have access to private healthcare, which can be more expensive, according to Altrus. You'll need to pay upfront for medical services and then file a claim with your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Will Your Domestic Insurance Work in Mexico?

The short answer is: it depends.

Many U.S. health plans offer limited or no coverage overseas. According to Margaret Wilson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare Global, “Most U.S. domestic health plans provide limited coverage overseas and won’t cover prescriptions abroad” (Consumer Reports).

Medicare, for example, does not offer international coverage unless you purchase a supplemental advantage plan that includes that benefit. That’s why the CDC and major insurance providers recommend purchasing travel insurance to fill any gaps in your current policy.

Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico

Like any country, safety in Mexico depends largely on where you go and how prepared you are. Popular tourist destinations are generally well-managed and safer to travel to, but some regions face higher crime rates and travelers should stay alert.

Here are some key tips to help you stay safe while you travel:

Research the areas you want to visit.
Check the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories for your specific destination. Some of the safest spots include Puerto Vallarta, Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, and Huatulco. Avoid high-risk states along certain border regions and in parts of Guerrero, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas, which continue to report higher crime levels. Plan your days so most of your travel happens in daylight.

Make copies of important documents.
Keep printed and digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary. The report notes that petty theft remains the most common crime affecting visitors, so having backups makes replacement easier.

Watch what you eat and drink.
Mexico’s food scene is world-famous, but foodborne illness and contaminated water are common traveler complaints. Drink only bottled or purified water, avoid ice in areas where sanitation is questionable, and choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot.

Save emergency numbers.
Mexico’s nationwide emergency number is 911. In addition, know how to contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Keep written copies of emergency contacts in case your phone dies or is lost.

Be cautious with transportation.
Use registered airport taxis, official taxi stands, or verified rideshare services. Avoid hailing cabs off the street, especially at night. If renting a car, stick to toll roads (“cuotas”), which are generally safer and better maintained than free roads.

Leave valuables at home.
Limit what you carry and avoid flashing expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics in public. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded areas, markets, and on public transit.

Avoid sketchy ATMs.
The report highlights card skimming as a recurring problem. Stick to ATMs located inside banks, shopping centers, or reputable hotels.

Stay at reputable resorts.
Well-reviewed hotels and resorts in tourist zones generally maintain better security. Look for accommodations that provide 24-hour front desk service and safe deposit boxes.

Use cash wisely.
Cash is preferred in many smaller towns and local shops. Carry only what you need for the day and divide money between your wallet and a secure spot in your room. Use credit cards only in trusted establishments.

Keep your plans private.
Avoid oversharing your hotel name, itinerary, or upcoming excursions with strangers. Social media posts about your location can also make you more vulnerable.

Stay alert in coastal areas.
Mexico’s beaches are a major attraction, but rip currents are common and not all beaches are supervised by lifeguards. Follow posted warnings, and avoid swimming alone or at night.

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WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).