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Mexico Travel Insurance: Top Plans in 2024

  • It’s not mandatory to have travel insurance for a trip to Mexico, but most US health insurance plans won’t cover you while you are abroad.
  • At a minimum, we recommend buying a medical travel insurance plan that offers coverage in Mexico to protect you from potential illness and injuries while you are away.
  • Travel insurance for Mexico is usually very affordable and typically costs around $1 per day when you opt for medical-only coverage.
  • For a few more dollars, you can opt for a comprehensive travel insurance plan which comes with added coverage to reimburse you for things like trip cancellations, interruption, delays, lost/damaged luggage, and more.
  • We recommend using an online comparison tool to see plans and prices from multiple providers at once and easily compare offers.

Mexico is a dreamy travel destination, but staying safe is paramount.

This is true whether you’re looking to relax at a resort in Summer, spend the holidays in Mexico, or go on an adrenaline-seeking adventure of a lifetime. Apart from knowing where is safe to visit in Mexico, having a dedicated travel insurance plan is a key measure to be prepared for your trip.

The good news is that travel insurance plans for Mexico are quite affordable versus other countries. Have a look at our checklist below you know what you should look for.

Insurance checklist for traveling to Mexico:

  • Opt for medical travel insurance at a minimum since US health insurance doesn’t work abroad.
  • Check travel.state.gov for their Mexico travel advisories to ensure you are prepared for your destination.
  • Be sure to buy a travel insurance plan that covers the unique risks associated with your destination. (i.e. hurricanes, petty theft, etc.)
  • Aim to spend an average of 5-6% of your total trip cost on the travel insurance plan. Anything less is a great deal.
  • Before buying travel insurance, check your existing coverage through your credit cards or other memberships and buy only what you need.
  • Consider using an online tool to compare your options before buying a plan.

That said, here is a look at our favorite travel insurance plans for trips to Mexico.

Our picks of the best Mexico travel insurance plans for 2024

Advertiser Disclosure
Best Value

Tin Leg

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.6
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Strongest Medical Coverage

Seven Corners

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.37
Preferred Plan
Trip Protection Choice
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Premium Comprehensive Coverage

AXA Assistance USA

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.22
Preferred Plan
Platinum
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $1,000,000

Cheapest Mexico travel insurance plans

Advertiser Disclosure
Best Medical-only Plan

Tin Leg

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.6
Preferred Plan
Economy
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$20,000 / $100,000
Cheapest Comprehensive Plan

AEGIS

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.07
Preferred Plan
Go Ready Choice
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Lets You Buy Only What You Need

Battleface

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.33
Preferred Plan
Discovery
Covers COVID
YES (add-on)
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 (add-on) / $500,000 (add-on)

Do I need travel insurance for a trip to Mexico?

Yes, it’s important to have travel insurance for visiting Mexico as your normal US health insurance likely won’t cover you abroad.

Although American citizens aren’t legally required to have travel insurance for trips to Mexico, most travelers opt for medical travel coverage at a minimum. Unexpected illnesses and injuries are the most common reasons people get travel coverage for Mexico. However, most travelers can stand to benefit from more comprehensive coverage that can also pay for trip cancellations, delays, and more.

Reasons why you need travel insurance for Mexico:

Violence & crime

The US Department of State highlights that violent crime, theft, and kidnapping are prevalent across Mexico and recommends that tourists exercise caution. This is especially true when visiting certain areas of Mexico where gang and cartel violence is most prevalent.

While these incidents are rare in more touristy areas, it’s important to note the risk and prepare yourself accordingly. As recently as this February, tourists in Tulum were killed when caught in the crossfire of rival gangs.

Comprehensive travel insurance covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuations, and repatriation to your home country if you become injured, ill, or pass away while traveling.

Food & waterborne illness

Foodborne illness is one of the most common illnesses for those visiting Mexico. In fact, traveler’s diarrhea is so common in Mexico it is commonly known as Montezuma’s revenge. Oftentimes food hygiene in Mexico is not the same as in the US, and to make matters more challenging, Mexico’s tap water isn’t safe to consume, as noted by the CDC.

Travel insurance can cover hospital visits for treatment if you become ill as well as help you recoup lost expenses if you have to return to the United States earlier than expected.

Excursions & injuries

Mexico is a paradise for adventure sports like snorkeling, diving, hiking, parasailing, and more. You may not expect to run into trouble on your excursions, but one review cited by the CDC found that 51% of all deaths of US Travelers in Mexico were related to injuries. 18% of these were due to road incidents. Remember, most US health plans, including Medicare, won’t cover you in Mexico, and if they do, it will be highly limited.

Travel insurance covers many adventure sports and also reimburses you for medical treatment and can facilitate emergency medical evacuations in more extreme cases.

Hurricane season

With changing temperatures, hurricanes have become more prevalent, and the season is lasting longer. Mexico’s hurricane season runs from May to November with the height of the season falling directly during Summer months (July and October).

Many insurance policies will reimburse you for your trip if a hurricane or tropical storm renders you unable to travel to your destination. This includes damage caused to your home or damage caused to lodgings at your destination.

Passport and Plane Ticket
Advertiser Disclosure

Best Value

Full Policy Details

Tin Leg

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Tin Leg is known for offering high-quality travel insurance coverage at a competitive and reasonable price.

All Tin Leg policies have an A- rating or better for their financial strength from AM Best. We like the Tin Leg Gold plan because it offers fantastic medical and evacuation coverage limits at an affordable price.

Tin Leg’s Gold Plan automatically insures you for both trip cancellation and trip interruption. With up to $500,000 in emergency medical expense protection and up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, you will be covered should the worst happen during your visit to Mexico. COVID-19 coverage also comes as standard with this plan, covering you from any COVID-related illnesses.

You may also qualify for travel delay protection, baggage insurance, and insurance that protects against missed connections on your way to Mexico.

PROS

  • Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
  • High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
  • Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
  • Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit

CONS

  • Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
  • Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Strongest Medical Coverage

Full Policy Details

Seven Corners

4.37
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Trip Protection Choice
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

If you are looking for comprehensive travel insurance for your trip to Mexico, the Trip Protection Choice plan from Seven Corners is an ideal choice. In fact, the Trip Protection Choice plan is our top-selling travel insurance policy thanks to its high coverage limits, customizable add-ons, excellent 24-hour customer service, and a 14-day money-back guarantee. This plan is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, but it offers solid coverage for an affordable price.

Trip Protection Choice plan can easily cover and reimburse you for things like:

  • Overall trip cost
  • Travel delays & stipends
  • Baggage & equipment loss/damage
  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Accidental death or dismemberment
  • Repatriation of remains

The Trip Protection Choice offers extensive coverage for both trip cancellation and interruption including a vast range of valid reasons for cancellation and interruption. The policy covers 100% of the trip cost if you cancel and 150% of the trip cost in case of interruptions. These added benefits provide you with greater flexibility for your Mexico trip, protecting you from any eventuality.

Regarding medical coverage, Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan offers $500,000 for emergency medical coverage and $1m in medical evacuation and repatriation coverage per person. It also covers medical expenses related to Covid-19. The plan’s primary medical coverage also means there is no deductible, meaning you won’t have to pay anything upfront before claiming back off your insurance.

PROS

  • Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
  • Covers action sports & equipment

CONS

  • Cancel for any reason not included standard
  • Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Premium Comprehensive Coverage

AXA Assistance USA

4.22
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Platinum
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

PROS

  • High coverage limits in every category. Extremely comprehensive
  • Includes identity theft coverage & non-medical evacuation coverage
  • CFAR coverage reimburses 75% of prepaid travel expenses

CONS

  • Coverage cannot be extended unlike other plans
  • Medical limit is lower than other cheaper plans, but still sufficient

Best Medical-only Plan

Full Policy Details

Tin Leg

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Economy
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$20,000 / $100,000
Why We Like It

PROS

  • Choose from budget to premium coverage
  • Protection for COVID-19-related medical expenses included
  • All plans come with a 10 to 15-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • The Budget Economy plan has lower policy limits
  • Not all plans let you add on CFAR coverage

Cheapest Comprehensive Plan

AEGIS

4.07
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Go Ready Choice
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

PROS

  • Affordable and budget prices
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage

CONS

  • Medical coverage is low comapred to competitors

Lets You Buy Only What You Need

Full Policy Details

Battleface

4.33
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Discovery
Covers COVID
YES (add-on)
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 (add-on) / $500,000 (add-on)
Why We Like It

PROS

  • Plan is completely customizable & affordable with all add-ons
  • Forgoing unnecessary coverage makes this plan very cheap
  • High CFAR coverage limit (75% of trip costs)

CONS

  • CFAR not available for trips costing over $10,000/ travel party.
  • Secondary medical coverage with $50 deductible (when choosing this add-on)

How much does Mexico travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance typically costs between 5%-6% of your total trip cost. However, medical-only travel coverage can often cost as low as $1 per day. For comprehensive travel insurance, plans start around $8 to $9 per day for trips to Mexico.

Here is a look at some cost examples. We got quotes using a travel insurance comparison tool for a vacation to Mexico set for this Summer.

Mexico travel insurance cost examples – Plans with medical-only coverage

Provider Plan Name Plan Cost Cancellation / Interruption Limits Medical / Medevac Limits
Tin Leg Standard $12 $0 / $750 $30k / $200k
AXA Assistance Platinum $64 $0 / $1,000 $250k / $1,000,000
Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic $25 $0 / $1k $100k / $250k

From the above cost example, it’s clear to see that travel insurance for Mexico can be quite affordable when opting for medical-only coverage. That said, most travelers opt for full protection while traveling.

Adding trip reimbursement can double the cost of the plan, however, it is often a small price to pay for the comprehensive benefits and flexibility it provides. If your vacation costs several thousand dollars, we recommend opting for comprehensive travel insurance with trip cost reimbursement.

In the example below you can see the costs for the same plans with comprehensive trip reimbursement added.

Mexico travel insurance cost examples – Comprehensive plans reimbursing full trip costs

Provider Plan Name Plan Cost Cancellation / Interruption Limits Medical / Medevac Limits
Tin Leg Standard $142 $1.5k / $2.25k $30k / $200k
AXA Assistance Platinum $92 $1.5k / $2.5k $250k / $1,000,000
Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic $58 $1.5k / $1.5k $100k / $250k

It’s important to note that these costs are for example purposes only, and how much you will pay can depend on many other factors.

To get the above prices, we got quotes for a 35-year-old traveling to Mexico for 7 days in August 2024 with a total trip cost of $1,500.

Types of travel insurance coverage for Mexico

Consider opting for the following types of coverage when planning your trip to Mexico.

Medical coverage

Medical coverage is usually a basic inclusion in most travel insurance. This covers reimburses you for medical treatments relating to illnesses and injuries while you are away. It can pay for things like hospitalization, medications, and other medical services. It also usually includes COVID-19 coverage as well.

NOTE: As senior travelers are far more likely to succumb to illness and injury and require medical treatment, we recommend opting for a specialized senior travel insurance plan.

Medical evacuation coverage

Medical evacuation insurance, commonly called medevac coverage, pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility for treatment. This often includes medically escorting you back to the US for proper treatment. This is especially helpful if you’re in one of Mexico’s remote areas and can’t get to a hospital without a helicopter or airplane. Medevac insurance typically comes as a standard inclusion in most travel insurance plans, but the coverage limits can vary. We recommend opting for plans that offer at least $250,000 in medevac coverage and include repatriation in the event of your death.

Trip cancellation reimbursement

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid expenses (minus eligible refunds) if you have to cancel your travel for a reason approved by your policy. Medical travel insurance usually lets you cancel for medical reasons, but comprehensive travel insurance often allows cancellations for other non-medical reasons including terrorist activity, illness or death of a traveler in your party, jury duty/court subpoenas, loss of employment, and more.

For example, if your local airport closes for several days due to severe flooding and you are unable to travel, you may be able to use travel insurance to recoup the money spent on your trip.

Some travel insurance providers also offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance coverage which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason at all and still receive a refund for 50%-70% of your travel costs, depending on the type of plan you choose.

Trip interruption coverage

Even if you avoid trip cancellation, you may have to end your trip early due to an emergency. If this happens, trip interruption insurance reimburses the unused portion of your trip (minus eligible refunds).

For example, if you are on a 10-day trip to Mexico but have to return home halfway through, your insurance can reimburse you for unused nights at your hotel or the cost of prepaid tickets to local attractions.

Trip delay coverage

Coverage for travel delays often comes standard in comprehensive travel insurance plans. For example, if the airline cancels your flight and you can’t get another one until the next day, your travel delay coverage can pay for a hotel, food stipends, and more. It may also cover the cost of transporting each traveler from the airport to the hotel.

To use trip delay insurance, you must be traveling via a common carrier. This means you must use an airline, passenger railway, ferry, bus company, or other transportation provider that’s open to the public. If you experience a travel delay caused by a common carrier, your insurance will reimburse you for the cost of expenses associated with the delay.

Baggage insurance

Baggage delay, damage, and loss protection typically come standard with most comprehensive travel insurance plans.

For example, if your duffel bag gets caught in a machine, you may end up with torn pants and shirts. Your insurance will cover the cost of replacing these items but only up to certain limits. It’s common for Mexico travel insurance to have per-item limits, so your policy may not cover the full value of each missing or damaged item.

Rental car insurance

Having a rental car gives you more freedom when you travel, but it’s important to have insurance to cover accidents, vehicle theft, and vandalism. Comprehensive travel insurance usually includes this coverage, giving you extra peace of mind. If someone steals your rental vehicle while it’s parked outside a restaurant, for example, you won’t have to worry about paying the rental company out of your own pocket. Your travel insurance will reimburse the company for the value of the stolen vehicle.

If you live within driving distance of the U.S.-Mexico border, it’s possible to drive your own vehicle into the country. Before you travel, consider purchasing Mexican auto insurance from a reputable company. Depending on which company you choose, you may be able to get an auto insurance policy that’s valid for anywhere from 1 day to 12 months. Your U.S. auto insurance won’t cover you if you’re in an accident over the border, so it’s important to line up this type of coverage before you travel.

What doesn’t Mexico travel insurance cover?

It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to what is excluded from coverage. The following scenarios usually have special terms or conditions of exclusions from most travel insurance policies.

That said, many travel insurance companies offer special clauses or coverage options to ensure many of the above scenarios are covered. For example, if you were pregnant when you booked your trip, most travel insurance won’t cover the cost of routine pregnancy care while you travel. However, it may cover the cost of treating unexpected complications.

For more information, read our full articles on travel insurance for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy travel insurance.

Tips for buying the best travel insurance for Mexico

Make sure you’re prepared for your trip to Mexico by following these quick tips.

1

Consider the destination & seasonal risks

Before you buy travel insurance, research the risks of your destination in Mexico. Travel.state.gov has different advisories for each area of Mexico. You will want to ensure you factor the risk level into the travel insurance plan you buy. Similarly, consider seasonal risks such as hurricane season in Mexico. Ensure you buy travel insurance that covers all the risks you will face while away.

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2

Review your existing coverage

Most US health insurance plans don’t work in Mexico, and if they do, they have many exclusions. Check to see if your existing health insurance will cover you while you are away. We also recommend checking if your credit cards offer travel insurance. Once you can establish your existing coverage, it’s easier to know what extra coverage you need with a travel insurance plan.

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3

Medical-only travel coverage vs. comprehensive travel insurance

Decide whether you need coverage for things outside of medical scenarios. Many travel insurance plans can reimburse you for the entire cost of your trip should you need to cancel or if your trip gets cut short. Consider the total cost of your Mexico vacation and decide whether a comprehensive plan is more beneficial to you.

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4

Use a comparison tool

We recommend using a travel insurance comparison tool to see plans from multiple providers side-by-side. These tools allow you to compare travel insurance quotes and coverage in one place. The benefit is that you can quickly and easily find affordable plans with the right coverage for you.

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Passport and Plane Ticket

Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

It is generally safe to travel to Mexico if you plan to fly and visit areas the U.S. State Department considers low-risk areas, like parts of the Yucatan and Campeche. However, driving across the border could be unsafe in certain areas.

Therefore, we recommend consulting the Mexico Travel Advisory on travel.state.gov before visiting. Also, consider signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety information from the Embassy.

Below you can see a Mexico travel warning map showing the areas of Mexico with travel warnings as issued by the US Government.

Mexico travel advisory 2024

The U.S. Department of State has issued “Do Not Travel” advisories for several areas of Mexico including: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.

All are areas known for high rates of crime, including kidnapping.

Department of State officials also urge Americans to reconsider traveling to Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora.

For most other destinations in Mexico, the Department of State advises Americans to exercise increased caution.

See the table, below, for all of the travel advisories for Mexico as seen on the Department of State’s travel advisory board.

Mexico Travel Advisory Map
Mexico Travel Advisory Level Areas of Mexico under Advisory
🟢 Exercise Normal Precautions: Campeche, Yucatan
🟡 Exercise Increased Caution: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Veracruz
🟠 Reconsider Travel: Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Sonora
🔴 Do Not Travel: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas

Source: travel.state.gov

Mexico travel information & requirements

Here’s what you need to know before you travel to Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Tourist visa required? No visa required for trips lasting up to 180 days.
U.S. citizens must apply for a tourist card.
Passport requirements To enter Mexico by air, you must have a passport book with at least one blank page.
To enter Mexico by land, you need a passport book or a passport card.
Recommended Vaccines The CDC recommends the following vaccines before traveling to Mexico:
Chickenpox, Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, Hepatitis A & B, Influenza, Measles (infants 6 to 11 months of age), Measles-mumps-rubella, Polio, Shingles, Typhoid
COVID test required? No
Emergency services phone number 911
Accepts U.S. health insurance? No
Travel insurance required? No, but it’s highly recommended due to security concerns
Local currency Peso
Average 5-year exchange rate 1 USD = 19.796823 pesos

FAQ - Mexico Travel Insurance

Can I use my US health insurance in Mexico?

Most US health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, will not cover your medical needs in Mexico. If you require emergency medical treatment while traveling in Mexico, you may be left with a hefty bill should you visit without medical travel insurance.

Read about Medicare coverage abroad for more information.

Do you need travel insurance to go to Cancun?

Although it is not mandatory to have travel insurance for Cancun, the Cancun is an area where the US Department of State advises Americans to exercise increased caution due to local crime. Although it is considered relatively safe, the state of Quintana Roo’s reputation for sporadic acts of crime means that having an insurance plan can protect you should the worst happen while you’re on vacation here.

Do I need Mexico travel insurance for an all-inclusive resort?

While you may be shielded from some of the harsher realities of Mexico when you stay at an all inclusive resort, there are still risks involved - namely the lack of medical coverage while abroad. Therefore, we recommend Medical travel insurance at a minimum even when staying at a resort.

Can I get travel insurance for Mexico through my credit card?

Many travelers have credit cards that include some type of travel insurance. Remember to look closely at what types of coverage is offered and the limits for each category.

If the limits are low, it’s wise to purchase a supplemental policy just in case you have an emergency during your trip. For example, if your credit card only covers $25,000 in medical expenses, you may want to purchase travel insurance that covers an additional $50,000.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum both include coverage for medical expenses, medical evacuation, cancellations, delays, and lost baggage.

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan Personal Finance

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last 5 years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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