Last updated: 03/24/2025
Mexico does not require Americans to provide proof of insurance for vacation entry. However, since Mexico does not accept U.S. health insurance, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes basic medical coverage.
Apart from medical risks, Mexico poses several other safety concerns for travelers. For peace of mind, we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides financial protection against cancellations, delays, and other common trip disruptions.
While Mexico has high-quality healthcare facilities in major cities, rural areas may lack proper medical care. Many hospitals require upfront payment before treatment, and private hospitals can be expensive for U.S. citizens that are visiting Mexico on vacation. For example, according to the U.S. Department of State, Medical Evacuations alone can cost in excess of $250,000.
✅ Travel medical insurance gets you access to quality healthcare and covers emergency medical costs like hospital stays and doctor visits. It can even pay to transport you to the nearest hospital or back home if needed.
Many travelers to Mexico experience foodborne illnesses, like Montezuma’s revenge, due to differences in water treatment and food preparation standards. Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas, and improperly prepared food, like that from unregulated street vendors, can cause stomach issues. We advise travelers to drink bottled or filtered water and be cautious with street food.
✅ Travel insurance can cover medical expenses if you fall ill due to contaminated food or water, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment without excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Mexico is prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, and tropical storms, particularly along the coasts. During hurricane season (June to November). Airlines may cancel flights, and resorts may experience disruptions. Earthquakes can also occur unexpectedly, especially in central and southern Mexico.
✅ Comprehensive travel insurance can cover trip interruptions, cancellations, and delays if a natural disaster, inclement weather, or other severe weather events impact your travel plans.
While Mexico has many safe tourist areas, the U.S. Department of State reports that crime remains a concern in certain regions. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams targeting tourists are common in crowded places like markets and public transportation. Certain areas have violent crime linked to drug cartels, though these criminals rarely target tourists directly.
✅ Travel insurance can reimburse you if your personal belongings are stolen, including passports, luggage, and electronics. Some policies also provide emergency assistance services and Non-Medical Evacuation coverage in case of safety concerns, including civil unrest. **
Many cruise excursions in Mexico offer adventurous activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, zip-lining, and ATV tours. While these experiences can be exciting, they also come with inherent risks. Injuries from water sports, falls, or equipment malfunctions can turn a fun excursion into a medical emergency.
✅ Some travel insurance policies offer specific coverage for injuries that occur while participating in adventure sports or high-risk activities.
Road conditions and traffic laws in Mexico may differ significantly from those in your home country. Driving can be hazardous due to poorly maintained roads, reckless drivers, and limited emergency response services in rural areas. Public transportation can also be unsafe, as travelers occasionally report bus hijackings or taxi scams.
✅ Medical travel insurance can cover hospital bills if you’re injured in a car accident. *Rental Car Damage Protection is also available through select policies, and is advised if you plan on renting a car while in Mexico.**
At the time of writing, the average cost of travel insurance for Mexico is $19 per day.
This is based on internal sales data from more than 40,000 travelers who used Squaremouth to protect their purchased trips to Mexico over the last 12 months. The average traveler spent $173 on Mexico travel insurance for an average stay of 9 days in the country.
That said, it’s possible to find even cheaper travel insurance for Mexico by opting for medical-only travel coverage.
Regardless of your itinerary and travel dates, we recommend purchasing travel medical coverage at a minimum when visiting Mexico. That said, a comprehensive travel insurance plan is always best if it fits into your budget.
Here are the key benefits you should keep an eye out for when buying travel insurance for Mexico:
Medical coverage is essential when visiting Mexico, as many public hospitals in Mexico may not meet U.S. medical standards, and private healthcare can be expensive. Additionally, U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, typically does not cover medical expenses in Mexico.
A travel medical policy can be relatively affordable, and can protect you from paying hefty out-of-pocket medical expenses when south of the border. If you’re planning travel to Mexico, we recommend a policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. Some policies cover pre-existing medical condition flare-ups during your trip.
While Mexico has adequate medical facilities in major cities, remote areas and beach resorts may have limited options. Emergency medical evacuation coverage ensures you will be transported to a reputable hospital, or even back to the U.S., if necessary.
Evacuation costs can exceed $50,000, making this coverage crucial. Additionally, most policies include medical repatriation in case of death during your trip.
At a minimum, we recommend plans that include at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
Traveling to Mexico can be costly, with expenses like flights, all-inclusive resorts, and excursions. If you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to an unforeseen event, trip cancelation and trip interruption coverage can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
Many popular comprehensive travel insurance plans will reimburse up to 100% of your insured trip costs if you’re forced to cancel your trip due to illness, injury, death of a family member, or severe weather.
Some policies will also cover up to 150% of unused travel expenses if you have to end your trip early for a covered reason. The additional reimbursement is intended to help cover the cost of transportation back home.
Mexico is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft and lost luggage are common concerns, especially in busy areas like Cancún, Mexico City, and Playa del Carmen. Baggage protection can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged items such as phones, cameras, and laptops.
Keep in mind, some policies have high deductibles or low reimbursement limits, so compare plans carefully. Leaving irreplaceable valuables at home when traveling is always a good idea.
Most standard policies will not cover:
As the nation’s largest travel insurance marketplace, we allow travelers to view more policies and providers than any other comparison site. Comparing multiple plans side-by-side allows you to find the best coverage for your Mexico getaway at the lowest possible price.
Not all travel insurance plans offer the same coverage, so benefits can vary significantly. When comparing options, pay close attention to any relevant exclusions that may interfere with your travel plans.
Some policies, for example, may exclude coverage for adventure sports or pre-existing medical condition flare ups. Reading a policy’s Certificate of Insurance can help you understand its unique coverage, exclusions, and restrictions.
Foodborne illness, water contamination, and severe weather events are common safety risks for all travelers to Mexico. Factors like your age, health risks, travel plans, and destination may also pose unique risks that are specific to your trip.
Identifying potential travel hazards can help you choose the perfect policy for your group. A robust travel insurance plan can cover unexpected medical costs and disruptions.
When searching for Mexico travel insurance, you should aim for at least $50,000 in medical coverage and $100,000 in evacuation coverage to avoid financial hardship in case of an emergency.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, hospitals in Mexico usually require payment up-front for services. Some travel insurance companies provide this payment on your behalf, avoiding the need for costly out-of-pocket expenses.
Absolutely. Medical emergencies, trip disruptions, and theft can happen anywhere, even a destination as close to home as Mexico. For as little as a dollar a day, you can get peace of mind and financial protection for the duration of your trip.
The cost of travel insurance is minimal compared to the potential risks of traveling uninsured. For that reason, we highly recommend buying a policy prior to your trip’s departure date.
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting Mexico, but it is highly recommended. Medical costs, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuations can be expensive, and having coverage ensures peace of mind. Some Mexican states, like Quintana Roo (Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen), have required tourists to carry travel insurance in the past, so it’s always wise to check local requirements before your trip.
In most cases, no. U.S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, does not provide coverage in Mexico. Some private insurers may offer limited international coverage, but you’ll likely have to pay out-of-pocket and file for reimbursement later—if it’s even covered. A travel medical insurance policy is the best way to ensure access to care without unexpected expenses.
To enter Mexico as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need:
Popular tourist destinations like Cancún, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City are generally safe for visitors. However, some areas have higher crime rates, especially near border regions and certain rural areas.
During your trip, it’s important to follow appropriate safety precautions. This includes sticking to tourist areas, being mindful of scams and petty theft, and checking the latest travel warnings ahead of your trip.
Many private hospitals in Mexico, especially those found in major cities, offer high-quality medical care to patients. However, these facilities can be expensive if you do not have travel medical insurance.
Mexico’s public hospitals generally have longer wait times and provide lower-quality care. If these facilities don’t have the capacity to treat your condition, your travel insurance policy’s medical evacuation coverage may cover the cost to transport you to another, more equipped hospital.
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Ciudad de Mexico
Mexico
800-681-9374
Embassy Website
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Steven Benna, Lead Data Analyst: sbenna@squaremouth.com