Do you have to have travel insurance to go to Mexico?
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Mexico? There are currently no requirements that require U.S. citizens to carry medical or travel insurance as a condition of entering the country. However, since Mexico is still considered a developing country, many Americans purchase travel insurance before going.
Legally, no, you're not required to have Mexico travel insurance. Still, many travelers buy it for peace of mind so they can simply enjoy their Mexico trip knowing they're 100% covered.
Yes, car insurance is required for visitors to Mexico, and your United States auto insurance policy won't be valid there. To be protected, you'll need a separate Mexico car insurance policy that covers you for liability while you're in the country.
At the bare minimum, you'll want to have travel health insurance that applies if you become sick or injured during your vacation. Other types of insurance coverage can also make sense for travel to Mexico, including coverage for trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, missed connections and more.
But even if your trip isn't 100% refundable, insurance may not be necessary. For example, a cheap flight and hotel stay may not be worth covering, though you may still want to purchase travel insurance for medical situations.
If you're caught driving in Mexico without this minimum coverage, you may face a fine of at least $200. If you cause an accident while driving uninsured in Mexico and cannot pay for the damages you caused, you could face jail time.
The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your trip costs, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of travel insurance rates. For a $5,000 trip, the average travel insurance cost is $228, and the range of rates is from $154 for a basic policy up to $437 for a policy with generous coverage .
All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors. Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM).
You are required by Mexican law to have liability insurance. If you cause a car accident, this covers bodily injuries and property damage to others. You can typically choose a policy limit (up to a certain amount).
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, and an entry permit issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración. Enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
Why is travel insurance to Mexico so expensive?
Cheap travel insurance for Mexico
Worldwide travel insurance is considerably more expensive than domestic or European policies due to the potential medical costs in foreign countries. You can still find affordable cover, though. If you're travelling with your partner a couples travel policy could be cheaper.
Is travel insurance required for entry into Mexico? It's not mandatory to get travel insurance to visit Cancun. Even though Cancun is quite safe, purchasing travel medical insurance is always a good idea.
Your U.S. auto insurance won't cover you after crossing the border of Mexico. You'll need a special Mexican auto insurance policy to legally drive in Mexico, which can be acquired through an insurance agent.
Credit card travel insurance is a benefit included with certain travel credit cards. You'll often see this perk with travel rewards credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or The Platinum Card® from American Express.
It can also be expensive, difficult to file claims, and not always cover the things you thought it would — or should.
Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.
Public healthcare system in Mexico
Those employed in Mexico are automatically enrolled in the IMSS system and their contribution to the scheme is deducted from their salary. Those who are not formally employed may voluntarily enrol in the IMSS system, in which case they will have to pay an annual contribution fee.
U.S. drivers need to buy a separate Mexico auto insurance policy while driving in Mexico. Your Mexico auto policy will provide you with liability coverage, the only coverage you're legally required to carry while in Mexico, but you should consider additional coverage for theft, collision, and more scenarios.
When to buy travel insurance can depend on the trip or trips you're taking and the kind of policy you choose to suit them. Usually, though, it's best to get cover in place for your holiday as soon as you've booked or made a financial commitment to it.
On average, travelers should expect to pay 6.87% of their total trip cost for travel insurance. The minimum you might expect to pay is 4.15%, but it can go as high as 15.8%.
Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?
You absolutely can buy travel insurance after booking your trip. However, it's always best to purchase insurance as early in the process as possible. If you procrastinate, you may miss out on certain benefits.
Like most countries, Mexico requires all people to carry identification papers when moving around the country. Citizens carry their national IDs, while foreigners should carry their entry permits and passports.
At the point of entry into Mexico, you must report to the customs authorities and present the medical prescription issued by the competent authority. Said document must bear the name of the doctor who authorizes the prescription, his/her signature, contact details (telephone, address) and professional registration.
To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine. Check the current status of the pandemic in Mexico and follow the sanitary rules to prevent contagion (information only in Spanish).
Since U.S. liability insurance is invalid in Mexico, you'll need proof of Mexico auto insurance for a road trip south of the border. AAA can help you get what's required through one of Mexico's largest and most reputable insurance companies.
