Travel Insurance for Mexico

Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?

Yes. There is no healthcare agreement between the UK and Mexico, so you would pay for any treatment yourself. Resort areas such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen have private hospitals used to treating tourists, but costs can be high and you may be asked for a deposit before you are seen. Serious cases are sometimes transferred to the USA.

The policies you can compare through us cover emergency medical treatment, repatriation, cancellation and baggage, and there is a 24-hour assistance line if you need help.

Which area covers Mexico?

Mexico is usually grouped with the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, so you need worldwide including the USA. A policy that is worldwide excluding the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico will not cover you there. This also covers you if you are flying via the USA, which many routes do. Our worldwide travel insurance page explains the two worldwide options.

Hurricane season

The Caribbean coast, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya, sits in the Atlantic hurricane zone, with the season running from June to November. The Pacific coast has its own season too. Buy your policy as soon as you book, because cover may not be available for a storm that has already been named. Policies differ in how they handle weather disruption, so compare the travel disruption section or consider natural disaster cover.

Cenotes, diving and excursions

Swimming in cenotes, diving the reefs off Cozumel and visiting Chichen Itza and Tulum are highlights of a Mexico trip. Snorkelling and swimming are usually covered as standard, but diving often has depth limits depending on your qualification, and cave or cavern diving may need specialist cover. Read our FAQ on scuba diving and check our list of sports and activities.

Staying safe in Mexico

Most visits to Mexico, especially to the main resort areas, are trouble-free. The FCDO does advise against travel to parts of some Mexican states, and we cannot provide cover for areas where the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel. Check the FCDO travel advice for Mexico before you book and again before you go, and read our news article on the security situation in Mexico.

Stomach bugs are common, so drink bottled water. Take care with drinks in bars, and keep valuables out of sight. Claims connected to alcohol are often limited or refused.

Single trip, annual or cruise cover?

A single trip policy suits most Mexico holidays. If you travel long-haul more than once a year, an annual worldwide policy including the USA could work out cheaper. Cruising from Florida to Cozumel or Costa Maya? You will need cruise cover too. Our Caribbean travel insurance page has more on island-hopping in the region.

Medical conditions

Because Mexico is priced alongside the USA, covering a medical condition can cost more than for Europe. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them in our online medical screening so they can be included. You will see the full cost before you buy.

Before you go

UK passport holders can usually visit Mexico as tourists without a visa. If you are connecting through the USA, you will normally need an ESTA, even if you stay in the airport. See our USA travel insurance page for more. Our Mexico country guide has more on entry rules, climate and money.