Travel Health Insurance
Travel medical coverage built for visitors to Mexico
Short-term international travel medical insurance for US and Canadian travelers — covers doctor visits, hospitalization, and emergencies abroad.
Travel medical insurance is health coverage that follows you outside your home country, paying for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergencies that your domestic plan won't cover abroad. If you're flying or driving into Mexico for a trip, your US or Canadian health insurance probably doesn't extend across the border. This page covers what travel medical includes, who it's for, and how to compare plans.
See also: Mexico Expat Health Insurance
What travel health insurance covers
- Doctor and hospital visits while abroad
- Emergency medical treatment and ambulance
- Prescription medications during the trip
- Emergency dental care
- Trip-interruption medical evacuation (basic)
- 24/7 multilingual assistance hotline
What's not covered
- Routine checkups and elective care
- Most pre-existing conditions (some plans add a rider)
- High-risk activities unless you add a sports/adventure rider
Coverage levels
| Patriot Lite | Patriot Platinum | Patriot Multi-Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical maximum | Up to $1M | Up to $8M | Up to $1M |
| Deductible options | $0–$2,500 | $0–$25,000 | $0–$2,500 |
| Trip length | 5 days–1 year | 5 days–1 year | Annual, multiple trips |
| Emergency evacuation | $1M | $1M | $1M |
| Pre-existing condition rider | — | Available | — |
Medical maximum
- Patriot Lite
- Up to $1M
- Patriot Platinum
- Up to $8M
- Patriot Multi-Trip
- Up to $1M
Deductible options
- Patriot Lite
- $0–$2,500
- Patriot Platinum
- $0–$25,000
- Patriot Multi-Trip
- $0–$2,500
Trip length
- Patriot Lite
- 5 days–1 year
- Patriot Platinum
- 5 days–1 year
- Patriot Multi-Trip
- Annual, multiple trips
Emergency evacuation
- Patriot Lite
- $1M
- Patriot Platinum
- $1M
- Patriot Multi-Trip
- $1M
Pre-existing condition rider
- Patriot Lite
- —
- Patriot Platinum
- Available
- Patriot Multi-Trip
- —
How to get covered
- 1Enter your dates of travel and home country.
- 2Choose a plan level based on coverage limit and deductible.
- 3Buy online and download your ID card before you fly.
Don't fly to Mexico uninsured. Get a quote today.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?
If your US or Canadian health insurance doesn't cover care abroad — and most don't — yes. A single emergency-room visit in Mexico can cost thousands; with travel medical, your plan pays the hospital directly or reimburses you.
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel medical specifically covers doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, and medical emergencies during your trip. Trip protection (a separate product) covers cancellation, interruption, and lost luggage.
How do I get a quote?
Click the Get a Quote button — you'll enter your dates, home country, and age, then compare plans side by side. The quote is real-time and you can buy directly online.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
By default, no. Some plans (like Patriot Platinum) offer an acute-onset-of-pre-existing-condition rider. If you have a managed condition, ask the underwriter or check the plan brochure before buying.
What's the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?
Travel medical covers your health while abroad. Travel insurance (sometimes called trip protection) covers trip cancellation, lost bags, and delays — but not always medical care abroad. Many travelers buy both.
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Read more →Why trust SmartGringo
Independent since 2017
SmartGringo is a Mexico-resident-run review site. We compare Mexican insurance products and earn affiliate commission when you buy. We don't sell insurance ourselves — we recommend it.
Licensed partners only
Insurance through Baja Bound Insurance Services, Inc. (CA License #0D25373), IMG Global, and TME — all U.S.-licensed providers using A-rated underwriters.
Written from Rosarito
Our content is written from Baja, Mexico — by someone who deals with Mexican insurance day-to-day. Not a contractor in a US call center.
Looking for something different?
Medical Evacuation Insurance
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Learn more →Trip Protection Insurance
Cancellation, interruption, and lost-bag coverage so a missed flight or family emergency doesn't cost you the whole trip.
Learn more →Mexico Expat Health Insurance
Long-term expat health insurance for Americans and Canadians living in Mexico.
Learn more →