Whether you are traveling to Mexico for a business trip or a short vacation, the US State Department highly recommends that you buy travel insurance before you travel. And if you are going to go and reside in Mexico for a while, then health insurance is paramount.
However, you might think that your American health insurance will cover you during your period of travel. But is this really the case? Let’s take a look.
Do You Need Health Insurance In Mexico?
Your existing health insurance from America is not going to hold up in Mexico. This is because the public health service of this country is not in any reciprocal agreements with the United States (or any other country for that matter). Ask your insurer, before you go, exactly what it covers abroad and how you would claim.
If you are merely traveling to Mexico for just a short while, you might be wondering whether it would be worth it for you to purchase insurance or not. The truth, however, is that getting insured is a much better option than paying out of your pocket for your medical needs. The US State Department highly recommends buying travel insurance before you travel.
But what kind of health insurance will you need when traveling to Mexico? Is it going to differ based on the duration of your stay? Let’s explore the various options.
What Kind Of Health Insurance Do You Need In Mexico?
The kind of health insurance that you would get for traveling to Mexico depends on your stay.
Short trips to Mexico, such as a business trip or a vacation, for instance, are the simpler case: a travel insurance policy is built for the length of the trip, so read what it covers and buy it before you leave. IMG's Patriot plans include global emergency assistance services and exclude pre-existing conditions.
If you are planning on going for an extended stay in Mexico, however, then you might need to look for a health insurance policy that is valid locally in the country. Private insurance companies would be able to provide you with the right health coverage. You might also wish to purchase a medical evacuation plan so that you can be flown out to the United States in a medical emergency; see our medical evacuation page for that product.
US citizens who plan to relocate to Mexico for long-term residence might need to look at something a little more substantial than travel health insurance. Once you are a resident, compare the public and private options open to you in Mexico, and ask each what it covers, where, and from when. A private health insurance plan would be your best option as you would gain access to various private hospitals and doctors in Mexico.
Want a price for your dates? Get a travel health insurance quote.