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
- Global emergency assistance services (IMG's wording)
Source: IMG's Patriot page (imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/patriot-travel-medical-insurance). Read the plan brochure for the medical benefits and limits of the plan you choose.
What's not covered
- Routine checkups and elective care
- Pre-existing medical conditions (IMG's Patriot plans carry an exclusion for them)
- High-risk activities unless you add a sports/adventure rider
Source: IMG's Patriot page (imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/patriot-travel-medical-insurance) for the pre-existing exclusion; read the plan brochure for the others.
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.
Get a QuotePlanning a longer trip?
Travelling or living in Mexico long-term brings a couple of practical questions a travel policy alone doesn't answer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need travel medical insurance for Mexico?
For most American and Canadian travelers, yes. Check what your home health plan pays abroad before you go. Travel medical insurance is built for emergency care while you are away; check each plan's limits and its evacuation benefit.
Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?
The US State Department's Mexico travel advisory says: "We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel" (travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html). Check what your home health plan pays abroad before you go.
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?
IMG's Patriot plans carry an exclusion for pre-existing medical conditions (imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/patriot-travel-medical-insurance). If you have a managed condition, read the plan brochure or ask IMG 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
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.
Who sells the policy
Insurance through Baja Bound Insurance Services, Inc. (CA License #0D25373), IMG Global, and TME Travel Insurance. We refer you; they sell and service the policy.
Edited from Rosarito
SmartGringo is edited from Rosarito, Baja California. The newer guides are written by the founder, who lives there; older posts came from outside contributors.
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