The US State Department recommends it: "We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel" (travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html). Check what your own health plan says about care abroad before you go. Travel medical either pays the hospital directly or reimburses you.
Mexico is a dream destination for many travelers. The cool resort cities like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas — historical heritages that take you closer to the Mayan culture like Chichen Itza — natural wonders like the underground rivers and cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula — sophisticated cruise stops like the Cozumel island — and many more exotic locations offer varied choices for a chilled out vacation or an adventure of your lifetime.
While Mexico is a great place to enjoy as a traveler, be it for professional reasons or as a tourist, it is still a foreign nation, and you need to take the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps.
You should be careful about your belongings, and the most important precaution you need to take is to buy Mexico travel medical insurance. Medical insurance gives you the best defense you need to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico. The US State Department says: "We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel" (US State Department, Mexico travel advisory).
Travel Medical Insurance In Mexico
Mexico has a national healthcare system called the ‘Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social’ that caters to its citizens and legal immigrants. Tourists and travelers will have to pay from their pockets for any medical assistance they may require while in Mexico. Before you go, find out how your own health plan treats treatment in Mexico, or have a plan that pays.
Most Mexican hospitals prefer to accept payments in the local currency Peso or occasionally US dollars. They might withhold your passport until you make the full payments for any possible treatments you have taken. Sometimes travelers will also be mandated to show proof of insurance to get medical services.
Where you can, ask a hospital how it bills and whether it works with your insurer before treatment.
Scrambling for money and having to deal with financial stress would be the last thing you need when you are already sick or met with injuries on your stay in Mexico. Opting a travel medical insurance relieves you of this stress and helps you enjoy your vacation without worry or fear of medical emergencies.
You can enjoy adventurous sporting and trips heartily without the fear of medical expenses in case of injuries or mishaps. Medical insurance also helps cover the trip back and make it cost way lesser in case you need medical assistance.
Check whether the plan covers the activities you plan to do, and whether it includes medical evacuation home; both are set out in the plan certificate.
There are many types of travel medical insurance available for you to choose from. SmartGringo links as an affiliate to IMG's plans; IMG sells and services them, and IMG's Patriot plans exclude pre-existing conditions and include global emergency assistance services, so read the plan wording against your own health history before you buy. The quotes for these insurances could vary depending on the:
- Term of stay ( short term or long term)
- Number of people to be insured ( individual or group insurance)
- Types of coverage include (travel assistance, trip cancelations, injuries, and accidental coverage, illness coverage, and so on.
Before Buying a Travel Insurance
There are a few factors you should consider before choosing medical insurance in Mexico.
- Ask which clinics and hospitals the plan works with, and how it treats care elsewhere.
- The term of the insurance might be limited. Make sure it matches with the duration and dates of your trip
- The insurance company should have the proper infrastructure to provide adequate support. 24/7 support through toll-free numbers and immediate response should be available.
- Ask whether the plan pays the hospital directly or reimburses you after you have paid, and how a claim is made. Look into the necessary eligibility criteria and time to wait for making an insurance claim.
- Check if the insurance covers activities like extreme sports and adventure activities if you intend to take them up on your trip.
Do your own research to find the best available travel medical insurances and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Heading to Mexico soon? Get a health cover quote.