Mexicans' Insurance Options

Mexico has an impressive and efficient universal healthcare system consisting of public and private schemes. The public healthcare system, Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS), is used by most Mexican residents and covers patients for most medical services and prescription drugs. Those employed in Mexico are automatically enrolled in the IMSS system, while those who are not formally employed may enrol voluntarily. People who cannot afford IMSS must enrol with the Seguro Popular system, which operates on a sliding scale depending on a resident's income.

Although the majority of doctors in Mexico speak English, the application procedure and most public healthcare administration are in Spanish, which can be frustrating for expats. Expats often opt for private healthcare, which is financed through private health insurance. Private hospitals tend to be better equipped and provide more access to specialised procedures and higher-quality care.

In terms of car insurance, Mexico does not recognise American auto insurance policies. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase a special type of car insurance when driving in Mexico, as liability coverage is mandatory.

Mexican car insurance requirements

Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance. If you're a tourist or business traveller, driving in Mexico gives you freedom and flexibility. However, it's important to note that Mexican car insurance is mandatory.

If you're in an accident, you could be detained until money matters are settled. Mexican authorities can legally arrest you and impound your car. If you're at fault, you'll be detained until damages are paid.

No, your US car insurance will not cover you in Mexico. You must buy a separate insurance cover from a company licensed in Mexico.

Where can I buy Mexican car insurance?

You can buy Mexican car insurance online, at the border, or through a broker. It's recommended to buy insurance before your trip as it will be cheaper and you can arrive at the border fully covered.

To buy Mexican car insurance, you'll typically need the following:

• Dates you will be travelling in Mexico
• Where you will be travelling in Mexico
• Your US car insurance policy number
• Driver's license
• Year, make and model of your car
• Vehicle identification number
• License plate number

Liability insurance is required by Mexican law. This covers bodily injuries and property damage to others if you cause an accident. You can choose a policy limit, with some companies offering up to $500,000 in liability coverage.

• Keep your insurance documentation handy when driving in Mexico.
• Get a Mexican tourist card (FMM) before your trip.
• Get a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) if you're travelling beyond the Mexico Free or Border Zone.
• If renting a car in the US and driving to Mexico, check with your rental agency first as some agencies restrict travel to certain areas.
• Check travel advisories and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety alerts and emergency assistance.

Health insurance for short visits

If you're visiting Mexico for a short period, such as a vacation or a short business trip, you should consider purchasing travel insurance that covers you for the duration of your trip. Here are some options to explore:

• Check your current healthcare provider: Some providers may offer coverage for short trips abroad, but be sure to read the fine print to understand the extent of their coverage.
• Employer's health plan: If you're travelling for business, your employer's health plan may provide coverage for your trip.
• Purchase short-trip travel insurance: This option is ideal if your current coverage is insufficient or if you don't have existing health insurance.

When considering travel insurance, it's important to review what situations are covered. Look for policies that cover emergency medical situations and accidents. Additionally, ensure that the insurance company has a robust support system in place, such as a 24/7 toll-free number with assistance in your preferred language.

It's also worth noting that some private insurance carriers from the US and other countries may extend their domestic coverage to treatment in Mexico, but this coverage is usually limited and may require upfront payment with reimbursement later.

For US citizens, two travel insurance plans to consider are:

• Safe Travels Voyager: This plan offers comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical coverage, and post-departure travel coverage. It also includes an option to cancel for any reason.
• GeoBlue Voyager Plan: This plan is for US citizens up to age 95 and includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption, and more. It provides 24/7/365 service and assistance.

For Canadians and Australians travelling to Mexico, the IMG Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance plan is a good alternative. This plan offers maximum limits of up to $8,000,000, and IMG covers 100% of medical expenses within their network. It also includes evacuation coverage in the event of natural disasters or political unrest.

Another recommended option for short-term visitors is the Atlas Travel Insurance plan, which is available to most nationalities (excluding Canadians and Australians). This plan provides benefits such as flexible deductible options, hospitalization and outpatient coverage, personal liability, prescription medication, evacuation and repatriation, and even mountaineering coverage up to 4,500 meters. Covid-19 coverage is also included.

Additional Considerations

When travelling to Mexico, it's important to be aware of safety concerns and potential health risks. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Safety: While drug-related violence is typically contained to those involved in the drug trade, it's important to stay informed about emerging news and take precautions such as travelling during the day and sticking to major highways.
• Theft: Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded areas like buses, trains, markets, and tourist hotspots. Stay vigilant and minimize the valuables you carry.
• Vaccinations: Although not mandatory, it is recommended that travellers get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, and Rabies.
• Water and Food Safety: Tap water in Mexico may not be safe for drinking. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and be cautious about the source of water and ice served in restaurants. Eating in popular places can reduce the risk of food-related issues, but it's best to avoid raw vegetables and salads as they may be washed in tap water.
• Medication: Bring any prescription medication in their original bottles, along with a note from your doctor. Also, consider bringing an antidiarrheal medicine or purchasing it locally if needed.

Private health insurance plans

Some of the leading private health insurance companies in Mexico include Cigna Global, GeoBlue Xplorer, IMG Global Medical, AXA Mexico, GNP, Metlife, and DVK.

• In-patient and out-patient medical treatment
• Dental and vision treatment
• Pre-existing health conditions
• Evacuation or repatriation
• Travel health insurance

It is important to note that private health insurance in Mexico is not preventative. Routine check-ups for dental care, vision, OB/GYN, and dermatologist appointments are typically not covered and must be paid out of pocket. Medications are mostly available over the counter, but even those requiring a prescription must be paid for by the patient unless they are related to an injury or illness that was covered by insurance.

When choosing a private health insurance plan in Mexico, it is essential to carefully review the policy to understand what is and is not covered. It is also advisable to use a broker, who can help compare plans from different companies and find the best option based on one's budget, desired deductibles, coverage needs, and other factors.

Mexican public healthcare

Mexico's public healthcare system operates through the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) and Seguro Popular systems. These cover patients for most medical services and prescription drugs. Those employed in Mexico are automatically enrolled in the IMSS system, with contributions deducted from their salary. Those who are not formally employed may voluntarily enrol in the IMSS system, but will have to pay an annual contribution fee.

The IMSS is governed by a corporatist arrangement, which reflects the political realities of the 1940s rather than the needs of the 21st century. Public spending accounts for 58% of total financing, with private contributions being mostly made up of out-of-pocket spending.

The Seguro Popular system is for those who cannot afford the IMSS. Fees are charged on a sliding scale depending on a resident's income.

Although most doctors speak English, enrolling with Mexico's public health system can be frustrating for expats as the application procedure and administration are in Spanish. Expats may also experience long waiting periods for non-emergency and specialist procedures.

The private healthcare sector has grown considerably, driven by increasing disposable income, the growth of medical tourism, and a demand for higher-quality healthcare services. Most expats opt for private healthcare, financed through private health insurance. Although private hospitals are more expensive, they are better equipped, provide greater access to specialised procedures, and generally provide higher-quality care.

Travel insurance

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay coverage is recommended, as is medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation coverage. Many travel insurance plans exclude adventure and extreme sports, so it's important to check the small print if you're planning any activities like ziplining, parasailing or scuba diving.

Baggage delay and loss coverage is also a good idea, as is personal liability coverage.

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, including the age of travellers, the destination and the total trip price.

Yes, you must buy travel insurance in your country of residence. It can be purchased at the airport, but it will be more expensive.

Some US and Canadian health plans provide limited health coverage in Mexico, but it's important to check. Medicare does not cover healthcare outside the US, except in rare cases.

If you are driving your own vehicle from the US or Canada over the border into Mexico, your auto insurance policy will not cover you. You must have insurance if you are driving a US or Canadian-registered vehicle in Mexico.

Frequently asked questions