Travel insurance for Mexico

Your travel insurance policy should cover costs for medical care and medical emergencies, as well as 24/7 emergency assistance and medical evacuation and repatriation if needed. While public healthcare may be available, there might be a language barrier if you cannot speak Spanish. You may be able to find more English speakers in private hospitals, and these places often will have better services, though payment or proof of insurance may be required before you receive any medical treatment.

If you plan to drive in Mexico, you need to be aware that road conditions differ from your home country. Traffic rules may not always be strict, especially in rural areas. If you rent a vehicle, make sure your travel insurance covers rental vehicle excess. This may be part of standard cover under a comprehensive travel insurance policy or an optional add-on.

A travel insurance plan can cover the unexpected costs relating to trip delays or cancellations. By purchasing your insurance policy as soon as you book your flights or make any deposits, you may be covered for a certain percentage of your trip cost even before you leave for your trip.

Petty theft and pickpocketing can happen in popular tourist areas. Always keep your belongings and valuables (e.g. wallet, phone, credit cards) with you to protect them.

You should avoid wearing expensive jewellery or showing large amounts of cash as it could attract unwanted attention. There are ATMs where you can take out cash, though be mindful of the conversion rates in Mexico.

Travel insurance can help cover costs if your belongings, such as luggage, valuables or cash, are lost or stolen. However, the limits and exclusions of every policy may be different.

Planning your next getaway to Mexico can be exciting, and the Mexican people are known for their friendliness and helpfulness. However, you should always be careful when travelling. Look out for:

• Roads: The roads in Mexico are typically jam-packed and overcrowded, and drivers may not follow road rules. Avoid getting on a motorcycle and be careful when crossing busy streets.
• Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as hurricanes, volcanoes, landslides and earthquakes can occur in North America, including Mexico. When planning your trip, try to avoid hurricane season. If a natural disaster spoils your plans, travel insurance may help cover the cost of trip cancellation, flights and lodging.
• Violent crimes: Although tourists aren’t often targets of violent crime, it’s always possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Always follow local advice, avoid travelling alone at night and avoid protests or political gatherings, as these can turn violent quickly.

The Smartraveller website provides updated travel advice, including tips on personal safety, navigating safely within the country and staying alert to surroundings.

Before you leave for your trip to Mexico, consider getting a health check, vaccinations and appropriate medication for:¹

• Chickenpox (varicella), flu and polio
• Insect-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, chagas disease, leishmaniasis and Zika virus
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Malaria
• Measles

Check the latest health advisories and get vaccinated well before your departure. Your insurance provider may also require you to be vaccinated before covering you for the trip.

Australians travelling to Mexico do not need a visa if they are planning to visit for 180 days or less. However, to avoid being detained or deported, you should complete an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and have the QR code ready before going through customs.

You will receive a visa on your arrival for the duration of your planned stay. Make sure that your passport is stamped by the immigration officials on arrival, as this will state how long your visa is valid. You cannot extend your stay in Mexico longer than the date you advised the immigration office upon arrival.

Depending on your travel insurance policy and level of cover, you may or may not be covered for adventure activities during your trip to Mexico. Ensure that you read your PDS to learn your policy’s inclusions and exclusions and know what you are covered for on your trip to Mexico.

If you plan on visiting places like ancient Mayan ruins, surfing in Northern Baja or scuba diving in the Yucatan’s cenotes (limestone sinkholes), make sure that your travel insurance coverage includes adventure sports and activities. You may need to purchase an upgrade or find a cover that includes the adventure activities you want to do, so it is always good to start planning early.