7 Best Mexico Travel Insurance Plans for US Citizens in 2024

Updated on January 10, 2024 by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent

With stunning beaches, superb food, vibrant culture, and friendly people, Mexico is no wonder the top international travel destination for US citizens. Amidst the uncertainty of travel these days and the potential for emergencies, trip cancellation or delays, lost or stolen luggage etc., we believe getting the best Mexico travel insurance policy is essential. In this article, I explain how much you should expect to pay, what coverage you need, and the differences between the top policies. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.

4.9
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Mexico travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$89.53

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

Yes

BEST
 WEBSITE
FOR

Comparing Policies

  • Compare dozens of the best Mexico travel insurance policies from all the major providers in one place
  • Easily filter for the features you want and get support from their award-winning customer service team
  • Founded in 2013, TravelInsurance.com has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers find affordable insurance coverage
faye travel insurance
4.9
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Mexico travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$160.92

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

Yes

BEST
 POLICY
FOR

Fast Claims

  • Super fast claims via their 100% digital platform with a helpful mobile app
  • Faye makes it easy to add-on coverage for vacation rentals, adventure/extreme sports, pet emergencies, and “cancel for any reason” at competitive prices
  • Underwritten by Crum & Forster, Faye is known for its exceptional customer support, with 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot
4.8
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$145.41

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

Yes

BEST
POLICY
FOR

Travelers Aged 55+

  • Pre-existing medical conditions are covered for a reasonable fee and they offer “cancel for any reason” as an add-on
  • $2,000 COVID quarantine coverage available w/ Safe Travels Voyager plan
  • Founded in 1998 and underwritten by Nationwide and GBG Insurance
squaremouth
4.8
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$36.00

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

Yes

BEST
WEBSITE
FOR

Filtering Plans

  • This comparison website has the most comprehensive filters especially for Covid-19 which helps you search for the specific benefits you need
  • They have “Zero Complaint Guarantee” which promises a fair claims process
  • Established in 2003, Squaremouth has consistently been recognized for it’s exceptional customer service
4.7
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$88.00

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

Yes

BEST
POLICY
FROM

An Established Brand

  • Well rounded, inexpensive travel insurance plans from an established and top rated global insurance company
  • AXA has plans that cover pre-existing conditions and their “Platinum” plan covers “cancel for any reason” with an optional add-on. They also offer helpful 24/7 Worldwide Travel Assistance Services
  • Founded in 1959 and underwritten by Nationwide
4.2
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$139.00

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

Yes

BEST
POLICY
FOR

Family Travel

  • Their “Trip Interruption for any Reason” feature allows you to get a 75% reimbursement for any additional expenses if you decide to go home early from your trip
  • They have a variety of insurance products to suit any travel needs
  • Founded in 1993 and underwritten by Nationwide Insurance
3.6
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$521 Per Year

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

No

BEST
POLICY
FOR

Long-term Travel

  • Ideal for digital nomads and long-term travel, available to anyone anywhere
  • Scored lower because short-term travel coverage isn’t as robust as competitors
  • Founded in 2018 and is underwritten by Lloyds of London

travel insurance
4.9
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE
FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE MEXICO

$89.43

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON?

Yes

BEST
WEBSITE
FOR

Comparing Policies

  • Compare dozens of the best Mexico travel insurance policies from all the major providers in one place
  • Easily filter for the features you want and get support from their award-winning customer service team
  • Founded in 2013, TravelInsurance.com has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers find affordable insurance coverage

Mexico travel insurance FAQs

What is excluded from travel insurance coverage?

Coverage is usually limited to events deemed unforeseen or unexpected. While travel insurance plans for Mexico cover quite a bit, there are some things it does not of which you should be aware. For example, it does not cover changes or cancellations due to personal preferences, such as no longer wanting to travel with your travel companion or deciding you have too much work to take a trip (except for Seven Corners Trip Interruption for any Reason).

Pre-existing medical condition upgrade packages are available through many travel insurance providers. Most medically documented conditions will fall under coverage. Keep in mind that, depending on the provider, you will only have 14-21 days after you pay in full or pay a deposit on your trip to purchase a pre-existing medical condition upgrade. If you’re pregnant, we recommend making sure you’ll be covered under the plan you select by reading the fine print or calling an agent.

Does travel insurance cover extreme sports and adventure activities?

Extreme sports and adventure activities are often a big draw for travelers, especially to Mexico, where the weather and landscape are perfect for such experiences. The great news is that plenty of insurance providers cover these travel experiences. Examples may include surfing, scuba diving (over 40m), free diving, bungee jumping, paragliding, hang-gliding, mountain climbing (over 2,700m), skydiving, ziplining, parachuting, hot air ballooning and more.

You can use SquareMouth.com and select the “Sports & Activities” filter, which will let you input the specific activities you plan on doing. Then, it will show you all policies that provide coverage for them. I encourage you to read the full details of any policy that may interest you.

What do you do if you have an emergency while on vacation in Mexico?

In emergencies, dial 911 (yes, it’s the same as in the USA) for free from any landline or cell phone to reach the appropriate authorities. You can also call out, “nueve uno uno!” if you don’t have access to a phone in a crowded area.

Also, if any of the insured parties on your travel insurance policy suffer a medical emergency, contact your insurance provider via their customer support hotline so they can arrange travel to a hospital that meets US standards.

It is worth noting that the Mexican government sponsors an around-the-clock roadside service called Green Angels (Los Ángeles Verdes) for highways and toll roads throughout the country that helps with any mechanical assistance, towing, first aid and more. They offer the service free of charge to anyone, regardless of where they are from. You will be responsible for the cost if your car requires a part replacement. Just dial 078 from a landline or cell phone to be connected with one of the Green Angels’ English-speaking operators.

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations resulting from Covid?

Coverage is rarely the same between providers, but most policies include trip cancellations if you or any of your travel companions contract Covid prior to your departure date.

However, the pandemic may affect elements of travel that travel insurance will not cover, including quarantine requirements, international border closures, negative test requirements, and a tourist’s fear of travel due to a change in circumstances etc. Should any of these concern you, I recommend purchasing a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade so you will have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered for all situations.

Since the travel insurance industry is adapting to the ever-changing landscape created by the pandemic, you can see which new policies are offered by searching on a comparison website like TravelInsurance.com. I recommend purchasing a policy with a minimum of $50,000 for emergency medical coverage and $100,000 for medical evacuation. If you have a plan, check with your provider whether they offer a policy rider covering trip cancellations resulting from communicable diseases.

Do credit card companies offer cardholders travel insurance?

Many credit cards claim to provide “travel protection” at no extra cost to the cardholder if the trip is purchased with the card. Verify with your credit card company if they offer this benefit. If so, coverage will typically extend only to the aspects of the trip you purchase using that card, such as rental cars, accommodations, and flights. Many credit card companies will also have a separate digital platform where you can view your coverage.

Please note: almost all credit card companies do not include emergency medical or evacuation coverage and tend to be significantly less robust in all aspects of their coverage compared to purchasing a policy with a dedicated travel insurance company.

Does travel insurance cover rental car collisions?

Most standard travel insurance plans do not cover car accidents while you are in Mexico or elsewhere abroad. However, you can often purchase optional upgrades covering car rental collisions. Be aware that many plans do not cover luxury cars, RVs (recreational vehicles) or long-term rentals. If all else fails, you can always purchase a separate insurance plan from your car rental company to cover the car’s insurance. Also, you may want to check if your home car insurance company covers rental car collisions in the foreign countries you will be visiting.

Will travel insurance cover Airbnb or short-term rentals that go wrong?

Depending on your plan and provider, trip cancellation and interruption benefits may extend to vacation rentals. The most comprehensive plans will cover it. You can also purchase a “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) package that usually covers short-term rentals. Keep in mind that CFARs only reimburse 50-75% of your travel costs.

Does travel insurance protect against canceled flights?

Yes, travel insurance almost always will cover canceled flights. Approved reasons for reimbursement are if your travel provider cancels their services for at least 24 hours because of a natural disaster, an employee strike, or inclement weather. On the other hand, if flight cancellation happens on your end, some approved reasons include the injury, illness, or death of your travel companion or family member and a major medical event involving you. Other acceptable reasons might be sudden military deployment, jury duty summons, or civil unrest. It’s best to clarify this with each company you’re interested in before purchasing a plan.

Typical problems tourists may experience while traveling in Mexico and how to avoid them:

Illnesses

The three main health concerns for travelers in Mexico are dengue fever, the Zika virus, and Montezuma’s revenge. The latter is simply traveler’s diarrhea that can result from undercooked beans or other food contamination. Stick with drinking bottled water only, and be sure to wash raw fruits and vegetables exceptionally well if you prepare any meals for yourself. Should this happen to you, be sure to consult a doctor.

The Zika virus and dengue fever are transmitted through a mosquito bite and both have similar symptoms. Other than the obvious fever, common symptoms include severe headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, full-body aches, gastrointestinal issues, and skin rashes. Dengue fever is usually not fatal, but it can take several weeks to recover. Staying hydrated, resting continuously, and getting professional medical care are the only paths to recovery.

Since there are no vaccines for either Zika, or dengue fever, travelers to Mexico must do their utmost to avoid being bitten. This includes sleeping with mosquito nets, applying mosquito repellent regularly––those with at least 20% DEET are most effective––and wearing clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Be sure to put insect repellent on the bottoms of your feet, a favorite sweet spot of mosquitoes, especially before going to sleep. Lastly, avoid standing water anywhere, as it will most likely be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Accidents

Some of the most common accidents travelers in Mexico experience are drownings, vehicle and motorcycle accidents, and alcohol poisoning.

Muggings

Muggings have become so common in densely-populated areas of Mexico that locals have started buying fake cell phones––‘dummy phones’ –– to hand over in the event of an armed robbery. Many of these occur at night or before dawn on buses when most passengers are tired and not fully alert. The robbers operate in teams of 2 or more and demand all passengers hand over their valuables.

Always be conscious of your surroundings and avoid wandering after dark through areas not frequented by tourists and plenty of locals.

Emergency resources for Mexico

Phone numbers

911 is a free call from any landline or cell phone for police, fire or medical emergency services. 078 is also a free call from any landline or cell phone to the Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes), a 24/7 roadside emergency service (English-speaking operators available). For non-emergencies, you can also contact the Green Angels at 01-800-987-8224.

US embassy or consulate details

The US has an embassy in Mexico City, along with 9 consulates located in Ciudad Juárez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana. Visit the US Embassy in Mexico’s website for each of their addresses and phone numbers.

For added protection, you may consider listing your trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate by enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Program. Once you list your travel plans, you will receive information about Mexico as it pertains to your trip, including travel advisories. Also, this allows the US Embassy or Consulate nearest to you to communicate with you and your family should an emergency arise.

Other local knowledge that is helpful for travelers

Currency

The local currency is the Mexican peso (M$). Keep in mind that while credit cards are accepted at many hotels and moderately-priced stores and restaurants, Mexico is mainly a cash-based economy. Therefore, carrying a decent amount of cash for most transactions is necessary. Use your US debit card to withdraw pesos once you are in Mexico for the best exchange rates.

Buses

While train service is extremely limited, Mexico has an excellent bus system that is reasonably priced, very comfortable, and will give you access to the entire country. First-class and executive-class bus services put Greyhound in the US to shame. There isn’t a single national bus company, but rather several regional ones, which means you will need to check which bus companies service your area.

Driving

As mentioned above, the Green Angels (Los Ángeles Verdes) is a 24/7 roadside service funded by the Mexican Tourism Industry and has over 275 trucks that assist throughout Mexico on highway and toll roads. They have English-speaking operators, which many other Mexican emergency services do not guarantee. The service is free to all, but tips are very much appreciated. Whether you have a flat tire, break down, run out of gas or have a medical emergency, the Green Angels will be able to help. They are available by calling 078 or 01-800-987-8224 from a cell phone or landline.

Keep in mind that tourists are encouraged to avoid driving in the dark. Driving in Mexico at night can be dangerous as most roads, including highways, are not well-lit and have plenty of potholes and debris. Also, livestock is known to wander into the roads between dusk and dawn rather frequently.

Moreover, AAA has partnerships with many businesses in Mexico, so you may be able to put your membership benefits to good use. Search AAA’s list of International Affiliate Members on their website for businesses in whichever part of Mexico you’ll be visiting.

Taxis

Taxis in Mexico are very affordable. In Mexico City, it’s always wise to get a taxi from one of the many taxi ranks (sitio) or book one through app-based companies approved by the government, such as App-Cab, Cabify, or Uber.

For your own safety, avoid hailing taxis at night. Also, most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it may be challenging if you do not have a working knowledge of Spanish.

In general, hailing taxis in smaller cities and towns is safe. However, many of these taxis do not have meters. As a result, you will have to negotiate a price for your journey before you set off. It is worth noting that taxis with meters must have them calibrated each year to retain their licenses, so you can rest easy knowing you’re paying the appropriate fare.

Tipping

Tipping is optional but customary in Mexico as it is one of the only ways many people can make a living wage. In restaurants, always look at the check to see if a service charge is included. If not, tipping 10-15% is adequate. For hotel housekeeping staff, it is recommended to tip between 5-10% of the total price you paid for your room. The usual tip for porters at hotels and airports is anywhere from M$50 (Mexican pesos) to M$100, and be sure to tip gas station and parking attendants at least M$5-M$10. Tipping taxi drivers is not standard practice but will always be appreciated.

A final note about travel insurance for the Mexico

I have spent dozens of hours researching travel insurance, including getting quotes and comparing coverage from all the most popular brands. Regardless of where you’re going, I am confident that you will also find that WithFaye.com offers the best way to compare policies with the ideal combo of coverage and price.

I wish you and yours an incredible journey.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology

  • Average price for a 2-week vacation based on a 35-year-old California resident traveling to the Mexico with a $3,500 trip cost
  • Coronavirus coverage
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
  • AM Best rating of the underwriter
  • Key policy details including cancellation, interruption, emergency medical evacuation, and baggage & personal effects
  • Ease of sign up
  • Policy language clarity
  • User reviews