- The best travel insurance plans for Mexico
- Is it currently safe to travel to Mexico?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Mexico?
- Why take out travel insurance for Mexico?
- What Travel Insurance for Mexico Should Cover
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Mexico?
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Mexico
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Mexico?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Mexico: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Mexico covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadians, but it is highly recommended for financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: A hospital stay in Mexico can cost thousands of dollars per night for foreign visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Mexico typically costs between $30 and $60 CAD.
5. Good to know: Your Canadian provincial health plan provides very limited coverage for medical expenses in Mexico.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Mexico.
The best travel insurance plans for Mexico
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | A comprehensive solution for travelling to Mexico. - very high medical ceiling - repatriation & emergencies - modern policy wording |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Robust support for travel in Mexico. - 24/7 medical helpline - trip cancellation option - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 750k CA$ | Suited for tourism in Mexico, offering solid core coverage. - good limit for medical care - practical emergency help - clear price structure |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | Balanced benefits for Canadian travellers to Mexico. - international repatriation - broad coverage network - hospital costs included |
| Globe Partner | 450k CA$ | Essential protection for global stays, including Mexico. - medical care & repatriation - personal liability cover - easy reimbursement process |
| Globe Traveller | 750k CA$ | A moderate-priced plan apt for short, low-risk trips to Mexico. - strong basic guarantees - fast claims - limits adapted to short visits |
- very high medical ceiling
- repatriation & emergencies
- modern policy wording
- 24/7 medical helpline
- trip cancellation option
- no deductible
- good limit for medical care
- practical emergency help
- clear price structure
- international repatriation
- broad coverage network
- hospital costs included
- medical care & repatriation
- personal liability cover
- easy reimbursement process
- strong basic guarantees
- fast claims
- limits adapted to short visits
Is it currently safe to travel to Mexico?
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Mexico, due to security incidents and regional instability in several states.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, is a significant concern, especially outside resort areas and in regions such as Culiacán or Mazatlán, where armed clashes have occurred recently.
- Health risks: health care can be costly and limited outside major cities. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika are present, and safe food and water practices are recommended due to frequent travellers’ diarrhea.
- Legal constraints: Mexican immigration officials may request proof of return ticket, sufficient funds, and a completed tourist card (FMM) on arrival. Failure to provide the correct documents can lead to entry refusal.
- Urban transport scams: visitors have reported thefts and overcharging by unauthorized taxi drivers, especially in Mexico City. Use only registered taxis or reputable app-based services.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Mexico.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Mexico?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens travelling to Mexico.
However, it is strongly recommended due to the high cost of private healthcare in Mexico and the fact that the Canadian public health system does not cover expenses incurred abroad. Medical emergencies, hospital stays, or medical evacuation can result in extremely high bills.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Mexico. This is largely because healthcare can be expensive and certain regions present higher security and health risks.
Why take out travel insurance for Mexico?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Mexico.
In Mexico, foreigners usually need to seek care in private hospitals such as Hospital Ángeles in Mexico City, where costs can be much higher than in public facilities. Public hospitals often lack resources and English-speaking staff, especially outside major cities, and are not generally recommended for tourists in emergencies.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medications, ambulance transportation and emergency repatriation to Canada in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Mexico.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hospital Ángeles | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 70,000 MXN (approx. 5,500 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 36,000 MXN (approx. 2,800 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 450,000 MXN (approx. 35,000 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 90,000 MXN (approx. 7,000 CAD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Mexico Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergencies, doctor visits, hospitalisation, surgery and medications needed during your stay. We recommend at least CAD 200,000 in medical coverage. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for air ambulance or evacuation to Canada in case of serious illness or accident, including remote areas. The recommended minimum limit is CAD 100,000. |
| 🧳 Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason such as illness or family emergency. Choose coverage up to CAD 5,000 per person. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Covers return to Canada for urgent medical care, accident, or in case of death. The recommended minimum is CAD 50,000. |
| 💼 Baggage insurance | Protects against theft, loss, or damage to your luggage and personal items. Limit of at least CAD 1,500 per insured person. |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Pays for accidental property damage or injury to others attributed to you during your stay. We advise at least CAD 1,000,000 coverage. |
| ⚡ Emergency assistance | Provides 24/7 multilingual hotline for medical, travel or legal support in case of emergencies. No specific limit but confirm the service is included. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease cover | Includes care and quarantine if diagnosed with diseases like dengue, Zika or COVID-19 during your trip. Recommended limit: identical to main medical coverage. |
We recommend at least CAD 200,000 in medical coverage.
The recommended minimum limit is CAD 100,000.
Choose coverage up to CAD 5,000 per person.
The recommended minimum is CAD 50,000.
Limit of at least CAD 1,500 per insured person.
We advise at least CAD 1,000,000 coverage.
No specific limit but confirm the service is included.
Recommended limit: identical to main medical coverage.
Coverage from local providers or bank cards is often limited, with low amounts and many exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer with full protection. Compare top offers on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Mexico?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 36 CAD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 59 CAD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 84 CAD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 170 CAD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance for Mexico depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, chosen coverage limits, pre-existing medical conditions, and add-ons like trip cancellation. Keeping these in mind is crucial for selecting the right policy to protect you from potentially high medical costs and ensure a worry-free vacation.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Mexico
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Mexico while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip duration | Shorter coverage periods generally cost less. Only pay for the actual days you are in Mexico. | Match your policy precisely to your travel dates. Avoid rounding up your duration unnecessarily. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age affects rates, especially for senior travellers who may need higher medical limits for Mexico. | Shop around for senior-friendly rates. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Mexico has both public and private hospitals, but high private care costs. Protection up to 250,000 CAD is advisable. | Select a strong medical ceiling only if you need it. For most, mid-range limits are entirely sufficient. |
| 🧳 Baggage coverage | Theft or loss can occur in airports and tourist zones, but extra coverage costs more. | Decrease or exclude baggage cover if you are not bringing valuables or can manage minor losses yourself. |
| 🌎 Territorial scope | Multicountry coverage costs more. If your trip is only to Mexico, regional plans are usually cheaper. | Choose “Mexico only” cover if you will not visit nearby destinations. Extensions add to total cost. |
| 🎒 Policy extras | Extra cover (sports, electronics, rental car) increases premiums even if not needed for a regular Mexico trip. | Add special options only if required. Basic policies suffice for most leisure tourists in Mexico. |
| 👨👩👧 Family or group | Family or multi-traveller plans may reduce per-person cost, especially if everyone travels the same dates. | Consider a shared plan if you travel with relatives or friends. Group pricing is often more competitive. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Mexico?
It is completely normal to wonder whether your current coverage—such as Canadian public health insurance, private insurance, or credit card protection—would be enough during a trip to Mexico. Unfortunately, these options often have significant gaps. Only travel insurance can provide full protection and rapid support if a serious problem arises.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Mexico? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (RAMQ, OHIP, MSP, etc.) | Never | No direct coverage in Mexico. Only partial reimbursement after return to Canada, if approved. | Travel insurance covers up to 250,000 CAD+ in medical and hospital expenses. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life) | Limited coverage | Partial coverage, usually capped at 10,000–25,000 CAD, may not include repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to 250,000 CAD+ and emergency evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Classic, TD Classic Visa) | Limited coverage | Medical fees under 5,000–10,000 CAD, often no baggage loss/cancellation or trip delay. | Travel insurance can cover 250,000 CAD+ and lost luggage, cancellation, delay. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical costs up to 100,000–150,000 CAD, coverage time limited to 15–30 days per trip. | Travel insurance can include up to 10M CAD, longer stays, 24/7 local support. |
Example
After a severe case of food poisoning in a resort near Mazatlán, David's hospital stay cost $18,000 CAD. His RBC Avion card's travel insurance had a $5,000 limit, and his provincial plan covered almost nothing. He had to pay the remaining $13,000, a shocking expense for a common travel illness.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan may not cover trip interruption for a family emergency. Read your policies carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, subscribing to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Mexico up to 180 days. You must present a valid Canadian passport on arrival and may be asked to show proof of return travel, accommodation details, or sufficient funds. A tourist card (FMM) is also required and can be filled in on arrival or online.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Mexico?
First, compare offers using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the cover and exclusions carefully, focusing on special risks and guarantees relevant to travel in Mexico. Then, complete your purchase securely online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What medical expenses should my travel insurance for Mexico cover?
Your policy should provide for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Recommended minimum coverage is 250,000 CAD due to the high cost of private healthcare in Mexico. Check for guarantees covering ambulance fees and direct payment to local hospitals for urgent care.
Are sports and adventure activities covered by travel insurance in Mexico?
Not all plans cover injuries or incidents while participating in activities such as scuba diving, surfing, or hiking. If you plan to take part in sports or adventure tourism, choose an insurance policy that specifically covers these activities or that allows add-ons for adventure risks.
Will my insurance cover theft and lost baggage in Mexico?
Standard travel insurance typically includes baggage loss and theft protection, but limits can vary widely. Verify that your policy covers these problems with a limit matching your real needs, usually between 1,000 and 2,500 CAD, and check whether valuables or electronics require separate coverage.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I stay longer than planned in Mexico?
Many insurers allow you to extend your policy online if you decide to stay past your original return date, but you must apply before your coverage ends. Confirm with your insurer regarding extension terms, premium increases, and whether existing medical conditions are covered with the new policy period.
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Mexico up to 180 days. You must present a valid Canadian passport on arrival and may be asked to show proof of return travel, accommodation details, or sufficient funds. A tourist card (FMM) is also required and can be filled in on arrival or online.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Mexico?
First, compare offers using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the cover and exclusions carefully, focusing on special risks and guarantees relevant to travel in Mexico. Then, complete your purchase securely online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What medical expenses should my travel insurance for Mexico cover?
Your policy should provide for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Recommended minimum coverage is 250,000 CAD due to the high cost of private healthcare in Mexico. Check for guarantees covering ambulance fees and direct payment to local hospitals for urgent care.
Are sports and adventure activities covered by travel insurance in Mexico?
Not all plans cover injuries or incidents while participating in activities such as scuba diving, surfing, or hiking. If you plan to take part in sports or adventure tourism, choose an insurance policy that specifically covers these activities or that allows add-ons for adventure risks.
Will my insurance cover theft and lost baggage in Mexico?
Standard travel insurance typically includes baggage loss and theft protection, but limits can vary widely. Verify that your policy covers these problems with a limit matching your real needs, usually between 1,000 and 2,500 CAD, and check whether valuables or electronics require separate coverage.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I stay longer than planned in Mexico?
Many insurers allow you to extend your policy online if you decide to stay past your original return date, but you must apply before your coverage ends. Confirm with your insurer regarding extension terms, premium increases, and whether existing medical conditions are covered with the new policy period.
