For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.

• Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?
• Travel insurance for activities in Mexico
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Mexico
• Travel insurance for lost or stolen bags in Mexico
• Travel insurance for crime in Mexico
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Mexico
• Tips for traveling to Mexico from the United States

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mexico? Sun-kissed beaches, delicious tacos, and a welcoming, friendly culture all come to mind for us. Travelers also come for the all-inclusive resorts, river kayaking, hiking to Mayan ruins, exploring colorful cities, or simply as a stop on a cruise. Whatever your dream vacation looks like, Mexico is a place of endless adventure and rich culture.

With this much diversity, you can bet we’ve seen all sorts of travel insurance claims from Americans in Mexico. International travel can sometimes involve those less-than-great moments - like sickness, missed flights, and lost baggage. Because of this, you may want to get a quote for travel insurance* for Mexico before you set forth on your journey.

Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?

World Nomads travel insurance plans offer protection against certain unexpected and unforeseeable circumstances that might disrupt your travel plans. You’ll want to consider travel insurance to protect yourself against expenses related to unforeseen events like theft or bad weather.

Travel insurance for Mexico can also protect against large medical bills resulting from accidents that may happen on your outdoor adventures such as diving in cenotes near Tulum or surfing off the coast of Sayulita.

Our travel insurance plans also include important travel, medical, and security assistance services designed to provide you with guidance before and during your trip. Keep in mind that certain parts of Mexico are more dangerous than others. Before booking a ticket, make sure you are comfortable with the government-issued safety warnings.

We have four plans to choose from for different types of travelers and adventures.

Travel insurance for activities in Mexico

Once you’ve done sampling those street vendor tacos, we’ve got you covered for more than 250 activities in Mexico, like snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Not all activities are covered under every plan, so it’s a good idea to know your general travel itinerary before you get a quote. Some activities will require an extra level of coverage, depending on the risk involved.

For example, you can take your PADI course to learn scuba diving on Cozumel and be covered by all plans. However, if you’re interested in going cave diving to explore the famed cenotes around Tulum, you’ll need to purchase an Explorer or Epic Plan and read plan documents carefully to make sure your adventure is covered.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Mexico

In Mexico, the healthcare system can differ region-to-region and may not be what you are familiar with back home. In small clinics, you may have to pay before being seen by a medical professional. You can protect yourself from loss due emergency medical expenses by purchasing a travel insurance plan for your trip to Mexico.

Before your trip, you may want to make an appointment with Runway Health-- an online travel clinic and our non-insurance service partner. The telehealth service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain any necessary prescriptions such as medication for traveler’s diarrhea or motion sickness.

In a medical emergency, the first thing you should do (if you are medically able) is call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. The team may be able to help you find a reputable medical center and could help organize the care you need. If you are unable to call until later, make sure you call them as soon as possible.

A common ailment affecting travelers to Mexico is gastrointestinal disorders. The water system is not the same as back home in the United States, and it could make you sick. Travelers should not drink water straight from the tap without double-checking that it’s been filtered. The same goes for ice in drinks.

And, while many travelers recommend trying street food in Mexico, make sure you pick a cart that looks clean and doesn’t have food sitting out in the sun for too long. Simple common sense can save you a bad stomachache later on!

Travel insurance for lost or stolen bags in Mexico

A common claim we get is for lost or stolen bags in Mexico. Whether the airline lost your luggage, or your purse was stolen, these things do happen.

Did you arrive in Cancun but your bag—packed with your new swimsuit and snorkeling gear for your beach vacation—didn’t? The first step is to contact the airline.

If the airline can’t track your bag, the second step is to contact Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call Blue Ribbon Bags.

If someone stole your bags in Mexico, the first step is to file a police report. Then, give the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team a call. You may be reimbursed for your stolen bags and personal belongings, minus depreciation and up to your plan limits. Certain qualifying factors would have to have occurred, as well. For instance, you couldn’t have left your belongings alone by the pool or have been intoxicated when the theft took place.

Travel insurance for crime in Mexico

Mexico is a beautiful place to visit year-round. However, there are certain areas that you may want to reconsider visiting. Travelers worldwide are often targeted by criminals looking to take advantage of tourists who look out of place or are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. When in Mexico, be aware of your surroundings and stay away from areas known to have high crime.

We’ve written pretty extensively about various scams and common crimes in Mexico in our Destination Guide. It all comes down to avoiding bad areas, protecting your stuff, and staying vigilant.

However, crime can happen at any time. If this happens to you, and you’re injured in an assault or are a victim of theft, seek assistance from the local authorities and contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team for help. You’ll need to get a police report from the police immediately or as soon as reasonably possible, and a written confirmation of the loss from the hotel manager, tour guide, or transportation authorities, where relevant.

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Mexico

Sometimes your plans just don’t work out. World Nomads travel insurance plans include trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay benefits that may provide reimbursement for your unused, pre-paid, non-refundable expenses.

Fleeing the American winter for a sunny escape down to Mexico is a popular choice. Traveling during winter runs the risk of snowstorms in the US and potential missed connections. If you’re flying from Chicago to Cancun and your flight is delayed by more than three hours, causing you to miss your cruise departing in the Riviera Maya, you may have to pay to get to the next port of call. If you purchased an Explorer or Epic plan, your travel insurance for Mexico may reimburse you for those travel expenses to the next port in addition to any prepaid, non-refundable activities that you missed.

We never anticipate natural disasters interrupting our vacation to Mexico, but they can happen. The most likely months for hurricanes are August and September. The Yucatan Peninsula is especially at risk, but hurricanes have hit Baja California on the Pacific side. Storms are impossible to predict so the best thing you can do is protect yourself with travel insurance to Mexico.

If you bought your travel insurance plan prior to the storm developing into a major event (before the storm was given a name), your travel insurance for Mexico may provide cancellation protection if you are unable to occupy your destination residence because of a natural disaster.

Trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage can also help protect you in case of emergencies back home in the United States. If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered reason such as a medical emergency or the death of an immediate family member, you may be eligible for reimbursement of your unused, plan limits) hotel expenses or airfare that you can no longer use.

Tips for traveling to Mexico from the United States

As much as you may have planned each detail of your Mexican adventure, the unexpected can still happen. We encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for Mexico before you leave. Up-to-date warnings-- including weather advisories and political situations-- will be listed on the website.

It’s also a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens. Learning a few Spanish words and phrases will also go a long way.

Finally, we recommend checking out our travel tips for Mexico. You may also want to read up on some destination inspiration and download our free guide to Mexico to help you discover the lesser-known side of this country rich in art, culture, and nature.

Hitting the road? Get your travel insurance sorted with World Nomads

Road trips are a great way to experience local culture, see sights off the beaten track and immerse yourself in your travel destination. But there can be a lot of unknowns driving in a foreign country and it pays to research and plan ahead.

• Good News: World Nomads can cover your Road Trip
• Choosing the right policy for you
• What's covered on road trips?
• What's not covered on road trips?
• Handy tips for a safe and fun road trip

Good News: World Nomads can cover your road trip

One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms. Our Travel insurance is designed by travelers for travelers, and our policies can cover some key benefits to make sure you’re protected on the open road.

Choosing the right policy for you

We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific plans.

What’s covered on road trips?

Depending on the plan you choose and your Country of Residence, our policies can offer cover (up to policy limits) for:

Sudden trip cancellations

Anything from an unexpected illness, a car accident or even jury duty can prevent you from going on your road trip. Trip Cancellation can offer cover for some of your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits if an emergency happens.

Unexpected medical emergencies on the road

Your health and safety are a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. That's why our plans cover emergency medical expenses in the times when you're most vulnerable – when you're sick, get into an accident or get hurt. 

Your cross-country adventure may take you far from medical help, and if you need emergency evacuation our policies can also cover you.

Emergency assistance 24/7

When you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s hard to know where to go for help. Buying a World Nomads policy means you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team can facilitate a range of services in most parts of the world where you may be traveling.

Rental car insurance for vehicle damage

Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your Country of Residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan. Check the details of your plan for restrictions on vehicle types: RVs, motorbikes, and luxury-model cars may not be covered. 

Road trip interruptions and delay

Don’t let an incident throw a wrench in your driving plans - our trip interruption coverage can help salvage your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve had to forfeit because of a covered event that has disrupted your travels.

You may also need help getting your trip back on track. If you get delayed, you may need a hotel or a meal as you catch up to your itinerary. Check your policy for any conditions you need to meet: your delay might need to be a certain number of hours or be caused by a covered reason. 

If you’re not sure what you’re covered for, contact us.

Protection for stolen belongings and baggage

You may have camping gear in your trunk, sunglasses in your glove compartment or your wallet hidden in the back of the seat pocket. Unfortunately, thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces.

With our travel insurance, you may be able make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions apply so be sure to check the policy wording and contact us if you have any questions.

Cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences

Road trips give you the flexibility to expand your adventures. Our policies cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences including hiking, camping and surfing.

If you’re not sure whether the activity you want to do is covered, or have any questions about your policy, just ask us.

What’s not covered on road trips?

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, and exclusions include but are not limited to:

• Pre-existing conditions, including illness, disease or other medical condition for which you’ve previously shown symptoms or been treated for. Read your policy wording for more details.
• Fancy Vehicles: Some of our plans offer coverage for rental car damage, but not for high-end cars, camper cars or RVs.
• Alcohol and drug related incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
• Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment, and musical instruments.

Handy tips for a safe and fun road trip 

• Be sure to drive to the conditions – take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads.
• Don’t ever drink alcohol and drive, not only is it extremely dangerous but it could invalidate your policy
• Don’t leave valuable items in the car, even for a short time.
• Have your GPS handy and bring back-up directions.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

• What's covered when traveling in Mexico
• Pickpockets and petty crime in Mexico
• What if I experience a medical emergency in Mexico?
• Make sure you're covered for adventure sports
• I'm going to Mexico for Scuba Diving, am I covered?
• What's not covered while traveling in Mexico?
• Want more travel inspo for your Mexican adventure?

Spanning almost 760,000mi² (2 million km²), with landscapes that range from snow-capped volcanos to dense rainforest, and a cultural mix that’s equally diverse, Mexico is a place brimming with art, history, wildlife, adventure and plenty of inspiration.

Despite Mexico’s reputation as a place of crime and drug violence in recent years, don’t be deterred from experiencing one of the world’s most colorful and amazing cultures. Here are some tips on how to stay safe and how to make the most out of your travel insurance coverage.

What’s covered when traveling in Mexico 

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip from home or while you're already traveling. All our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for: 

• Overseas emergency medical
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellation
• Stolen or delayed baggage
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. World Nomads has two levels of cover - the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan - that offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits so it’s best to compare them to see which one suits your travel needs. 

You can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling. 

Pickpockets and petty crime in Mexico 

You’re wandering the stalls of the La Lagunilla markets and reach into your pocket to get your wallet and realise it’s not there. 

Theft is one of our most common travel insurance claims by travelers in Mexico. But the good news is that all World Nomads travel insurance plans offer some coverage for theft or lost luggage checked into a common carrier. Per item and total maximum benefits may apply and be sure to check your policy wording for excluded items.

To file a claim, you’ll need a police report or other written documentation such as a property irregularity report from your common carrier. 

Traveler tip: you should carry your electronics, passport, and valuables with you at all times. Don’t leave them in the car or in your luggage. Lock up your belongings securely when you can’t take them with you.

What if I experience a medical emergency in Mexico?

All of our policies offer cover for medical emergencies whilst traveling overseas. If you fall ill with food poisoning, or have an accident whilst on an adventure, we’re here to help.

If you experience a medical emergency whilst on holiday in Mexico, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can get you help on the ground with translation services when you’re lost, injured or sick, whether you need an ambulance transfer, a prescription medication or a hospital that can treat your condition. 

If you require any medical treatment on your trip, be sure to get reports, documentation and keep all receipts, as you will need these to support your claim. 

As avid adventurers ourselves, we know that your adventures in Mexico may take you far from medical facilities, and our policies may also cover you for emergency evacuation and repatriation. 

Note: Get in touch with the EA team before undergoing any medical treatment; you may need pre-authorization before undergoing medical procedures or where medical evacuation is required. It’s also important that you look at the exclusions section of your policy; our plans don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions or preventative care. 

Traveler tip: stick to purified water, or use purification tablets, and follow your doctor’s advice for any other health recommendations. These preventative steps could save you a lot of trouble.

Make sure you’re covered for adventure sports

Whether you are scuba diving in Socorro, rafting in Veracruz or hiking in Cumbres Del Ajusco National Park, World Nomads covers you for more than 150 activities, adventures and sports. 

Depending on your travel plans and Country of Residence, you may need to upgrade your policy to be covered for the activities you will be doing. If you’re unsure whether the activity you want to do is covered, just contact us.

Your plan may also have conditions of coverage. For example, you may be required to wear safety equipment, book a tour with a licensed tour operator, or stay within certain parameters of your sport: treks may only be covered up to a certain elevation, or scuba dives only to a certain depth for example.

Traveler tip:  make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with – passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets – and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.

I’m going to Mexico for Scuba Diving, am I covered? 

We’ve designed our plans to give you the freedom to learn and hone your diving skills by offering coverage for scuba diving accidents and other injuries underwater. However, your coverage depends on your Country of Residence. Some of our plans may have exclusions for certain types of diving or dives of a certain depth, and you may need to upgrade your policy and coverage depending on the types of diving you will be doing.

Be sure to read your individual policy for terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions and if you’re unsure whether you’re covered, just contact us.

Traveler tip: most of the time, things are pretty calm in Mexico, but riptides and big swells are a potential danger on either side of the country, so check conditions before you scuba dive or swim and don’t go anywhere that has been closed off by authorities. Keep an eye on travel advisories, especially during hurricane season. 

Note: all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any optional extras or upgrades you add.

What’s not covered while traveling in Mexico?

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• Any pre-existing medical conditions 
• Any items lost, stolen or damaged that are unsupervised or unattended
• If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure
• Trip cancellation for events that occurred before your policy was purchased (natural disaster, strike, etc.)
• Not having visas or passports issued on time or not properly fulfilling the entry requirements of your destination.
• Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies.
• Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Expenses you have not made every reasonable attempt to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking or travel agents, any compensation scheme, or other source

Want more travel inspo for your Mexican adventure? 

Check out our handy guides and tips to get the insider scoop on the best adventures in Mexico:

• Southern Baja, Mexico: Exploring Beyond Los Cabos
• 5 things I wish I knew before going to Mexico
• Mexico Travel: 6 ways to get off the beaten path 

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions outlined in the policy wording. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.