The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Mexico in 2025
- 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 should travel insurance for Mexico 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, repatriation, and unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises a high degree of caution for Mexico due to violent crime.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended due to high private medical costs.
4. Healthcare cost: A private hospital stay in Mexico can easily exceed AUD $1,500 per night.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Mexico typically costs between AUD $50 and $100.
6. Good to know: Use e-gates with a chip passport or complete the mandatory online immigration form beforehand.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 42 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share 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 | 1.0M AUD | Our top pick for safe journeys to Mexico. - high cover for hospitalisation - strong medical guarantees - flexible worldwide cover |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M AUD | Best for short trips with robust support. - 24/7 multilingual helpline - trip cancellation cover - no excess on core benefits |
| Tourist Card | 500k AUD | An efficient choice for tourist travel in Mexico. - solid medical cover - emergency and hospital benefits - competitive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | 700k AUD | Well-rounded for extended stays. - repatriation to Australia - hospital costs included - broad area of validity |
| Globe Partner | 300k AUD | Reliable for international trips. - international medical care - repatriation included - civil liability cover |
| Globe Traveller | 500k AUD | A budget-friendly solution for easy trips. - essential medical benefits - fast claims - straightforward coverage |
- high cover for hospitalisation
- strong medical guarantees
- flexible worldwide cover
- 24/7 multilingual helpline
- trip cancellation cover
- no excess on core benefits
- solid medical cover
- emergency and hospital benefits
- competitive pricing
- repatriation to Australia
- hospital costs included
- broad area of validity
- international medical care
- repatriation included
- civil liability cover
- essential medical benefits
- fast claims
- straightforward coverage
Is it currently safe to travel to Mexico?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico, mainly due to widespread violent crime, kidnapping and civil unrest. Some states, including Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Guerrero, are rated at even higher risk with a recommendation to reconsider travel.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, occurs in many regions of Mexico. For instance, unofficial roadblocks manned by criminal groups have been reported on highways in Tamaulipas, and muggings are frequent in Mexico City.
- Health risks: several infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue and Zika virus are active, especially in Chiapas, Nayarit and Oaxaca. Public hospitals provide limited care, and private clinics often require payment in advance.
- Entry and legal constraints: all travellers must submit an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) before arrival, especially those without chip-enabled passports. Failure to comply may lead to detention or deportation.
- Environmental and urban risks: Mexico is exposed to hurricanes from June to November, particularly in coastal regions, and air pollution in Mexico City regularly exceeds safe levels. Drink spiking in bars and petty theft in public areas are also reported.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Mexico.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Mexico?
Travel insurance is not legally mandatory for travellers from Australia to enter Mexico.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended because medical care in Mexico can be expensive and access to quality healthcare outside major cities is limited. Insurance also helps cover emergency repatriation.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Mexico. This high rate is mainly due to Mexico’s costly health system and higher travel risks.
Why take out travel insurance for Mexico?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Mexico.
Private healthcare in Mexico City clinics such as Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal or Médica Sur is of a high standard but can be very expensive. Foreigners are often directed to these facilities, as public hospitals may have long waits and limited English-speaking staff.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Mexico.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 45,000 MXN (about 4,200 AUD) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 28,000 MXN (about 2,600 AUD) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 490,000 MXN (about 45,000 AUD) | Up to full policy limit |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 85,000 MXN (about 7,900 AUD) | 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 should travel insurance for Mexico cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital fees, outpatient care, and doctor visits in private clinics if you are sick or injured. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 500,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Repatriation and evacuation | Pays for emergency return to Australia for serious illness, accident, or death. We recommend at least 400,000 AUD in coverage. |
| 🧳 Baggage and valuables | Reimburses loss, theft, or damage to luggage and personal belongings. Opt for coverage of at least 5,000 AUD per trip. |
| ✋ Personal liability | Protects you if you cause accidental injury or damage to others. Coverage of at least 1,000,000 AUD is recommended in Mexico. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Covers excess charges in case of an accident with a rented car. We recommend a reimbursement limit of 4,000 AUD. |
| 🤒 Trip cancellation or curtailment | Reimburses prepaid expenses for cancellation or interruption due to illness, family emergency, or major incidents. Choose a coverage of at least 7,500 AUD. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease cover | Includes extra medical costs or evacuation if you get malaria, dengue, or Zika. Limit should match overall medical expenses, at least 500,000 AUD. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 500,000 AUD.
We recommend at least 400,000 AUD in coverage.
Opt for coverage of at least 5,000 AUD per trip.
Coverage of at least 1,000,000 AUD is recommended in Mexico.
We recommend a reimbursement limit of 4,000 AUD.
Choose a coverage of at least 7,500 AUD.
Limit should match overall medical expenses, at least 500,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often comes with limited cover, low reimbursement limits, and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full protection. Compare top options 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 | 55 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 88 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 130 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 410 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
Your travel insurance premium for Mexico is shaped by several key elements: your age, trip duration, specific destinations visited, and the level of cover you select. Given the travel advisories and high medical costs, it's vital to consider these factors to find a policy that properly protects you on your travels, mate.
💡 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑 Traveller's age | Insurers often apply higher rates for travellers over 60, especially for long trips in Mexico. | Check if an insurer like Heymondo keeps rates stable for those over 62, this can make a big difference in price. |
| 📅 Trip length | Premiums increase with longer stays, even though the risk profile doesn’t always change much. | Cover only the period actually needed, avoid adding extra days before or after your trip if you don’t need cover. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Higher medical coverage limits are crucial in Mexico but not every extra benefit is necessary for all travellers. | Choose adequate medical cover like 500,000 AUD, but avoid add-ons you won’t use, such as winter sports cover. |
| 🌎 Geographic area | Global policies usually cost more, including destinations where care is very expensive such as the USA. | Select a plan valid only for Mexico instead of a worldwide plan, you will usually save money with comparable care. |
| 👨👩👦 Group or family | Some insurers offer discounts for couples, families, or group bookings, relevant for friends or family trips to Mexico. | Request a group or family quote to benefit from collective discounts if travelling together. |
| 💳 Payment frequency | Annual multi-trip policies can cost less if you plan several trips, as opposed to paying for multiple single trips. | Consider an annual policy if you travel at least twice in a year, as savings can be significant. |
| 💻 Purchase channel | Some insurers offer reduced rates online compared to agency or phone sales, and online tools help compare prices easily. | Buy directly through a comparison platform online to instantly access the best deals and avoid agent fees. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Mexico?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing insurance, such as public or private health insurance or your credit card’s travel benefits, can protect you during a trip to Mexico. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for major incidents or emergencies abroad. 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 (Medicare) | Never | No coverage outside Australia. No access to care in Mexico. | Travel insurance covers up to 1,000,000 AUD medical, hospital, repatriation and 24/7 assistance anywhere in Mexico. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical evacuation or limited overseas benefits, often capped at 50,000 AUD. Does not cover baggage loss. | Travel insurance covers up to 1,000,000 AUD medical, plus 5,000 AUD luggage, cancellation, and liability. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Commonwealth Low Rate) | Limited coverage | Medical cover usually below 20,000 AUD. Trip interruption, delays and lost luggage excluded or minimal. | Travel insurance includes up to 1,000,000 AUD medical, major trip help, and support in local emergencies. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black) | Limited coverage | Medical expenses up to 250,000 AUD. Travel delay, evacuation and cancellation limited or with strict conditions. | Travel insurance offers higher limits, fewer exclusions, trip cancellation up to 7,500 AUD and 24/7 support. |
Example
In Cancún, Chloe contracted severe dengue fever, requiring intensive care. The hospital bill was AU$25,000. Her CommBank card's complimentary travel insurance only paid AU$2,000, and her domestic health plan offered no cover overseas. Without specific travel insurance, she faced a staggering AU$23,000 debt for her recovery.
Expert advice
Don't rely on your credit card or health fund. Trip interruption for a family emergency is often excluded. Always check the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, getting dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Mexico of up to 180 days. You must hold a valid passport for the entire stay and may be required to complete a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) upon arrival, especially if you do not have a chip-enabled passport.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Mexico?
First, compare policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the most suitable option for your needs. Next, check the cover and be sure to review exclusions, especially for risks specific to Mexico such as medical evacuation or theft. Then, buy your selected policy online. Once payment is made, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
Is healthcare expensive for travellers in Mexico?
Yes, private healthcare in Mexico can be costly. Simple hospital treatments may cost several thousand AUD, and serious medical incidents or evacuation can exceed 50,000 AUD. Local clinics may have limited equipment or medication, especially in rural areas, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to protect against unexpected expenses.
Are there particular health risks in Mexico that I should consider?
Travellers should be aware of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria, especially in certain states. High altitude, air pollution in major cities, and the risk of methanol poisoning in drinks are also concerns. Check that your insurance covers medical emergencies resulting from these local risks.
What should I do if I need emergency medical help in Mexico?
Call Mexico’s emergency number 911 for urgent medical situations. Contact your insurance provider’s 24/7 assistance line as soon as possible for advice and to arrange direct payment where available. Keep your insurance certificate and emergency phone numbers accessible at all times during your trip.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Mexico?
Yes, some insurers from Australia allow you to extend your travel insurance policy while overseas, but conditions may apply. You should contact your insurer before your existing policy expires, as extensions are usually only granted when there is no gap in coverage. Expect to pay extra premium for the added days.
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Mexico of up to 180 days. You must hold a valid passport for the entire stay and may be required to complete a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) upon arrival, especially if you do not have a chip-enabled passport.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Mexico?
First, compare policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the most suitable option for your needs. Next, check the cover and be sure to review exclusions, especially for risks specific to Mexico such as medical evacuation or theft. Then, buy your selected policy online. Once payment is made, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
Is healthcare expensive for travellers in Mexico?
Yes, private healthcare in Mexico can be costly. Simple hospital treatments may cost several thousand AUD, and serious medical incidents or evacuation can exceed 50,000 AUD. Local clinics may have limited equipment or medication, especially in rural areas, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to protect against unexpected expenses.
Are there particular health risks in Mexico that I should consider?
Travellers should be aware of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria, especially in certain states. High altitude, air pollution in major cities, and the risk of methanol poisoning in drinks are also concerns. Check that your insurance covers medical emergencies resulting from these local risks.
What should I do if I need emergency medical help in Mexico?
Call Mexico’s emergency number 911 for urgent medical situations. Contact your insurance provider’s 24/7 assistance line as soon as possible for advice and to arrange direct payment where available. Keep your insurance certificate and emergency phone numbers accessible at all times during your trip.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Mexico?
Yes, some insurers from Australia allow you to extend your travel insurance policy while overseas, but conditions may apply. You should contact your insurer before your existing policy expires, as extensions are usually only granted when there is no gap in coverage. Expect to pay extra premium for the added days.
