Do you need travel insurance for Mexico?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Mexico. However, without it, you run a high risk of paying out of pocket if anything goes wrong. It helps cover emergency medical care, trip cancellations, stolen belongings, and more. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach in Cancún or hiking in Chiapas, we’ll keep you covered, whatever happens.
- According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), Mexico is ranked as one of the least peaceful countries in Latin America. While many visitors travel without issues, it’s sensible to take precautions. Having travel insurance in place provides extra reassurance, covering you for incidents such as theft or accidents.
- Pickpocketing on public transport is one of the more common issues reported by holidaymakers. With the right cover, travel insurance can help with the cost of replacing stolen cash, passports, or valuables, so you won’t be left in a difficult situation if your belongings go missing.
- Mexico is also prone to hurricanes. For example, in October 2024, three hurricanes developed over the North Atlantic Ocean. If severe weather affects your trip, travel insurance can help with the costs of rearranged flights, extra accommodation, or unused bookings.
What does JustCover’s Mexico trip insurance cover?
Heading to Mexico from Ireland can be a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip. That’s why it pays to be properly prepared. Getting the right travel insurance and knowing what you’re covered for is essential.
For full details of what is and isn’t included, read our Policy Wording.
What's covered
Medical expenses and repatriation - We cover a wide range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes. We can also arrange to fly you home if medically necessary.
Cancellation - Cover for flight and accommodation costs. Ideal if an unexpected event means you have to cancel your trip before you go.
Curtailment - Cover if you need to return home early following an emergency.
Travel delays - If your flight is delayed, we’ll give you compensation to help with the disruption.
Personal belongings - You’ll be covered if your baggage or its contents are lost or stolen.
Personal liability - Cover for your legal expenses and any liability due if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you’re away on holiday.
Legal protection cover - Provides cover for your legal expenses if you have to claim compensation or damages due to something that happened while you were away on holiday.
What's not covered
Claims below the value of the excess - Your policy excess is the minimum amount a claim must exceed before you’re eligible for a payout.
Trips outside the region of cover - Make sure your policy includes Mexico in your chosen region.
Known events or circumstances - Claims won’t be covered for issues you were already aware of when you booked or bought your insurance.
Medical conditions you don’t declare - You’ll need to let us know about any pre-existing conditions to make sure you're properly covered.
Choosing not to travel - Plans change, but cancellations are only covered when the reason meets the terms set out in your policy.
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
Black
Gold
Silver
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Find the best travel insurance for Mexico
Choosing the right policy depends on how often and how long you travel. We have policies for any and every trip to Mexico.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Ideal if you plan to visit Mexico and other destinations more than once a year. It can save you money and hassle compared to buying single trip cover each time.
Single trip travel insurance
Perfect if you’re only heading to Mexico once. Covers you for that trip from the moment you buy it until you return home.
Why choose JustCover for your Mexico holiday insurance?
Mexico is over 8,000km from Ireland. When you’re travelling that far, you need insurance you can trust. From lost luggage and stolen belongings to medical flare-ups and injuries, we’ve got your back.
- 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’¹
- Get up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and emergency flights home
- Our 24/7 emergency medical helpline is on hand when you need it
- Up to €10,000 cancellation cover available²
- 98% of our customers would recommend us to family and friends³
Specialist travel insurance for Mexico
Seniors travel insurance
Tailored for older holidaymakers who may need extra medical cover.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Protection if you have ongoing health issues and want full cover should anything happen once you book.
Family travel insurance
Flexible cover for the whole family, including children, in one policy.
Cruise travel insurance
Important if your Mexico trip includes a Caribbean cruise.
How much does Mexico travel insurance cost?
As with all policies, the cost can vary depending on a few factors. These include:
- Age: Older holidaymakers often pay more due to increased medical risks.
- Trip length: The longer you’re away, the higher the cost of insurance.
- Destination: Mexico is classed as Worldwide cover, which can cost more than European-only policies.
- Medical history: Declaring pre-existing conditions is vital and may affect the cost.
- Level of cover: Higher cover limits (for medical, cancelled travel plans, or belongings) will increase the premium.
- Activities: If you're planning scuba diving, hiking, or adventure sports, you’ll need extra cover.
Is Mexico classed as the Caribbean or USA for travel insurance?
For most of our policies, Mexico is classed under Worldwide (excluding USA/Canada/Caribbean) cover. It is not included in European cover, and it is not treated as part of the USA or the Caribbean.
Always double-check your Policy Wording before booking to make sure you’ve chosen the right region.
Do you need a visa to travel to Mexico from Ireland?
Irish citizens do not need a visa for short trips to Mexico of up to 180 days for tourism, family visits, or business. You will, however, need a valid passport and must complete an entry form (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM) when you arrive.
If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 6 months, you’ll need to apply for the correct visa before you travel. Also, if you’re entering Mexico by land, you must complete the National Institute of Immigration form.
Travel insurance is not a visa requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Healthcare costs in Mexico without insurance can be very high. Proof of insurance may sometimes be requested if you are seeking medical help or joining certain activities.
Will the EHIC cover you for your trip to Mexico?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers healthcare in EU/EEA countries. It offers no coverage in Mexico.
That means Irish holidaymakers will need travel insurance to protect themselves against medical bills, lost belongings, or delayed or cancelled travel.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it’s especially important to declare them when buying your policy. That way, you’ll be properly covered if you need treatment abroad.
When to buy Mexico holiday insurance
You should buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This means you’re protected if you need to cancel before departure, for reasons covered by your policy (such as illness or bereavement).
The latest you can buy travel insurance is right before you leave Ireland. However, leaving it until the last minute means you won’t be covered for any issues that happen before your departure. The earlier you buy, the better your protection.
Does travel insurance for Mexico cover all activities?
Standard travel insurance includes cover for low-risk water sports, such as snorkelling, kayaking, or swimming. Riskier activities, such as deep scuba diving, parasailing, or hiking, may not be included in a standard policy. You’ll often need to add an adventure sports or water sports upgrade to be properly protected.
Not declaring these activities could result in a claim being denied if you’re injured. Always check your Policy Wording carefully to make sure your chosen activities are covered before you set off.
Mexico travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
If you’re over 65 or have an existing medical condition, travel health insurance for Mexico becomes even more important. Declaring your conditions is essential. And while medical costs in Mexico are generally lower than the US, travel insurance is still a must. Some hospitals may also ask for proof of insurance before treatment.
With us, you're covered for over 1,300 declared conditions. From heart issues and diabetes to cancer or chronic breathing conditions. We cover these and more, including:
- COPD
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Asthma
- Heart conditions
- Disabilities
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
- Atrial fibrillation
Understanding healthcare in Mexico
Healthcare in Mexico is a mix of public and private hospitals. Public facilities can be crowded and may not have English-speaking staff. Tourists usually use private hospitals, where care is of high quality but very expensive. However, if you have travel insurance, you won’t need to worry about this. If you need to pay medical expenses upfront, you can make a claim for your money back.
Many private clinics require upfront payment before treatment, even in emergencies. Without insurance, bills can quickly become expensive.
The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMMS)
Foreign residents in Mexico may be able to access public healthcare through the IMSS if they hold a Temporary or Permanent Resident visa. But it’s not always easy. People with pre-existing medical conditions are often restricted from joining the scheme. That’s why private care, backed up with strong travel insurance, is the safer option for most visitors.
A simple 3-step process to book your Mexico travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance recommendations from our team
"Jetting off to Mexico is a trip of a lifetime. To make sure you’re fully prepared, travel insurance is a must. Even if you’re planning a relaxing trip, accidents happen, and costs can add up quickly. Book travel insurance as soon as you can, and you can travel safely knowing you’re fully covered, whatever happens."
Peter Clark, JustCover Director
What our customers say
“Nicola took me through the quote process and helped explain and document any existing health conditions for my mother's policy. She was extremely helpful, polite, professional and without bias. Thank you.”
see full reviewMexico travel insurance checklist: what to consider before you buy
When arranging travel insurance for Mexico, make sure your policy covers the things that matter most to you. Fortunately, our policies are designed to cover all your essentials.
- Medical cover: Check that emergency care, hospital stays, and emergency flights home are included.
- Pre-existing conditions: Always declare health conditions to avoid rejected claims.
- Activities: Many visitors to Mexico try water sports, diving, or adventure tours. Add extra cover if needed.
- Valuables: Cover for phones, cameras, or jewellery in case of theft or loss.
- Travel disruption: Protection against delays, cancelled trips, or missed connections.
- Weather risks: Mexico is prone to hurricanes, especially between June and- November. Make sure your policy covers weather-related disruptions.
- 24/7 assistance: Our helpline for emergencies while abroad is a must.
Mexico travel tips and recommendations
Planning ahead can make your trip to Mexico safe and stress-free.
- Healthcare: Bring copies of prescriptions and keep medicines in the original packaging. Pharmacies are common, but some medicines may not be available.
- Safety: Petty theft can happen, especially in tourist hotspots like Cancún and Mexico City. Keep valuables out of sight. Cartel activity does occur in places like Sinaloa and Durango, so be wary of this and use common sense.
- Driving: Roads vary in quality, and accidents are common. Only drive if you’re confident, and consider adding car hire insurance. Also, make sure you travel in licensed cabs and Ubers.
- Transport: Licensed taxis or rideshare apps are safer than hailing cabs in the street.
- Food and water: Drink bottled water only. Avoid ice and raw foods from street vendors to reduce stomach issues.
- Travel warnings: Always check the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (IDFA) before you go.
Travel risks in Mexico
Mexico is a popular and welcoming destination, but there are some risks to be aware of:
- Crime: Petty theft and scams are the most common risks for tourists. Violent crime does exist, but usually away from tourist areas. Keep tabs on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (IDFA) too for area safety updates.
- Natural disasters: Mexico is prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Travel insurance can help if your plans are disrupted. Be sure to check for hurricane updates and earthquake updates before you travel.
- Terrorism: The terrorism risk is low, but holidaymakers should still stay alert in busy public areas.
- Wildlife: Be careful when swimming or hiking, and follow local advice. Areas like Riviera Maya and the Yucatan coast are home to sharks. While attacks are extremely rare, exercise caution if swimming at night or early morning.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Mexico
When should your Mexico travel insurance policy start?
Your policy should begin the day you leave Ireland and last until the day you return home. This way, you’ll be protected if you need to cancel for reasons like illness, injury, or bereavement before you travel.
Is travel insurance required for a Mexico trip?
Travel insurance is not a legal entry requirement for Mexico, but it is strongly advised. Healthcare in private hospitals can be very expensive, and Irish citizens are not entitled to free or reduced medical care. Without insurance, you could face bills running into thousands of euros for something as simple as an overnight hospital stay.
Do you need worldwide travel insurance for Mexico?
Yes. Because Mexico is outside of Europe, you’ll need a worldwide travel insurance policy. Make sure you choose a policy that includes Mexico, as some worldwide policies exclude destinations such as the USA, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Is travelling to Mexico safe?
Most Irish holidaymakers visit Mexico without problems, but it’s important to be prepared. Petty crime, such as stealing, is more common in busy tourist areas like Cancún or Mexico City. As we mentioned previously, holidaymakers should also be aware of organised crime in certain regions.
Can you get travel insurance for Mexico if you have a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, but you must declare any pre-existing conditions when buying your policy. This includes common conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. If you don’t declare them, you won’t be covered if you need to claim for those conditions. We offer cover options that can include declared medical conditions, giving you peace of mind while travelling.
Are there age limits on travel insurance for Mexico?
Age limits vary by policy. Some providers may restrict cover for holidaymakers over 70 or over 80. However, with us, there is no upper age limit. Premiums may be higher for older holidaymakers, but the cover is designed to protect against the risks that become more common with age, such as medical emergencies or longer recovery times.
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2. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased.
3. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.