Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To Mexico

Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To Mexico

1.               Travel insurance is often neglected when planning a holiday or business trip. In Britain we are used to a free healthcare system and often forget that in many countries this is not the case.      We tend to not realise that luggage can be lost at an airport and that pick-pockets operate in Lisbon as well as London. Most of the time, travel insurance acts as a peace of mind...right up to the time you need it and then it can be the most important article in your suitcase.

Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

              As we are all aware, accidents can happen at any time and in any place to anybody In the worst of circumstances, this can cause significant injury as well as ruining a holiday or business trip. Unfortunately no-one can predict when these accidents will occur or the severity of them when they do. The only thing to do is to have a high quality travel insurance policy. It may feel like you are gambling against yourself when arranging such a policy, however, nothing could be further from the truth.

              Luggage can be easily lost at airport, this in normally sufficient to ruin a holiday, having to endure a flight and then to traipse around a shopping centre to buy clean socks and shirts. Travel insurance can't make this impossible to happen, but can help pay for your new clothes, which will ease the pain a little.

              Something as innocent as a wet floor or trip down a flight of stairs could lead to a hospital trip, for example, to administer to a broken wrist or ankle. Medical insurance will usually cover the cost but if you need to return early your travel insurance policy may have a clause to allow this to be claimed for.

When in a foreign country and hiring a car try to know the local traffic laws. We drive on the left in the UK, in Mexico they drive on the right. If you cause an accident, personal liability may be an issue. A good travel insurance policy will also have a clause that allows travel back to the UK if a medical emergency arises.

What Should I Look For In Travel Insurance

              Travel insurance is a safety net when abroad. A good travel insurance policy should cover you for medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad, 24 hour emergency service and assistance and personal liability cover in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property.

              Other things to consider when purchasing travel insurance are, what is the value of your lost and stolen possessions cover? What's the maximum you can claim on a single piece of your inventory? Are you covered for cancellation and/or curtailment of your flight or ferry? Does your policy have extra cover for activities that are usually not included standard policies, such as jet skiing or adventure activities? Are there any financial insurances in case your carrier airline becomes bankrupt before or during your excursion abroad?

Socio-political Issues

              Full travel and medical insurance is highly recommended when travelling through Mexico. Although it is a beautiful country, the risk of theft and injury are significantly high. Mexico is currently a swine influenza hotspot and travel to there is not recommended by the UK or Mexican government. The UK government will not organise emergency flight to British nationals in the event of a influenza pandemic. Travel insurance that covers emergency flights back to the UK, are the only viable option apart from meeting the cost of a flight back yourself.

              Mexico has a voracious political side. Demonstrations can become violent very quickly and escalate into a gigantic brawl. The laws for demonstrators in Mexico are very simple, if you are a foreigner you are not allowed to be a part of a demonstration. The penalty for being part of a demonstration can be as severe as deportation or detention.

              Crime levels are particularly high in Mexico, especially the capital city, Mexico City. Pick-pocketing is rife, with passports being stolen over 140 times last year alone. Although it is required to carry identity documentation in Mexico, it is recommended to carry a photocopy of the relevant pages rather than the passport itself.

              Be aware that although Mexicans speak Spanish, they can listen in English. Therefore be very wary discussing business or personal information, particularly in regards financial details. Do not change large sums of money and maintain a grip on purses and wallets at all times.

              Be aware of persons presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest you for no apparent reason. There have been several instances of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by persons who may or may not be police officers. When in doubt, ask to view identification ( Puedo ver yo alguna identificación por favor?) and if possible note the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number.

              The hurricane season in Mexico runes from June to November. During these months check the local media for information. Travel insurance can provide emergency flights following a hurricane and of course medical insurance is nearly compulsory. There are two active volcanoes in Mexico near Popocatepetl and Colima, they are both closed to the public. There are danger zones around both, the size of which can change depending on the current level of volcanic activity. Naturally earthquakes are also possible here and in the Guerrero region. Travel insurance can be useful should this happen, allowing emergency flights home.

Specific Insurance For Travellers In Mexico

              Mexico has many wonders to see and do. Mexico is one of the best places in the world for surfing, scuba diving, body boarding and fishing.   There is the second largest coral reef in the world near the Yucatan peninsula. Both SCUBA and snorkelling divers are surrounded by species not found anywhere else on Earth. Should you choose to dive, it is recommended to have water sports included on your travel insurance policy and a working knowledge of the equipment you are going to use.

              While any time in Mexico is filled with sun, there are also plenty of things to visit away from the beach as well. There are archaeological sites to see such as Chichen Itza, a Mayan ruin paradise.   Travel insurance can provide support should an accident happen whilst visiting an archaeologist dream. Mexico is six hours behind the UK, so 24 hour emergency service and assistance is very desirable in a travel insurance policy.

Should you run into difficulties such as passports being stolen or lost, the British consulate can be located at:

British Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico
British Embassy
Río Lerma 71
Col Cuauhtémoc
06500 México DF