Cheap flights to Mexico, Mexico So it is absolutely crucial to get travel insurance! Read on to discover the great insurance options, perfectly adapted to different types of trips, such as backpacking, adventures and more. In addition, we have two FREE COMPLETE travel insurance alternatives, which can be something new to you!
Rescue of staff trekking in South Korea
A journey to Mexico can provide incredible moments, but it can also generate some stress. Among the tasks of dealing with air tickets, lodging reservations, planning activities and itineraries, in addition to preparing for jet lag, many travelers end up neglecting a crucial detail: hiring a travel insurance.
If you identify with this situation, don’t worry! Read on to understand the importance of getting travel insurance in Mexico, including a list of the best and most economical options available!
But before we proceed…
Do I need travel insurance to go to Mexico?
Unduly, quality travel insurance is absolutely crucial, especially for travelers like me, who indulge in activities at high risk of injury (and consequently medical expenses!).
During my journeys, I’m adept at climbing mountains, exploring challenging places, practicing jumping and swimming in unusual places – basically, I embrace everything I consider part of a perfect adventure!
Imagine snowboarding in Switzerland without travel insurance, getting hurt in the middle of the mountain and need a helicopter evacuation. The medical bill you would receive while lying in bed in the hospital would have so many zeros that could cause heart problems just by looking at it!
Having a travel insurance is a sensible measure no matter where you go!
Also, during my wanderings, I met several backpackers that featured the famous “Thai tattoo”, which are giant scars on the legs caused by exhaust burns of motorcycles in Thailand!
After all, who would want to end up in a public hospital in the middle of Bangkok? With travel insurance, you can choose to be treated in a private hospital where you are likely to receive better quality care. Therefore, it is one more reason not to give up insurance before your next adventure!
Do I really need travel insurance? I do not play sports or extreme activities!
Here’s the crux: Even if you’re just planning to shop in Miami, it’s of the utmost importance to own travel insurance.
There is always some kind of risk on any trip, even when walking on the street and suffering a fall or getting sick.
Relying exclusively on the health system in Mexico (or in many other countries) without any kind of insurance is like exposing yourself to a possible financial ruin.
In addition, many countries, including Mexico, require travelers to have some type of health insurance or travel in order to enter the country.
Also remember that travel insurance is not limited to health problems or doctors. Depending on the plan you choose, it can assist in covering expenses with lost baggage, flight delays, problems caused by adverse weather conditions and even the evacuation of the country in case of civil unrest. Therefore, it is a prudent investment to ensure a smooth and safe trip, regardless of the destination and planned activities.
Update on Travel Insurance and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
It is true that the Covid-19 pandemic has not yet been completely eradicated, and it is understandable that people are concerned about the coverage of travel insurance related to this disease.
Currently, most travel insurance plans offer coverage for Covid-19-related expenses. However, it is strongly recommended that you thoroughly review the details of your policy prior to making the purchase in order to ensure that you have adequate coverage for possible eventualities related to that disease.
Insurance terms and conditions may vary, so it is important to understand what are the exclusions or restrictions related to Covid-19, if any. By doing so, you will be better prepared and protected if you face any health problems during your trip.
Remember that the situation of the pandemic can change rapidly, and insurance policies can also be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, keep up to date on the changes and be well informed about the conditions of your insurance before you travel. With the appropriate coverage, you will be able to enjoy your trip with more tranquility and security.
(OO which for more details, you can also take a look at our article here: International Health and Travel Insurance covers the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?)
How does Mexico’s health care system work?
The health system of Mexico is characterized by a mixed structure, comprising both the public sector and the private sector. I will explain the main aspects of Mexico’s health system:
- Public Health System: Mexico has a public health system known as “Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar” (INSABI), formerly called “Popular Insurance”. INSABI is intended to provide free or subsidized health services to the population that does not have formal health insurance or resources to pay for private medical services. Services offered include medical care, hospitalization, medications, and basic exams.
- Universal Health Coverage: The goal of Mexico’s health system is to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that all citizens and residents have access to the necessary health services, regardless of their ability to pay.
- Private Health System: Mexico also has a private health sector that offers medical and hospital services to those who have the resources to pay for them. Many businesses and individuals choose to acquire private health insurance to gain access to a wider network of doctors and private hospitals.
- Public Health Centers: Mexico has a network of public health centers, which act as the first line of health care for the population. These centers provide primary medical care, preventive services, vaccination, and treatment for common diseases.
- Public Hospitals: In addition to health centers, Mexico’s public health system includes public hospitals that provide more complex medical and surgical services.
- Mexico also implements special programs to address specific health issues, such as the program to combat child malnutrition and the vaccination program.
- Social Security Program: Mexico has a social security system that provides health coverage for formally employed workers. The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) and the Institute of Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) are two important institutions that provide medical services to workers and their dependents.
- Indigenous Health: Mexico also has specific programs to meet the health needs of indigenous populations, aiming to address inequalities and ensure access to appropriate health care.
Although Mexico has made significant efforts to improve its health system, there are still challenges to be faced, including issues of inequality in the distribution of resources and access to services in some regions of the country.
Note: The options mentioned above are geared towards travel insurance intended for tourists. However, if you are planning to go to Mexico with the aim of studying, you will need to acquire an international health insurance plan for foreign students. On the other hand, if you are moving to Mexico as an immigrant worker or immigrant, an expatriate health insurance policy will be required. Some alternatives to these cases can be found in the final section of this article.
What are the best travel insurances to Mexico?
If you do an online search on travel insurance, you will find a wide variety of options.
However, over the years, I have conducted a comprehensive survey of travel insurance companies (and have also tried several of them!). The following list includes the travel insurance options I always resort to.
However, it is important to remember that your final choices will depend on your location and the level and type of coverage you want for your trip.
I recommend taking the time to get a quote from each of these companies for your trip. I know it may take some time, but the money you can save at the end of the day will be worth it!
Here are the travel insurance comparison sites that allow you to compare and acquire different planes.
1. The largest and cheapest travel insurance portal in Brazil to compare and guarantee the best price:
Promo Insurance (cupom 5% discount OUTCOMF5)
Seguros Promo acts as an aggregator platform that provides and markets travel insurance over the internet. Through its tool on the website, travelers have the possibility to compare coverage and prices of different companies and select the travel insurance that best suits their needs. In addition, Promo Insurance offers assistance in case of claims, intermediating the customer’s contact with the insurer.
It is recommended that, in addition to researching WorldNomads, mentioned above, the user also explores the Promo Insurance website to find other options of companies and travel insurance plans especially aimed at Brazilians.
In Promo Insurance, you can find several travel insurance options at very advantageous prices. Some of the most economical travel insurance to Mexico were found there.
However, it is important to pay attention to the value of the coverage offered by these insurances. For example, the health care system in the U.S. has high costs, so a coverage of $30,000 would be considered low for travel to that country. On the other hand, the minimum coverage required for the Schengen area in Europe is 30,000 Euros, which currently corresponds to about US$ 33,000. Therefore, the choice of proper coverage will depend on the destination of the trip.
In the case of playing sports or adventure activities during the trip, it is crucial to verify that the contracted insurance offers adequate coverage for these activities, in addition to analyzing the total amount of coverage provided.
An important detail is that Insurance Promo also offers travel insurance with worldwide coverage. If the traveler plans to visit more than one continent during his journey, he can take out a single comprehensive insurance by selecting “international” as a destination. For example, when traveling to Asia and Europe, it is possible to purchase insurance that covers both continents, provided that the coverage exceeds 30,000 euros or US$50,000 (minimum amount required for the Schengen Area). In this way, the traveler will be protected for both continents. The same applies to three or more continents.
In addition, it is recommended to check if travel insurance includes coverage for dental treatment, since some plans offer this coverage while others do not.
As for the payment, Promo Insurance offers the option of installment within 12 times the credit card without interest or grants 5% discount on the purchase with payment via boleto or PIX.
And on top of that 5% of the ticket, there is still a 5% discount Coupon to use in Promo Insurance. Discount code: OUTCOMF5.
Therefore, take a search in Promo Insurance just to take the proof and, finding a cheaper price, hire with themselves!
Some of the insurance offered by Promo Insurance:
Promo Insurance Travel Insurance and COVID-19 coverage
Seguros Promo is a insurance comparison platform and therefore does not offer direct coverage in cases of occurrences. Among the insurers available on the platform, only Assist Card, Travel Ace and Intermac provide emergency care in situations of suspected Coronavirus. Other companies offer coverage only until the time the disease is diagnosed. It is essential to thoroughly check the details of the coverage of each plan before making the appropriate choice to your needs during the trip.
Meet the Brazilian Travel Insurance that Cobre COVID-19 here.
2.The other Brazilian travel insurance portal option with great prices:
Real Travel Insurance (link with 17% discount on Real Seguro17)
Another Brazilian travel insurance sales platform similar to Promo Insurance is Real Travel Insurance. Like Promo Insurance, they are not an insurer itself, but act as an intermediary to market travel insurance from other companies.
In addition to offering a wide variety of travel insurance, Real Seguro Viagem also stands out for its highly competitive prices! On some occasions, I came across travel insurance in Real Seguro Viagem that were identical to those of Promo Insurance, but with lower values. Or, still, I found the same travel insurance offered by Insurance Promo at the same price, but with greater coverage in Real Seguro Viagem. Thus, I consider it worth investing only 5 minutes to request a quote in Real Travel Insurance and check if you can not find a more advantageous option there.
Note: The tips on the value of coverage, sports, dentist and payment in Real Seguros are similar to Promo Insurance.
Travel Insurance Insurance and Coronavirus coverage
Currently, all necessary medical expenses are covered by the partner insurers of Real Seguros until the moment the COVID-19 is diagnosed. However, it is important to note that if the patient is diagnosed with the disease, treatment related to COVID-19 will no longer be covered by companies, since pandemics are usually listed as excluded risks in insurance policies.
Therefore, when purchasing travel insurance, it is essential to carefully check the details of the coverage to understand which situations are included or excluded. The pandemic can affect insurance policies, so it is essential to be informed about the conditions of insurance before traveling.
3. The option of well-known insurance company and average price:
IMG Global (accepted citizens of all countries!)
The International Medical Group (IMG) is, in fact, a recognized insurance company in the United States that provides travel insurance for travelers from more than 190 countries.
Therefore, no matter where you are, IMG is an excellent option to find travel insurance for Mexico!
They have a travel insurance plan available only to Americans (Patriot Travel Medical Insurance) and another one available to non-U.S. travelers (Patriot America Plus).
You have the flexibility to choose the desired coverage level, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, and franchises can range from $0 to $2,500.
The prices offered are generally competitive. However, as well as some of the other options mentioned above, there are some activities that are not included in coverage. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to carefully read the policy to ensure that it includes all necessary coverage before finalizing the purchase.
Travel insurance for seniors (65+): In addition, IMG offers a tailor-made travel insurance plan for travelers 65 and older, called GlobeHopper Senior.
IMGlobal travel insurance and coverage for COVID-19
In general, most of the plans offered by IMG will provide coverage for all Covid-19-related care you may need, including treatment, hospitalization and even medical evacuations.
However, it is essential to carefully read your policy before making the purchase, to check if there have been any changes in coverage or specific policies related to Covid-19. The pandemic situation can change quickly, and insurers can adjust their policies accordingly. Therefore, being well informed about coverage related to Covid-19 is essential to ensure a smooth and safe trip.
4.The best and most comprehensive travel insurance for backpackers and adventurous travellers:
(5% discount coupon: comfort5comfort5)
In my opinion, World Nomads is the best travel insurance company available for backpackers.
Whenever I am traveling in areas where I plan to carry out more adventurous activities or considered “risky” (such as snowboarding, canyoning, glacier hiking, skiing, skiing, climbing, etc.), I make sure to acquire a policy with World Nomads.
They actually cover almost all activities, and to date, I haven’t found another company that offers a better deal for ALL activities covered by World Nomads policies. (If you know any other please let me know in the comments below!)
If you have a specific activity in mind and want to know if it will be covered by World Nomads, you can check this page here.
Essentially, there are two types of policies that you can choose from with World Nomads. The first is the “Standard” policy. Even if you have some adventure activities planned, the “Standard” option may still be enough as it offers emergency medical coverage for activities such as alpine skiing or hiking of up to 6,000 meters (almost 20,000 feet)!
Otherwise, you also have the “Explorer” plan, perfect for more adventurous travelers. This plan will cover almost any other activity imaginable. (But of course, double-check your plan before buying, if you have something specific in mind that you want to cover.)
Another interesting feature of World Nomads is the possibility of adding optional coverage for “high-value specific items such as iPhones and digital cameras.” If you are traveling with a lot of electronic equipment or in areas where theft is common (like my home country, Brazil, for example), this can be a smart option.
I can also add that based on my personal experience when seeking reimbursement after falling ill in Thailand, the World Nomads customer service team is very attentive and easy to handle.
Another important thing to know is that with World Nomads, you can buy your travel insurance even if you have already started your trip. You do not need to be in your country of residence to buy or extend a policy.
You can get a 5% discount code on your World Nomads travel insurance policy using the coupon code “comfort5.”
(P.S. If you are like me and you are also addicted to sports and adventure activities and wish to have good travel insurance that covers them, here are two other items you might like: 3 Best International Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities and 9 tips to stay in shape during your travels.)
WorldNomads travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage
Until the date of this publication, World Nomads does not provide clear information as to whether its insurance plans cover the treatment of COVID-19. However, in order to get the most up-to-date information on coronavirus-related coverage, it is recommended to check directly on your site at this link.
5.One of the cheapest travel insurance companies you will find out there:
WorldTrips (formerly Atlas Travel)
According to my experience, WorldTrips travel insurance plans are usually some of the most economical in the market. However, it is important to note that due to the affordable price, they may not offer as much coverage as companies like World Nomads.
For this reason, I often opt for WorldTrips when I travel to destinations considered more “safe”, mainly cities such as the United States or Europe.
Although I have purchased WorldTrips travel insurance plans before, fortunately I never had to request a refund. Therefore, I cannot say with certainty what the refund process is. However, I found some comments from other people who have done it and managed to get reimbursement successfully. It seems that WorldTrips is a great option for budget travelers looking for cheap travel insurance.
In general, WorldTrips accepts citizens from all over the world, with a few exceptions. They offer plans of different sizes and types, from backpacking trips around the world for a full year to short study trips abroad for college students.
An interesting feature of WorldTrips is that you can buy a policy even after you have already started your trip. Therefore, if you are already abroad and want to acquire or extend a plan, there is no problem.
Unlike many other insurance companies, WorldTrips imposes no age limit! However, it is important to mention that the price of the plan will increase as the price of the plan will increase as age. Also, when you are over 70 and then 80 years old, coverage limits can decrease. Therefore, it is natural that older people pay more than young people for the same coverage.
It’s rare to find travel insurance companies that offer coverage for seniors, making WorldTrips a solid choice for travel insurance in this age group!
WorldTrips Travel Insurance and Coverage for COVID-19
In general, the medical costs related to COVID-19 disease will be covered by your WorldTrips policy. However, it is essential to check your policy details to ensure that coverage is up to date before making the purchase. The situation of the pandemic can change rapidly, and insurance policies can also be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, being well informed about COVID-19-related coverage is critical to ensuring a smooth and safe trip.
6. One of Brazil’s Best International Travel Insurance
Allianz Assistance / Mondial Travel
I should also mention Allianz/Mondial, as many readers have recommended this travel insurance. Allianz Brasil’s international travel insurance website is customized for Brazilians, offering all the details in Portuguese and with customer service in Brazil.
If you feel more comfortable using local business English sites, Allianz is a great option, as well as offering very competitive prices. They also offer multi-destination annual travel insurance!
Despite generally attractive prices, it is essential to check the “general conditions” to ensure that this insurance meets your needs as it may not cover all the activities you plan to perform. Please read the details of the coverage carefully to make sure that you are protected throughout your trip.
They make installment in 6 x on the credit card for purchases over R$ 120.00.
Allianz Travel Insurance and COVID-19 coverage
The insurer does not cover the treatment of COVID-19. Your expenses will only be paid until the time of diagnosis of the disease.
7.The new international travel insurance company for digital nomads and adventure sports and extremes:
Safety Wing
Safety Wing has excelled in the insurance world due to its wide variety of options, serving students, digital nomads, expatriates and, of course, travelers in general. Its flexibility and comprehensive coverage make it a popular choice for diverse traveler profiles.
One of the differentials of Safety Wing is the focus on insurance plans covering adventure sports and radical activities. (Like World Nomads!)
In addition, their website is nice and allows you to get a quote in a simple and fast way.
Safety Wing travel insurance and coverage for COVID-19
In general, medical expenses related to COVID-19 will be covered by the Safety Wing policy. However, it is always recommended to check the details of the policy before making the purchase to ensure that the coverage is up to date and fit your specific needs. The situation of the pandemic can change rapidly, and the policies of insurers can be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, being well informed about COVID-19-related coverage is critical for a smooth and safe trip.
International sites to compare and buy travel insurance from different carriers
8. The best place to find and compare cheap travel insurance:
VisitorsCoverage
Unlike the other options mentioned in this list, VisitorsCoverage is not an insurer itself. Instead, it is a platform that allows the viewing and comparison of travel insurance plans from several different companies at the same time. This approach makes it easy to search and select the plan that best meets the traveler’s needs, providing a wide range of options in one place.
It is a bit like Momondo, which allows you to compare airline tickets from different companies. Or Rentalcar.com, which does the same car rental.
That is, it is much easier to view all your travel insurance plans options. And finally, compare, choose and buy the best option for your trip.
At VisitorsCoverage, you will find a wide variety of options, including travel insurance plans for business and students.
With a decade of experience in the market, the site serves citizens from more than 175 countries. In addition, according to the available analytics, they offer reliable customer service, available online 7 days a week. Its global footprint and ongoing support make VisitorsCoverage an attractive option for travelers from different backgrounds and needs.
VisitorsCoverage travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage
On the VisitorsCoverage platform, you can check the specific information about the Covid-19 coverage of each insurance plan you are researching. However, it is important to note that, as with most of the companies mentioned earlier, the vast majority of travel insurance plans currently include some type of Covid-19-related protection. It is recommended to carefully check the details of the policy to ensure that the coverage meets your specific needs during the pandemic.
9 Another great site for research and compare cheap travel insurance:
TravelInsurance.com
Like VisitorsCoverage, TravelInsurance.com is a travel insurance portal that allows viewing and comparison of multiple insurance plans offered by multiple companies simultaneously.
To conduct the research, simply enter your personal information and some details about your trip. The platform will then provide a comparative analysis of the available plans, which you can filter according to the rating and price. With this tool, finding the ideal travel insurance for your needs and budget becomes easier and faster.
An interesting feature of TravelInsurance.com is that in addition to travel insurance, they also offer insurance plans for immigrants, international students and expats.
TravelInsurance.com travel insurance and coverage for COVID-19
When using TravelInsurance.com for your research, you can check the position of each partner insurer in relation to Covid-19 coverage. However, as I mentioned earlier, it is important to note that most of the travel insurance plans available currently include some kind of Covid-19-related protection.
Therefore, when exploring the options on the platform, you are likely to find several plans that offer this coverage. Be sure to review each plan in detail to ensure that coverage meets your specific needs during the pandemic.
2 bonus options to find and compare different travel insurance plans at once:
AARDY
AARDY is a remarkable travel insurance aggregator platform, which allows you to simultaneously view several options of plans offered by several companies, being described as the “Amazon” of travel insurance.
One feature that stands out at AARDY is its excellent customer service, which is reflected in its high score on TrustPilot.
In addition to the user-friendly search portal, which provides a quick and simple comparison of plans, they also provide various means of contact, such as email, support and live chat, so you can clarify all your doubts and concerns before purchasing your insurance policy.
A relevant information is that AARDY practices social responsibility by donating 10% of its annual revenue to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides financial assistance to the children of the military members who are deceased in combat. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to humanitarian causes and its concern for the community.
AARDY travel insurance and coverage for COVID-19
As AARDY is not a travel insurance provider itself, but rather a portal that allows you to compare insurance from several companies, it is necessary to consult directly the individual insurer for detailed information about the plans and the coverage offered to see what is their position in the coverage of Covid-19.
InsureMy Trip
Similar to the other “portals” or “aggregators” of travel insurance mentioned above, InsureMyTrip offers an easy and quick way to compare travel insurance plans from multiple companies in one place.
By using InsureMyTrip, you can get a comprehensive overview of the available options, filter and compare plans based on your specific preferences and needs, making the travel insurance choice process more convenient and efficient.
It is very similar to the Momondo, which is an aggregator of air tickets, or Rentalcar.com, which is a car rental aggregator.
One feature that makes InsureMyTrip different is your commitment to quality. If a plan or insurer receives less than 4 stars, it will be removed from the site.
InsureMyTrip has a unique focus on travel insurance. Unlike some other options mentioned above, this platform does not offer insurance plans for expats, immigrants or international students. Its goal is to provide a wide variety of travel insurance plans to meet the needs of travelers on their journeys around the world. With this approach, they ensure that the available options are carefully selected and maintain high quality standards, providing users with a safer and more reliable shopping experience.
But if you are looking for a plan like this to supplement your travel insurance, I can find out my article on the 5 best and best health insurance for international students or 5 best international health insurance for expatriates and immigrants.
InsureMyTrip Travel Insurance and COVID-19 Coverage
Since InsureMyTrip itself is not a travel insurance provider and is just an aggregator that allows you to compare insurance from multiple companies, you will have to search the individual insurer before buying your plan to see what their position is in Covid-19 coverage.
But wait… Maybe you don’t have to pay for travel insurance!
Here are two sneaky ways to get “free” travel insurance 
1. Buy your ticket back with a credit card to (maybe) earn travel insurance.
Based on the type of credit card you have, it is possible that when you buy the round-trip flight with that card, you get a free basic travel insurance plan included in the purchase.
Some of the major card cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners, offer cards with this benefit. However, it is necessary to contact the card provider or check the website to confirm that your card includes this benefit and how it works.
If you are planning to travel to Europe in the future, it is important to keep this in mind. The free basic travel insurance plan provided by the card may be sufficient to meet the mandatory Schengen insurance requirement.
However, it is critical to understand that the plan offered by the card will be more international health insurance than full travel insurance. This means that it will likely only cover emergency medical care and will not offer coverage for most sports or activities considered “risky.”
In addition, unlike traditional travel insurance, the card plan will not provide coverage or compensation for travel delays, loss of baggage, cancelled flights or other travel-related problems. Therefore, it is important to assess your needs and consider purchasing additional travel insurance if you want more comprehensive protection during your trip. Always carefully read the terms and conditions of the insurance offered by the card to fully understand what is covered and what is not before you rely exclusively on this coverage during your trip.
Also remember that this will not work if you are using miles to buy your ticket. And that the maximum insurance period of these types of credit cards is only 31 days. Therefore, if you are still traveling, you will have to buy a regular travel insurance policy to keep covered.
According to a reader of the blog called Alex, if you have a Visa Platinum credit card and use the accumulated miles with that card to pay the tickets (including taxes and fees) and then make the purchase with the same card, you will be entitled to the worldwide travel insurance offered by the card.
However, it is advisable to confirm this information directly with your credit card operator, as the benefits of credit cards may vary depending on the countries where they are issued. Thank you to Alex for sharing this information!
In addition, thanks to the comment of the reader Ana Luisa, it was revealed that the insurance Visa Platinum usually has a validity of 60 days, instead of the 30 days offered by most other credit cards. However, if your trip exceeds this period, it is important to complement the rest of your trip by purchasing a traditional travel insurance policy. For at least the first 2 months, you can save some money by relying on insurance provided by the Visa Platinum card. However, it is essential to remember that, after this period, it is prudent to ensure that your trip is still properly covered by acquiring a traditional travel insurance policy for the entire period of your stay.
2. Use your country of residence health insurance.
Before we conclude, I have one last suggestion for you to consider. Check with your health plan provider in your home country if they provide you with any international travel insurance options.
Often, if you already have a health plan with them, it is possible to acquire travel coverage abroad at a reduced cost (or even at no additional cost!). However, it is important to carefully analyze whether the insurance offered covers the destinations you are planning to travel to and all the activities you intend to undertake during the trip.
This way, you can ensure that you will be adequately protected during your journey. Be sure to check out the details and restrictions of the plan offered to ensure you meet your specific travel needs. This can be a great option to complement your coverage and travel with more tranquility.
3. Take the free CDAM (PI4 and BI2) to have free access to the health system in Portugal, Italy, or Cape Verde
The Certificate of Right to Medical Assistance (CDAM) is a document issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Health that offers free or reduced access to the public health system of some countries abroad.
CDAM PI4 is valid for Portugal and Cape Verde, while CDAM BI2 is used to obtain health care benefits in Italy. These certificates simplify access to health services in hospitals and public health centers in the mentioned countries, allowing Brazilians to be served without costs or with reduced expenses during their stay abroad.
It is an excellent option for Brazilian travelers planning to visit these countries, providing greater tranquility and security regarding medical assistance during the trip. It is important to check the requirements and procedures to obtain the CDAM before your trip to ensure that you are properly protected in case of need for medical assistance during your stay abroad.
To learn how to take CDAM and the necessary documents, take a look at this page of the Ministry of Health here.
A quick note about cruise travel insurance:
Recently, I received a contact asking if any of the mentioned travel insurance plans can be used for cruise travel, which led me to conduct some research.
Based on the information I found, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips offer coverage for cruise travel.
WorldTrips has confirmed by email that its Atlas plan will cover even the ship’s medical evacuation if necessary, depending on the situation.
It appears that all travel insurance plans from WorldNomads cover cruise travel. However, it is important to remember that WorldNomads has an age limit of 66 years, while WorldTrips has no age limit!
I am still awaiting confirmation from the other companies about coverage for cruise travel. It is always recommended to check directly with the insurance provider to ensure that the cruise trip is properly covered by the policy before embarking on the adventure.
Fraud alert! As mentioned earlier, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips offer the option to purchase their insurance AFTER the start of travel. However, it is important to take care to avoid possible fraud.
It is essential to understand that this option does NOT allow you to travel without insurance and buy a policy only after you get sick or have an accident to get retroactive coverage.
Insurers are aware of this possibility, so most of them include a “anti-fraud” clause in their policies. This clause stipulates that coverage will only be valid 48 hours after the purchase of the policy.
In other words, if you become seriously ill during the trip and want to purchase insurance immediately to cover treatment, you will need to wait 48 hours before you can seek medical assistance for the coverage to apply. In addition, you will need to prove to the insurance provider that the disease occurred AFTER the acquisition of the policy.
In case of accidents, it is possible to use insurance within this period of 48 hours. However, it will be necessary to prove that the accident occurred AFTER acquiring the plan.
In summary, it is not possible to use insurance to cover a condition or accident that occurred prior to the purchase of the policy. Insurers have procedures for verifying and preventing fraud, and, if there is any irregularity, they will certainly investigate the situation to ensure the integrity of the insurance system. Therefore, it is important to act responsibly and acquire the travel insurance policy before starting your journey to ensure proper coverage.
Can I use travel insurance while living abroad as an expatriate or immigrant?
If you are living abroad or traveling in a country for a short period, it may be good only with travel insurance.
If you are looking for more comprehensive coverage, especially for extended stays abroad, or need proof of health insurance for immigration purposes, it is highly recommended to purchase a specific international health insurance plan for expatriates or immigrants.
This type of plan has been specially developed to meet the health needs of people living in another country for a long period. It offers more complete coverage, including not only emergency medical care, but also regular medical appointments, ongoing treatments, routine checkups and other medical needs during your stay abroad.
With international health insurance for expatriates or immigrants, you will have peace of mind and security, knowing that you will have access to adequate and comprehensive medical care throughout your stay outside the country of origin. This type of plan is of utmost importance to ensure that you are properly protected and also to meet the immigration requirements of the country where you intend to establish your residence.
Therefore, if you are planning a move abroad for a longer period of time, it is essential to invest in proper international health insurance, so that your life experience in another country is safe and well cared for.
If you want to know more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance, see our article on the 3 best international health insurance for expatriates and immigrants.
Or, you can directly check the price with some of the insurers for expatriates and immigrants here:
Cigna
IMGlobal
Now Health International
Can I use my travel insurance during my exchange or while studying abroad?
In short, the answer may vary depending on the specific situation. My suggestion is to start by checking with your school or university for clear information about health insurance requirements.
In general, if your course or program of study lasts less than 3 months and you will only travel on a tourist visa, a standard travel insurance may be suitable.
However, if you need a student visa, you will need to purchase a specific health insurance plan for international students or exchange programs.
This is particularly important if you are going to the United States on a J1, J2 or F1 visa, or if you are traveling to Europe on a Schengen student visa. These types of visas usually require specific health insurance with adequate coverage to ensure that you are protected during your stay abroad. Therefore, it is essential to check and obtain the appropriate insurance plan according to the type of visa and the destination country.
If you have any specific questions about health insurance for international students or any other issue related to travel insurance, it is advisable to contact the insurance company directly for detailed and accurate information about the coverage offered for your specific situation.
If you are an international student and think you may need one of these special medical insurance plans, take a look at my page with The 3 best and cheapest health insurance for international students and exchanges to learn more.
Once again, you can directly check the price with some of the insurance companies for international students here:
IMGlobal
Cigna for International Students
Now Health International
Travel insurance and its coverage for terrorism
I received some comments, both in the article in English and in Portuguese, asking if travel insurance covers acts of terrorism.
After conducting research, here are the results:
While WorldTrip’s basic travel insurance plan does not include coverage for acts of terrorism, the Atlas Premium plan covers “treatment of injuries and illnesses related to an act of terrorism, to the extent set out in the benefits table and limits.” This means that if you are traveling and unfortunately get involved in a terrorist event, you will be covered if you have the WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan.
In addition, it is important to mention that most of the WorldTrip’s plans offer a “Crisis Response Coverage” that protects travelers in situations of civil unrest, political events, natural disasters, and other crises during travel. This coverage includes even “expressed” situations, providing financial support for response, redemption and delivery expenses of personal belongings.
However, it is essential to note that some countries are not covered by the “Creses Response” feature. This includes countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea. Still, it is important to point out that, in most of these countries, regular travel insurance is still valid, except for the part referring to the “crisis” of the coverage, which will not be applied in these specific regions.
General tips to help in requesting reimbursement of travel insurance:
All previously mentioned travel insurance companies have a wide network of hospitals, clinics and doctors. It is advisable to seek treatment from one of the providers of this network to facilitate the payment process, avoiding that you need to disburse money directly, since the account of the treatment will be sent directly to the insurer (unless the cost exceeds the maximum limit of the coverage).
If an unforeseen event, such as illness or accident, it is recommended to contact the insurer of your travel insurance as soon as possible so that they can indicate which doctor or hospital in the network you should seek to receive the treatment.
If, for some reason, you are unable to reach a network provider, you will need to pay for the treatment out of pocket and subsequently request reimbursement from the insurance company.
It is important to be aware that insurers can be strict when granting payments and require all the correct documentation to process reimbursement of medical expenses incurred during the trip.
But first, some terms of insurance to understand:
making a claim: asking an insurer for reimbursement of medical expenses
Insurance company: the travel insurance company
“beneficiary” complainant – the insured person (you) who is requesting money/refund from the insurer
List of documents normally required by travel insurance policies when you request reimbursement of medical expenses (if you have been treated by an out-of-network provider):
- Copy of the national identity of the complainant (driver’s license or other identity issued by the state);
- Copy of the proof of residence (any current proof – from the last 3 months – with the name of the applicant). If you do not have, send a completed residence declaration, signed and with a recognized name by the insurance company;
- For minors, a declaration of residence must be completed, signed and recognized by the respective legal guardian (form provided by the insurer);
- Copy of proof of the complainant;
- Original registration information form, signed by the beneficiary (form provided by the insurer);
- Copy of the passport (identity page + page with stamps of entry and departure from the country where the accident occurred) or other documentation showing that the beneficiary was away from the usual domicile when the accident occurred (also known as your country of origin) – for example: air tickets (in fact, you must always keep your boarding pass until the end of the trip, not only for a possible claim but also to request your miles!);
- Presentation of the original medical report with a description of the procedures, provided by the health professional or medical centre with a clear indication of the diagnosis, clinical history and admission form, in the case of hospitalization;
- Original recipe (if the pharmacy still has the prescription, send your x-ray or document proving that you have taken the medicine in exchange for the prescription);
- Invoicing of medical procedures or receipt of the pharmacy with the prescribed medicines, corresponding to the quality and quantity of the prescription provided;
- Medical care report (explaining the reason, what happened and how was the treatment – both from the travel insurance team and from the health care staff), written by the beneficiary;
- a list of completed expenditure (form provided by the insurer);
- Your contact phone number, address and email;
- Proof of bank information (copy of the header of the bank statement, check or debit card).
And the most challenging thing is that in most cases it may be necessary to send all these physical documents by mail!
Yes, I understand, it’s a big inconvenience. Therefore, it is actually much easier and more agile if you can seek treatment with a doctor who is inside your insurance company’s network. This way, you can avoid all the lost time and the headaches associated with the preparation and sending of this paperwork.
However, if you don’t have any other alternative and need to go through this refund process, don’t worry. With a little organization and ensuring that all of these documents are in order, your chances of successfully registering your complaint and getting the refund quickly are quite solid!
If you’ve needed to make a complaint before, share your experience and tips in the comments section below to help other readers. This can be valuable for those facing similar situations and seeking guidance during the travel insurance reimbursement process.
It is important to remember that the rules and procedures for claim can vary between different insurers, so it is always good to contact your travel insurance company directly for accurate and up-to-date information on the refund process.
I hope this information has been useful to you and that your trip is smooth and safe! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. Have a nice trip!
To sum up, these are the best travel insurance companies in Mexico:
- Insurance Promo
- Real Travel Insurance
- IMG Global
- World Nomads Travel Insurance
- WorldTrips
- Allianz Assistance / Mondial Travel
- Safety Wing
- VisitorsCoverage
- TravelInsurance.com
- AARDY
- InsureMy Trip
My final advice: Important, be sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip! Or if you have forgotten and are already traveling, buy as soon as possible! Or if you have already purchased a policy and need to extend your coverage (which both WorldNomads and WorldTrips allow), make sure you do this before your policy expires!
This way, you will have the peace of mind that you are covered throughout your journey to Mexico.
Now it’s your turn. What has been your experience with travel insurance? Have you had to activate your policy? Which company did you use and how was the refund process? Or have you still had any questions about insurance travel in general?
Share in the comments area below, and I will reply to you!
I wish happy travel! (And I hope you never need to use the travel insurance plan you just purchased!)
