Get help to plan your approach when you apply for residency in Mexico, and practical tele-assistance as you make your own way through procedures related to applying for legal residency in Mexico.

First-time residency applications in Mexico

Our associates can help you when you are planning to apply for residency in Mexico for the first time. (They can also help if you had residency before, allowed it to lapse, and want to re-apply for residency now.)

Mexperience offers detailed information about applying for residency, including the principal routes to residency and their qualification criteria.

How the Tele-Assistance facilitation service works

The tele-assistance facilitation service offered by our associates saves you time and helps avoid common mistakes made by applicants seeking residency in Mexico. You can use tele-assistance regardless of what location you plan to move to (or are currently situated) in Mexico.

The service facilitates your application at every stage of the process:

• An initial consultation by phone/videocall/email/chat to understand your situation and plan a workable approach for your residency application.
• Confirmation of the required procedures for a first-time residency application.
• Review of your supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Customized checklist of documents you’ll need to carry and present at each stage of the process.
• Assistance to identify a suitable Mexican consulate abroad, including help to book an appointment, and support to prepare for your residency interview at a Mexican consulate.
• After the consulate places a visa stamp in your passport, our associates continue their support when you arrive in Mexico to exchange your visa for a residency card.
• Our associate will co-ordinate your intended arrival date in Mexico and book an appointment for you at the immigration office in Mexico using the INM’s online appointment system.
• They’ll correctly complete the application forms and letters (in Spanish) that you’ll need when you arrive at the immigration office in Mexico to exchange your visa for a residency card.
• Our associate will provide detailed instructions/guidance about where to go and what to do at the Mexican consulate abroad and/or at immigration office in Mexico on your appointment date.

Get support through every stage of the application

The table below describes the support offered at each stage of the application process.

First Time Application Tele-Assistance Fees

Our associate’s first time application tele-assistance support package offers facilitation that is transparent and affordable, with fixed-fee pricing and no hidden charges.  All consulting and assistance fees exclude the government fees applicants must pay to apply for residency in Mexico.

Accompanied Option: The First Time Application service plan is also available as an Accompanied Assistance option at selected cities in Mexico.  Accompaniment is not available at Mexican consulates abroad.  See this page for details and fees.

Make a service request for Residency Assistance

To hire our associate to assist you with the facilitation of your first time residency application, please complete the request form below.

What happens next?

• After you complete the form, Mexperience will send you an email that confirms your request and introduces you to the associate who will assist you.
• The immigration assistance associate will respond to you directly and request payment for their service. When you’ve paid, they’ll schedule-in your initial consultation and the service will begin.

If your existing Mexico residency card is expired, our associates may be able to help you renew the card: in Mexico through a regular renewal process; or by restarting your residency application inside Mexico; or by restarting your residency application at a Mexican consulate abroad—depending on the circumstances.

How you deal with an expired residency card depends on:

• Whether you are physically inside Mexico or outside of Mexico when the card expires; and
• How many calendar days have passed since the card expired; and
• If you were outside of Mexico when it expired, how many days have passed since your return date to Mexico; and
• How many years of temporary residency you have accrued.

Renewing your Mexico residency when your residency card has expired

Our associates can provide consultation and practical assistance in the event that you have let your residency card expire.  Their support and facilitation depends on your circumstances, thus:

If you’re currently outside of Mexico and less than 55 days have passed since the card expired, and you have less than four years of temporary residency accrued, our associates can help with a regular renewal of your existing residency card.

If you’ve recently arrived back in Mexico with an expired card and you have less than four years of temporary residency accrued, and less than 5 days have passed since your arrival date, our associates can help with a regular renewal of your existing residency card.

If you’re currently inside Mexico, and less than 55 days have passed since the card has expired, and you have less than four years of temporary residency accrued, our associates can help you re-apply for residency at an immigration office in Mexico, and you can use the form on this page to make a service request. In this situation you will be required to re-prove your income and all your key documents including bank/account statements will need to be notarized/apostilled and translated into Spanish.

How the Tele-Assistance facilitation service works

The tele-assistance support service offered by our associates saves you time and helps avoid common mistakes made by applicants dealing with their expired residency cards in Mexico. You can use tele-assistance regardless of what location you plan to move to (or are currently situated) in Mexico.

The service facilitates your application if you have a qualifying expired residency card (see notes above) and you want to apply for a renewal or re-apply for residency.

• An initial consultation by phone/videocall/email/chat to understand your situation and plan a workable approach for renewing your residency card or re-applying for residency.
• Confirmation of the required procedures for dealing with your expired residency card, depending on your circumstances.
• Checklist of requirements and review of your supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Correct completion of the forms and covering letter you will need to file for renewal of an expired residency card or re-application.
• Customized checklist of documents you’ll need to carry and present when you attend the immigration office in Mexico.
• Detailed instructions/guidance about where to go and what to do when you arrive at the immigration office to file the application.

Get support through every stage of the application

The table below describes the support offered through the expired residency card renewal or re-application process.

Dealing with Expired Residency Cards Tele-Assistance Fees

Our associate’s expired residency card assistance packages offer facilitation that is transparent and affordable, with fixed-fee pricing and no hidden charges.  All consulting and assistance fees exclude the government fees applicants must pay to apply for residency in Mexico.

Accompanied Option: The Expired Residency Card assistance service plan is also available as an Accompanied Assistance option at selected cities in Mexico.  Accompaniment is not available at Mexican consulates abroad.  See this page for details and fees.

Make a service request for assistance with dealing with expired residency cards.

To hire our associate to assist you with the facilitation of your renewal of or re-application for residency when your residency card is expired, please complete the request form below.

What happens next?

• After you complete the form, Mexperience will send you an email that confirms your request and introduces you to the associate who will assist you.
• The immigration assistance associate will respond to you directly and request payment for their service. When you’ve paid, they’ll schedule-in your initial consultation and the service will begin.

Auto insurance coverage valid in Mexico

Some auto insurance policies might contain wording that leads you to believe that you are covered in Mexico, but this out-of-country cover, if any is included, is limited to damage to your own vehicle and certain things you may be carrying inside your car.

The most important aspect of an auto insurance policy when you’re driving in Mexico is third-party liability, because claims for damages by third parties can be substantial.

Third party liability abroad needs a special policy

By law, US and Canadian insurers can’t provide third party liability and this coverage must be underwritten by a Mexican insurance company and be specially formed to be legally valid under Mexican law.

Third party liability covers any losses your actions might cause to others. These most commonly include (but are not limited to):

• damage to another person’s vehicle, or their property;
• injuries to another person in an accident; and
• damage to public property (e.g. road structures).

How much liability insurance is needed in Mexico?

While no one expects to be involved in an accident —and far less a serious one— when arranging coverage, it’s worth considering the worst-case scenario: that you accidentally cause serious injury or death of another person as a result of a vehicle accident.

Here in Mexico you can be made financially responsible to the other party (or their kin) if you unintentionally cause the death of another motorist, and reputable insurance brokers suggest that you have no less than US$300,000 in liability insurance and they will usually recommend US$500,000.

Get a policy covers more than just accidents

There are other factors besides financial liability to consider when you are arranging your auto insurance when you drive in Mexico.  The three most important aspects to consider when choosing a policy are:

Legal representation

If you’re involved in a serious road accident in Mexico, it’s common for those involved to be detained until the situation is assessed, fault is determined, and financial responsibility is assigned.

Due to this process, the legal representation which better policies offer will provide you with:

• local assistance to help you deal with the complex paperwork and procedures (in Spanish, and liaise with you in English);
• a fund to post a bail-bond and get you released as soon as practicable; and
• a legal team to negotiate on your behalf if fault and responsibility is assigned to you.

Medical coverage

If you or any of your vehicle’s occupants are injured in an accident, medical payments might or might not be covered. Medical coverage on auto policies vary and you’ll need to compare the choices to ensure you have an adequate amount of coverage, per person and in total.

Assistance for accidents and vehicle breakdowns

When an accident happens, what really matters is the practical support provided by an insurance policy.

If your vehicle breaks-down, or in the event of a minor accident which leaves your car damaged but readily repairable, a roadside travel assistance plan offered by the insurer can be an enormous benefit to you.

Roadside assistance can be purchased as part of an auto insurance policy and offers very practical help in what can be stressful and confusing circumstances.

• In the event of a breakdown or minor accident which leaves you stuck, help with things like gas delivery, a flat tire, a locksmith, or a tow truck to a nearby garage for essential repairs can be a phone call away.
• In the event of an accident, assistance can provide practical support and liaison with key personnel to help you recover more quickly and get back on your road trip as soon as practicable.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

If you, or a family member is struggling to cope, therapy is an option that some people consider as part of a range of support mechanisms that may help.

Psychotherapy for foreign residents in Mexico

Adela Iglesias is a qualified psychotherapist with more than 30 years of experience working with adults of all ages, teens, and couples—helping them to navigate life’s challenges.

Based in Mexico, she offers one-on-one online sessions providing a confidential and warm space where you will feel at ease to share whatever is troubling you and have the opportunity to address it and help restore balance to your life.  Adela’s therapy is helping expats in Mexico to settle-in and adapt to their new environment.

Her training began in the field of psychoanalytical psychotherapy. She went on to incorporate perspectives that take into account both the body as well as the environment as essential factors to understand human behavior and the patterns that cause us suffering.

She is specialized in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma, that is, the aftermath of stressful or challenging life experiences, such as loss and change, whether foreseen or unexpected, whether deemed as positive (e.g. moving to a new country), or negative (e.g. dealing with loss).

Therapy and the expat experience

Moving to a new country is an exciting opportunity that entails a unique set of challenges, ranging from culture shock and language barriers to complex logistics, financial management, and homesickness. There is an emotional and psychological toll when you settle abroad, which can include:

• Culture shock: Adjusting to new social norms, dining habits and communication styles can bring about disorientation, confusion and frustration, while you adapt.
• Loneliness and homesickness: As much as you might love the new place, being far from family and friends, especially during personal milestones or holidays, can lead to isolation, sadness and feelings of guilt.
• Identity struggles: Becoming an expat might involve a temporary sense of loss of belonging and the realization that it might be harder than you thought to adapt and fit in.
• Unfulfilled expectations: Relocating to a new country will not magically solve internal problems, which are part of your own baggage, or guarantee happiness, but it may open the opportunity to work through them.

Seeking professional help through therapy can help ease feelings of anxiety, burnout or isolation, and prevent them becoming unmanageable. Psychotherapeutic accompaniment can be a supportive strategy that makes the process of adapting to a new life abroad easier, gentler, and even enjoyable.

How Adela works with her clients

Adela believes that psychotherapy is a process through which we can reconnect to our innate capacity to heal, finding a way to lead a satisfying life while accepting and dealing with the challenges, pains, and losses that living entails.

Nobody knows more about us than ourselves, but in times of turmoil we may need someone to accompany us to help find the way through the maze of habitual patterns that can make us suffer needlessly.

Adela therefore works as a facilitator for exploration to help you identify and clear obstacles, and to offer gentle guidance as you regain your own balance.

Make a service request

Adela will be pleased to schedule a free 30-minute consultation so that you can meet her, talk about your situation and ask questions before you commit to any therapy sessions.

What happens next?

• After you complete the request form below, you’ll receive an email introducing you to Adela.
• Adela will respond to you directly to schedule a free 30-minute consultation video call to introduce herself, talk about your situation, and answer your questions without pressure or obligation.
• If you decide to engage in therapy with with Adela, she will work personally with you.

Get help to plan your approach when you apply for residency in Mexico and practical facilitation assistance as you make your way through procedures related to applying for and managing your residency status in Mexico.

Mexico residency facilitation and assistance support service

The tele-assistance support service saves you time and helps avoid common mistakes made by applicants.

Whether you’re applying for residency for the first time, renewing an existing residency permit, or need assistance with other procedures related to managing your legal residency in Mexico—our associates can help.

Our associates offer service packages for the most common residency-related procedures, with clear and transparent fixed-fees. (Consulting and assistance fees exclude the government fees applicants must pay to apply for residency in Mexico.)

Mexico residency assistance plans and fees

Learn about the service packages that our immigration assistance associates offer, with clear and transparent fixed-fees for each one.

Click on the service name for a full description of the service and procedures, and to make a service request.  Our associate will contact you directly.

When you’re thinking about moving to Mexico but have questions about how suitable Mexico may be, places to live, and key things to consider, a Mexico Lifestyle Consultant offers a structured conversation to help you define your intentions, set a clear direction, and help you to begin making informed choices.

Save time, gain valuable lifestyle insights

This lifestyle consultancy service is carefully structured to assist in your lifestyle deliberations and planning:

• Helps you to consider choices and the groundwork needed to plan for living, working, or retirement in Mexico.
• The consultation saves you valuable time by focusing on matters related to your specific circumstances.
• You’ll get unique insights into the options and choices available for different lifestyles in Mexico based on your intentions and goals.
• Learn about the everyday practicalities of moving and adapting to a new lifestyle and culture.
• The consultation may also help you to avoid making material mistakes commonly encountered by those seeking a lifestyle abroad.

Consultations formed around your individual needs

Our Lifestyle Consultants are long-term expats who know Mexico intimately.  They themselves have made the journey of moving to Mexico and have assimilated their life situations to Mexican ways and customs. They provide meaningful insights and guidance based on decades of experience living and working in Mexico.

About your personal consultation

Our Mexico Lifestyle Consultants offer personal consultations by telephone or video call for US$119 per hour.  There is a one-hour minimum fee and any time over one hour is billed precisely as used.

During the call, the consultant will take time to learn about your situation, your plans and intentions, your timescales, and will also take detailed questions you want to ask and address concerns you want to discuss.

The personal consultation helps to identify important aspects about your situation, address potential issues, and answer specific questions or concerns you have regarding a move to Mexico.

Benefits of a lifestyle consultation

These lifestyle consultations are ideal when you’re contemplating a move to Mexico and you want to talk to someone with direct experience of having made the journey through a carefully structured consultation that will:

• Help you to identity your priorities and define your aims and intentions.
• Consider realistic and viable options, based on your life stage, lifestyle choices, and intentions.
• Help you to consider whether Mexico is a good fit for you alone, or with your partner and/or family as relevant.
• Address any specific questions or concerns you have in regard to moving to Mexico to live, work, or retire.
• Help you to compile a shortlist of potential locations that may suit your lifestyle needs if you’re not yet sure about where in Mexico you want to live.
• Help you to consider the groundwork needed to plan the move, and adapt to a new lifestyle abroad.
• Share helpful local knowledge and valuable advice based on practical real-life experience of having moved to, settled, and adapted to Mexico.

Most consultations don’t last longer than an hour, but if your situation needs more time, or you would like to return another day for further conversations with your consultant, you may hire them on a per-hour basis.

Request your personal consultation

To request a consultation, complete the short questionnaire below that will help us to learn about your needs and refer you to an appropriate consultant.

After we review your request, you’ll be introduced to the associate we refer you to who will contact you personally to request payment for the one hour consultation, and schedule your meeting at a mutually-agreeable date and time.

Our auto insurance associate, MexPro, offers auto insurance backed by A-rated underwriters that provide adequate coverage and peace of mind for your road trips in Mexico—including all-important third party liability, and practical assistance services that support you in stressful situations.

Auto insurance that’s valid in Mexico

Some auto insurance policies might contain wording that leads you to believe that you are covered in Mexico, but this out-of-country cover, if any is included, is limited to damage to your own vehicle and certain things you may be carrying inside your car.

What MexPro auto insurance offers:

• Insurance from an established company specializing in Mexico auto policies underwritten by A-rated (financially sound) insurers.
• Coverage offered for Cars, SUVs, Pickups, Vans, Motorcycles, ATV/UTV, and Motorhome/RVs.
• Cover for towed units if needed.
• Choice of Liability Only and Full Coverage insurance packages to suit your needs and budget.
• Insure for a defined number of days, or choose a bi-annual or annual policy for multiple visits.
• Obtain cover for the physical damage and total theft of your vehicle, and get the all-important third-party liability—all with fixed deductibles.
• All policies include: Legal assistance (US$30,000 max); Medical expenses after an accident (US$25,000 max); Roadside Assistance and Travel Assistance.
• Trip interruption cover: Assistance to continue your trip if it’s interrupted by accident or total theft with return to place of residence; or car rental; plus lodging expenses.
• Policy wording in English with features and benefits you’re accustomed to and expect from an Insurance policy.
• Coverage terms are clearly provided by our associate, MexPro Insurance, when you get a no-obligation quote.

Do I need auto insurance for my road trip to Mexico?

Here are key points to consider when you intend to drive your car or other motorized vehicles to Mexico:

• You need to obtain an auto insurance policy that covers at least third-party liability in Mexico, because your US or Canadian policy, however comprehensive, cannot cover this.
• All MexPro’s plans cover third-party liability, and their full coverage policies will also cover physical damage and total theft of your vehicle while it’s in Mexico.
• Having roadside assistance will be invaluable if your vehicle breaks down or if you’re involved in an accident.  Legal assistance provides essential coverage while accident blame is assessed.
• Driving in Mexico uninsured is a risk, especially if you’re involved a serious accident—and whether or not the accident is your fault.
• Affordable policies are available to give you and your passengers peace of mind when you’re on the road in Mexico.

This service saves you time and helps avoid common mistakes made by applicants. Accompanied Assistance provides a combination of tele-support and in-person accompaniment at the immigration office in Mexico.

Accompanied Assistance at immigration offices in Mexico

Accompanied assistance provides the same features and benefits of our associates’ tele-assistance services, with the added benefits of:

• Printing out and organizing all the paperwork and forms ready for you to sign and file the application.
• Meeting with you in person to guide you through the procedures.
• If the immigration office raises any issues with forms or letters, the associate can swiftly correct and reprint papers for you, minimizing the disruption time.
• If you need to return another day to complete the process, they will meet you in person again at no additional charge.

Accompanied Assistance is currently offered at the following locations:

How the Accompanied Assistance service works

Accompanied Assistance provides a combination of tele-support and in-person accompaniment at the immigration office in Mexico. This section describes the application stages and support offered at each stage.

Accompanied Assistance Service Plans & Fees

Our associates charge a fixed fee per person for the accompanied service at immigration offices in Mexico.  Fees vary depending on the location.  You must pay the government fees separately.

All Accompanied Assistance service plans include:

• An initial consultation by phone/videocall/email/chat.
• Confirmation of the required procedures.
• Helping you to make an appointment at a Mexican Consulate abroad, if relevant. (They cannot accompany you to the Consulate.)
• Making an appointment for you at the Immigration Office in Mexico using the INM’s online appointment system.
• Completion of the forms and letters required for your filing.
• Custom checklist of documents you’ll need to carry.
• In-person accompaniment at the immigration office in Mexico.

Make a service request for Accompanied immigration assistance

To hire our associate to assist you with the facilitation of your Mexico immigration application or renewal, please complete the request form below.

What happens next?

• After you complete the form, Mexperience will send you an email that confirms your request and introduces you to the associate who will assist you.
• The immigration assistance associate will respond to you directly and request payment for their service. When you’ve paid, they’ll schedule-in your initial consultation and the service will begin.

This article describes what a trip protection plan is, and how you can use this type of insurance to cover your trips to Mexico.

What is a trip protection plan?

When you’re visiting Mexico on a short-term basis —for no more than 90 consecutive days— a trip protection plan (sometimes referred to as trip cancellation insurance) will mitigate the costs of unexpected travel and medical expenses in the event of delays, interruptions, cancellations, as well as medical emergencies and evacuation.

Our associate offers trip insurance plans which protect the investment you’ve made in your trip to Mexico and alleviate the costs of unexpected emergency medical situations.

What a trip protection plan covers

• Comprehensive trip protection plans with a choice of three tiers of coverage for short-term stays in Mexico that won’t exceed more than 90 consecutive days.
• Delays, interruptions or cancellation of your travel plans.  Compensation if your flight gets delayed or your bags are delayed or become lost or stolen; and reimbursement of you non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel your visit to Mexico due to unexpected situations including illness, job loss or transfer, as well as certain weather, disaster and other unforeseen events.
• Unexpected emergency medical expense coverage in Mexico for physician’s fees, lab/x-rays, prescriptions, anesthetics, clinic/hospital costs up to US$100,000; cover for emergency dental expenses is also included up to US$5,000 depending on the plan tier you choose.
• Medically-warranted emergency evacuation to the nearest suitable medical facility and covering up to US$500,000 (depending on plan tier) of medical evacuation costs. Includes transporting a visitor from abroad to join you, and repatriation of minors.
• A 24/7 travel assistance service is included in all plan tiers offering non-insurance travel assistance services, for example if you need help with replacing a lost passport, prescription refills, legal referrals, and emergency cash advances among others.
• Highest tier of the plan also offers coverages for Non-medical emergency evacuation, car rental damage, sports rental equipment coverage, lost golf days & lost ski days, and replacement of frequent-traveler points.
• Premiums and plan options are based on several factors including trip duration and cost, and travelers’ ages. This plan is available for your next visit provided your stay does not exceed 90 days.
• Terms are clearly provided by our associate, TME Travel Insurance, when you get a no-obligation quote.

Is a trip protection plan right for me?

This type of plan is ideal for people who make short trips to Mexico—that don’t exceed 90 days.

If your visits to Mexico are longer than 90 days and will not exceed 180 consecutive days (six months), consider opting for Travel medical insurance instead.

If you stay in Mexico for over 180 consecutive days a Medical Evacuation Insurance plan might suit your needs in situations where a critical medical issue warrants a medical evacuation.

Arranging coverages for your activities, assets and health in Mexico

Getting quotes and arranging insurance is straightforward using online services.  Use the table below to connect to insurance brokers who can give you a no-obligation quote and arrange policy coverages to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Learn about insurance services in Mexico

We have published guides to help you learn about the different insurances available to support your lifestyle including:

Auto Insurance: If you’re bringing a US or Canadian-plated car to Mexico, your home country insurance policy will not cover you for third party liability.  Getting suitable coverage for your vehicles (car, ATV, RV, motorcycle, and towed units) is straightforward and affordable, and includes services that will support you in the event of an accident.  Learn about Auto Insurance for Mexico.

Health Insurance: If you plan to stay in Mexico longer term, a health insurance plan that will give you access to health services at Mexican clinics and hospitals is an ideal way to mitigate medical expenses that can arise from accidents and illness. Learn about health insurance options for Mexico.

Medical Evacuation: If you have a good medical healthcare plan in your home country, a comprehensive Medical Evacuation insurance that will transport you from a hospital in Mexico back to your hospital, doctors and network of choice is available.  Learn about Medical Evacuation from Mexico.

Property Insurance: When you own a home in Mexico, it’s wise to keep the property insured against common risks including theft of your personal goods in the home, third party liabilities (e.g. a tree falling onto your neighbor’s property), fire, and natural disasters.  Learn more about insurance for your home in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: If you’re only visiting Mexico for a short period, travel and trip curtailment insurances are available to cover unforeseen travel and medical expenses while you’re away from home.  Learn more about travel insurance.

This article describes what a travel medical insurance plan is, and how you can use this type of insurance to obtain coverage when you’re in Mexico for shorter trips and extended stays not lasting more than 180 days.

What is a travel medical insurance plan?

Most trip protection insurance plans limit coverage to a maximum of 90 calendar days —three months— and if you stay over this, the insurance plan’s cover ceases to continue.

If you stay, or intend to stay, in Mexico for longer than three months, then an extended stay travel medical plan will cover you in Mexico for up to 180 days (6 months), and provide emergency medical expense coverage, including medically-warranted evacuation, during that time.

Our associate offers extended stay travel medical insurance plans to protect you from the costs of unexpected medical emergencies while you’re in Mexico.

What an extended stay travel medical plan covers

• Unexpected medical expenses while you’re on an extended stay in Mexico not exceeding 180 days.
• Emergency medical expense coverage in Mexico for physician’s fees, lab/x-rays, prescriptions, anesthetics, clinic/hospital costs up to US$100,000. Coverage for emergency dental expenses is also included up to US$750.
• Medically-warranted emergency evacuation to a hospital of your choice and covering up to US$500,000 of medical evacuation costs. Includes transporting a visitor from abroad to join you, and repatriation of minors.
• The plan extends coverage beyond Mexico to nearly all countries when you travel.
• If you unexpectedly pass away in Mexico, this insurance plans covers the cost of repatriation of your mortal remains.
• This plan does not cover prepaid trip costs (flights, hotels, cruises, tours & excursions, etc.) that you would typically find in a single-trip comprehensive protection plan.
• Premiums are based on the number of days you intend to stay in Mexico (maximum 180 days).
• Coverage limitations apply—terms are clearly provided by our associate, TME Insurance, when you get a no-obligation quote.

Is travel medical insurance plan right for me?

This plan is ideal for those who visit Mexico for extended stays up to 180 days and primarily seek protection from unexpected medical emergencies, with medically-warranted evacuation, and without seeking coverage for trip interruptions and other non-medical benefits that single-trip insurance typically offers.

If you take single trips or short visits to Mexico that will not last more than 90 days (three months), consider opting for short-term visit coverage options which offer emergency medical expense coverages in Mexico, trip-protection if your voyage is cancelled or interrupted in some ways, as well as medically-warranted evacuation to the nearest suitable facility.

If you live or stay in Mexico for over 180 consecutive days and have a medical plan that covers you in your home country, a Medical Evacuation plan for longer-term stays might suit your situation.

Consequences of driving uninsured in Mexico

If you become involved in a car accident in Mexico and you are not insured:

• you will become personally responsible for any damage to the third party’s vehicle (or vehicles, if it is determined that your actions were the cause of an incident involving several vehicles);
• the authorities will pursue you personally for costs related to the repair of the public highway; this includes things like road surface, barriers, signs, and lamp post repairs—and can get expensive;
• if someone is hurt or killed, all drivers will be arrested; if you are deemed to be responsible, third parties will pursue liability damages against you;
• the authorities may charge you with driving without third party insurance that is compulsory in Mexico.

What to look for in an auto insurance policy

Regardless of who you buy your auto insurance coverage from, you should check that your auto insurance policy includes these essential elements:

Financially sound insurance underwriter

Make sure that the insurance company underwriting your policy is financially sound. Policies from lesser-rated insurance companies might cost less, but that lower premium translates into a de facto higher-risk for the policy holders. Don’t just shop around for the cheapest policy—consider who’s insuring you to avoid surprises in the event that you need to make a claim.

Licensed broker

As all insurance policies are sold through brokers, ensure that the broker you engage with is licensed and that they provide full transparency of the policies they offer. You should be able to check the detailed terms and conditions of any policy before you are asked to buy.

Broker’s presence and infrastructure

Ensure that the broker you use is well established in the market.

‘Good infrastructure’ means that the broker has excellent customer services facilities, makes effective use of technology so that you can purchase your policy efficiently.

The policy ought to offer help and support services when you are in Mexico, in addition to the insurance coverage, to include local access numbers where you can call to make a claim, ask questions and report issues, and be able to talk to someone in English, especially if you don’t speak much (or any) Spanish.

Liability coverages, legal assistance, and bail bond

Ensure that any policy you purchase includes coverage for these three essential elements:

• Third party liability: the policy must cover third party liability, including your personal liability to any third parties.
• Legal assistance: good policies offer comprehensive legal assistance that will support you in the event of a serious accident or third-party claim.
• Bail bond: your coverage ought to include a ‘bail bond’ element that will cover payment of your bail bond if you become involved in a serious accident and are detained while the incident is investigated, and liability is assessed. If this process is protracted, the bail bond may get you released pending inquiries.

Local support when you need it most

In the event of an accident or incident and subsequent claim, the level of local support your broker’s insurer has in place in Mexico will make all the difference to you.

• The broker and their insurance company should provide easy access to local support services in Mexico so that in the event of a claim, you are able to call for help with the least amount of effort.
• They ought to offer support attended by an English-speaking service agent who will be able to manage your call efficiently and dispatch the help and support you need.
• The local support ought to coordinate all your needs including accident reporting, legal support, breakdown, and medical assistance (if you purchased these).

Breakdown and medical coverages

The better brokers will offer a comprehensive range of additional support services, which are optional, but are worth considering when you are driving in Mexico.  The two most important are:

Breakdown coverage

If your vehicle breaks down while you’re driving in Mexico, roadside recovery will provide you with the essential support you need to get your car repaired and mitigate risks of becoming stranded.

Roadside assistance may include things like delivery of emergency fuel, towing services, dealing with flat or damaged tires, locksmith support, jumpstart assistance, and provision of lodging and a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be repaired, and repatriation to your home country in the event of a write-off.

Medical assistance on your road trip

A policy that provides medical coverage will provide round-the-clock medical assistance on your road trips, including in the event of a serious accident, land and air medical evacuation and coverages to support you and your travel companions, for example with accommodations and transport while you convalesce.

Making an auto insurance claim in Mexico

Your policy documentation should be clear about the procedure you need to undertake in the event of an accident or incident, and any subsequent claims.

Here is a summary of the most important points, which are relevant to terms on most Mexican auto insurance policies:

You must make the claim in Mexico

Some people wait until they get back to the US or Canada before making a claim, especially if it’s for something minor, for example, for bodywork or a hit-and-run incident in a parking lot. Insurance policies require you to make a claim while you are in Mexico and most will not process your claim if you wait until you return home, except in the most exceptional circumstances.

Calling the insurance helpline

The first call you make if you become involved in an accident should be to the insurance company’s helpline. In addition to registering your claim, they will be able to dispatch an insurance assessor to the scene of the accident, as well as plan for lawyers or other services to be put in place for you, in the event of a more serious accident.

They may also arrange for breakdown and medical services to attend the scene if you purchased these additional coverages, and they are required.

Paperwork and reimbursement

You may be asked to produce a police report as well as other relevant documentation as part of the claim procedure. In some cases, for example, for immediate repairs to get your vehicle back on the road, you may need to pay these out-of-pocket and get reimbursed when you return home.

Keep all receipts. Your insurance policy will be specific about what to do in these circumstances. In all cases, remember that you should lodge your claim in Mexico—don’t wait until you get back home.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers guides and articles to help you prepare and drive confidently in Mexico

• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Dealing with minor and major road accidents
• Guide to driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico
• Get a quote for Mexico auto insurance