Mexico travel insurance

Places to go and things to do in Mexico

1. Swim in a cenote near Tulum

Cenotes are natural swimming holes scattered across the Yucatán Peninsula. These cool, crystal-clear pools are often surrounded by jungle or caves.

Parque Dos Ojos, just outside Tulum, is a favourite for snorkelling and cave diving. You’ll spot fossils, dramatic rock formations and that signature bright blue water. Sunscreen isn’t allowed to protect the ecosystem, so pack a rash vest.

Try nearby Cazuma for lesser-visited cenotes. The town has three in total, and you can travel between the three on a horse-drawn cart across an old railway track.

2. Ride the El Chepe train through Copper Canyon

The El Chepe train winds through northern Mexico. It crosses 37 bridges and 86 tunnels as it snakes through the vast Copper Canyon, a system even deeper than the Grand Canyon.

The track is 656km long and if you wanted to do it all in one go, the full journey takes around 10 hours. But to really make the most of this remarkable landscape, hop off at towns along the way. Stop at Divisadero for sweeping views or a bit of ziplining at Parque de Aventura.

Many areas are great for hiking. You can also have experiences learning from the Tarahumara people who are indigenous to this region.

3. Explore Mayan ruins in Palenque

Hidden deep in the jungle of Chiapas, Palenque is a hauntingly beautiful archaeological site. Temples, tombs and intricate carvings peek out from the trees. You can often hear the chatter of monkeys (or perhaps even the roar of a jaguar).

The Temple of the Inscriptions reveals stories of King Pakal, while the Red Queen’s tomb adds another layer of mystery. Thanks to the new Maya Train, getting there is easier than ever. If you're a fan of Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones, this will definitely be up your street.

How much do things cost in Mexico?

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). You can check how it compares to British pounds with our currency converter.

Compared with the UK, Mexico is generally considered to be an affordable place to visit. Here’s a rough guide to prices, using data collected by Numbeo, accurate as of October 2025.

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: Approx 200 MXN (£8.22)
• Regular cappuccino: Approx 65 MXN (£2.67)
• Taxi cost per km: Approx 45 MXN (£1.85)

You can organise your travel money with Post Office before your trip. Exchange money over the counter at your local Post Office branch, or order Mexican pesos online and we’ll deliver the cash to your address. Read our tips to make your travel money go further.

Do you need travel insurance for Mexico?

While it isn’t compulsory to have travel insurance for a visit to Mexico, it’s advised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Mexico is a long way from the UK, on a different time zone with a different language. If anything happens on your trip, knowing that you have cover in place is a huge reassurance.

If you need emergency medical care, you know that you’re not going to return home to a large bill. Insurance can also help you speak to a medical professional in your own language whenever you need them, while covering the cost if you need to be flown back to the UK for medical reasons.

Insurance can also help protect you against travel delays and disruption, having to cancel or cut short your trip for reasons set out in your policy wording, or that are lost, damaged or stolen, like your passport or luggage. Mexico isn’t the cheapest place to fly to, but insurance can help remove the panic if your travel plans change unexpectedly.

What does travel insurance cover for Mexico trips?

Post Office Travel Insurance can help you in a variety of unexpected events. It can cover:

• Emergency medical costs: For both illness and injury, we can help pay for your treatment and help you get back home. Our policies also include 24/7 outpatient support, meaning you can talk to a medical expert, in your own language, whenever you're abroad¹
• Cancelling or cutting your trip short: If you have to cancel or come home early for a reason listed in your policy, we’ll pay you back for unused travel and hotel bookings up to the policy limits
• Lost, stolen or damaged belongings: This includes your suitcase, passport or money. Check the cover limits and make sure you report any loss to the police within 48 hours, as you’ll need to provide us with a police report
• Missed or delayed flights: If your international transport is late or you miss it, we’ll cover the cost (for certain reasons, up to policy limits, with certain cover levels; check your policy for more information)
• Personal accidents and legal costs: If something serious happens, we can help with legal fees and personal accident claims, up to the policy limits

You can choose our economy, standard or premier cover levels depending on how much protection you want.

What doesn’t travel insurance for Mexico trips cover?

Bear in mind that there are certain things that aren’t covered by travel insurance, and certain actions will invalidate your policy. You won't be covered if:

• You don’t declare a pre-existing medical condition when taking out your policy
• You do risky sports or activities that are excluded or need extra cover
• You’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• You break local laws or ignore official advice
• You miss flights or connections due to personal error (such as oversleeping)

Always read your policy carefully so you know exactly what’s covered.

Medical care and vaccinations

Mexico has both public and private healthcare. Private healthcare facilities are particularly high-quality, with short wait times and a high level of English-speaking staff. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides a list of English-speaking medical facilities throughout Mexico, so be sure to check it if your Spanish is a little rusty.

If you use public healthcare facilities in Mexico, you will still need to pay. Depending on what treatment you need and where you go, you can find yourself with a substantial bill. This is why insurance is so important. The FCDO also makes clear that certain facilities don’t deal with insurers directly, so you’ll need to pay the bill up front and then claim back from your insurer. If this is the case, contact your insurer as soon as you get to the facility and it will be able to advise. If you have Post Office Travel Insurance, you have access to an English-speaking doctor 24/7.¹ You can speak to them via video call, arrange for them to meet you at your hotel or go to a local facility.

The number for the emergency services in Mexico is 911.

In remote areas, ambulances may take longer. Check the location and type of nearby health centres, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Vaccinations for Mexico

There are no vaccine requirements to enter Mexico, but a number of vaccines are advised to keep you safe. Remember to check with your GP at least 8 weeks before your trip. The recommended vaccines for everyone are:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

Additional vaccines may be advisable depending on where you’re going and the level of outbreak in that area. You can find more information about this on the TravelHealthPro site, but potential vaccines include:

• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Rabies

Travel risks in Mexico

Most journeys that British tourists make to Mexico are trouble-free, but there are places where ongoing situations can be dangerous for visitors. Certain areas in the North of the country and at the border with the US have seen significant violence due to the trade in illegal drugs, and such areas could be unsafe for British visitors.

Mexico is also prone to a number of natural disasters that it’s worth preparing for. Hurricanes and earthquakes are both possible. Hurricanes normally occur between June and November and, while they mainly affect coastal areas, they can also travel large distances inland. Hurricanes may also contribute to other, more localised disasters like landslides and flooding.

Earthquakes also occasionally occur, and tremors are common. Earthquakes can cause fires and buildings collapse, so make sure you know whether the area you’re visiting is prone to earthquakes and what to do if one happens. There are apps that can warn you about oncoming shakes.

Staying safe in Mexico

Tourist destinations in Mexico receive extra protection and security from the state and are generally considered safe, but danger can’t be entirely ruled out. It’s important to remain vigilant as you would in anywhere new.

Always keep your eye on your drinks and don’t accept drinks bought for you by strangers. Avoid travelling alone, especially at night. Make sure that belongings are securely stored, for instance in room safes, and make sure items are protected when you go to the beach. We have a guide on how to avoid scams while on holiday which can help, especially if you’re in crowded areas.

It’s recommended not to leave the tourist areas you are visiting, and if you travel around, to do so as part of an organised group. Try not to wear visible jewellery or carry expensive-looking equipment and avoid using public cashpoints if possible.

Getting around Mexico

There is so much to do in Mexico you may find yourself spending a bit of time on the road. Here are the best ways to get around:

• Bus: An affordable and comfortable option, bus networks connect all cities in Mexico. Choose between different class seats to suit your preference
• Domestic flights: Don't underestimate the sheer size of Mexico. Depending on where you’re looking to visit, and how much time you have, you may decide flying internally is the best option for you
• Car hire: Great for more exploratory trips, but it can be expensive. You’ll need to be sure you get Mexican motor insurance as well, any other policy isn’t recognised under Mexican law
• Taxis and rideshares: Uber operates in many cities and is increasingly popular

Visas and entry requirements

You don't need a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist, but you may for other types of visit. You'll be asked to fill in an immigration form when you arrive, and it's vital to keep hold of this as you will be asked to provide it when you leave. Check the entry requirements for Mexico according to the FCDO.

You can get a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (like a visa but not quite the same thing) online, but your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Mexico.