Do You Need Insurance When Traveling or Living in Mexico?
If you live year-round in Mexico or are just visiting, you need to read this article. As a Canadian digital nomad turned full-time expat resident of Mexico, I explain why you need insurance when traveling or living in Mexico. Keep reading to find out why, and discover how to get a quick free online quote for all types of insurance.
If you are reading this, you most likely share my passion for exploration and have a soft spot for Mexico. Let me take you on a quick trip through my journey of becoming a digital nomad traveling the world, to a happy full-time resident of this vibrant country - Mexico. Learn why insurance became a crucial part of my story along the way.
To skip the article and get your free online quote now, contact me.
How my life as a digital nomad started
I became a digital nomad in 2016. After graduating university, I needed a break from the cold Canadian weather, 9-5 hustle-and-bustle work culture, and the concrete jungle I called home. I had always dreamed of becoming a surfer and living in the tropics, but that dream seemed far from becoming my reality.
A short trip to Maui, Hawaii sparked my wanderlust. After this, I had no desire to return home and continue living my ‘normal’ life. I decided my days of thankless jobs, winter parkas, and long depressing winters were over for good. I quit my administrative job, purchased a one-way ticket to Kauai (Hawaii), packed a carry-on suitcase of essentials, abandoned my possessions, and never looked back. For the next several years, I bounced between Hawaii and Costa Rica chasing waves.
Deciding to move to Mexico as a Canadian expat
Fast-forward to 2018 when I suffered a major accident on Kauai. Although my Canadian insurance policy stated I would be covered abroad in this type of emergency, my provider denied coverage - forcing me to return home (24+ hours travel time) with multiple untreated fractures and in excruciating pain. On top of this, I had to pay out of pocket for medical bills and my travel costs (and the costs of my travel companion which I needed since I couldn’t fly alone in my condition). So, as you can imagine, this accident cost me thousands of dollars despite having purchased a Canadian travel insurance policy.
When I recovered, I was excited to escape the cold Canadian weather again to live somewhere warm. Due to financial constraints, I decided my best option was the charming Mexican town of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca because of its cheap cost of living. The second I stepped foot in Mexico, it captured my heart and I instantly knew I wanted to put down roots and savor the rich culture, warm hospitality, and mouthwatering cuisine!
But chasing the nomadic lifestyle in Mexico was not without its costs and hardships.
Surviving Dengue in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
At the time, I didn’t know Dengue virus was alive and well in this part of Mexico. Imagine my surprise when I awoke one morning feeling like my bones had been broken. Since I knew you need insurance when traveling or living in Mexico, I had purchased a policy from a Canadian provider. Battling a dangerously-high fever, I tried to call them but could not reach any of their numbers - yet I could make outgoing calls. For some reason, their emergency line would not accept international calls. My brother called but they refused to speak to him.
I had been in Mexico only 1 week and didn’t have taxi numbers, know where hospitals were, and couldn’t ask for help because I was in the middle of the jungle. I was scared and isolated, questioning if I would survive and desperately wanting to go to a hospital. I spent thousands of dollars on a Canadian policy to feel protected in the event of an emergency but, yet again, they left me alone to fend for myself. I eventually recovered, but the emotional damage was permanent and my trust was broken.
I won’t name the company, but I will say the policy was a huge waste of money and jeopardized my life. If I had purchased a Mexican travel or health insurance policy, the ease of contacting the company and accessing medical services would have been streamlined and saved me the stress and suffering I experienced.
One thing that didn’t change was my love of Mexico and desire to live here. So I explored different areas and settled down into what is now my life in Mexico.
Why Insurance Matters: Navigating the Unknown
If you can learn anything from my experiences, it’s the importance of being prepared and knowing that living in a foreign land comes with its own set of challenges. From car/motorcycle accidents, flooded condos, viruses, broken bones, and more - I can attest that insurance is a lifesaver and you absolutely need insurance when traveling or living in Mexico.
Whether you’re a tourist soaking in the beauty of Tulum, a digital nomad exploring Mexico City, or an expat basking in the tranquil charm of Puerto Vallarta, insurance is your safety net. Having the right coverage ensures your journey is smooth and worry-free.
What sets me apart to help you find the right insurance?
Insurance isn’t a thrilling or sexy topic, so bear with me.
I’ve walked the walk of uprooting my life to travel and live in foreign countries. I didn’t have a lot of help and had to figure things out the hard way like: dealing with emergencies, looking for a house, buying a car, navigating the Mexican healthcare system, and more. I’ve even learned the language and am now fluent in Spanish.
I offer insurance quotes that are competitively-priced, but it’s not just about the numbers - it’s about responsiveness. Other agents may leave you hanging for days, if not weeks. I pride myself on being the fastest, most reliable agent you will find. I offer same-day policies, quick solutions, and strive to answer all of your questions quickly with a level of responsiveness you would expect from a Canadian business professional.
There’s always a risk of mixups with agents who speak English as a second language - not to mention the frustration of a language barrier. I am completely bilingual, and can answer all of your questions in English (my native language), while negotiating the best deal on your policy in Spanish.
How I can help: Your passport to peace of mind
Insurance might not be the star of your Mexican escapades, but it’s the unsung hero that ensures your journey is unforgettable for all the right reasons.
I’ve partnered up with top-notch insurance providers to bring you competitively-priced policies tailored for your Mexican adventures/lifestyle. Whether you are visiting for a short time or planning to set down roots like I did (or maybe you already have), I can find the most affordable plan that is perfect for you.
No hard sells here either - just a friendly reminder that when the unexpected happens, you’ll be glad you chose me as your reliable Canadian ally. This is my side gig and I don’t rely on it to support myself. Which means you can trust that I’m always looking out for your best interests. My goal is to make traveling and living in Mexico go as smoothly as possible for people like myself, so they don’t have to learn the same hard life lessons.
Ready to embark on a worry-free adventure in Mexico?
Whether you live here in Mexico full-time or are planning just a short visit, I want to make sure we’ve got you covered. Feel free to hit me up for a quote or more information. Alternatively, if you’re not feeling so social, you can use my quote generators for tourist auto, resident auto, travel, health, boat liability, and homeowner/condo insurance. However, your best bet to get the most competitively-priced policy on the market is by reaching out to get your quote today. See why everyone is choosing me as their #1 insurance broker.
Your journey is unique, and your insurance needs are too. Let’s make sure your time in Mexico is a seamless ride! Safe travels!
Not ready to explore insurance policies yet, but you know you need insurance when traveling or living in Mexico? That’s okay!
Pin this to your Mexico travel board so you can find it easily when you’re ready to explore the insurance options I have to offer.
