Revolution RX

Mexico consistently ranks amongst the top ten destinations for travelers. Its tropical resorts and mountain retreats offer a range of activities from shopping to adventure sports. It also creates the right circumstances for accidents and injuries.

The State Department, which is the lead US foreign affairs agency, says that many American tourists think that the security and safety standards in Mexico are about the same as they are in the United States. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. These assumptions have led both to serious injuries and death to innocent vacationers.

Compounded by differences in Mexican law, auto accidents and medical emergencies can become a costly and bureaucratic nightmare. As a result, the Department of State urges citizens to take responsibility for their own safety, and to also ensure that they have adequate auto and medical insurance.

Driving and Mexico Laws: Mexico’s car insurance law is based on Napoleonic Code where guilt is assumed over innocence. As a result, all drivers must have a Mexican insurance policy from a company authorized to do business in Mexico to cover damages or injuries.

Within Mexico, your American or Canadian auto insurance policy is not valid. This includes most collision and comprehensive coverage usually covered within U.S. policies.

In addition to the required Mexico auto insurance, motorists should also purchase a plan that covers legal aid and bond expenses.

In Mexico, it is considered a felony to have a traffic accident. While the police are investigating who caused the accident, your vehicle may be impounded and you will be detained by Mexican authorities.

The Department of State further warns U.S. travelers that they can be prevented from leaving the country even if “life-saving medical care” is required.

Medical Assistance Services

Mexico’s national health-care system is free to its citizens. However, as a visitor, you are not entitled to this service. As a tourist, you can only receive medical treatment and medications from private clinics and hospitals. Therefore, you should check with your medical insurance company to confirm that your policy will cover air and land evacuation home as well as other medical expenses.

The majority of medical assistance plans only take care of certain portions of the cost as it applies to location or the source of injury. As for people with Medicare, the fees required at a hospital or another medical care facility beyond the U.S. are ineligible.

It is vital to pay attention to various exclusions within many Mexico auto and US medical insurance policies. Mexican auto insurance should be accompanied by an emergency medical assistance clause, as very few health US plans allow or cover international medical evacuation.

How Should You Select a Plan? Do your homework online using the keywords, Mexican auto insurance. Try to find a legitimite plan that is affordable. In addition, you can use the information provided herein.

Third Party (Civil) Liability with Adequate Limits (CSL or Split) Driver and Passenger Medical Expenses Coverage Emergency Medical Cover (Land & Air Evacuation) Physical Damage and Theft of Vehicle Legal Assistance and Bail Bond Costs Roadside Support and Rental Car Partial Theft and Vandalism with Repairs OK in MX or US.

One final thing to make note of is that you plan should cover you during your entire stay. Most plans have choices between daily, six-month, and annual policy coverage. After three weeks, it may be less expensive to purchase an annual or six month policy period.

Linden Gray is an multi-line insurance veteran with 29 years of retail & direct insurance experience. Mr. Gray has been featured in many periodicals including RV Magazine, PE.com, Google, Yahoo, Digg & Buzzle. His website is about mexican auto insurance.