Your liability insurance protects them. But what about you—or your passengers?
Most travelers buying Mexico auto insurance know they need civil liability coverage. It’s the law. But very few stop to ask: what happens if we’re the ones injured in the crash?
That’s where Medical Payments coverage comes in.
It doesn’t get the headlines. It’s rarely highlighted in the quote summary. But when something goes wrong, it’s one of the most important coverages on your policy.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Medical Payments Coverage?
Medical Payments (or MedPay) is coverage that pays for medical expenses for the occupants of the insured vehicle—including the driver—if they’re injured in a covered accident while in Mexico.
It covers things like:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Ambulance costs
- Surgery and emergency care
- Funeral expenses, if needed
Think of it like a mini health insurance policy that travels with you in the car.
Who Is Covered?
MedPay applies to all authorized occupants of the insured vehicle:
- The driver
- Friends or family riding with you
- Passengers listed or unnamed
It only applies while in the insured vehicle, and only during a covered incident. If a pedestrian or third party is injured, that would fall under civil liability coverage—not Medical Payments.
Pro Tip: If you’re riding a motorcycle in Mexico, be aware that most Medical Payments coverage does not apply to passengers. If you’re planning to carry someone on your bike, make sure your policy specifically includes passenger liability or medical benefits. Most policies don’t cover this by default.
How Much Does It Cover?
Coverage limits vary by carrier, but common options include:
- $5,000 per person
- $10,000–$30,000 per incident
- Up to $75,000 on some extended policies (e.g., Chubb or GNP)
These amounts can go toward medical bills, transportation to the hospital, or other immediate needs after a crash. Higher limits are usually available on upgraded or extended plans.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re on a road trip to San Felipe with your spouse. You get sideswiped at an intersection and the passenger hits their head on the window.
- With Medical Payments: Your policy helps pay for the ambulance, x-rays, and follow-up doctor visit—without needing to sue or prove fault.
- Without Medical Payments: You’re paying out-of-pocket—or relying on your U.S. or Canadian health insurance, which may or may not apply in Mexico.
Important Limitations to Know
Like all insurance, Medical Payments comes with conditions:
- Only applies to the insured vehicle
- No coverage for injuries during racing or off-road activity
- Driver must have a valid license
- Policy must be active and valid at time of accident
It also does not cover long-term care, lost income, or elective procedures. This is emergency medical coverage—not full health insurance.
Why It’s Worth Adding (If It’s Not Already Included)
Many Mexico tourist auto insurance policies include basic Medical Payments limits by default. But not all do—and in many cases, the default limits are modest.
Adding a higher limit often increases your premium by just a few dollars, and can make a life-changing difference if you need care in an unfamiliar place.
Because even a short hospital visit in Mexico can cost hundreds—or thousands—of dollars, especially in tourist areas or private clinics.
Travel Smarter: Know What You’re Covered For
Medical Payments coverage gives you one less thing to worry about. It’s not expensive. It’s not complicated. And when it’s needed, it’s the coverage that feels the most personal.
At MexicoCovered.com, we help you compare policies and limits before you buy—so you’re not left guessing after an accident.
