Proper cover is crucial
Make sure you have the correct Mexico insurance before you go to work, live or travel in this vast and vibrant country. Violent drug-related crime and kidnapping are a major problem in some areas, and other risks can be presented by hurricanes, hazardous roads and disease. Tensions over illegal migration at the US border can also flair into protests and potential violence.
Huge, colourful and diverse in both culture and landscape, Mexico is also the second largest economy in Latin America. Though badly hit by the global recession, the economy is recovering with high levels of foreign investment.
However its northern states are increasingly blighted by drug-related violence as cocaine is trafficked from Colombia in the south to the US in the north. Tens of thousands of people have died as a result of this trade, and the US State Department has described visiting some states as dangerous as visiting Afghanistan or Syria. Though most of this violence involves those directly involved in criminal activity it still poses a significant threat to visitors and most foreign companies employ private security.
Mexico has one of the world’s highest rates for kidnapping and, depending on where you are planning to work, it might be wise to include kidnap insurance in your Mexico insurance plan.
While most drug-related crime is concentrated in the northern states, there can be occasional incidents of politically motivated violence in some of the southern states and you are advised to be cautious and avoid public demonstrations.
Street crime is a serious problem in urban and tourist areas, and you’re advised to follow both the latest FCO and reliable local advice about precautions and security arrangements.
Healthcare facilities vary and you should take precautions in areas where malaria, dengue fever, hepatitis A, typhoid and leptospirosis are prevalent. Comprehensive Mexico health insurance should include provision for evacuation by air ambulance for medical emergencies.
The hurricane season from June to November can see both east and west coasts battered by storms and you should ensure that you are properly informed about impending storms at all times.
The Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK regularly updates its advice to British travellers about immediate risks.