Mexico is exempt from Schengen visa, but IMSS and ISSSTE do not cover outside Mexico. Complete guide to travel insurance for Europe.
⚠️ Important: The Basic Plan (USD 20,000) is not offered for trips to Europe. The Schengen area requires a minimum medical coverage of €30,000 (approximately USD 32,500). To meet this requirement and ensure adequate protection, we recommend the Standard, Essential Plus, or Premium plans, or our Europe Plan specifically designed for this destination.
Mexico is one of the Latin American countries exempt from a Schengen visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is a privilege that greatly facilitates planning that dream trip to Paris, Rome, or Madrid. As a Mexican, you can enter the 29 Schengen area countries and other European countries with just your valid passport. However, there is a common and dangerous misconception: being visa-exempt does not exempt you from responsibility for your health and safety. Your Mexican health insurances, whether public like IMSS or ISSSTE, or private, simply do not work when crossing the Atlantic, leaving you completely exposed to astronomical costs if something goes wrong.
Do Mexicans need insurance to travel to Europe? The short answer: yes, it is essential.
Even if a migration agent at Barajas or Charles de Gaulle airport does not always ask you to show your policy, travel insurance is an implicit requirement and a financial necessity. The Schengen regulation stipulates that travelers must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means for their stay, and that includes the ability to cover any medical emergency. Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is the most direct and accepted way to prove it.
IMSS, ISSSTE, and your major medical expenses insurance (GMM) do not cover you in Europe
It is crucial to understand the limitations of your national insurance. The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE) are public health systems designed
exclusively for care within Mexican territory. They have no agreements, conventions, or mechanisms to cover you in a hospital in Munich, a clinic in Lisbon, or an ambulance in Amsterdam.
The same applies to the vast majority of private major medical expenses insurance (GMM) that you may have in Mexico with insurers such as GNP, AXA Mexico, MetLife, or Mapfre Mexico. Although some high-end plans offer “coverage abroad,” they usually operate under a reimbursement scheme (you pay first, they reimburse you later, subject to a very high deductible and co-insurance) and with coverage limits that are insufficient for a serious emergency in Europe.
Imagine this scenario: you are enjoying pasta in Rome's Trastevere and suffer acute pain. It turns out to be appendicitis. Without travel insurance:
1. You have to find a hospital on your own, dealing with the language barrier.
2. Upon arrival at the emergency room, you will be asked for a payment guarantee. You will have to use your credit card, hoping to have a limit of at least €10,000 or €15,000.
3. Every consultation, every test, every day of hospitalization will be charged to your account.
4. If you need to be repatriated to Mexico in an air ambulance, the cost can exceed €50,000, a figure that would financially ruin most people.
With travel insurance like Baraglo, the scenario changes radically: you call our 24/7 assistance center in Spanish, we direct you to the nearest and most suitable hospital, and we take care of coordinating payments directly with the medical provider. You focus on recovering, not on the bill.
Real medical costs in Europe: why your budget is at risk
To put it in perspective, healthcare costs in Europe are drastically higher than in the private sector in Mexico. What could be a manageable expense in a hospital in Mexico City or Monterrey, in Europe can become a lifelong debt.
| Medical Service |
Average Cost in Europe |
Approximate Equivalent in Mexican Pesos (MXN)* |
| Emergency consultation for a sprain |
€200 – €500 |
$3,800 – $9,500 MXN |
| Urban ambulance service |
€800 – €2,000 |
$15,200 – $38,000 MXN |
| One night of hospitalization (general ward) |
€1,500 – €4,000 |
$28,500 – $76,000 MXN |
| Emergency surgery (uncomplicated appendicitis) |
€10,000 – €25,000 |
$190,000 – $475,000 MXN |
| Day in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) |
€3,000 – €6,000 |
$57,000 – $114,000 MXN |
| Medical repatriation to Mexico (commercial flight with medical escort) |
€20,000 – €50,000+ |
$380,000 – $950,000+ MXN |
*Reference exchange rate: 1 EUR = 19 MXN. Final value may vary.
💡 A real fact: a fractured ankle while skiing in the Swiss Alps can easily generate a total bill (mountain rescue, hospitalization, surgery, and repatriation) exceeding €40,000, more than $760,000 MXN. A Baraglo Premium travel insurance covers up to USD $100,000. The difference is clear.
Baraglo plan comparison: which one is ideal for your trip to Europe?
We understand that every Mexican traveler has different needs and budgets. That's why we offer a range of plans that meet and exceed European requirements, giving you the peace of mind you deserve. For Europe, we do not offer the Basic Plan, as its USD 20,000 coverage does not meet the required €30,000 minimum.
Here's a comparison to help you choose:
| Feature |
Europe Plan |
Standard Plan |
Essential Plus Plan |
Premium Plan |
| Medical Coverage |
USD $30,000 |
USD $35,000 |
USD $50,000 |
USD $100,000 |
| Price per day* |
$2.99 USD |
$4.99 USD |
$5.29 USD |
$8.99 USD |
| Ideal for... |
Travelers on a tight budget looking to meet minimum requirements with reliable protection. |
Travelers seeking an excellent balance between cost and extra coverage for greater peace of mind. |
Families and travelers who want robust security at a very competitive price. Our recommendation. |
Travelers who want to leave nothing to chance, seniors, or those who will practice low-risk sports. |
| Trip Cancellation |
Not included |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
*Prices per person, per day. A 50% surcharge applies for those over 75 years old.
For a typical 15-day trip to Europe from Mexico, the cost of an
Essential Plus plan would be approximately
USD $79.35 (about $1,500 MXN). This amount is insignificant compared to the cost of a single night of hospitalization, which can reach €4,000 ($76,000 MXN). It's a minimum investment to protect your health and your savings.
Ready to travel with the certainty that you are protected? Quote your ideal plan for Europe in seconds and receive your policy instantly.
ETIAS 2026: the new travel authorization for Mexicans (which is not insurance)
Starting in 2026, Mexican citizens (along with those from 60 other visa-exempt countries) will need to obtain an
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before flying to most European countries. It's an online, quick, and simple process, which will cost approximately €7 and be valid for 3 years.
It is crucial to understand this: ETIAS is NOT travel insurance. It is a migratory and security authorization, similar to the ESTA required to travel to the United States. Its purpose is to pre-screen travelers to improve border security. It does not provide any medical benefits, cancellation coverage, or travel assistance. The need for robust travel insurance will remain exactly the same, if not more important, once ETIAS comes into effect.
How to use your Baraglo insurance in an emergency in Europe: step by step
1.
Stay calm and safe: In any emergency, the first thing is to get to safety. If necessary, call the local emergency number (112 is the universal number throughout the European Union).
2.
Contact Baraglo: As soon as possible, you or a companion should call the phone number listed on your assistance voucher. Our center operates 24/7/365 with Spanish-speaking staff.
3.
Identify yourself and explain your situation: Provide your policy number and describe what happened. Our team will ask you questions to understand the emergency and activate assistance.
4.
Follow instructions: We will direct you to the nearest and most suitable hospital or clinic in our network for your condition. By using our network, we guarantee the quality of care and facilitate payments.
5.
We take care of it: Baraglo will coordinate directly with the medical center for the management and payment of covered expenses. This way, you avoid having to pay large sums of money out of your pocket.
Most popular European destinations from Mexico and their specific risks
Each destination has its charm and peculiarities. Knowing them helps you understand why insurance is so vital:
1.
Spain: The cultural and linguistic connection makes it the #1 destination. Common risks include food poisoning from trying new dishes, sprains on the cobblestone streets of historic cities like Toledo, or petty theft in tourist areas of Madrid and Barcelona.
2.
France: Paris is the dream of many. Medical costs in the French capital are among the highest in Europe. In addition, transport strikes are frequent and can cause delays or missed connections, an area where travel assistance can be crucial.
3.
Italy: From the Colosseum to the canals of Venice, Italy is a visual feast. But it also presents risks such as falls in ruins or uneven streets and is famous for pickpockets in crowded areas. An emergency room visit for a twisted ankle can easily cost you €400.
4.
United Kingdom: Although no longer part of the EU, London remains a major hub. The National Health Service (NHS) is not free for tourists in case of emergencies. The costs of private care in London are exorbitant, and insurance with high coverage like the Premium Plan is highly recommended.
5.
Germany: Famous for its Christmas markets and the Black Forest, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities. A hiking accident or a mishap on an Autobahn trip may require expensive medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does my Mexican major medical expenses insurance (GNP, AXA, Metlife) cover me in Europe?
Most do not offer direct coverage or it is very limited. They usually operate by reimbursement, requiring you to pay thousands of euros upfront. In addition, their deductibles and co-insurance can be very high abroad. A specific travel insurance like Baraglo is designed to pay directly to the hospital and has no deductible for accidental medical expenses or illness.
Can I pay for Baraglo insurance with my Mexican card in pesos?
Yes. Although our prices are in USD as an international standard, you can pay with any Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card issued in Mexico (BBVA, Santander, Citibanamex, HSBC, etc.). Your bank will automatically convert to Mexican pesos according to the day's exchange rate.
Does the insurance cover cancellation if I get COVID-19 before traveling?
Our Standard, Essential Plus, and Premium plans include trip cancellation coverage for various reasons, including a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 (or any other serious illness prescribed by a doctor) that prevents you from traveling. We also cover medical assistance at the destination if you get infected during the trip.
What about pre-existing conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions generally covers the first medical assistance in case of an acute and unforeseen crisis during your trip, up to a specific limit detailed in the general conditions of your plan. It does not cover scheduled treatments or continuation of chronic treatments.
Is the insurance valid in the United Kingdom and other non-Schengen European countries?
Yes, absolutely. Our coverage is for all of Europe. This includes the 29 Schengen area countries, as well as the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), the Republic of Ireland, and other European countries outside the agreement such as Croatia or Romania.
Don't let an unforeseen medical event turn your dream trip into a financial nightmare. Traveling to Europe is an incredible experience that deserves to be enjoyed with complete peace of mind. Protecting yourself with adequate travel insurance is not a luxury, it's an essential part of planning your adventure.
Secure your peace of mind today. Calculate the cost of your insurance for Europe in less than a minute and travel protected with Baraglo.
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