Does my Blue Cross Blue Shield cover me in Mexico?

Asked by: Ara Bartoletti  |  Last update: September 27, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (75 votes)

As a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield member, you take your health care benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world. In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover you in Mexico?

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover you in another country?

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.

Will my health insurance cover me in Mexico?

When moving to Mexico, you do not have to leave your U.S. medical insurance behind. Many insurance providers offer international coverage or have partnerships with healthcare facilities in Mexico, ensuring that you can continue using your existing insurance while enjoying the benefits of living in Mexico.

How do I know if my health insurance covers international?

Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have. So, the best way to find out whether your health insurance covers international travel is to contact your insurance provider.

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What happens if you have a medical emergency in a foreign country?

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Does my health insurance cover me while traveling?

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

Does my full coverage insurance cover in Mexico?

No, U.S. auto insurance policies aren't valid in Mexico.

Do hospitals in Mexico take U.S. insurance?

Do Mexican hospitals accept USA coverage? USA health insurance coverage is not accepted in private hospitals of Mexico. The same is applicable for Medicare as well. Unless you have a USA health plan that covers healthcare in Mexico, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for availing medical services.

Do I get coverage in Mexico?

Your U.S. car insurance may offer limited coverage in Mexico, but it isn't valid there. You'll need a separate liability policy to meet the legal requirements in the country.

Where does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?

BCBS understands and answers the needs of local communities, while providing nationwide health care coverage for 115 million members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

How does Blue Cross Blue Shield Global work?

Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors, hospitals and other health services in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world. Call the Service Center in these situations: You need to locate a doctor or hospital or need medical services.

Does insurance cover outside of the US?

Before you go, consider your insurance options.

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.

Can I use my Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance in another country?

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.

What insurance do I need to travel to Mexico?

Currently it is not required to have travel insurance to visit Mexico. However, given that most U.S. health insurance plans may not cover you when traveling internationally, having a travel insurance plan with medical expense coverage (in addition to other helpful coverages) is always a good idea.

What healthcare is available in Mexico?

Public healthcare system in Mexico

Mexico's public healthcare operates through the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) and Seguro Popular systems. These cover patients for most medical services and prescription drugs.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital in Mexico?

ER services at public hospitals in Mexico are free for residents enrolled in the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). However, for tourists or those not enrolled in IMSS, ER services come with charges. If you visit a private hospital, you'll need to pay out of pocket unless your travel insurance covers the costs.

Do Americans go to Mexico for healthcare?

Medical tourists from the United States most commonly travel to Mexico and Canada, and to several other countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The reasons people may seek medical care in another country include: Cost: To get a treatment or procedure that may be cheaper in another country.

Can I use my U.S. health insurance in Mexico?

Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico? No, in most cases, you will not be able to use the health insurance you have in the US for treatment in Mexico. Your American health insurance policy, such as Medicare, will not extend outside the borders.

What happens if you get in a car accident in Mexico?

Dial 911. Make sure an accident investigator (perito) is sent to do an accident report. An accident report is important to have to file a claim and prevent delays in paying your claim. Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs and before you leave Mexico.

How much medical travel insurance do I need for Mexico?

Emergency Medical: Covers the cost of unexpected medical expenses while traveling, such as hospital bills, ambulance rides, and x-rays, among others. We recommend at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical insurance for your trip.

Does Blue Cross cover you in Mexico?

When you choose Blue Cross for insurance when you travel to Mexico, you can have confidence in knowing we will be there to help in the event of a medical emergency, travel delay or other unexpected situation.

What travel insurance will not cover?

Adventure sports, winter sports and potentially dangerous activities (such as climbing and white-water rafting) are often not covered as part of a standard travel insurance policy. So you might need to pay for extra cover.

Is GeoBlue part of Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Student group and individual products: GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.