Mexico City Offers Free Health Insurance for Tourists

MEXICO.-A program by Mexico City Government was implemented this week for national and international tourists visiting Mexico City, this program was implemented as a way to recover the tourist industry heavily hit by the A/H1N1 influenza, informed Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard.

The Tourist Assistance Card, a one of a kind service in the world is offered free of charge, aims to “have Mexico City where we want it to be” Ebrard said tuesday in announcing the new service for tourists.The only requirement for travelers applying for the Tourist Assistance card is to present proof of lodging in one of the 460 hotels in the city, this card entitles travelers to:

Medical care against influenza virus type A H1N1, by accident or illness, and ambulance dispatch hospitalization, in addition to medication.

There will also be dental, medical repatriation, hotel stay on convalesence, accompanying minors and funeral repatriation, as well as legal assistance in case of theft, loss of luggage and flight delay or cancellation. Now the challenge is to ensure that ( the insurance) works, “Ebrard said when delivering the firsts Travel Assistance Cards in Mexico to tourists who were on their vacation and did attend this public event.

An international insurance company contracted by the government of the Federal District will cover the expenses and the deductible amount will be paid by the Mexico City Government. Mexico City receives an annual influx of some three million international tourists and four million domestic, but now the hotel occupancy is at 59% capacity after the peak of the epidemic of swine flu in late April and May of this year.