China to be honored guest at 35th Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato
Mexico
City offers health insurance for tourists
Mexico City’s Ministry of Tourism has
announced a program that will provide its national and international visitors
with medical aid and assistance in case of emergency. According to Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico
City’s Mayor, this is the first time that such
an important service is offered in the world.
The medical assistance program is free and will be provided
by MAPFRE, a private insurance company. The program works through a medical care
and assistance card and includes different services such as medical assistance
in case of infection with H1N1 virus or any other illness. Accidents are also
covered with ambulance service and hospital accommodations. Drug prescriptions
through authorized physicians and repatriation in case of illness are also
included.
Beginning on Tuesday July 28, this medical assistance
program gives additional support for visitors in case of illness taking care of
your hotel bill for the time of recovery. There is no limit on the amount that
is insured so visitors can get all the services they need during an emergency.
Some other services included are legal assistance in case of
robbery or loss of documents, belongings or luggage. For emergencies, a call
center will be available 24 hours providing service in five different
languages: Spanish, English, French, German and Portuguese. Visitors will be
able to claim these services in authorized establishments but in some of them,
a deductible fee will be applied.
Mexico City authorities expect this service to
protect around 7 million national and international visitors. This is part of
the responsible actions taken after the H1N1 virus outbreak and reflects the
importance of the health and safety of citizens and tourists for the Mexican
government.
