Taxi cabs in Mexico City; photo by stevecadman/FLIKR
The Tourism Secretary of Mexico City announced today that the city will offer free health insurance and other perks to people visiting the city through the end of 2009 via a Tourism Assistance Card program.
The move is an effort to counter concerns by travelers they they may get in an accident, get sick or have other problems during their stay and not be able to pay for it. Some U.S.-based insurance companies, for example, do not cover their members when they are out of the country.
The Ministry of Tourism of Mexico City promises to cover a wide range of expenses related to medical emergencies, including infection with the H1N1 "Swine Flu" virus, or any other disease or accident.
Under the plan, reimbursement or direct payment will be made for the following expenses:
- Ambulance service in case of an accident
- Hospital accommodation in case of any emergency
- Prescription of drugs provided by cooperating physicians
- Emergency dental care
- Transportation back home in case of illness
- Hotel accommodation for time of recovery
- Informing emergency contacts
The city is offering other assurances and travel assistance in addition to health care. They are also commiting to:
- Legal assistance in case of robbery or loss of documents or belongings
- Reservation assistance for special events in Mexico City
- Forwarding of forgotten belongings
- Assistance with lost luggage
- Help dealing with flight delays or cancellations
"Tourist destinations worldwide are being pushed to find unique ways to keep and attract visitors," said Chip Rankin, an international tourism development specialist with Panorama International. "This approach confronts the primary concern of today's Mexico City visitors."
"Knowing that the city has a financial investment in their personal safety may encourage travelers to feel more confident booking that trip to Mexico's capital," he continued.
In a bit of a macabre move, the tourism ministry is also pledging to pay for transportation of a person and their belongings back home if they happen to die during their visit.
Travelers in need of assistance can call the Ministry of Tourism office at 54-80-68-98 or make contact via email at servicios@mexicocity.gob.mx. Multi-lingual operators staff the call center 24 hours a day.
For more info: Secretary of Tourism official site.
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