Traveling to San Felipe or anywhere south of the border, your travel insurance options:

When planning a cross-border trip from San Diego, CA, to San Felipe, Mexico, travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection, especially since U.S. health insurance (including Medicare) typically doesn’t cover you in Mexico, and unexpected issues like trip cancellations or medical emergencies can arise. Here’s a breakdown of travel insurance options tailored to this kind of trip, based on current practices and needs as of March 4, 2025: Key Coverage Types to Consider

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Why It’s Useful: Reimburses prepaid, nonrefundable costs (e.g., hotel bookings, bus tickets) if you need to cancel or cut your trip short for covered reasons like illness, family emergencies, or severe weather. Cost Estimate: Typically 5–6% of your insured trip cost. For a $500 trip, expect $25–$30. Example: If you book a $200 resort stay in San Felipe and get sick before leaving, this could cover it. Emergency Medical Insurance: Why It’s Useful: Covers medical expenses in Mexico (e.g., doctor visits, hospital stays) since U.S. plans won’t. Mexico’s healthcare is out-of-pocket without insurance, and costs can add up fast—think $1,000+ for a basic ER visit. Recommended Limits: At least $50,000 for medical coverage and $100,000 for evacuation. Cost: $20–$50 for a short trip, depending on age and coverage level. Medical Evacuation Insurance: Why It’s Useful: Pays for transport to a better facility or back to the U.S. if you’re seriously injured (e.g., a car accident on Highway 5). Evacuations can cost $20,000–$100,000 without coverage. Cost: Often bundled with medical insurance, adding $10–$20 to the premium. Baggage and Personal Item Loss: Why It’s Useful: Covers lost, stolen, or delayed luggage—handy if you’re bringing gear for San Felipe’s beaches or fishing. Typical Coverage: $500–$1,000 per person. Cost: Included in comprehensive plans, rarely a standalone add-on. Travel Delay Insurance: Why It’s Useful: Reimburses extra expenses (meals, lodging) if you’re stuck due to border delays, bus breakdowns, or weather. Northbound border waits can hit 2–4 hours at Calexico. Typical Coverage: $150–$300 per day after a 6–12-hour delay. Cost: Part of comprehensive plans, minimal standalone cost. Rental Car Damage (Optional): Why It’s Useful: If renting a car in Mexico, this covers damage or theft. Note: You’ll still need Mexican auto liability insurance (see below). Cost: $7–$15/day as an add-on. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR): Why It’s Useful: Offers flexibility to cancel for reasons not listed in standard policies (e.g., feeling uneasy about border crime stats). Usually reimburses 50–75% of costs. Cost: Adds 50% to the base premium (e.g., $30 becomes $45). Must be bought within 10–21 days of booking. Special Consideration: Mexican Auto Insurance Mandatory for Drivers: If driving to San Felipe, U.S. auto insurance isn’t valid in Mexico. You must buy Mexican liability insurance (about $5–$10/day for basic coverage, $15–$25/day for full coverage with theft protection). Providers like Baja Bound or MexPro offer it online or at the border. Why Separate: Travel insurance won’t cover vehicle liability—only damage to a rental if you add that option. Sample Insurance Options Basic Single-Trip Plan: Coverage: $10,000 medical, $50,000 evacuation, $500 baggage, trip cancellation up to $1,000. Cost: $25–$40 for a 3-day trip (varies by age; cheaper for under 40, pricier over 65). Providers: Travelex Essential, World Nomads Explorer (basic tier). Comprehensive Plan: Coverage: $50,000 medical, $100,000 evacuation, $1,000 baggage, trip cancellation/interruption up to $5,000, travel delay ($150/day). Cost: $50–$100 for 3 days. Providers: Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard Preferred, Squaremouth-recommended plans. Multi-Trip Annual Plan: Coverage: Similar to comprehensive but covers unlimited trips in a year (up to 30–90 days each). Cost: $100–$200/year (great if you cross often). Providers: GlobeHopper Multi-Trip, Seven Corners Annual Plan. Adventure Add-On: Coverage: Extends medical and evacuation to activities like scuba diving or off-roading in San Felipe’s dunes. Cost: $10–$20 extra. Providers: World Nomads, Travelex Adventure Bundle. Where to Buy Online Platforms: Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip—compare quotes from multiple providers. Direct Providers: Allianz, Travel Guard, Travelex, World Nomads. At the Border: Mexican auto insurance kiosks (e.g., Calexico), but travel insurance is best bought in advance. Tips for Choosing Trip Cost: Insure only nonrefundable expenses (e.g., a $100 bus ticket + $150 hotel = $250 to cover). Age: Premiums jump for seniors (65+); expect $80+ vs. $30 for a 30-year-old. Duration: A 3-day San Felipe trip needs less coverage than a month-long Baja tour. Activities: Fishing or beach lounging? Basic is fine. Off-road biking? Get adventure coverage. Check Existing Coverage: Some credit cards (e.g., Chase Sapphire) offer trip cancellation or rental car protection—confirm limits before skipping a policy. For a San Diego-to-San Felipe trip, a basic plan with medical and cancellation coverage ($30–$50) plus Mexican auto insurance ($15–$25 if driving) should suffice for most. If you want specifics—like a quote for your age or trip details—let me know, and I can refine this further!