Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The state government has kept its parametric insurance policy active for the 2026 hurricane season, providing up to 40 million pesos in coverage for damage to beaches and reefs caused by tropical cyclones.
Environment Secretary Óscar Rébora Aguilera said the policy acts as a catastrophic financing tool, allowing the state to respond more quickly to storm damage along its coastline. The policy, which cost about 9 million pesos, covers the shoreline stretching from Xcalak in the south to Holbox in the north.
Coverage is triggered when hurricanes of categories 3, 4 or 5 strike — storms with the greatest destructive potential due to high winds, storm surge and waves that can severely damage beaches, dunes and reef ecosystems. Rébora Aguilera said the instrument ensures the state has funds available promptly after an extreme weather event, without having to rely solely on ordinary budget procedures to begin recovery and restoration work.
In addition, the Mesoamerican Reef Fund has taken out a separate policy worth about $60,000 to address the effects of category 1 and 2 storms in protected natural areas of Cozumel and Puerto Morelos.
The secretary recalled that the mechanism proved its value in 2024, when it was activated after Hurricane Beryl passed through the region. That payout of 8 million pesos was used for beach restoration in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
Rébora Aguilera said the experience showed the importance of having prearranged financial mechanisms to respond to hurricanes, particularly in a state whose economy and natural heritage depend heavily on coastal ecosystems.
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