What happens if I have a medical emergency in Mexico?

Asked by: Prof. Nathanial Nienow V  |  Last update: December 19, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (57 votes)

If it's an emergency, you can call 911—same as in the United States. Ambulances in Mexico are typically private companies, and you may even have several ambulances arrive to try and compete for your business. Be warned that you may have to pay for them on arrival, privately owned ambulances aren't free.

What to do if you have a medical emergency in a different country?

Health Care Resources for Travelers
  1. The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. ...
  2. The US Department of State maintains a list of travel medical and evacuation insurance providers.

What to do if I need a doctor in Mexico?

Doctors in Mexico

If you are visiting Mexico for leisure, ask your hotel or resort to call a doctor if you need one. Searching on Google from your location-enabled smartphone will also provide you with a list of local doctors and clinics and some might also have reviews listed.

How much does it cost to go to the ER in Mexico?

Mexico Health Care Facts

To give you an idea, for an emergency room visit you can expect to pay a basic sum of between 350 and 500 MXN (15 and 25 USD). A doctor's consultation will cost you approximately the same as a trip to the emergency room — around 400 MXN (18 USD).

Do you have to pay hospital bills in Mexico?

Mexico's hospital system is a mix of government operated hospitals and clinics blended with private hospitals and virtually all will quote the cost of treatment in advance. No surprise huge bills at the end and costs must be paid before leaving the hospital. For elective procedures, payment is generally paid up front.

What to do in an emergency in Mexico

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What to do if you are sick in Mexico?

Unlike in the U.S., going to the doctor in Mexico is inexpensive and quick. For those wondering What to do when you get sick in Mexico — the answer is go see a doctor ASAP! If you find yourself sick in Mexico, open Google Maps, find one of the big chain pharmacies near you, and go straight there.

Do hospitals in Mexico take American insurance?

Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico? No, in most cases, you will not be able to use the health insurance you have in the US for treatment in Mexico. Your American health insurance policy, such as Medicare, will not extend outside the borders.

Is healthcare free in Mexico for tourists?

Residents and citizens in Mexico are entitled to universal healthcare, but as a tourist you will likely have to use private healthcare options and be covered by private insurance. This is not to say a public hospital won't treat you, but you will probably have to pay up-front and have insurance cover.

Is it easy to see a doctor in Mexico?

The public healthcare system is rather good, though you can expect long wait times—especially at larger hospitals. Smaller clinics may lack diagnostic equipment, though they might have less wait time. The doctors may not speak English at public hospitals or clinics in Mexico.

Is a hospital stay in Mexico expensive?

Healthcare services in Mexico are excellent and far less expensive than in the United States, so it's no surprise that medical tourism is thriving in Mexico. The hospital systems blends private and public institutions, with transparent charges and pricing.

Can Americans get medical treatment in Mexico?

The Healthcare System in Mexico

Mexico's best hospitals and clinics are based in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Many private clinics that cater for to Americans are located across the US border, in cities like Tijuana, Mexicali and Laredo.

Does my medical insurance cover Mexico?

Does US health insurance work in Mexico? Most United States health insurance providers do not cover travel overseas, including to Mexico, but you should check with your carrier to be sure.

What are the emergency medical services in Mexico?

GROUND AMBULANCE IN MEXICO
  • Ambulancias Asme Tijuana – 664-681-3237.
  • Ambulancias Delta 7 – 664-973-0303.
  • Ambulancias Medix 2000 – 664-608-9690.
  • AMU Ambulancias – 664-579-6549.
  • Central Ambulancias – 664-379-3379.
  • Paramedicos AC – 664-206-8361.
  • Rescate California AC – 664-166-0855.

What qualifies as a medical emergency?

An illness, injury, symptom or condition so serious that a reasonable person would seek care right away to avoid severe harm.

Which country has the best emergency care?

Japan has one of the best ambulance services in the world. Studies suggest that Japan is one of the top-ranked countries for tourists to visit because of its excellent emergency services. Japan uses the 119 helplines only for its fire and ambulance-related emergencies, and the police use 110 as a separate helpline.

What qualifies as a travel emergency?

You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel internationally in 3 business days because your immediate family member outside of the United States: Has died, or. Is dying (hospice care), or. Has a life-threatening illness or injury.

Who has better doctors USA or Mexico?

The question of quality is not settled. Experts say that some hospitals, doctors and clinics are comparable to the U.S. but that quality varies widely. Some studies find that patient satisfaction with Mexican providers is generally good while others find the care needs improvement.

Can Americans see doctors in Mexico?

Americans have been traveling across the border for cheaper medical care for decades. Having said that, good doctors and bad doctors exist everywhere. Tijuana is a 'you get what you pay for' kind of place. For common problems and minor treatments, any clinic should be able to fix you up without any problems.

Is it a good idea to get surgery in Mexico?

The truth is that plastic surgery in Mexico is safe and effective when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon at an accredited facility. In order to become a plastic surgeon in Mexico, doctors must complete extensive training and pass rigorous exams, and surgery facilities need to be cleaned and checked regularly.

Do doctors speak English in Mexico?

The majority of Mexican hospitals are excellent and are staffed by highly trained and often English-speaking doctors.

Are Mexican hospitals free?

In most states, the state government has established free or subsidized healthcare to all of its citizens. The Secretariat of Health is the largest public healthcare institution, operating 809 hospitals throughout the country.

Do hospitals in Mexico take credit cards?

Hospitals in Mexico usually require payment up-front for services and will place holds on credit cards when a patient is admitted. The U.S. government does not pay for medical care overseas.

Can I use my US health insurance in another country?

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.