What to do if I need a doctor in Mexico?

Asked by: Dr. Kaelyn Purdy  |  Last update: December 16, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (2 votes)

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 a doctor 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).

What if I have a medical emergency in Mexico?

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.

What happens if I get 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.

Can foreigners get healthcare in Mexico?

IMSS - Mexico's National Solution

The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS is Mexico's national healthcare program. Foreigners who are living and employed in Mexico are eligible for IMSS coverage. It is a popular resource for working expats with a temporary or permanent residency visa.

What to do if you need medical attention in Mexico City?

41 related questions found

Can an American get health care in Mexico?

Health Insurance for Foreign Residents in Mexico

Foreign residents (temporary or permanent) can apply for the Mexican public healthcare insurance system known an IMSS on a voluntary basis which provides access to certain doctors, clinics and hospitals in Mexico. Some medications are also covered under this plan.

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.

Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Mexico?

Brushing Your Teeth

Residents in Mexico may brush their teeth with tap water, but they'll rinse and spit, careful not to swallow. As a tourist, you may be better off taking the precaution of using bottled water to brush your teeth, and do try to remember to keep your mouth shut when you shower.

What medicine to take if you get sick in Mexico?

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is typically used to treat traveler's diarrhea. Consult your doctor about taking these medications. It is important for an infected person to consult a doctor about treating diarrhea in children and infants, because some of the drugs mentioned above are not recommended for children.

What illness can you pick up in Mexico?

Infectious Disease Risks
  • Cholera. Isolated cases and outbreaks of Vibrio cholera occur occasionally in Mexico. ...
  • Giardiasis. Giardia is endemic throughout the world. ...
  • Taeniasis & Cysticercosis. ...
  • Travelers' Diarrhea. ...
  • Typhoid Fever. ...
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019. ...
  • Endemic Fungi. ...
  • Influenza.

How do I see a doctor 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 do I find a doctor in Mexico?

Check with the U.S. Embassy website.

The United States Embassy and Consulates website maintains an extensive listing of doctors, hospitals, air medical evacuation services and land ambulances, including categories of doctors by specialty, although only in a few Mexican cities.

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.

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.

Can you get good medical care in Mexico?

The majority of Mexican hospitals are excellent and are staffed by highly trained and often English-speaking doctors. However, some nursing and care staff might not speak English. Mexico has achieved universal health coverage and its public healthcare is used by most Mexican residents.

Can you get antibiotics over the counter in Mexico?

Can I buy drugs and medications in Mexico without a prescription? You can buy most drugs and medications in Mexico Over the Counter (OTC), without a prescription, as long as they are not included in the list of “Controlled Medications, group I and group II”. In addition, you will need a prescription to buy antibiotics.

How do you get antibiotics in Mexico?

If you are taking antibiotics it is compulsory to have a prescription from a doctor, if you do not have a prescription we recommend you to take a medical consultation, most of the pharmacies have a doctor's office next door.

Why do I feel so sick in Mexico?

Alcohol and Overeating in Mexico

Often people will blame the water in Mexico for certain bouts of sickness when what is really the issue is over-indulgence in regards to alcohol and food. Keep in mind that salty, spicy foods and alcohol dehydrate you and so it is important that you compensate more thoroughly.

Is it safe to take a shower in Mexico?

The water source matters

Water delivered to homes in Mexico is suitable for showering and washing-up the dishes, but most people don't use unfiltered tap water for personal consumption.

Is coffee safe to drink in Mexico?

Just like all the other drinks in Mexico, coffee is also prepared using purified water. The added benefit of coffee is that heating it would kill off any microorganisms that might have caused sickness. What's more, it's one of the popular drinks here, so you can, and definitely should, have Mexican coffee.

Do you tip in Mexico?

Much like in the U.S., in Mexico, it is customary to tip service workers in restaurants, hotels, and Ubers. The standard tip is 10% of the bill, but you can give more or less depending on the quality of service. Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated.

What city in Mexico has the best medical care?

The very best hospitals in Mexico are in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, which means if you need very specialized treatment, you might want to go there.

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.