If you do not have a medical evacuation insurance plan that will bring you to your home hospital of choice and are hospitalized with a serious or critical condition, there are several things to consider:

Medical evacuation is expensive

If you’re not covered by a medical evacuation plan, the cost of a medical evacuation from Mexico to the United States or Canada may run from US$25,000 to US$60,000 for a dedicated air-ambulance to transport you from Mexico back to the US or Canada, and more if your home country is in Europe or Asia.

Hospitals and doctors may have air ambulance providers they recommend for such a transport if needed, but it is important to know exactly who is transporting you, their level of expertise, experience and if they are qualified for such a transport.

Who’s transporting you or your loved one?

The air ambulance industry is not as well regulated as people may expect.  There are FAA or similar requirements on aircraft to be maintained, nurses, medics and doctors need licenses, but the experience, the type of aircraft utilized for an evacuation, the medical equipment, and the level of care available can vary greatly and put you and your loved ones at risk if you choose the wrong provider.

Accreditation matters

Mark Jones, Vice Chairman of Air Ambulance Worldwide and industry expert explains that, “when time is of the essence during a critical medical emergency one of the key factors to ensure your care is provided by experienced flight nurses, medics and doctors and using state-of the art medically equipped aircraft is to choose either a  CAMTS of EURAMI accredited air ambulance provider.”

Less than 20% of the air ambulance companies achieve these levels of accreditation due to the rigorous inspections and standards of excellence required to ensure their patients a safe medical transport each and every time.  We recommend contacting Air Ambulance Worldwide, a EURAMI accredited provider with annual permits to transport you or a loved one should you need a medical evacuation.

Medical evacuation without coverage

If you don’t have evacuation coverage, you’ll be required make full payment upfront which can create a substantial financial burden on the patient and their loved ones to make such an arrangement during a critical time.  A highly accredited provider like Air Ambulance Worldwide has extensive experience of medical air-evacuation from Mexico and can help you mitigate these risks.

Membership plans versus regulated insurance plans

It’s important to choose a Medical Evacuation Insurance Plan that is regulated, compliant and only utilizes accredited air ambulance providers. Many of the membership and assistance plans available are unregulated and may utilize non-accredited air ambulance providers leaving you little recourse and substandard care.

Medical insurance for short visits to Mexico

If you’re visiting Mexico for a short period —on a vacation or short business trip, for example— travel insurance policies which cover you for a limited time while you’re away from home should suffice.  These might be provided by your current healthcare provider—but double-check as many policies exclude or significantly limit out of country coverage.  Learn more about getting short-term emergency and medical expenses insurance coverage for your visit to Mexico.

Medical insurance for Extended Stays in Mexico

If you plan to be in Mexico for an extended stay —for longer than 90 days and less than 180 days— for example, you might take a sabbatical, a volunteer job, or plan to stay in Mexico part-time, then a short-term travel insurance policy won’t cover you as they are limited to 90-day stays in Mexico.  You can however obtain emergency & medical insurance for extended Stays in Mexico on a policy that will last for visits up to 180 calendar days, about six months.

Health insurance for foreign residents in Mexico

If you intend to apply for, or have, legal residency in Mexico, a travel insurance policy won’t be valid as these are designed for people who come to Mexico for a defined period and return to their country of residence, or travel back and forth between Mexico and another country.

Therefore, if you plan to reside in Mexico, you should consider health insurance coverages that will be valid and provide adequate care for your needs.  Here are the options:

Mexico’s IMSS medical coverage

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.

Coverage costs depend on your age; restrictions and limitations apply and, like all publicly-funded healthcare systems, patient demand is usually higher than the supply of services, so you may have to wait for care. (Note also that people who are enrolled in IMSS through an employer get priority over those who enroll voluntarily.)  This article explains the IMSS medical insurance system in Mexico.

Private medical insurance in Mexico

Most foreign residents who can afford to do so will take out a private medical insurance plan that covers their personal needs and gives them direct access to private doctors, clinics and hospitals in Mexico.

Policies are crafted to the individual situation of the person, couple, or family, and premiums depend on things like your age, term of coverage, coverages included, and the deductible you are willing to pay in the event of a claim.  Learn more about private health insurance providers in Mexico.

Medical evacuation from Mexico

If you are resident in Mexico and continue to have health coverage in your home country then you might consider a medical evacuation plan to enable you to get home for treatment and to convalesce close to your own doctors and family in the event that you experience a serious accident or health event (e.g. heart attack) while you are here.  Note that medical evacuation insurance coverages only cover evacuation costs in serious cases and so you’ll need to get routine or non-critical health matters attended to in Mexico.  Learn more about medical evacuation plans.

Who is eligible for Medicare

Medicare is only available to legal residents of the USA who are of a certain age (or with specific medical situations).  Here are some helpful links for further research; we also recommend you talk to your insurance broker or healthcare providers about your individual situation.

• This Medicare page contains an eligibility questionnaire, and
• This page on the Medicare Interactive website describes the Medicare situation for those who live abroad; and
• This page on the Medicare website describes Medicare policies when outside of the U.S.

Access to Medicare outside of the USA

Outside of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, Medicare is only available in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Medicare may pay for specific types of medical care in a foreign country if a foreign hospital is closer to the nearest U.S. hospital should a medical emergency arise while you’re in the U.S., or traveling through Canada between the continental U.S. and Alaska; or if you live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.

If you’re traveling on a ship, Medicare might pay for medically-necessary services provided the vessel is not more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port.

In all cases, Medicare drug plans don’t cover prescription drugs you may buy outside the U.S.

You can get full details about the policies and coverage here on the U.S. Medicare official website.

Alternatives to Medicare when you’re in Mexico

When you’re planning to live in Mexico and need to consider health insurance coverages, there are several options you can consider.

Mexico’s IMSS coverage

As an alternative to Medicare, some foreign residents in Mexico opt to take Mexico’s government-sponsored IMSS health coverage under an insurance program that charges based on age-brackets; typically between US$50-$70 per month for someone of retirement age.  Conditions and exclusions apply, and you must be a legal resident of Mexico to avail yourself of this coverage.

Private medical insurance

Private medical insurance is widely available in Mexico, with policies priced depending on the coverages you seek, your age, health, and medical history.

Medical evacuation insurance

If you’re only in Mexico for short periods, and you have coverages which give your healthcare options in your home country, you might consider a medical evacuation insurance plan to help you get back home in the event of medical emergency.

Discover options for healthcare coverages in Mexico

For details and descriptions of the various healthcare coverages available to foreign residents, read our article about Health and Medical Insurance Options for Mexico that includes options for short visits, extended stays, and long-term residency.

Cover for critical situations

Medical air evacuation isn’t for patients who are mobile and suffering from turista or sea-sickness, it’s for those who suffer catastrophic illness or accidents while away from home; primarily cardiac events, strokes, or serious vehicle accidents.

No matter where in the world you are going, from the most remote region to an urban center teeming with people, if you have a serious health issue and want to make certain that you can get from wherever you are to specific medical facilities back home as quickly as possible, you’ll need a medical evacuation plan designed to transport you to your doctors, your family, your healthcare network—and a hospital of choice in your home country.

You may have arrived at your destination aboard a commercial airline, but if you’re showing signs of serious illness, you may not be allowed to board to get back home. If you can’t get home, you may have a long convalescence period in a foreign country —away from family and friends— unless you are evacuated.

Medical evacuation coverage is far more than a private flight home

We spoke with Grant Conway of Travel MedEvac Insurance, a US-based medical evacuation insurance plan provider for travelers and foreign residents, to learn more about air medical evacuation. What we discovered is that medical evacuation is much more than a private flight.

Yes, there are planes with pilots and medical personnel on standby; however, to offer a safe, reliable, and high quality bed-to-bed service—where you are taken from one hospital room via ambulance to the nearest airport, flown to your destination city abroad, with another ambulance to the hospital of your choice—it’s essential to have a highly-accredited provider who can manage the complex logistics.

With a medical evacuation plan in place, everything is taken care of for you: including consultation with all the relevant medical professionals, and fully-managed ground and air transportation in tandem with the complex logistics involved to carry out international medical repatriations.

It’s expensive and complex if you don’t have a cover plan

Although you can work directly with an air-evacuation company, the costs are high—typically in the tens of thousands of US-dollars per incident. Most people who receive a medical evacuation do so under the auspice of a medical evacuation plan from a company like Travel MedEvac insurance, that offers fully-underwritten medical evacuation insurance plans lasting from days to a whole year.

While air evacuation plans may not necessarily be considered  by some foreign residents and snowbirds who intend to receive all of their medical care in Mexico, there are some who prefer being treated in their home town, by doctors they know and trust—and near the support of family and friends as they recover. Having a medical evacuation plan can facilitate that when warranted by the circumstances.

You can learn more on our extensive guide to Medical Evacuation from Mexico—that describes in detail what a medical evacuation service is, who needs it, and how to arrange a suitable plan.

When you’re staying in Mexico for longer periods, our associates can help you to arrange health insurance coverage that offers you direct access to private healthcare professionals, clinics and hospitals in Mexico.

Health insurance for long term stays in Mexico

Connect to our associate who can provide a no-obligation quote for health insurance coverages when you’re staying (or planning to stay) longer-term.

We are currently reviewing our recommendations for long-term private health insurance providers.  We will recommend suitable providers here in due course.

Meanwhile, consider:

• Emergency medical coverage for Extended Stays in Mexico
• Trip insurance for Shorter Visits to Mexico
• Medical Evacuation Insurance to get you home in an emergency if have a health coverage plan in the US.
• Also read about Mexico’s public health insurance program and a summary of Health & Medical insurance options.

Service, qualification, and enrolment

The service is formally called Seguro de Salud Para La Familia but colloquially it’s always referred to as “el IMSS.”

Note that the information, application procedures, and all healthcare services are provided in Spanish only.  If you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll need a friend to help you, or you’ll need to hire an interpreter when you apply, and when you go for any treatment.

The IMSS healthcare service is funded by a combination of the Federal government, employer and employee payroll taxes—and individual contributions where the service is taken on an independent/voluntary basis.

There are two ways to become enrolled:

• First, anyone (Mexican national or legal foreign resident) who is formally employed in Mexico must pay their employee IMSS contributions and become enrolled in the program, regardless of any other private health insurance they might have.
• The second way is by voluntary enrollment, which is open to those not in formal employment and those who wish to enroll on a voluntary basis—for example, foreign residents who are retired in Mexico.

Non-Mexicans who wish to enroll voluntarily must have legal residency status (Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente, formerly FM3/FM2) to qualify; foreigners in Mexico with FMM visitor permits are not eligible.

Note: IMSS is not the same as the program formerly known as Seguro Popular now replaced by the INSABI program.

Annual fee for voluntary enrollment in IMSS

If you are not formally employed in Mexico you can opt to enroll in the IMSS healthcare program voluntarily and paying an annual fee.

• The fee for annual enrollment varies depending on your age.
• You can get the current rates from the table on this page.
• By way of example, a person in their 60s currently pays $18,300 pesos per year. (Equivalent to this many US dollars.)
• Therefore, a retired couple both in their 60s would pay about $37,000 Mexican pesos per year for IMSS insurance coverage in Mexico. (Equivalent to this many US dollars.)

Preexisting conditions

Some preexisting conditions are not covered and these include malignant tumors, congenital diseases, chronic degenerative diseases, addictions, mental illness, and HIV—among others.  If you have any preexisting excluded conditions, you cannot enroll into the IMSS insurance program.

Other specific preexisting conditions are covered on ‘deferment’ and these don’t preclude you for joining the program, but are subject to specific waiting periods before you can seek healthcare services within the IMSS system related to them.

You can see the list of excluded and deferred preexisting conditions on this page

Application and payment

IMSS accepts applications online, or in person at a local IMSS office.

• See this page on the IMSS website for details about application procedures and a link to the online application form.
• Read the FAQ titled, ¿Qué documentos necesito y cuáles deben ser sus características? for details about the necessary steps and documents needed to apply online, or in person.
• When your application is approved, you need to attend a local bank to pay your fee, and your IMSS membership begins the first calendar day of the following month of your application.

On enrollment

Upon enrollment, your coverage begins on the first calendar day of the following month of your application.

After you’re enrolled, you’ll be assigned to a local clinic, where you will go to see your doctor, go for regular check-ups, and obtain prescriptions for any medications you may need.  If you need the services of a specialist, referrals are made to IMSS medical specialists only via your assigned doctor.

Medications prescribed by your doctor can be obtained for no additional cost at the pharmacy associated with the local IMSS office.  However, not all medicines are available this way and if the medication you need is not available there, the doctor will give you a prescription to get the medicine at a private pharmacy and you will have to pay separately for this.

Speed and quality of care

There are waiting periods for non-emergency procedures, and IMSS members who get their coverage as part of their formal employment are given priority over those who enrolled independently.

The reported quality of care varies, and the experience you have will likely depend on where you are in Mexico and what the wider local demand is on health services when you’re seeking treatment. Some foreign residents report good care from IMSS, others report disappointments and shortcomings.

Limit of resources under IMSS: It’s fair to say —as with all large, publicly-funded healthcare systems world-wide— that the demand for services usually exceeds the supply of resources available and compromises must therefore be made.

Hospital treatment under IMSS: If you are interned in a public hospital in Mexico, your family and friends will be expected to provide support and bring amenities to you while you are admitted. This is something that is quite different to private healthcare coverage, where everything covered is ‘laid-on’ (and billed to the account). Ask your assigned IMSS doctor about this if a treatment or operation you are undergoing will require your hospitalization.

Foreign embassies are always located in the capital (Mexico City), although some of these countries —particularly the US, Canada, and the UK— also have a network of satellite consulates situated in some provincial towns and cities across Mexico, most usually in places aligned with their strategic commercial interests.

Assistance offered by consulates in a crisis

Although Consulates offer a number of useful services to their citizens, the assistance they provide also has limitations.   The exact services and limitations vary from country to country, but the ones listed here are the principal services offered by most consulates.  This page of the US State Department website gives a summary of what an American consulate can and cannot do in a crisis.  Other countries’ policies are likely to be similar.

Notes about insurance coverages while you’re in Mexico

We recommend that you are properly insured when you are visiting, or living in, Mexico. Private medical expenses are high in Mexico, and if you require hospitalization after a major accident, they can easily amount to tens of thousands of US dollars within a short period of time.

• Only resident immigrants (with a residency visas) are entitled to apply for medical care offered under Mexico’s state healthcare system and, even then, many opt to pay for private treatment.
• If you are in Mexico for a short or defined period, and have access to medical care in your home country, you might consider getting a medical evacuation plan.
• If you’re in Mexico for an extended stay, consider your medical and healthcare coverage options while you’re here as travel insurance policies don’t cover long-term visits or foreign residents.
• If you drive your car to Mexico, be sure that you arrange full insurance cover: US and Canadian auto policies do not extend to Mexico.  Top-up policies are available at reasonable premiums and you can find details of them on our Guide to Auto Insurance in Mexico.

Learn more about insurance coverages in Mexico

About Mexico Travel Insurance

When you travel in Mexico, whether it’s for pleasure or business, you will need to be properly insured for your travels, your health as well as your vehicle, if you take one across the border from the USA in Mexico.

Travel Accident Insurance

Some US and Canadian health plans provide (usually limited) health coverage in Mexico, but not all, so you need to check beforehand. Even if they do, you should ask about what arrangements they have in the event you suffer an accident—read our guide below for details.

Medical Insurance

If you live in Europe, Canada, or Australia and are used to health care ‘free at point of delivery’ (or through a Government-based insurance program) be aware that Mexico does NOT have reciprocal agreements with any other country for health care services.

Health services and treatment under the US-sponsored Medicare System is not available in Mexico, either.

Vehicle Insurance

Insuring your vehicle in Mexico is essential. You MUST have insurance if you are driving a US or Canadian car, truck, RV or other vehicle across the border. If you are renting a car in the US and driving south you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered across the border.

You can buy auto insurance on the border, but buying auto insurance at a retail outlet (ports, convenience stores, supermarkets) will almost certainly cost you more. It’s better to arrange your auto coverage online before you travel—you will get a better price, you can arrange instant coverage online and you’ll arrive at the border fully covered without having to do any further paperwork.

Property Insurance

Insuring your property in Mexico is an essential service you need to consider as part of your budget planning. Covering your house, personal property, and any watercraft your own will mitigate your risks in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For a further information, connect to Insuring Your Property in Mexico, our complete guide on the Real Estate section of Mexperience.

Buy Insurance in Your Country of Residence

You must buy travel insurance in your country of residence. It can be purchased at airports and convenience stores, but at a higher premium than if you buy ahead of time, online.

This guide will give you an excellent overview of what you need to know to get properly insured at the best possible price in Mexico.

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Mexico Travel Medical Insurance

If your travel to Mexico is not covered by your home Private Medical Plan, you will need to buy insurance separately. Mexico does not have any reciprocal health care arrangements with any other country so any medical attention you require, for example, doctors, medical specialists, support services, medicines and emergency transportation (ambulance, air ambulance or in severe circumstances home repatriation) will need to be paid for in full if you are not otherwise insured against these events.

See Also: Healthcare Services in Mexico

Why do I need a health cover plan for travel in Mexico?

Mexico has a national health care system called the IMSS (Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social); however, only Mexican Nationals and legalized immigrants who pay into the system on a regular basis through their salaries are entitled to free treatment; and this includes emergency medical treatment offered by IMSS.

Mexico does not have any reciprocal health care agreements with any other country in the world. This means that you MUST pay for any treatment you receive from private medical professionals as well as medicines and support services from private clinics and hospitals. Although private health care is less expensive in Mexico than in the USA, the sums for treatment—especially emergency treatment—can quickly add up. All private medical care facilities require a credit card and/or proof of insurance before they will treat you. Being properly insured for medical care when you visit Mexico is essential.

I already have private health cover at home

Some private health care plans offer cover for travel overseas. However, this cover is usually limited in terms of days allowed overseas, services covered—or both.

It’s also important to check what services they have in place to support you once you are abroad. The key questions to ask are:

• Does the policy cover you overseas—and specifically in Mexico?
• Does your medical plan provide a Mexican toll-free access number with English-speaking operators on stand-by to assist you anytime?
• What choice of clinics and hospitals do you have?
• Does your plan cover specialist care and any special requirements you or your family may have?
• What are the limitations and what are the excess fees?
• How many days may you be abroad before the cover expires?

Check with your health care company to ensure you’re properly covered (see our Buying Guide, below, for guidelines).

If their policy falls short, you may usually purchase a top-up plan or find a specialist provider who can supply you with the right cover for your specific needs.

Travel Insurance vs. Travel Assistance

When you’re buying travel insurance, it’s important to check what support services the insurance plan offers you once you are in Mexico. Travel Assistance and Travel insurance are different products.   Travel Insurance is a policy that covers you for certain events or situations.  Travel Assistance is the “service surround” that may or may not be included as part of a Travel Insurance product.  Good Travel Assistance support services within a Travel Insurance package may offer the following services:

• A help-line to answer general questions about your insurance product and its support services
• A 24/7 toll-free emergency contact number staffed by English speaking agents
• Assistance with finding a doctor, a private clinic, or a lawyer if you need one
• Call your loved ones at home to pass on any messages if you are unable to do so personally
• Generally help you with questions, concerns, solicitation for advice in regards to situations and events covered by their insurance product

Check for the extra services on offer when you’re choosing your insurance product. Many insurance companies offer “bread and butter” (standard policy) cover for roughly the same price. However, when you’re in an emergency situation, it is the extra support they have (or perhaps don’t have!) in place—in the form of Travel Assistance—that could make all the difference to you.

Health Insurance for Longer Stays in Mexico

Travel insurance plans that cover you for health events and accidents in Mexico usually require you to be resident elsewhere (i.e. your home country) and will only cover you abroad for a limited period of time: typically 30-90 days.  If it transpires that these conditions are not met, then the insurance policy will become void.

If you intend to stay longer, or move here to live or retire in Mexico then you’ll need to consider alternatives to a travel insurance coverage plan.  To get a better understanding of the options read this article on Health and Medical Insurance Options for Mexico.

If you obtain legal residency in Mexico, then you can choose to buy-in to Mexico’s public health system known as IMSS.  Although legal foreign residents with Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente can apply for Mexico’s IMSS health insurance on a voluntary basis (you don’t have to be employed here to access it), most foreign residents who can afford to do so will take out a private medical insurance plan that covers their personal needs and gives them direct access to private doctors, clinics and hospitals in Mexico.  Note that visitors in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor visa (FMM) are not eligible for IMSS health insurance.

Private health insurance Plans in Mexico

If you shop for healthcare plans in Mexico you’ll find a wide range of insurance companies that, for a monthly premium, will provide you with private health coverage.  In the event that you or a member of your immediate family are taken ill or suffer an accident, the insurance company will cover the medical fees.  What (and moreover, how much) is covered depends on what health care plan you choose to buy. The more cover you need and the older you are the more expensive the premiums and/or deductibles will become. Other factors (such as whether you smoke or take regular exercise at a gym) may also influence the price of your premiums.

Company insurance plans

Most large companies provide a health care plan as part of their remuneration package, so if you come to Mexico to work for a corporation, you’re likely to be covered under that firm’s insurance scheme.  If you work for a company that doesn’t offer health insurance, or your work freelance, or you are retired in Mexico, then a personal private plan is an option to consider if you don’t want to join the IMSS program.  You should shop around for the best deal and find a plan that matches your individual circumstances, potential needs, and budget.

Mexico Auto Insurance

See Also: Complete Guide to Mexico Auto Insurance

If you are driving your own car, truck, RV or other vehicle from the USA or Canada over the border by road into Mexico, your US/Canadian auto insurance policy will NOT cover you in Mexico!

You do not need to show insurance documentation to import your car into Mexico; however, if you have an accident in Mexico and you are not properly covered, life can suddenly get very complicated for you.

For example, if you are involved in an accident where one or more people are injured or killed, you WILL be arrested until blame is assessed. During this process you will need the support of a lawyer, and a comprehensive insurance plan.

If you are involved in a car accident where no one is hurt or killed, the authorities will still pursue you personally for costs related to the repair of the public highway if you are not insured. Third parties may also pursue personal damages against you for any property that was damaged.

Read our comprehensive advice about Auto Insurance in Mexico for further details about insuring your car to drive Mexico.

Medical Evacuation from Mexico

While Mexico offers patients an ample choice of quality medical care facilities in-country, there are times when a Medical Evacuation may be necessary or preferable to medical treatment locally.  Medical evacuation from Mexico is typically undertaken when people have a catastrophic illness or accidents, primarily cardiac events, strokes, or serious injuries and vehicle accidents. Patients might also be medically evacuated when they need a transport to a specialty hospital or when their medical condition has been stabilized locally, but ongoing care  is best undertaken at a medical facility near to family back home or where their primary healthcare plan can cover such care.

Read our comprehensive Guide to Medical Evacuation from Mexico for full details about what it is, who needs it, and how to arrange coverage for your stay in Mexico.

Buyer’s Guide Mexico Insurance

As a general guide, you should look for a policy that covers:

Medical Expenses to at least US$5m: This should include the costs of repatriation back home should you or members of your family require it. If you have a health care plan which covers the major costs once you get home, you may only need a top-up insurance plan to pay your repatriation costs. Commercial airlines will not fly you home if you are seriously ill or incapacitated—a private air charter will be required. They are expensive and an insurance plan should allay those fees.

Personal Accident Cover: Your insurance should provide cover for any permanent bodily injuries you may sustain. Temporary material losses, for example, loss or delay of baggage or delay and/or cancellation of your flights should also be included.

Theft of Personal Items: These should include luggage and small amounts of cash (usually up to a couple of hundred dollars). If you are carrying items of particularly high value (e.g. a very expensive watch) be sure to check this is covered explicitly in the policy.

Third Party Liability: Your plan should cover your liability to third parties in case you accidentally hurt them in some way; this is normally standard in a comprehensive insurance plan. Your insurance should also cover legal assistance costs, should you need them while traveling in Mexico.

Travel Assistance: Check carefully to see what travel assistance is offered by your plan. Travel assistance is different from insurance per se: Assistance includes things like putting you in touch with appropriate local doctors, finding a local lawyer who speaks English if you need one, and getting messages to loved ones back home if you cannot do that yourself.

Auto Insurance: The auto insurance market is very competitive and some firms try to grab your attention with headline offers.

A good, reputable firm will offer a fair premium and, in return, provide comprehensive cover options with excellent service and after-care. When things go wrong, it’s the service, instead of the price, which makes all the difference.

A good Auto Insurance policy should include comprehensive cover, third party-liability insurance, legal representation and bail-bond cover in case you are arrested following a severe car accident in Mexico.

Check that your auto insurance policy is underwritten by an insurance company that is financially-sound. It is the insurance company, not the broker, under-writing your auto coverage in Mexico.

Read our Comprehensive Guide to Auto Insurance in Mexico for full details.

Adventure/High Risk Activities: If you are taking part in adventure travel or activities otherwise considered “high risk” by an insurer (even if you personally don’t consider them to be ‘high risk’), read the information below about Insurance for Adventure Activities in Mexico

Key Tips for Buying Mexico Insurances

• Travel insurance must be purchased in the country where you are resident before you travel. You cannot buy travel insurance for yourself in Mexico, other than rental car insurance;
• If you leave buying insurance to the last minute, you will probably not get coverage for delayed or cancelled flights (especially if they are due to strike action) and you will probably pay more for your cover by buying it from a retail outlet, for example, at the airport;
• When you buy insurance, keep in mind that service and after-care are extremely important. When things go wrong, it’s good after-care service that will really help to make your situation better;
• Check the credentials of all insurance brokers: reputable firms work with established names in the insurance market and will be properly licensed;
• Buy Insurance Online! Because operating costs are lower, cover can be arranged instantly by sending you electronic documentation by email. Buying your Mexico travel insurance online will almost certainly work out less expensive than buying it in a retail outlet—especially airports and land border crossings.

Coverage for High Risk Activities in Mexico

Ensure you’re properly covered for ‘High Risk’ activities!

In addition to the comprehensive travel insurance outlined above, you need to take out additional cover for you and your family if you are planning (or may have a chance of) taking part in any adventurous activities, or activities that insurers consider to be “high risk”.

If you are taking part in (or there is a possibility that you might take part in) any adventure activities, such as (but not limited to) Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Power-boating, Jet Skiing, Mountain Biking, climbing, caving, bungee jumping and the like, be sure to check your existing coverage (if you have medical and travel insurance already). Many insurers will exclude coverage of injuries sustained during such “high risk” activities.

Make absolutely sure that any high risk activities are explicitly specified on your insurance policy documentation as being covered in the event of an accident. You will need to pay an additional premium to get coverage for activities defined as adventurous or high risk by insurance companies—even if you personally don’t consider them to be high risk!

If you are doing anything that may be considered “high risk” by an insurer (that is, out of the scope of ‘normal vacation activity’), be sure to check with your insurer and cover yourself and your family accordingly.

If you are uncertain, ask your insurance company and, if necessary, get agreement of the specific activity included in the wording of the policy between you and the insurer.

Buy Mexico Insurance Online to Save Money

Buying Mexico Insurance online will save you money and give you the peace of mind of being covered by the time you arrive in Mexico—no last minute rush at the border crossing or the airport lounge (where insurance is usually more expensive).

You can learn about arranging insurance online from these guides:

See Also: Guide to Mexico Auto Insurance

See Also: Guide to Healthcare Insurance in Mexico

See Also: Guide to Mexico Property Insurance

See Also: Guide to Medical Evacuation Planning

This guide highlights the key aspects of getting access to health care services in Mexico for you and your family.

Health Emergencies in Mexico

When you move to Mexico, you should acquaint yourself with the local medical and health facilities available in your local area. Find out where your nearest hospitals and clinics are, as well doctors, dentists and opticians and keep their telephone contact numbers at hand.

You can find this information out from neighbors, friends, work colleagues or contact your local consulate who may be able to provide you with a list of local health facilities in the city or town where you live.

Although Mexico has a number of universal emergency numbers, numbers for specific emergency services vary by state and locality, so inquire about the numbers for the local police, ambulance and fire station and keep these handy by the home and office phone (and save them in your mobile phone).

Mexico has recently introduced a national “911” (or in Europe 112, 999) emergency number. (Previously 060 worked in certain regions across in Mexico.) You can ask for the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade on this number.

Private insurance companies supply their own emergency contact numbers to policy holders and, depending on the insurer and the plan, some services will connect you to an English-speaking operator for assistance.

If you have a serious medical emergency a Medical Evacuation plan can help you get home to your own doctors, hospitals and be close to your family for recovery.

Mexico’s Social Security System

Mexico’s social security system is called the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social, often abbreviated as just IMSS.

Mexico’s Social Security System is free at the point of delivery for Mexicans as well as foreign nationals with residency status who are in full-time employment by a company registered in the IMSS system (payroll taxes cover healthcare – see below). Foreigners resident in Mexico who are not working (e.g. retirees) or not working for company enrolled in IMSS may elect to purchase the IMSS health insurance separately for a modest monthly fee.

See: How to Access the Mexican Healthcare System (IMSS)

Employees of Mexican companies (including foreign employees) pay a percentage of their salary each month to the service, which entitles them to access the healthcare system and also provides insurance cover for their salary in case accident or ill-health prevents them from working. The payroll tax that covers healthcare is pay-able regardless of whether you pay into private insurance plan(s) separately.

The level of care delivered by the IMSS depends, in part, on where in Mexico you live: big cities have more resources but more people seeking them; villages and small towns have less people and also considerably less IMSS resources and expertise at their disposal.

Note: U.S. Medicare is not available in Mexico.

Seguro Popular

Seguro Popular was a nation-wide medical care program designed as a safety net to cover citizens who are not enrolled or otherwise covered by the IMSS.  It was replaced by INSABI in January 2020 (see next section).

INSABI

INSABI is the replacement program for Seguro Popular.  It’s an acronym for Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar and was introduced in January, 2020.

The service is intended to ensure that all Mexicans, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to some medical care. INSABI is intended to cover  Mexicans who are not in formal employment (and thus not covered by IMSS) and who cannot afford the voluntary IMSS subscriptions.

Private Health Insurance in Mexico

Mexico has a wide range of insurance companies that, for a monthly premium, will provide you with private health coverage. In the event that you or a member of your immediate family are taken ill or suffer an accident, the insurance company will cover the medical fees.

How much is covered depends on what health care plan you choose to buy. The more cover you need, and the older you are, the more expensive the premiums and/or deductibles will become. Other factors (such as whether you smoke or take regular exercise at a gym) may also influence the price of your premiums.

Most large companies provide a health care plan as part of their remuneration package. If you don’t work for a company that offers health insurance, or you are retired in Mexico, then a private plan is another other option. You should shop around for the best deal and find a plan that matches your individual circumstances, potential needs, and budget.

Private health insurance policies are crafted to the individual situation of the person, couple, or family, and premiums depend on things like your age, term of coverage, coverages included, and the deductible you are willing to pay in the event of a claim.

Although legal foreign residents with Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente can apply for Mexico’s IMSS health insurance on a voluntary basis (you don’t have to be employed here to access it), most foreign residents who can afford to do so will take out a private medical insurance plan that covers their personal needs and gives them direct access to private doctors, clinics and hospitals in Mexico.  Visitors in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor visa (FMM) are not eligible for IMSS health insurance.

Doctors in Mexico

Mexico has many fine doctors and many also speak good English.

If you are in need of an English-speaking doctor in Mexico you may contact your local consulate as they usually keep a list of local doctors at hand. Also asks friends, neighbors and work colleagues for recommendations of good local doctors.

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.

Your insurance company may also provide a list of doctors and, even, may have a list of approved doctors you may contact as part of your insurance cover.

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Dentists in Mexico

Mexico is well-served by highly qualified and professional dentists.

A large number of Americans travel south of the border every year to have dentistry work undertaken here, as they can have excellent work done for a fraction of the cost USA.

As with doctors and other medical professionals, word-of-mouth recommendations are ideal: ask friends, neighbors or work colleagues if they know of a good dentist locally.  If you are visiting Mexico, ask your hotel for a recommendation.

If you are insured for dental treatment, your insurance company may have a list of local dentists that you may contact for treatment.

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Opticians in Mexico

Mexico is awash with opticians and you should have no trouble finding someone to test your eyesight in most of Mexico’s larger towns and cities.

Most of the opticians you’ll find in Mexico are franchises which offer a complete eye-treatment service: from eye exams through to supplying glasses and contact lenses.

You will also be able to find local, independent, opticians some of which have been practicing for years and have a great deal of experience.

Eye Examinations: Eye exams are usually free provided that you purchase eye glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, at the same place. The quality of eye exams varies and you should try and select an optician that offers you experienced eye doctors and modern testing equipment.

Eye Glasses and Frames: If you need your eye-sight corrected, you’ll have an enormous choice of glasses, frames, designer frames and frame styles to choose from. Frames and glasses are relatively expensive in Mexico, especially if you want brand-name designer frames.

Contact Lenses: Contact lenses are widely available in Mexico, including the monthly disposables. Daily disposables are available in fewer places and may need to be pre-ordered for later pick-up. Some of the larger Sanborns Stores stock a wide range of daily disposal lenses which they sell over-the-counter. Although contact lenses are available over the counter without a prescription, you should have ‘contact lens eye test’ undertaken annually when you wear contact lenses as the optician will check for infections or other issues which may arise with the use of contact lenses.

Laser Treatment: Laser Eye Treatment is available in Mexico. Talk to your eye doctor or optician about this. Prices for treatment have fallen in recent years although prices here compare favorably with equivalent treatments in the US and Europe.

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Hospitals and Clinics in Mexico

Mexico’s best hospitals and clinics are based in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. If you are seeking specialist hospital treatment in Mexico you will probably have to travel to one of these cities.

Your insurance company may give you a list of hospitals you may make use of in Mexico or, if you have an open choice, then your local consulate will be able to provide you with a list of hospitals and clinics in the local area. Also talk with friends, colleagues or neighbors to ask them about local hospitals and clinics they may recommend.

Note that private hospital and clinical treatments are expensive in Mexico. You will need to have proof of private medical insurance or present a credit card with sufficient credit to cover several thousand dollars worth of treatment when you are admitted. Even if you have medical insurance, the hospital may still request a credit card imprint while the insurance policy and its details are confirmed; it can take up to 24 hours for this to happen.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the investment of private clinics and hospitals in Mexico, especially in areas popular with tourists and foreign residents, particularly retirees. For example, a new medical center in Merida has been receiving extremely good reviews from retirees in the area: the center was built, in part, to provide services to the increasing number of foreign retirees living in that region.

The doctors, nurses and specialist healthcare professionals working at Mexico’s private hospitals are exceptionally well trained and usually have access to the latest equipment, technologies and medicines. Although wealthy individuals still travel to the USA for some types of very specialist treatments (for example, Houston Texas is renown for it’s world excellence in cancer treatments), you can expect very high levels of healthcare and attention at Mexico’s private hospitals and clinics.

For a complete guide to private hospitals in Mexico, go to the website of the Association for National Private Hospitals in Mexico for a list and links to the individual hospital websites.

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Medical Evacuation from Mexico

While Mexico offers patients an ample choice of quality medical care facilities in-country, there are times when a Medical Evacuation may be necessary or preferable to medical treatment locally.

Medical evacuation is typically undertaken when people have a catastrophic illness or accidents, primarily cardiac events, strokes, or serious injuries and vehicle accidents. Patients might also be medically evacuated when they need a transport to a specialty hospital or when their medical condition has been stabilized locally, but ongoing care  is best undertaken at a medical facility near to family back home or where their primary healthcare plan can cover such care.

It’s worth bearing in mind that commercial airlines will not fly passengers who are in a severe medical state, so it’s false to presume that, in the event of an incident that leaves you or a family member in a medically-acute situation, you’ll be able to be flown home on a regular flight.

Read our comprehensive Guide to Medical Evacuation from Mexico for full details about what it is, who needs it, and how to arrange coverage for your stay in Mexico.

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Pharmacies and Medications in Mexico

Pharmacies are ubiquitous across Mexico; even the small towns have one. You’ll always be able to find a 24/7 pharmacy somewhere locally in Mexico.

Before July 2010, you could buy almost any medications you ask for over the counter in Mexico—including a full range of antibiotics and powerful pain-killers that would only be available on prescription in the USA, Canada and Europe. Today, high-powered pain killers and antibiotics require a prescription from doctor before they will be dispensed by pharmacists. Contact a doctor in Mexico if you need to purchase these (now) controlled substances.

Because of the high cost of medications in the USA, many Americans are crossing the border into Mexico to buy their medicines. Some may be buying brand-names at discount prices; others may be purchasing generic brand medications.

A concept of ‘discount medications’ has gained popularity in Mexico during recent times, principally through the rise of companies like ‘Farmacias Similares‘—a pharmacy franchise which offers generic drug alternatives to brand-name drugs. The issue with generic drugs on the cheap is that their precise source may be unclear.

The Guardian, a UK-based daily newspaper, published an article about over-the-counter medication in under-regulated environments like India and Mexico. The article highlights some of the risks involved with self-prescription and, in particular, generic (possibly counterfeit) medications.

Even brand-name medications in Mexico usually cost less (not always) than they do in the US and Europe, so buying the ‘real thing’ when you do have to take medications in Mexico may not cost you much more (your insurance policy might cover the costs anyway) and will mitigate the risks of generic or deep-discount medications.

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Register of Births and Deaths in Mexico

Each State in Mexico has its own official register of Births, Marriages and Deaths. In Spanish it’s called the Registro Civil.

By law, all Births, Marriages and Deaths in Mexico must be registered with the Mexican authorities. Additionally, if you are not Mexican and your children are born in Mexico you may want to register the birth with your local consulate. Deaths of foreign nationals in Mexico may also be registered with the deceased’s corresponding consulate.

See Also: Guide to Society and Culture in Mexico

Civil Registry Offices in Mexico

Each State in Mexico has its official registry office.

Download this Directory of Civil Registry Offices in Mexico (PDF) for a list of states and the corresponding details including a link to the State’s official web site.

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General Health Precautions

When you first arrive to live in Mexico, you are likely to encounter a settling-in period in regard to your general health. Here are some pointers and links that may be helpful:

Getting Used to Higher Elevations in Mexico: If you are not used to living at high elevation, and go to live in Mexico City, Guadalajara or one of Mexico’s colonial cities, it will take some time to adjust to the thinner air. It’s quite normal to feel more tired than usual, and you might also experience some headaches as your body adjusts to its new environment. Read our article, Breathing Easy in Mexico, for more details.

Getting Used to the Food and Drink: It may take you a while to adjust to the local food and drink in Mexico. Depending on what type of foods you are accustomed to eating, you may experience some intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, etc. as your regular diet changes and your body becomes accustomed to Mexican food.

Street Food in Mexico: Street food (including food sold at market stalls) can be quite tempting and is also a way that you can taste authentic Mexican cooking as the locals eat it. If you are living in Mexico, it may become one of the regular options for your daily meals. You should exercise care in selecting what street vendors you buy from, and what you eat there, because most likely your body will need to go through a period of adjustment as it’s exposed to new bacteria. Choose places that come recommended by other people as having hygienic standards and where the food is always fresh. Be especially cautious with water-based drinks, and fruit drinks prepared with water as its base; ask for an alternative prepared with milk or pure fruit juices, or if you really would like to taste a water-based drink, ask the vendor to prepare it with bottled water. Some people come to Mexico and eat street food, never suffering much more than an occasional upset stomach (if at all); it depends on your body’s digestive system, immunity, and how courageous you are with your eating habits!

Common Health Ailments in Mexico: For a good overview of general health in Mexico, including travel health matters, read the Mexico Travel Health Guide in the Mexico Essentials section on Mexperience.

See Also: Articles about Healthcare in Mexico

What could possibly go wrong? Well, we can’t know of course—but life with all its unpredictability marches on, even in Mexico.  The best way to deal with the unknown is to be prepared for eventualities, and a medical care plan should be included in those.

“Planning for medical emergencies when you travel or reside abroad is essential,” says Grant Conway, of Travel MedEvac Insurance, a company providing medical evacuation insurance plans for leisure visitors, snowbirds, and foreign residents in Mexico.  Drawing on Travel MedEvac’s experience, he shares some practical insights which are useful to take into consideration as you plan your medical care needs here in Mexico:

Make a plan for your medical care: “You should have a plan for what you are going to do if you become ill and need to be hospitalized in Mexico. A lot of people don’t know that most hospitals here won’t take an insurance assignment. That means that even if you have insurance, you’ll have to pay to get released from the hospital and file a claim with your insurer to be reimbursed later. Most hospitals request a deposit by credit card when you are admitted.

Find a local doctor: “If you’re taking up residency in Mexico, establish a relationship with a local general practitioner right away. Know which hospital he or she practices at and find a recommended ambulance company. Keep the phone numbers and hospital address handy.”

Medical evacuation: “Consider an air medical evacuation plan that is real insurance–compliant with and regulated by industry standards.  Travel MedEvac insurance offers hospital-to-hospital transport coverage with no deductible or out-of-pocket expenses.  The company utilizes Air Ambulance Worldwide and their global network of highly accredited EURAMI or CAMTS certified air medical transport companies.”

Travel Insurance: If you’re visiting Mexico for a defined period but not living here, be sure to have a travel insurance policy that will cover your needs.  Travel MedEvac also offers coverages for short term visits to Mexico.

Get informed: You can find extensive information about health and medical care matters on our guides to Healthcare in Mexico here on Mexperience, including resources about planing for Medical Evacuation should you ever need it.

See Also: Safety in Mexico and Healthcare in Mexico

Immunizations for Mexico

Do you need to Immunize for Mexico?

Many people who have never traveled to Mexico get the impression that immunization is an absolute requirement for Mexico. It is not in many cases. It is in some, depending where you plan to go.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans travel to Mexico for their holidays, just as the British travel to Spain. Most Americans travel to Mexico’s beaches, resorts, colonial cities, archaeological sites, and other well-established tourist places. Many of them don’t immunize themselves for these trips. Do you need to? Probably not, but the choice is a personal one and you should speak with your doctor if you are uncertain.

Unless you plan to travel off the beaten track, for example, take jungle tours, or plan to travel in rural and/or remote areas of Mexico, or places that are not well established, the likelihood is, you won’t need to immunize yourself. The choice is a personal one and you should check with your doctor before you travel.

Remote Areas and Tropical Jungle

For travelers planning to explore life in Mexico off the beaten track, for example in the Jungle regions, immunization is a planning requirement.

If you are traveling with children, or you are a pregnant woman, remote / jungle areas are probably best avoided anyway.

It is important that you speak with your doctor about the necessary immunizations for the areas you are traveling to. People who travel off the beaten track in Mexico generally immunize themselves for the some or all of the following:

Diphtheria,Tetanus & Measles: You are probably already vaccinated against all of these. Boosters are necessary every 10 years – check with your doctor.

Hepatitis A: This is a travel illness like diarrhea, but much worse. It attacks the liver and is contracted by putting a contaminated substance (like food or water) into your mouth. A vaccination is available which requires a booster after 6 months.

Hepatitis B: Like Hepatitis A, this affects the liver but is caused by a different virus. Symptoms are more severe. It is spread by exposure to blood and sexual contact with people. A vaccination is available.

Typhoid: If you’re traveling to areas that are very remote, or especially where there may be hygiene issues – in particular risky water supplies – get vaccinated for this. Read the about drinking water in Mexico. Drinking un-purified or contaminated water is the most common cause of Typhoid. A vaccination is available (given orally or an injection).

Malaria: You need to get professional advice on this, as Malaria drugs are specific and subject to many factors including the area to which you are going, what other medicines you are taking and your medical history, etc.

Rabies: Mexico is not a rabies-free country, but through a government-backed domestic pets vaccination program that has been running continuously since the 1990s, the number of domestic animals with the disease has been virtually eradicated, so the risks of contracting rabies in everyday situations is very low. However, if your activities will include things like caving or exposure to wild animals – you may want to get vaccinated for rabies (3 injections over the course of a month); alternatively, you can be vaccinated AFTER being bitten, but must see a doctor AT ONCE.

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Common Health Ailments

Common Health Ailments

If you have never traveled outside of your home country/continent before, it is normal that you may experience some health ailments as a result of exposing yourself to a brand-new environment, perhaps on a different continent. Here is a list of the most commonly reported ailments that travelers to Mexico experience. Some are unavoidable, due to the climate or environment; others can be caused by exposing yourself to bacteria in undercooked foods or some liquids, which may not affect ‘locals’, but which may cause havoc with you! You can scroll down the list, or read about a specific ailment by clicking it from the list below:

• Turista (Diarrhea)
• Altitude Sickness
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heatstroke
• Jet Lag
• Sunburn
• Air Pollution

“Turista”

“Tourist” or sometimes known as “Montezuma’s Revenge” is the most common health ailment experienced by foreign visitors to Mexico. Turista is a mild form of diarrhea, although it does come in a variety of strengths and can last from a day to a week. A change of environment (food, climate) could cause a mild bout of this, and you should not be concerned if it does—it’s quite normal.

More severe forms are acquired by drinking non-purified water (the most common way) or foods that have not been properly prepared. Provided that you eat sensibly (only at good restaurants, hotels), watch the water you drink (see drinking water in Mexico ) and don’t overdo it on the spicy food, you should be fine. If you do become affected, the BEST thing is lots of liquids (not much food)—and go and buy some “Pedialyte” (pronounced “peh-dee-ah-lee-teh)— this is a hydration drink with added salt, sugars and electrolytes that help your body to re-hydrate. This is important when you have diarrhea as your body is constantly releasing fluids. Available at all pharmacies, choice of artificial flavors. Tastes awful, but it does the job! As an alternative, any Gatorade (European Name: Lucozade) drink will do the same job, and taste better.

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Altitude Sickness

There are lots of good places to visit in Mexico that are at altitude. When you mix heat of around 25-30 degrees centigrade, and altitude above a couple of thousand meters, you get an environment that can be very uncomfortable and very tiring for people not accustomed to it! Headaches, loss of appetite and the inability to sleep well are common symptoms. If you plan to visit places at high altitude, remember that it will take a day or two for your body to adjust. Plan plenty of rest breaks, drink plenty of water, take aspirin or Paracetamol if you get headaches and avoid spending too much time in the direct sunlight. After a day or two you can scale-up your activity schedule as your body adjusts to its new environment!

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Heat Exhaustion

Mexico is very, very hot in places. If you’re walking around in the sunshine, take bottled water with you and keep hydrated at all times. A sun hat is a good investment—you can buy a good one just about anywhere in Mexico! Salt deficiency is another problem—as you sweat, your body excretes the salt it needs. Tiredness, headaches and muscle cramps can happen through salt deficiency. Add some salt to your food if you don’t normally do this at home; consider taking some salt tablets (you can buy these at any local pharmacy). If you get very dehydrated, go to a pharmacy and buy “Pedialyte”—this is a hydration drink with salt, sugars and electrolytes that help your body to re-hydrate.

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Heatstroke

Nasty cousin of the previous ailment; this condition is serious and can be fatal, so watch out! You can get heatstroke if you fail to follow the advice above and spend too long in the sunshine and without drinking anything. The intense heat and lack of liquid can cause your body’s natural heating and cooling system to malfunction, and your body temperature will rise to very dangerous levels, possibly fatal ones. General symptoms are severe headaches and no sweating, coupled with dizziness and vomiting and/or nausea. Hospitalization will be essential; but initially, getting out of the sun, cooled down and hydrated (if not unconscious) is a priority. You can cool a person down by removing their clothing and wrapping them in a wet towel or sheet.

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Jet Lag

Jet Lag occurs when you travel across several time zones. Your body’s clock is set to sleep and wake naturally at times set in the place where you live. Travel to a significantly different time zone, and your body clock gets all confused! Traveling from east to west (e.g. Europe to Mexico), you should experience very little jet lag, because you are in fact, gaining time. You’ll arrive late afternoon or evening, and should be tired at around 10 pm, just in time for an early night after a long journey. When you wake up, you should feel fine.

Traveling east from Mexico (e.g. Mexico to Europe) will be a different matter because you are losing time. When you get back to Europe, your body will want to sleep, but it’s morning in Europe and time to get up and about. Your body thinks it’s 2 am! If you are traveling east, try to get some sleep on the flight if you can so that you’ll arrive having had some rest already. Try NOT to go to sleep (however much you want to) when you arrive back—doing so could severely upset your biological clock for a couple of days. Resist the temptation to sleep until around 7 pm the evening of your arrival. When you wake up the next day, you should be fine!

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Sunburn

Sunburn can cause serious health risks, immediate and long term—be sure to protect yourself in Mexico’s hot climates. Three main considerations for sun care in Mexico:

Sun Creams – Use high factor sun creams which are commensurate with your skin type: generally speaking, fairer people will need higher protection, but you should continue to protect with sun cream even after you develop a tan. You can also get hair conditioners with sun-block built-in to protect your scalp, if you want to.

Children – All young children need to take extra care in Mexico’s sun. Be sure to buy very high factor sun creams / sun block and insist that they wear it! Sun hats are a very good idea for protecting them, too.

Eyes and Lips – Protect your lips with a sun blocking lip cream; and get a good pair of sunglasses (with proper UV protection) to protect your eyes, especially if you will be near water, sand or snow, which reflect the sunlight very effectively.

Mild sunburn can be treated with Aloe Vera cream / spray, available at all pharmacies in Mexico.

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Air Pollution

In the winter months, between December and February, the air pollution in Mexico City can reach high levels and make it very uncomfortable to breathe in the capital. Air pollution levels in the capital can remain raised until the late spring, in May or June, when the rain season arrives and clears the air.  Air pollution is particularly prevalent in the winter, as colder temperatures create a ‘thermal inversion’ which traps the pollutants, and prevents them from dispersing.  As the winter months pass and temperatures warm, the pollutants disperse more easily. Rain and winds (March is traditionally a windy month) also help to clear the air.  When air pollution levels exceed certain levels, the Mexico City government implements additional safety measures to reduce car use in the capital.

Common symptoms which arise when you’re breathing in excess amounts of polluted air include a sore throat, sinus irritations, headaches, and fatigue. If you are in Mexico City during a time when air pollution levels are elevated, try to limit your activities, remain indoors, avoid running or strenuous exercise and drink plenty of water.

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Doctors, Dentists, Hospitals in Mexico

Professional Health Care in Mexico

Most people that travel to Mexico—even those on adventure trips—never have a need to seek medical attention. But accidents can happen and people do get sick. If you do fall ill or hurt, Mexico has good doctors, dentists and hospitals who will be capable of treating you caringly and professionally.

If you are in a remote or rural area and fall very ill, or are in need of some specialist treatment, you may want to travel to a bigger town or city where more modern facilities will be available.

Your travel insurance should cover you for any medical bills you may have on your visit to Mexico. Connect to the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for more details.

Doctors

Local English-speaking doctors can be recommended by a good hotel. Most of the higher-quality hotels that cater for foreign visitors have a doctor on call at all times. Ask at reception.

Dentists

To find an English-speaking dentist, contact your hotel (see Doctors, above)

Hospitals

Most medium and larger sized towns and cities have at least one hospital or clinic. In an emergency, an ambulance will take you to a nearby hospital for treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a local clinic or hospital, for example to get broken bones / sprains attended to.

Also See: Health Care in Mexico

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Buying Medicines in Mexico

24 Hour Pharmacies

Many of Mexico’s pharmacies are open 24 hours a day. Some close at around 10 pm, others stay open all night. In smaller towns, pharmacies take turns staying open on the “all night” shift—ask locally for details.

Prescription or No Prescription?

Although you can buy almost any medicine you ask for over the counter in Mexico, you should only buy medicines that you know are safe to take from a ‘self-prescription’ perspective (e.g. over-the-counter painkillers, antacids, etc). If you think you need something stronger we recommend you see a local doctor and get a prescription.

You’ll find that most medicine is quite inexpensive in Mexico in comparison the USA, Canada and Europe: keep your receipts for claims on Medical Insurance where appropriate.

Also See: Health Care in Mexico

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Health Insurance

The Right Cover for You!

You need to ensure that your medical insurance will pay for any medical requirements you and those traveling with you may encounter as a result of your activities in Mexico. Your medical policy back home may not cover you in Mexico; if you live in Europe and are used to free treatment at the point of delivery within EU Member States, take note that Mexico does not have any reciprocal agreements in place and you will NOT be covered without private medical insurance.

Connect to the Mexperience section about Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details.

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Medical Evacuation from Mexico

While medical insurance provides certain coverages for you in Mexico, sometimes a fully-managed medical evacuation plan that transports you back to your doctors, your family, your healthcare network and your hospital of choice in your home country might be necessary.

Read our comprehensive Guide to Medical Evacuation from Mexico for full details about what it is, who needs it, and how to arrange coverage for your stay in Mexico.

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Health Care for Extended Stays in Mexico

If you plan to stay in Mexico for an extended period, either for a sabbatical, to live and work, or to retire, then you should consider your needs for longer term health care in Mexico.

Read our guide to Health and Health Care in Mexico, part of our extensive Living and Working guides, for full details.