Tips for Handling Medical Emergencies While Living in Mexico
When a foreigner living in Mexico develops a medical emergency, they should call 911, tell the operator what their emergency is and where they are, and be prepared for an ambulance to pick them up. Expats should try to work through language barriers calmly and understand what their insurance covers.
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Are you an expat or foreigner currently living in Mexico? Do you want to understand how to best handle a medical emergency abroad in Mexico?
This article is going to give you 10 tips of things you can do in a health crisis, as well as how to prepare for one.
You will also want to learn all about expat health insurance in Mexico and who the top 10 international providers are for foreigners in Mexico.
Tips for Expats Having a Medical Crisis in Mexico
Here are some top tips for expats and travelers living in Mexico who find themselves in a medical emergency:
- Know Where the Closest Mexican Hospital or Clinic Is
- Know How to Call 911 in Mexico
- Work Through Language Barriers Calmly
- Call The Green Angels at 078
- Be Prepared to Pay Upfront for Medical Services
- Know What Your Insurance Covers
- Stay on Top of Your Medical Costs While in the Hospital
- Know Where the Nearest Embassy is in Mexico
- Prepare for an Emergency Before Traveling to Mexico
- Fill in the Emergency Contact Page on Your Passport
Let’s talk about each in more detail.
Know Where the Closest Mexican Hospital or Clinic Is
It is wise to know where the closest Mexican hospital or clinic is at all times. You can look these up online before you travel to Mexico. You can also gather a list of the phone numbers of those hospitals so you can contact them easily during a medical emergency.
Know How to Call 911 in Mexico
The emergency hotline is 911 in Mexico, the same as in the United States and Canada. When you call 911, be prepared to describe your exact location and your medical emergency. If you don’t speak Spanish, ask someone who speaks English by saying “Habla ingles?”
When you call 911 in Mexico, this is what’s going to happen:
- You’ll provide your location and type of emergency
- The operator will send you support for your type of emergency – medical personnel, police officers, or firefighters, etc.
- An ambulance will come to pick you up for a medical emergency
- At the hospital, you may be asked to sign a release of legal redress
- You may be asked to pay for your treatments before you receive them
- Treatment will begin
Work Through Language Barriers Calmly
If you’re an expat or traveler in Mexico who doesn’t speak Spanish, you’ll want to calmly and patiently try to work through your language barrier in a medical crisis. Use visual clues, hand gestures, google translate, and try to remain optimistic. You can also ask for a translator if available.
Call The Green Angels at 078
Travelers who don’t speak Spanish can call 078 instead of 911 for help. The Green Angels are an organization assigned with supporting travelers in Mexico who need information, mechanical assistance, medical first aid, disaster assistance, and more. They speak English and can help you!
They often patrol the Mexican Federal Highway or Toll Roads with green or white and green trucks that give them their namesake. The Green Angel’s services are free, though tipping is a good practice.
Be Prepared to Pay Upfront for Medical Services
It is a common practice in Mexico for hospitals to charge you for your treatments before you receive them. You can pay with cash or card. After you pay for your bills in full out-of-pocket, then you can submit a reimbursement claim to your insurance provider.
Be sure to ask the hospital for a receipt or detailed description of every service you are being charged for so you can send it to your provider later. The hospital may put a hold on your credit card while you receive service.
Know What Your Insurance Covers
Whether you have travel or medical insurance for your stay in Mexico, you’ll want to understand exactly what your plan covers. Some plans may not provide coverage for ambulance transportation, emergency medical evacuation, or emergency care. Be sure you get sufficient coverage in advance.
Stay on Top of Your Medical Costs While in the Hospital
Expats in Mexico cannot expect the hospital to contact your insurance company or make it easy for you to seek reimbursement, so you need to take matters into your own hands. The U.S. government recommends requesting an itemized bill every day you are in the hospital.
They also recommend taking these measures:
- Expressing your concerns about billing to the hospital immediately
- Getting a written estimate for a procedure or proposed treatment before it is given
- Checking quotes for similar procedures you may need from other hospitals
- Switching to a new hospital if the one you are in is too expensive or unwilling to offer reasonable costs
- Reaching out to your insurance company as soon as possible, because the hospital likely will not
- Contacting the U.S Embassy, consulate, or consular agency if it doesn’t seem like you’ll be able to sort out an issue
Know Where the Nearest Embassy is in Mexico
Foreigners living in Mexico should learn where their home country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate is in Mexico. This empowers you to know where to head if you come across an emergency that could be best solved on your own soil or with the help of representatives from your country.
Prepare for an Emergency Before Traveling to Mexico
Expats and travelers heading to Mexico can prepare for a medical emergency before your trip begins. You can do so by registering with the U.S. Embassy, getting auto and travel insurance, getting short-term health insurance, downloading the app Travel Smart, and gathering emergency services info.
Fill in the Emergency Contact Page on Your Passport
It is wise to make sure your information page on the inside of your passport is filled in before you travel to Mexico in case you get in an accident. This identification page should include the name, address, and phone number of someone authorities can contact in the event you get in an emergency.
Why Having Expat Health Insurance in Mexico is Essential
Having insurance helps you manage medical costs, access quality care, cover medical evacuation, and reduce your stress. We never know when we will have a medical emergency, so being prepared is the best thing we can do.
The following list demonstrates some of the great benefits expats experience with international medical coverage:
- Access to Quality Healthcare
Private vs. Public Healthcare: While Mexico has a public healthcare system (IMSS), it may not meet the standards many expats are accustomed to, particularly when it comes to wait times and the availability of specialized treatments.
Private healthcare facilities often provide higher quality care but are costly without insurance.
Language Barrier: Private hospitals and clinics usually have staff who speak English, which can be crucial in a medical situation for clear communication and understanding.
- Cost Management
High Medical Costs: Without insurance, medical costs in private hospitals can be immense. Procedures, surgeries, and even routine care can add up quickly, making insurance a financial safeguard.
Unexpected Medical Expenses: Emergencies and unexpected health issues can happen at any time. Insurance provides a safety net, decreasing possible strain you may feel from sudden medical bills.
- Comprehensive Coverage
Wide Range of Services: Expat health insurance plans typically offer comprehensive coverage, including hospital stays, surgeries, specialist consultations, and sometimes even dental and vision care.
Preventive Care: Many plans include preventive services like vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups, which are important for maintaining long-term health.
- Repatriation and Evacuation
Medical Evacuation: Insurance can cover the cost of medical evacuation to another country for appropriate treatment if you have a severe illness or injury. Not all local facilities are adequate at treating these conditions.
Repatriation: Insurance can cover the cost of necessary repatriating the insured back to their home country for continued medical care or in the event of death.
- Peace of Mind
Reduced Stress: Knowing that you have comprehensive health coverage can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to enjoy your time in Mexico more fully.
Focus on Recovery: Having insurance allows you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about medical expenses.
- Continuity of Care
Global Network: Expat insurance often provides access to a network of healthcare providers not just in Mexico but globally. This ensures continuity of care if you travel or relocate again.
- Customization and Flexibility
Tailored Plans: Expat health insurance plans can often be tailored to your specific needs, whether you require basic coverage or extensive medical services, ensuring you get the best value and protection for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a medical emergency in Mexico?
If you have a medical emergency in Mexico, you should call for help by dialing 911, go to the nearest hospital (preferably one that has English-speaking staff), and contact your insurance provider. Be sure to carry your ID, insurance card, and a list of your medications with you.
Are there English-speaking doctors in Mexico?
There are many English-speaking doctors in Mexico, especially in areas with large expat communities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and coastal regions like Cancún and Puerto Vallarta. Private hospitals and clinics catering to expats and tourists often have English-speaking medical staff.
How do I find a reputable hospital in Mexico?
To find a reputable hospital in Mexico, you should do research online by looking for ratings and reviews on expat forums, ask locals and expats for their recommendations, check accreditation for hospitals on international organizations like the Joint Commission International (JCI).
What costs can I expect for emergency medical care in Mexico?
The cost of emergency medical care in Mexico can vary widely depending on the type of care and your facility. Emergency Room visits typically range from USD $50 – $200, hospital stays can range from USD $200 – $500 per day in a private hospital, and surgeries can range from USD $2,000 – $50,000.
Will my health insurance cover emergencies in Mexico?
Many expat health insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, including hospital stays, surgeries, and medical evacuations. It’s important to review your policy and knot its specifics, carry your insurance card with you, and inform your provider as soon as you can.
Conclusion: Compare Insurance Quotes Now
In this article, we’ve talked about 10 tips expats and travelers living in Mexico can follow when they need to smoothly handle a medical emergency. We’ve also introduced you to why it is so beneficial for expats to secure a quality international health insurance plan.
To start comparing insurance quotes today, check out our obligation-free quote generator online. With it, you can compare hundreds of plans side by side from dozens of worldwide insurance providers. We also highly encourage you to reach out to our insurance experts online or by calling +852-3113-1331.
If you found value in this article, you’ll also want to read Ambulance Services for Expats in Mexico and Staying Healthy While Traveling in Mexico: Essential Tips.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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