Emergency Medical Care | iTravel - Cabo (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I have a medical emergency in Mexico? ›

If you do need medical treatment whilst in Mexico, you may be required to pay for the services up front. At the very least, you will be asked to show proof of your ability to pay. This means that prior to any treatment you would be expected to: a) to show evidence of your insurance policy; b) give credit card details.

It's worth noting that Los Cabos is one of the most popular medical tourism destinations in Mexico, with highly skilled medical professionals, leading cutting-edge technology and facilities, and significantly lower costs for major medical procedures. People either pay for this with private insurance or by paying cash.

SAFE TRAVEL IN MEXICO

The State Department notes that “violent crime is common and widespread in Mexico,” though there are no travel restrictions for Cabo San Lucas. However, the State Department recommends that travelers reconsider travel to Baja California because of crime and kidnapping.

You can ensure your good health by washing your hands frequently, drinking only purified water, and steering clear of mobile food vendors, whose offerings may not have been prepared in sanitary conditions and in any case can suffer in the heat.

If you don't have enough money upfront, you could end up paying the bill later with a huge interest rate. The hospital can even call your credit card company once they receive your bill and charge them directly. It is recommended to get Travel Insurance for instances like these.

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).

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.

Cabo has local Mexican hospitals offering lower prices for hospital care to several large first-rate U.S.-like hospitals with more significant fees. I have experienced both a local hospital and a prominent U.S.-like facility.

San Diego Health System, this private healthcare system offers state-of-the-art treatments across Cabo. H+ Hostipal – Rated one of the best hospitals in Cabo San Lucas, H+ Hospital is a private hospital network committed to providing quality 24/7 health care, complete with ambulances and a team of on-call doctors.

That said, by and large, travel to both Cancún and Los Cabos is safe. Travelers who abide by local laws and don't go searching for trouble will have a safe vacation experience, as is true with most destinations around the world.

What threat level is Cabo Mexico? ›

For Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located, the travel advisory is listed at level 2, warning travelers to exercise increased caution. Level 2 is one of the lowest advisory levels and generally means the region is safe to travel.

It is not recommended to drink unfiltered tap water in Cabo San Lucas. Just to be safe, ask for bottled water and be wary of drinks with ice cubes.

Luke's Hospital in Cabo San Lucas. U.S. citizens have reported instances of withholding care for payment, failing to provide itemized lists of charges, ordering unnecessary procedures, withholding U.S. passports, obstructing medical evacuations, and refusing to discharge patients without payment.

Fail to Keep an Eye out for Dangerous Animals

In the water, watch out for jellyfish. Always carry lemon juice or lotion with you in case you get stung. There are some places in Cabo with dangerous bugs and reptiles. Be alert about venomous animals such as scorpions and rattlesnakes that are sometimes seen in the city.

To be extra safe, stick to fruit that can be peeled, such as bananas and mangoes. Prepared fruit (such as sliced guava, papaya, and pineapple) may look delicious, but you don't know how clean the preparer's hands were or how long the fruit has been sitting out in the sun, exposed to insects and airborne bacteria.

EMERGENCY: 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.

Check insurance coverage with your carrier and identify whether or not you're covered while traveling abroad. Most insurance, including Medicare, doesn't cover medical emergency evacuation back to the U.S., and this can be costly. Ask for advice on medical care while traveling.

If a medical emergency occurs, the flight crew notifies ground-based medical support for guidance. “The flight crew members are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and are able to administer lifesaving medications and equipment available in the emergency kits,” said Stahl.

US citizens living and working in Mexico may be eligible for healthcare in Mexico under the IMSS, which is the healthcare system provided under Mexico's private employment sector. If you have legal residency and are self-employed there, you can opt-in to the system voluntarily.