Medical Services in Mexico

Medical services in Mexico include top-grade hospitals, with the country drawing medical tourists not only with its facilities, but with its popular holiday resorts. Medical facilities consist of the very latest technology to offer innumerable procedures carried out by highly skilled doctors and nurses.

Mexico also has many top-end clinics in its main cities and resorts, particularly in the field of cosmetic surgery, dental surgery, and obesity surgery. The level of medical care and attention is on par with care in the world’s best medical facilities, and the prices are about half of what they are in the US.

Many Americans are surprised to discover Mexico has such good medical tourist services, many of which lie just over the border. In addition, Mexico’s best hospitals, surgical centers and outpatient clinics also provide a personable service, far removed from the standard medical services in North America.

Although prices for these top hospitals and clinics in Mexico are way above most Mexicans’ pockets, they are still cheap compared with what an American would pay at home, yet the same - if not better - level of medical service is offered.

The downside is that not all medical services in Mexico are up to this level of standard. Standard government hospitals and clinics are generally understaffed and under funded, meaning long lines and lack of services. In addition, staff in these facilities rarely speak English and, unlike the US and most of Europe, the emergency services in Mexico are not up to par.

It is always best to register with your embassy before traveling to Mexico. The US Embassy is in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc (tel: +52 5211 0042). Taking out medical insurance is also a must when visiting Mexico, even when visiting for medical reasons.

Following are some other useful numbers to make a note of when visiting Mexico:

• In case of emergency: dial 065 from within Mexico.
• 24-hour Tourist Help Line, Mexico City: +52 5205 0151 or 078 to speak to an operator.
• US Department of State Travel Advisory: +1 202 647 5225.
• Rescue and Medical Emergencies Squad (ERUM): +52 5722 8805
• Police, ambulance, fire: 060
• ABC Hospital emergency: +52 5230 8161
• Red Cross Hospital: +52 5580 0070
• Federal Highway Police: +52 5677 2227