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HEALTH
HEALTH
Excellent healthcare facilities are accessible in Mexico's cities. Ambulance services are widely accessible, but the training and availability of emergency responders may be lower than the standards in Europe. Injured or seriously ill travelers might choose to take a taxi to a healthcare provider. Mexican facilities usually require upfront payment before giving medical assistance. Check your international insurance policy for specific coverage before traveling to know if you will be covered or not and at which facility.
Some tourists have filed complaints against certain private hospitals in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos due to excessive prices and inflexible payment methods. Travelers must receive detailed information on billing, pricing and proposed medical procedures before consenting to receive medical care in these locations.
Note that some resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers and ambulance services, which could limit your options in case of requiring emergency medical attention. Some hospitals in popular tourist destinations use a sliding scale to determine service rates, which are based on negotiations and the patient’s perceived ability to pay. In certain cases, healthcare providers have been known to set the limits for a patient’s credit card or insurance and then reach that amount quickly through rendered services before discharging the patient or transferring them to a public hospital.
Ambulance services are:
Widely available in major cities, but training and availability of emergency responders could be limited
Not present in many remote and rural areas of the country
Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment
Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
WATER QUALITY
In most regions of Mexico, the tap water is unsafe for consumption. It is recommended to opt for bottled water or other beverages. It's imperative to bear in mind that numerous restaurants and hotels serve tap water instead of bottled water unless requested. Moreover, keep in mind that ice for drinks might be made using tap water.
AIR QUALITY
Air pollution is an eminent issue in large Mexican cities. It is advisable to take into account the effects of seasonal smog and high particulate pollution on your health and consult your physician before traveling if needed.
ALTITUDE
Many cities in Mexico, including Aguascalientes, Mexico City and Guadalajara, are at high altitude, which can lead to altitude illness.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Participating in adventure sports such as zip lining and parachuting may not be covered by your insurance company. Check your policy prior to participation. Additionally, safety protections and regulations for such activities could vary from American and European standards.
Mexico City
VACCINES AND MEDICATION
VACCINES AND MEDICATION
ROUTINE VACCINES
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Common vaccines include:
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Shingles
Covid 19
PHARMACEUTICALS
Always carry your prescribed medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of your doctor’s prescription.
Be aware, arriving to Mexico with restricted substances may lead to arrest. It is important to note that what some countries consider “over the counter” medicine could be classified as a "controlled substance" in Mexico. For instance, Sudafed's active ingredient, pseudoephedrine, is considered a controlled substance in Mexico.
BUG BITES
BUG BITES
AVOIDING BUGS BITES
Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas can transmit various diseases. Unfortunately, several of these diseases cannot be prevented through vaccination or medication. Nevertheless, you can minimize your risk by taking measures to avoid bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents).
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
Avoid scratching insect bites and use either hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to relieve the itching. After any outdoor activity, thoroughly check your entire body for ticks and remember to remove ticks properly.
Mosquito bites typially last 3-4 days. If a bite seems more serious than a regular mosquito bite, contact a health care practitioner immediately.
OUTDOOR SAFETY
OUTDOOR SAFETY
If your travel plans in Mexico include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing and seek shade during the hottest time of day (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
WATER SAFETY
WATER SAFETY
Swim only in areas designated for swimming. Follow the guidance given by lifeguards and posted warnings on beaches.
Avoid diving into shallow waters.
Practice safe boating by adhering to all boating safety laws, abstaining from drinking alcohol when operating a boat and wearing a life jacket at all times.
Restrain from ingesting water while swimming, as untreated water may contain dangerous microorganisms.
FOOD AND DRINK SAFETY
FOOD AND DRINK SAFETY
Unclean food and water can lead to travelers diarrhea and other illnesses. Minimize your risk by following safe food and water practices.
SAFE FOODS
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
UNSAFE FOODS
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
SAFE DRINKS
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
UNSAFE DRINKS
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
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