Health
Eating and Drinking Safely
Health
Excellent healthcare facilities are accessible in Mexico City and other principal 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, and most hospitals in Mexico do not receive U.S. health insurance.
Some tourists have filed complaints against certain private hospitals in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos due to excesive 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
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 numerous regions of Mexico, the tap water isunsafe 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 numerous cities in Mexico. 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, such as Mexico City or Guadalajara, are at high altitude, which can lead to altitude illness.
Adventure Travel
Participating in adventure sports and activities may not be covered by accident insurance. Additionally, safety protections and regulations for such activities could vary from American standards.
Mexico City
Vaccines and medicines
Routine vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Shingles
|Covid 19
Pharmaceuticals
Visitors should have a copy of their prescription or doctor’s letter on hand. Be aware, arriving in Mexico with certain substances on these lists 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.
Always carry your prescribed medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of your doctor’s prescription.
Bug bites
Avoid bug bites
Bugs such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can transmit various diseases in Mexico. 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, 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.
Stay safe outdoors
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 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 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 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.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated areas for swimming. Follow the guidance given by lifeguards and posted warning flags on beaches
Avoid diving into shallow waters.
Practice safe boating by adhering to all boating safety laws, abstaining from drink alcohol when oparating a boat, and wearing a life jacket at all times.
Restrain from ingesting water while swimming, as untreated water may contain dangerous microorganisms.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can lead to travelers' diarrhea and otherillnesses. Minimize your risk by following safe food and water practices.
Eat
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
Don't Eat
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
Drink
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
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
