Emergency Medical Care in Cabo
What Happens in an Emergency?
An accident can happen anywhere. We often assume, that because we have full health insurance coverage at home, that we will be protected when we travel. Nine times out of ten this is not the case in Mexico.
You need to understand how the medical system in Mexico works. What happens if you require emergency medical care? Will your insurance cover it? Which hospital should you go to? How will you get there? Let's find out...
How the Mexican Health Care System works
The Mexican health care system – “Insituto Mexicano de Seguro Social”- only covers Mexican citizens, and legal immigrants who are paying into the system. So, if you are travelling to Mexico you need full medical travel insurance. Without it, you could face huge bills. Especially for emergency medical treatment.
Existing US Health Care Plans
Don’t presume that your existing US healthcare plan will cover you in Mexico. Chances are it won’t. But best check with your provider. You may be able to enhance your policy for the period of your travel. If not, you will have to buy an additional medical travel insurance policy.
Paying Up
front
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.
Reimbursement
of costs
Even when you
do have satisfactory health insurance, it is very difficult to invoke it.
Payment is almost always expected up front. For Mexicans and Tourists. That is just how the system works. First you have to pay.
And then you are responsible for claiming reimbursement from your insurance company.
Choosing A Policy
Make sure you
do your homework. There are really two key areas to consider. The first is the level
of practical help your insurance company will provide on the ground in Mexico. The
second is the level of coverage in your policy, and what exactly is included
1. Practical
Help
Check that they have the right infrastructure in place. For example, do they
a 24/7 toll-free-number with English speaking operators? Do they provide help finding
English speaking medical practitioners? Do they provide help co-ordinating any
care you may need? Do they have contracts with specific hospitals in the Los Cabos area? If so, which ones?
2. Level of
cover
Make sure you
do your homework. It is essential that your health insurance plan includes all emergency medical care and medical
evacuation. So, if necessary, you would have sufficient coverage to get flown home
to America. And read the small print. Not all health insurance policies will cover
you if you engage in high-risk activities like diving, rock climbing etc. And please
note – not all policies will cover you for injuries sustained - “while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.”
And finally...
Well, what
can we say - we all know that Cabo is full of adrenaline pumping activities. And
full of bars. Like we said, do your homework. Make sure you are covered. And have a great time.
Warning for Visitors to Cabo
Several hospitals in the Los Cabos area have been heavily
criticised in recent years for the excessive medial charges visitors
have been forced to pay.
In response, the US Consulate in Mexico removed these hospitals from their recommended lists in April 2016. So, it is definitely worth checking these details before you trip.