When we are traveling or living in Mexico, the least we want to think about is what to do in case of a medical emergency or any other eventuality. However, sometimes it happens, and we need to be prepared. This is a list of emergency tips and numbers.
Hopefully, suppose you are at a hotel. In that case, you can go to the front desk or call the operator, and I am sure they have all the information to contact the correct number readily available according to your emergency. However, if you are out and about, you may call the emergency number, the same as in US and Canada, 911.
If you have travel insurance, contact the local number or the assistance number in Canada or the US and ask for a referral.
Medical Emergencies While Traveling or Living in Mexico
Most hotels have in-house physicians who can provide medical care. Hotels can also arrange appointments with local medical practitioners or even help with the language barrier.Â
Note that the hotels are not responsible for paying the doctors’ fees. Although they are included in some all-inclusive resorts, you better check first if that is the case.
If you need urgent care, then the best option is often the nearest hospital. In some places, ambulances may not be standard. Use whatever form of transportation you find to get to a hospital.Â
Usually, the embassy is able to provide you with the following services:
- Help you contact your insurance company.
- Provide a list of hospitals, clinics, or physicians.
- Â Contact your medical doctor, with your authorization, in Canada or US and assist them in discussing your medical issues with the local treating physician.
- Contact your next of kin to make decisions in case of incapacity.
- Aid with medical evacuation and safe transfer, including liaison with service providers.
However, please note that the Canadian or US governments do not:
- Pay your hospital and medical bills.
- Pay for air ambulance, medical evacuations, or other similar commercial services that you may need.
- Make decisions about your medical care.
- Interfere in your medical care.
- Provide medical or legal advice.
US and Canadian EmbassiesÂ
The main embassy is in México City, but they will address you to their consular offices in other cities in case you need to contact the US consular offices or the US embassy in Mexico.Â
If you are Canadian, you may look for consular offices near you on the Canadian Embassy site. Click  Emergency Assistance for Canadians in Mexico for updated information.
Registering with the ConsulateÂ
There’s no need to register with the Consulate if you travel to Mexico. However, it is a good idea to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for US citizens and Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Car Related Eventualities
If you want to bring your car and have car insurance, contact them before you come to Mexico to know what kind of coverage they have.Â
In case that you rent a car, some credit cards include the insurance, so you better make sure of that as well. Otherwise, the car rental company may provide you with it.
Also, if you are traveling or living in Mexico and you want to go from one town to another and you need to take the highway, find out the route you want to follow beforehand, so you don’t get any surprises.Â
We recommend traveling by day to avoid getting lost or any other incidents. However, if you have any flat tire or car incidents, Angeles Verdes or Green Angels, as they are known to English speakers, provide roadside assistance.Â
They travel Mexican Federal Highways looking for and providing medical and mechanical assistance to those in need, no matter your citizenship. You only have to dial 078 to contact them.
We hope you have an incredible vacation in Mexico. And if you fell in love with the place you are visiting and think that perhaps you can retire or invest in Mexico real estate, contact one of our Top Mexico Real Estate representatives or take a look at our Mexico listings.