How To Find Hospitals Urgent Care & Emergency Care in Cozumel Mexico
As you plan your vacation to Cozumel, Mexico, otherwise known as paradise on earth, the farthest thing from your mind is likely what to do if you get sick, injured or experience a life-threatening medical emergency while there. Unfortunately, though it’s not a pleasant thought to consider, accidents can and do happen, even when on vacation, so it’s a good idea to prepare yourself, just in case. The following information is helpfully compiled for your education by Air Evac International.
Determine Your Health Coverage
Before traveling out of the country, it’s a good idea to sit down with your Insurance agent and go over your out-of-county coverage. Some health insurance companies refuse to pay any medical claims out of American borders. Others, will pay, but only in the form of a reimbursement, meaning you need to be ready to pay for your own medical care should the need arise. Keep in mind, even if your insurance will cover your care, if you need to be medically evacuated from Mexico via an air ambulance service like Air Evac International, this likely won’t be covered by your insurance. Therefore, you might want to opt for air ambulance insurance. It’s important to note that in almost situations, Medicare is extremely limited in what they will cover outside of the United States. If you are a senior citizen, the American Embassy encourages you to contact the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to learn more about supplementing your coverage with foreign medical coverage.
Know Where to Get Help
At any point when you are out of the country, your most consistent resource is the American embassy within that country. In Mexico, the embassy will offer assistance in locating the proper medical care as well as help you inform family and friends of your situation. They even provide a consular officer to assist you in transferring funds from America in order to pay for your medical expenses. Unfortunately, the United States Embassy does not cover the cost of your medical care. According to the American Embassy, you also need to complete the “information” page located on the inside of your passport. This will provide medical professionals with important information, such as your address, name and emergency contact information should you be unable to communicate.
Contact Information For United States Embassy in Mexico
Use the following information should you have a need arise in which you need to contact the United States Embassy while in Mexico:
Website: https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/
Phone: (01-55) 5080-2000
Address:
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico, D.F.
Ask Trusted Locals
Of course, if you know any locals, they will likely have the best advice as to where you can find adequate health care. Make sure you can trust their opinion, though. In other words, don’t ask someone you just met on the street, only ask those you trust to point you in the right direction. Many times, your hotel or resort front desk employees can help you with where to go for various medical issues within the area.
Check Out Area Medical Centers
Of course, it’s not feasible to tour hospitals, clinics and other medical centers just in the small chance you might need to visit them while on vacation. Thankfully, the following information will give you a few options to choose from should you find yourself in need of medical and/or emergency care in Cozumel, Mexico:
- CostaMed Medical Group: This medical facility, considered the principal hospital group in the Riviera Maya, is a safe place for foreigners to procure medical treatment. They boast various national and international certifications. They have been accredited by the General Health Council and proudly uphold the rules compiled by the Joint Commission International.
- Cozumel International Hospital: At this medical facility, their motto is “We don’t treat symptoms, we treat people.” Their world-class commitment to serving their patients, 24/7 make them a good choice if you find yourself in need of medical care while in Cozumel. Services range from physician consultations to three Intensive Care Units, which provide life sustaining support to critically ill patients. They also specialize in emergency situations.
- Amerimed Cozumel Islamed Hospital: At this Cozumel based medical facility, you will have access to imagine technology, intensive care units, a pharmacy, surgical specialties and operating rooms all up to international standards. This fact has led many to consider this the very best medical facility and/or hospital in the Cozumel area. They also specialize in high level emergency medical care available to patients 24/7.
- Medical Hospital San Miguel de Cozumel: “In matters of health, experience is what counts.” This experienced hospital has served its local community since 1962 and was even selected by the Mexican government to provide all care to the local community for a time. Since its inception, this facility has been considered by many to be the best option for diagnostic services and medical care for those in the community as well as Cozumel visitors.
Prepare Well, For Every Scenario, Even Not so Great Ones
Above all else, in order to ensure you don’t end up in a nightmare scenario, thousands of miles from home in need of medical care and no idea where to turn, take the steps listed above and keep the listed medical facilities in mind. While Cozumel is heaven on earth, it can become a nightmare situation fairly quick if you become ill, have an accident or need some form of medical help. Although Air Evac International hopes you won’t have need of their services when visiting Cozumel, it’s wise to remember that they are available to fly you out of Mexico and back into the United States if you have a medical emergency that demands an air ambulance evacuation.
Source
American Embassy: https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/
AARP: https://www.aarp.org/
U.S. Embassy Contact Info: https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/
Costamed: https://costamed.com.mx/
Certifications https://costamed.com.mx/international%E2%80%8B-%E2%80%8Bcertifications/
Cozumel International : https://hospitalcozumel.com/services.html
Amerimed: http://www.amerimedcozumel.com/