MEDICAL CARE in Cancun

TNwhitehat · Jan 12, 2015

Steve, I have read your recommendations in the past regarding obtaining medical care in Cancun. I usually pack a printout of your thoughts but I lost it. Please re post or send me a PM to help me find your previous post. We highly value your thoughts.

LarKat · Jan 13, 2015

Before you leave for TTR, contact your insurance company and find out which hospitals in Cancun they have a working relationship with. Heaven forbid, if you have to visit a hospital, you don't want to put down a large chunk of cash before they will treat you. Just a suggestion. Larry

Steve · Jan 13, 2015

I think the post below is what you were thinking of:

Steve said: ↑

That sounds like a nasty break, hopefully you are on the mend now. Did this happen to Mr or Mrs Yummy?

A few medical emergency things I would mention, not to anyone in particular, but as a general post based on experience.

* I'm not very familiar with US healthcare insurance, but my basic understanding is that most people visiting Mexico from the US will already have private insurance. It always surprises me that while people from the UK and Canada (who dont tend to have private insurance at home) tend to take out specialised travel insurance as a matter of course, many of those from the US do not. Maybe, it's because people think they are covered by their existing insurance, but it seems often they aren't. You can buy specialised travel insurance quite cheaply so it is always worth considering.

* TTR is probably not much different to any hotel in Cancun when it comes to admitting any kind of responsibility, and any litigation initiated from outside Mexico is unlikely to prove successful.

* There are three hospitals in Cancun I would recommend, in the following order. First Galenia, then Hospiten and finally Amerimed. For broken bones I'd definitely put Galenia top of the list. I would not recommend any others than the three above and there are scores of hospitals. Some pay kickbacks to the people who refer patients there.

* Beware of private ambulances. I heard of a recent traffic accident where two people were charged $750 each for a 10 mile journey in the same ambulance. The person who arranges the ambulance receives a kickback. If at all possible take a taxi, if not have the Red Cross take you, not a private ambulance.

* Jannet, my wife, broke her Tibia a few years ago and needed an op. Total cost of op and follow up (at Galenia) was less than $3,000. We were not asked for payment in advance (possibly because we are residents). Payment in advance may be asked for from tourists because there have been many instances of people fleeing home without paying their bills.

* An emergency consultation with a Dr specialized in the field should cost around $50 USD if you make your own way to the hospital. A hotel doctor who is usually a general 'jack of all trades' will cost much more. Grab a taxi and go to a hospital yourself if you can.

* In case anyone wonders about the Boobs Cruise and how we deal with accidents. In the last 3 years we have had 3 occasions where a trip to hospital has been necessary. This is from a total of about 9,000 people. We had a shoulder dislocation, a twisted knee and a gashed foot - nothing major thankfully.

On two of the three occasions we had an ambulance waiting at the dock for the boats return, the third a private car and driver was provided. Each time the patient was accompanied by an Albatros (the boat company) employee to avoid any language or cost reimbursement issues, and who stayed until the patient left the hospital and was safely back at the hotel. The patients were taken to one of hospitals I recommend and all costs were covered by Albatros.
Click to expand...

Steve · Jan 13, 2015

Also there is a new Doctor and Pharmacy directly opposite TTR. The Dr there will be fine for any non emergency.

http://www.cancuncare.com/forum/temptation-resort-cancun/31741-new-pharmacy-doctor-opposite-ttr.html

Bourbon Life · Jan 13, 2015

Steve said: ↑

I think the post below is what you were thinking of:
Click to expand...

I'm glad this was bumped back up as I was just thinking of looking for the info also. Rather be safe than sorry. knock on wood.

TNwhitehat · Jan 13, 2015

Thanks Steve

That is the post I was looking to find. I had seen the post re: new Doc across the street...
Thanks for that one too.
I have been there 15 times, never needed it but good to know. YOU'RE THE INFO GOD.

icecube88 · Feb 25, 2016

Bump!

Cheers2US · Nov 29, 2022

@Steve - just wondering, is the info above still up to date?

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MEDICAL CARE in Cancun

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