Anyone out there ever had a medical emergency while visiting Cancun?

Question

How's the medical care on the Yucatan Peninsula? If I should get hurt while visiting there, can I expect good medical care? What if I have to be transported by ambulence? What if I need a blood transfusion? Can I be properly accomodated there?

Answer 1

The medical care in Cancun is excellent.  Ambulance service is private and will expect immediate payment, however.  Blood transfusions are a little iffy and the hospital will prefer that your friends and family contribute blood for you if possible.  But, when you need blood, you will receive it.  Hospiten and Hospital Galenia are the two higher end hospitals in town, with lots of English speaking providers.

Answer 2

i have never personally had an emergency here, but my friends have.  the medical care is excellent....very up to date.....there is a hospital for americans here and they speak english......dont worry....this is not a third world country like everybody thinks it is.......you will have everything you need.  i had a client come here who needed kidney dialysis...he did great while he was here.  we are modern....despite popular belief.

Answer 3

I didn't have a major injury or anything, but the first two times I went I had strept throat and an ear infection. Both times I called the front desk at my hotel and a doctor was sent to my room promptly. It was $80 for the doctor's fee (but that can be refunded through your insurance - just ask for a receipt) and a few dollars for my prescriptions. They have drug stores all over the place so it's easy and convenient to get medication.

Hope everything goes smooth for you. Have a great trip.

Answer 4

It was the best experience I'd ever had with a hospital

including the ones here in Canada.  I dropped my medication

in the pool and had a couple of days left on my trip so

I went to see the doctor from the hotel (he had his own

office at the Riu Cancun).  He was very nice, he checked

me over then called a taxi to take me to the hospital.

When I got there they were waiting for me at the desk

and took me in right away.  I was examined then given

a prescription and then they got me a taxi to a pharmacy

and back to my hotel.  From start to finish I was back

in my room in 2 hours and that was with an hour wait for

my insurance company to fax them the info. for payment.

In Canada you're lucky to see a doctor at the hospital in 3

hours.  Everyone was so nice and helpful, they made me

feel really comfortable and at ease.  I wouldn't hesitate

recommending someone with medical issues going there on

vacation because you'll have no problems what so ever.

Just another note,  the hospital was extremely clean, and

when I recieved a shot they wore gloves.  Also, they said

if the cost was under $200 we'd have to pay ourselves and

get the money back from the insurance company, mine was

over so the insurance sent the forms directly and I paid nothing

except for my prescription which I later was refunded and my

taxi which they didn't cover.   So don't worry you'll be fine just

make sure to have your insurance cards with you and your

passport.

Answer 5

My parents retired in Cancun. A few years back they had a terrible car accident. Their care was excellent. Granted their hospitals are not as modern as ours, but I was impressed with the level of care and the quality of care. Their equipment is older, supplies and medications are different. I am a nurse in the US and was expecting to see 3rd world conditions, but I was put at ease. Fortunately, they did not require blood transfusions, but i was prepared to donate if needed. One thing I did do was request to watch them open up syringe packages in front of me. Other than that, it was all professional and clean. The care was also more personal than US. They spent more time with us than they would have in the US. That put my parents at ease.  

There are also many small emergency clinics all over. If something were to happen out there, you would be taken care of. Just be safe, use commen sense. Most hotels and resorts usually have a house doctor too.