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 Upfront
If you doneed medical treatment whilst in Mexico, you may be required to pay for theservices up front. At the very least, you will be asked to show proof of your ability to pay. This means that prior toany treatment you would be expected to:a) to show evidence of your insurance policy;b) give creditcard details.
Reimbursem*ntof costs
Even when youdo 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 reimbursem*nt from your insurance company.
Choosing A Policy
Make sure youdo your homework. There are really two key areas to consider. The first is the levelof practical help your insurance company will provide on the ground in Mexico. Thesecond is the level of coverage in your policy, and what exactly is included
1. PracticalHelp
Check that they have the right infrastructure in place. For example, do theya 24/7 toll-free-number with English speaking operators? Do they provide help findingEnglish speaking medical practitioners? Do they provide help co-ordinating anycare you may need? Do they have contracts with specific hospitals in the Los Cabos area? If so, which ones?
2. Level ofcover
Make sure youdo your homework. It is essential that your health insurance plan includes all emergency medical care and medicalevacuation. So, if necessary, you would have sufficient coverage to get flown hometo America. And read the small print. Not all health insurance policies will coveryou if you engage in high-risk activities like diving, rock climbing etc. And pleasenote – not all policies will cover you for injuries sustained - “while under the influence of drugs oralcohol.”
And finally...
Well, whatcan we say - we all know that Cabo is full of adrenaline pumping activities. Andfull of bars. Like we said, do your homework. Make sure you are covered.And have a great time.
