Practical wisdom is essential for expats navigating healthcare in Mexico
Key Takeaways for Expats
1. Find Your Primary Care Doctor—Now!
Don’t wait until you’re sick to establish care. Ask for recommendations, schedule a consultation, and ensure you “click” with your doctor. A good primary care physician will guide your care, coordinate specialists, and act as your advocate during emergencies.
2. Know Your Hospital
Once you have a doctor, find out where they practice. Tour the hospital—San Miguel’s critical care hospitals include La Joya and MAC—and familiarize yourself with its layout.
3. Call Your Doctor First in Emergencies
In a medical crisis, your first call should be to your primary care doctor, not 911. They can:
Arrange an ambulance.
Alert the hospital.
Provide your medical history to save precious time.
However, if your doctor is unavailable, call 911 or the Red Cross (Cruz Roja).
4. Overcome the Language Barrier
Public hospitals often have limited English-speaking staff. Learn key Spanish phrases like:
Estoy teniendo un ataque al corazón. (I’m having a heart attack.)
Tengo un dolor muy fuerte aquí. (I have severe pain here.)
Aquí está mi historial médico. (Here are my medical records.)
5. Prepare a “Go-To” Bag
Mexican hospitals require upfront payments, even if you have insurance. Assemble an emergency bag with:
– Medical records.
– Insurance info.
– A list of medications and allergies.
– Emergency contacts.
– A “do not resuscitate” directive (if desired).
– Cash or a credit card.
– Building Your Support System
– Many expats in San Miguel are single or live alone. Form a circle of trusted friends or neighbors who can step in during an emergency. Know where your important documents are and share key medical details with them.
If you prefer professional help, San Miguel has several patient advocate services for a fee.
Beyond San Miguel: Regional Medical Care
For specialized procedures like neurosurgery or heart operations, you may need to travel to nearby cities like Querétaro, Guanajuato, or León. Many San Miguel doctors have connections in these cities, reducing the need for expensive flights back to the U.S.
Practical Tips for Everyday Safety
– Keep your phone handy: Middle-of-the-night falls in the bathroom are surprisingly common. Take your phone with you!
– Respect your doctor’s time: While many doctors provide direct contact via WhatsApp or email, avoid unnecessary late-night calls for non-urgent issues.
Need More help?
For additional guidance on navigating life in Mexico, contact us.