Medical Care in Mexico: Cheap, Easy, and Sometimes Even Fun
- Antonia Issa
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Nobody plans to get sick on a motorcycle trip, but it happens. The bad news? Grandma isn’t here to make you chicken soup (but consider yourself lucky if you find a stand-in abuela).
The good news? Mexico makes healthcare surprisingly simple. For the price of a couple tacos and a beer, you can see a doctor at the pharmacy, grab affordable meds, or even book yourself a “mimosas and mammograms” day with full lab work. And if things really go sideways, there are private hospitals with world-class care, without the six months wait you might face back home. In all my years of travel in Mexico, I have not claimed a medical expense; the trouble of claiming it cost more than the expense itself. But because I like to be cautious I always have travel insurance.
Here’s the rider’s guide to getting patched up and road-ready.
Where to start if you feel crummy (non-emergencies)
Pharmacy walk-in clinics (consultorios anexos) are everywhere and cheap. Big chains like Farmacias Similares, Farmacias Benavides (Benamedic), Farmacias del Ahorro and Farmacias Guadalajara all have low-cost clinics attached.
Cost: MXN $50–$100 (sometimes free or by donation).
What to expect: After asking the pharmacist to see the doctor, pay, then take the receipt to the small waiting room next door.
What they can do: Quick exams, basic prescriptions, injections, and minor ailments.
Tip: Antibiotics require a prescription in Mexico. Ask the doctor for the “generic” version of whatever drug you need to save money.
Generics & refills
Generics are widely available and inexpensive at the big chain pharmacies.
Bring your original prescription or get one from the consultorio.
Controlled meds (like stimulants for ADHD, opioids, and some anxiolytics) need a special prescription (receta) and can be hard to find outside of big cities.
Lab work & imaging (great for a “checkup day”)
Chains like Salud Digna have clinics across Mexico for labs, X-ray, ultrasound, mammograms, etc.
Book online and compare packages by city.
Many travellers (myself included) get a lot of lab tests done in Mexico due to speed and affordability.
Dentistry (popular with travellers)
Routine cleanings: MXN $600–$1,000 in big cities (higher for deep cleanings), though with promos can be less.
Major dental work: A fraction of the price than the US or Canada.
Eyes & glasses
Salud Digna and big optical chains: Offer low-cost or even free exams and budget lens packages online.
Devlyn: Frequently runs a free exam with purchase promo.
Always check current offers at your location.
Emergency
Dial 911: For ambulance, police, fire (24/7, nationwide).
Roadside tips for riders
Call 078: As a tourist, you can also call 078 for the federal Ángeles Verdes roadside assistance line for help with mechanical issues, basic first aid, or coordination.
CAPUFE, 074: When on toll highways operated by CAPUFE, 074 reaches their help center, useful for incidents on toll roads.
Private hospitals (when you need full services fast)
In major cities, private hospitals are well-equipped and modern. Some top networks are:
Centro Médico ABC (CDMX),
Médica Sur (CDMX)
Hospitales Ángeles (nationwide)
CHRISTUS Muguerza (Monterrey, Merida & other cities)
Puerta de Hierro (Guadalajara region)
All have 24/7 Urgencias (ER). Expect to pay a deposit if you don’t have Mexican private insurance.
How to vet a doctor or dentist
Verify any provider’s license (and specialty) by searching their Cédula Profesional on Mexico’s official registry. Look for both a general license and a specialist license when relevant (e.g., dermatology, emergency medicine).
Medication do’s & don’ts for travelers
Do: Bring a supply of any chronic meds in their original labelled containers, with a doctor’s letter.
Don’t: Expect easy access to controlled substances. Mexico regulates these closely, and availability can be spotty even with a valid prescription.
Don’t: Expect to be able to cross borders with any meds you want. Follow your home country’s rules (esp. the U.S.). Check current CBP/FDA guidance if carrying meds by land/air.
Quick checklist for moto travelers
Save key numbers in your phone: 911, 078 (Ángeles Verdes), 074 (CAPUFE—toll roads), and the nearest private hospital’s Urgencias.
Carry a mini first-aid kit: Include a list of your meds/allergies in Spanish.
Carry cards & cash: Expect card payments at hospitals, and cash at consultorios and pharmacies (some take cards, but not all).
For anything beyond basic care:Go straight to a private hospital.Time matters with crashes, head injuries, fractures, chest pain, etc. (Most have English-speaking staff in large cities.)
