Mexico City is a feast for the senses โ world-class food, buzzing markets, rich history, and colorful neighborhoods that make every day an adventure. But while the capital has plenty to offer, getting sick in a foreign country can throw your trip off track fast.
Whether itโs food poisoning from a street taco stall, a sudden cold, or something more serious, getting sick in Mexico โ especially in a city as large as CDMX โ can feel overwhelming. You might not know where to go, how the healthcare system works, or whether youโll be able to communicate with a doctor.
Thatโs where we come in. This guide is here to help you understand what to do if you get sick in Mexico City โ from how to find a doctor, to dealing with insurance, to where to find English-speaking doctors in Mexico City. So you can get back to exploring โ and feeling your best โ in no time.
Understanding Mexico Cityโs Healthcare System
Mexico City has a large, advanced healthcare system with both public and private options. As a visitor, you can access both โ but your experience will vary depending on what you choose.
Private vs. Public Healthcare
Public healthcare in Mexico City is available through systems like IMSS and ISSSTE. Itโs affordable, but wait times can be long, and English-speaking staff arenโt guaranteed.
Private healthcare is a popular choice for tourists. Private clinics and hospitals tend to offer faster service, more comfort, and a higher chance of speaking to a doctor in English. Youโll pay more, but if you have travel insurance, this is usually the best and smoothest option.
Emergency Medical Care in Mexico City
In a city of over 20 million people, knowing where to go in an emergency is important โ and can make all the difference.
Essential Emergency Numbers
Here are the numbers you need to know.
- 911 โ The universal emergency number in Mexico City for police, fire, and ambulance
- 065 โ Occasionally used for ambulance dispatch (but 911 is more reliable)
Operators may speak English, especially in tourist areas, but itโs best to speak slowly and clearly.
How to Call an Ambulance in Mexico City
Dial 911, give your exact location (using Google Maps if needed), and describe whatโs happening. Keep in mind:
- Public ambulances may be slower to arrive
- Many private hospitals have their own ambulance services โ faster, but potentially costly
- Hospital vs. Urgent Care in Mexico City
Go to a hospital if youโre experiencing serious symptoms like severe pain, breathing issues, or high fever.
Visit an urgent care clinic for things like food poisoning, infections, rashes, or minor injuries.
Private clinics and urgent care centers are scattered throughout the city โ especially in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Reforma.
Pharmacies & Medication: What You Need to Know
Pharmacies are everywhere in Mexico City, and theyโre often the first stop for minor illnesses. Many are attached to clinics where you can see a doctor in Mexico City for a small fee.
Where to Find 24/7 Pharmacies
Some popular 24-hour chains include:
- Farmacias Guadalajara
- Farmacias del Ahorro
- Farmacias Similares
To find one open late, search โfarmacia 24 horas cerca de mรญโ on Google Maps or ask your hotel staff.
Can You Get Meds Without a Doctor’s Note?
Yes โ basic medications like cold and flu relief, painkillers, or antihistamines are available over the counter. But for antibiotics or stronger medications, youโll need to see a doctor first.
What to Do if Youโve Got Travel Insurance
If youโre insured, youโre in luck. Mexico City has great private care options, and insurance can cover most of the costs.
What Youโll Need to File a Claim
Every insurance company is different, but youโll typically need:
- Medical receipts (itemized)
- A diagnosis or report from the doctor
- Pharmacy receipts
- Proof of travel (flight, hotel, etc.)
- Your insurance policy info
Tip: Take photos of all paperwork in case you lose anything.
Language Barriers
Spanish is the main language spoken in Mexico City โ including by most doctors and pharmacists. But donโt worry โ there are ways to navigate this.
Helpful Phrases
- โNecesito un mรฉdicoโ โ I need a doctor
- โMe siento malโ โ I feel sick
- โTengo fiebreโ โ I have a fever
- โยฟHabla inglรฉs?โ โ Do you speak English?
- โMe duele aquรญโ โ It hurts here
How to Avoid Getting Sick in Mexico City
No one wants to spend their trip in bed. Hereโs how to stay healthy in CDMX:
Common Illnesses
- Stomach issues (from food or water)
- Colds or flu (especially after long-haul flights)
- Dehydration (from altitude and walking)
- Allergies (Mexico City has high pollen levels at times)
Is the Tap Water Safe?
Sadly, no. Donโt drink tap water in Mexico City. Always use bottled water โ even for brushing your teeth โ and avoid ice unless you know itโs made from purified water.
Food Safety Tips
Mexico’s food is UNESCO protected. But some of it just isn’t tourist-tummy friendly.
- Eat at busy, well-reviewed spots
- Wash or peel fruits and veggies
- Avoid raw foods in sketchy places
- Use hand sanitizer before eating
Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Travelers & Those with Pre-existing Conditions
Mexico City has excellent medical specialists โ but planning is key if you need ongoing care.
- Bring a medical summary with key info in Spanish and English
- Carry enough medication for your entire trip
- Know the location of the nearest private clinic or hospital to your accommodation
You can use Air Doctor to find specialists, OB-GYNs, or any medical support you might need.
Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Mexico City
Mexico City is huge, and not all doctors speak English โ especially in public clinics or outside tourist zones. But donโt let that stress you out.
With Air Doctor, you can:
- Find a verified tourist doctor in Mexico City
- Book an in-person or online consultation
- Filter by specialty and location
- Pay online or submit your receipt to insurance
Itโs the easiest way to feel better, faster โ without the language barrier or long wait times.
Getting Help Beyond Healthcare
Need more than just medical advice? Your embassy or consulate in Mexico City can help with:
- Replacing lost prescriptions
- Locating trusted medical providers
- Emergency assistance or family contact
- Translation and paperwork
Keep their contact info in your phone and in your travel documents, just in case.
Recap: What to Do if You Get Sick in Mexico City
Before you go, take a screenshot of the tips below. Just in case.
- For emergencies, dial 911
- Use private clinics for quicker, more comfortable care
- Head to a pharmacy for common medications or advice
- Use travel insurance and save your receipts
- Learn some basic Spanish phrases โ or use Air Doctor for English-speaking help
- Avoid tap water, eat smart, and stay hydrated
- Plan ahead if youโre pregnant or managing a medical condition
- Contact your embassy for serious situations
About the Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance while you’re in Mexico City (and anywhere else you travel).
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Video consultations in 90+ countries and 20+ languages
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including pediatricians, GPs, and gynecologists
If youโre looking for reliable, accessible, and global medical assistance, Air Doctor is the perfect choice for you. Download the app before your next trip to ensure peace of mind and access to quality healthcare, wherever your travels take you.
FAQs
As a general rule of thumb, most hospitals in Mexico City won’t accept US insurance.
Yes! Most medical facilities in Mexico City are really high quality.
Usually, no. It’s not all that expensive to see a doctor in Mexico City
