Prior to entering Mexico, we urge you to consider enrolling in a medical and safety evacuation program that will get you back to your home country in the event of a medical or safety emergency. By using a medical and safety evacuation program, you can return to your country of origin where you have healthcare insurance that will cover you.
MedJet is one such program. The importance of a program like MedJet is even greater if you are not enrolled in a Mexican-based health insurance, such as a public program like IMSS or a private program like CIGNA Global.
Your MedJet coverage can only cover medical emergencies or it can also cover safety emergencies for an additional fee. Safety emergencies can involve terrorism, kidnapping, natural disaster, violent crime and others.
If you do not purchase medical evacuation insurance but later find that you need a medical evacuation, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico maintains a database on emergency airlift providers as well as other medical resource data such as doctors that speak English:
Note: Medical evacuation may only cover flights from Mexico to one or two close-in cities in your country of origin.
While you are in Mexico, dialing911 for emergency assistance works. In 2015, Mexico decided to change the national number for emergencies to 911 in order to be consistent with the national number for emergencies in the United States. You may, however, find that response times are not as good in Mexico as they are in your country of origin.
There is also a hotline you can call 078 in order to reach the Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes). They offer assistance for drivers including information on current road conditions; information on local tourist attractions; towing services; mechanical assistance; vehicle repairs; flat tire service; medical assistance; aid in an accident; and even disaster assistance.
The Green Angels (dial 078) have operators who speak English. Note: Other than the Green Angels, many Mexican emergency numbers may not have English-speaking operators available.
U.S. Embassy in Mexico: In the case of an emergency directly affecting a U.S. citizen in Mexico, you can contact the embassy for assistance. In Mexico City, dial 5080-2000. For elsewhere in Mexico, dial the area code first, so you would dial 01-55-5080-2000. From the United States, dial 011-52-55-5080-2000. From either number, during business hours, select extension 4440 to reach American Citizens Services. Outside of business hours, press "0" to speak to an operator and ask to be connected to the officer on duty.
The U.S. State Department maintains a web page with helpful URLs for U.S. Citizens living in Mexico and other Countries. It deals with what needs to be done when a birth, death, marriage, divorce occurs while abroad. It also provides information about federal benefits and obligations while abroad. You can view it here:
Canadian Embassy in Mexico: For emergencies concerning Canadian citizens in Mexico, call the embassy at 52-55-5724-7900 in the greater Mexico City area. If you’re outside Mexico City, you can reach the consular section by dialing toll-free at 01-800-706-2900. This number is available 24 hours a day.
Before starting your adventure in Mexico, make copies of important documents. When arrive in Mexico, leave your passport in a safe place (ideally in a wall safe at your hotel or apartment) and carry a copy with you. Also, scan your documents and send them to yourself via e-mail so you can access them online if all else fails. Informing your family and friends of your travel plans coupled with updating them can also be mutually beneficial.
Did you know that you can register your trip with the consulate of your country of origin? If you will be traveling in Mexico for more than a few days, register your trip with your consulate before your departure so that they can keep you informed and help get you out of the country in case of extreme weather or political conflict.
We urge you to consider paying for travel, international health and/or medical evacuation insurance. Evacuation coverage from a company like MedJet is an excellent idea always, but it’s especially important to consider it if you will be visiting areas that are more rural or far beyond major tourist areas.
The more adventurous your trip, the more important it is to purchase excellent travel/health/medical evacuation coverage. The fact that you’re young and healthy does not guarantee anything, especially when you’re in a foreign country.
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