Travel health tips for Mexico

While generally safe for travelers who take basic precautions, it’s worth keeping a few Mexico travel health tips in mind while you are planning your trip. In tropical regions, mosquito-borne illnesses can be a concern, and food and water safety standards vary depending on the location. 

Bringing basic health supplies, making sure your vaccinations are up to date, and knowing what to expect in the areas you’ll visit can go a long way toward keeping you healthy and comfortable during your trip. Here's how to stay healthy in Mexico.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Mexico

Most travelers don’t need specific vaccines to enter Mexico, unless you’re coming from places with yellow fever risk - then a yellow fever vaccine might be required. Otherwise, just make sure your routine shots are up-to-date.

What vaccines you’ll want depends on where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll stay. Some commonly recommended vaccines for Mexico are:

• Hepatitis A: It’s smart to get this one since you might be exposed through food or water, especially outside major cities.
• Typhoid: Useful if you plan to eat from street vendors, small towns, or rural spots rather than big hotels or restaurants.
• Hepatitis B: Good to have in general while traveling
• Routine vaccines: Check that your measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and flu vaccines are current.
• Rabies: If you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors or around animals in rural areas, a pre-exposure shot might make sense.

You should ideally get vaccines 2-4 weeks ahead of time so your body has time to build protection. Some vaccines need more than one dose or a booster, so planning ahead pays off.

Pre-travel health checklist

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to staying healthy in Mexico. Having the right supplies on hand can make everyday travel easier and help you deal with minor issues before they turn into something bigger.

What to pack for a healthy trip:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher): The sun can be intense, especially at the beach or in high-altitude areas like Mexico City.
• Insect repellent with DEET: A must if you're going anywhere warm or humid, where mosquitoes can carry diseases like dengue or Zika.
• Reusable water filter: Definitely worth the investment
• Anti-diarrheal meds: Loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can help if you get traveler’s diarrhea.
• Oral rehydration salts: Useful if you’re dehydrated from heat, sweating, or a stomach bug.
• Antihistamines: Good to have on hand for unexpected allergic reactions to food, plants, or insect bites.
• Hand sanitizer: Always helpful when you’re eating on the go or using public bathrooms.

Pre-travel health check

It’s a good idea to book a quick check-in with your doctor or a travel clinic around 4-6 weeks before you leave for your Mexico itinerary. They can advise you on any recommended vaccines or medications based on where you're going in Mexico and what you’ll be doing.

Mexico’s major cities - like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancun  -have well-equipped private hospitals, often with English-speaking staff. But once you’re in smaller towns or rural areas, the quality of care can vary. Clinics outside the cities may be basic and sometimes lack certain medications or equipment, especially during national holidays like Christmas, Semana Santa (Easter week), and Día de los Muertos, when many close altogether.

Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is worth looking into - especially if you're planning outdoor adventures or visiting remote areas. Make sure to bring copies of your prescriptions, medical history, and emergency contacts in case you need care away from home.

How to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses

Mosquito-borne illnesses are something to take seriously in Mexico, especially if you’re heading to the coast or anywhere warm and humid. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are all present in different parts of the country, and they’re more common than you might expect. Since there’s no cure for any of these, prevention really just comes down to avoiding mosquito bites.

Here are a few practical ways to do that:

• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus - all are proven to work
• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially around sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active
• Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms if you can (see our guide to Mexico accommodation).
• If not, sleep under a bed net, ideally one treated with insecticide
• You can treat your clothes and gear with permethrin before heading out
• Portable fans help too, since mosquitoes have a hard time flying in moving air

Dengue Fever

Dengue is fairly common in Mexico, especially during the rainy season from June to November. You’ll hear about cases in states like Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Veracruz, and Jalisco - all places popular with travelers. Cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta also see regular cases, mostly because Aedes mosquitoes like to hang around clean standing water in urban areas.

These mosquitoes are active during the early morning and late afternoon. Symptoms show up quickly and usually include a high fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and sometimes a rash. There’s no specific treatment, but early care can help manage it. If you feel off, skip the aspirin or NSAIDs since they can increase bleeding risk - stick to acetaminophen (paracetamol) for fever and pain.

Zika Virus

Zika hasn’t made headlines in a while, but low-level transmission is still happening in parts of Mexico. The risk is highest for people who are pregnant, since Zika has been linked to serious birth defects. The CDC still advises pregnant travelers to avoid certain areas, particularly along the coast and in the southern part of the country.

Aedes aegypti - the same mosquito that spreads dengue - is also responsible for Zika. These mosquitoes bite during the day, especially in hot and humid areas like Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, and the Yucatán Peninsula.

Many people with Zika don’t feel sick at all, but if you do have symptoms, they’re usually mild - low fever, rash, sore joints, and red eyes that last less than a week. Pregnant travelers who notice symptoms should get medical advice right away. There’s no vaccine, so the best thing you can do is avoid bites.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya showed up in Mexico in 2014 and has since spread across the country. It’s not usually dangerous, but it can make you feel miserable, especially when it comes to joint pain - that part can linger for months or even longer, which isn’t fun if you’re trying to enjoy your trip.

Like the others, chikungunya spreads through daytime-biting mosquitoes, especially in tropical and coastal states like Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Veracruz. Symptoms usually appear 3-7 days after being bitten. You’ll probably notice a sudden fever and stiff, achy joints in your hands, wrists, feet, or ankles. A rash, headache, and muscle pain are also common. Most people recover within a few weeks, but the joint pain can stick around and might need some follow-up care.

Staying healthy in Mexico

Mexico’s climate shifts a lot depending on where you are. On the coast, it’s hot and humid pretty much year-round, with temperatures that can hit 95°F (35°C). In high-altitude places like Mexico City (about 7,350 feet or 2,240 meters above sea level), nights can get chilly - sometimes dropping to around 41°F (5°C). Central regions are cooler overall and can swing quite a bit between daytime heat and cooler mornings and evenings, so layers are your friend.

How to plan a trip to Mexico if you’re moving between regions (especially from sea level to higher ground) is to give yourself a few days to adjust before doing anything too physically demanding. Altitude can sneak up on you.

Staying hydrated

UV exposure is no joke in Mexico, especially because of the country’s latitude and elevation. The sun feels stronger here - even when it’s cloudy. Wear a hat with a wide brim, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply often, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Sun bouncing off water or sand can burn you faster than you’d expect.

You’ll also need to drink more water than you’re probably used to. In hot or high-altitude areas, it’s easy to get dehydrated without realizing it. Aim for 3-4 liters a day, and especially if you’re active. Humid coastal areas will have you sweating more, while higher altitudes increase how much you breathe and pee - both of which dry you out. If you want to plan a trip during the cooler seasons, see our guide to the best time to visit Mexico.

Food and water safety

Even in big cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey, it’s a good idea to stick to bottled or filtered water. The tap water might meet official safety standards, but it can still upset your stomach due to unfamiliar mineral content or how it's treated. Most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas provide safe water, but be cautious with ice - it’s not always made from filtered water.

Always check that bottle seals are intact and try to stick with trusted brands like Bonafont, Ciel, or Evian - you’ll find them pretty much everywhere. Alternatively, bring your own reusable water filter.

As for food, choose places where the food is freshly cooked and served hot. Busy places with a lot of turnover tend to be safer. Lukewarm buffets are more risky. Street food can be totally fine, especially from vendors who keep things clean and cook to order - just skip raw veggies, unpeeled fruits, undercooked meats, and anything with unpasteurized dairy. That said, don't let this scare you: the food of Mexico is often one of the best parts of the trip.

And wash your hands a lot - especially before eating or after handling cash. Hand sanitizer is helpful when you're out and about.

Staying safe while hiking

Mexico has some incredible hiking - from volcanoes near Mexico City to jungles in Chiapas or desert trails in Baja. If you're heading to places like Copper Canyon, Pico de Orizaba (the tallest peak in the country), or the cloud forests in Veracruz, it’s worth taking the time to prepare properly. The terrain can vary a lot and the weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.

If you're doing a technical climb or heading somewhere remote, go with a guide. Trails might not be well-marked, and local guides will know the area, the weather patterns, and what to do if something goes wrong. In some national parks, guides are actually required - especially for certain trails or during certain times of year.

That said, the hiking areas of the country are often fom of Mexico's best vacation spots.

Safety during scuba diving

Some of the best places to visit in Mexico have tons of great diving - from coral reefs on the Caribbean coast to the cenotes in the Yucatán. But there are also specific risks you’ll need to be aware of. Currents, temperature shifts (called thermoclines), and cave systems can be tricky, even for experienced divers.

Make sure you’re diving with a reputable operator - look for certification from PADI, SSI, or something equivalent. Dive guides should be trained for the specific type of diving you’ll be doing. Mexico's cenotes, for example, require special cave-diving training - don’t attempt one if you only have open-water certification.

Stick to the basics: never dive alone, know your depth and time limits, do your safety stops, and make sure your gear is in good working order. If you run into problems like decompression sickness, there are hyperbaric chambers in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.

Safety during swimming and beach activities

Mexico’s beaches look inviting, but the ocean can be unpredictable. Some places - like parts of the Pacific coast - have strong waves, rip currents, and undertows that can catch even strong swimmers off guard. The Caribbean side tends to be calmer, but weather and seasonal changes still affect conditions.

Some beaches have lifeguards, posted signs, and flag systems to let you know about conditions. Others - especially remote ones - might not have anything at all. Swim near other people when you can, pay attention to posted warnings, and avoid going in the water when there’s a red flag.

An important Mexico travel tip: if you do get caught in a rip current, don’t swim directly against it - that’ll just wear you out. Swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then head back in at an angle. Be aware of what’s in the water too - jellyfish sometimes show up, stingrays hang out in the shallows, and rocky areas can hide sea urchins. All of these can cause painful injuries that may need medical care.

Why travel insurance is a must

Mexico’s public healthcare system (IMSS and ISSSTE) doesn’t cover tourists. If you need medical care during your trip, you’ll have to pay out of pocket - whether it’s a simple checkup or a serious emergency. Public hospitals tend to have long wait times, limited English-speaking staff, and fewer resources. They’re generally not set up for urgent or complex care.

Private hospitals in bigger cities and beach towns are a different story. In places like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún, and Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find private hospitals with well-trained staff - many of them speak English and were trained abroad. But that kind of care comes at a cost. If you're not insured, you’ll need to pay upfront, often with a credit card or cash deposit, before receiving treatment.

Outside the cities, healthcare can be hit-or-miss. In rural areas, clinics are often staffed by general doctors or nurses, and may not have the equipment or medications needed for more serious issues. If something major happens, you might need to be transferred to a hospital in a bigger city.

Hospital costs in Mexico

Medical care in Mexico isn’t free just because it’s cheaper than in the U.S. Costs can still add up fast - especially if something unexpected happens. Here's what to expect:

• General practitioner visit: Around $30-60 USD
• Specialist visit: Usually $50-100 USD
• Emergency room visit: $200-500 USD before any treatment begins
• Private hospital room: $300-800 USD per day depending on location and care level
• Basic lab work (blood tests, X-rays, etc.): $100-300 USD
• Minor outpatient surgery: $3,000-8,000 USD (e.g. appendectomy, fracture repair)
• Hospital treatment for things like dengue or severe traveler’s diarrhea: $1,000-3,000 USD for 2-3 days
• Prescription medication: Often 50-70% cheaper than in the U.S., but some specialized meds may not be available
• Medical evacuation: $25,000-100,000 USD depending on where you’re going and what level of care is needed
   

Travel insurance recommendations

A solid travel insurance policy can help you avoid big financial losses if you get sick, need to cancel your trip, or require emergency evacuation. Look for policies that include all the basics - not just medical care but also evacuation, trip interruptions, and lost or delayed luggage.

Here’s what to prioritize in your plan:

• Medical coverage of at least $100,000 USD: Covers emergencies and longer hospital stays in private facilities
• Emergency evacuation coverage of $500,000 USD or more: Important if you need to be transferred to a different city or flown home
• Trip interruption coverage: Should protect 100-150% of your total trip cost if you need to head home early
• Pre-existing condition waiver: Make sure this is included - usually available if you buy insurance shortly after booking your trip
• Adventure activity coverage: Useful if you’re planning on diving, hiking, or doing anything physically risky
• 24/7 emergency assistance: Gives you access to a support team who can help arrange treatment, payments, and logistics in case of an emergency

Trusted travel insurance providers

These companies are consistently recommended by frequent travelers and provide good coverage for trips to Mexico:

• World Nomads: Known for covering more active and outdoor travelers with flexible plans
• Allianz Global Assistance: Good all-around provider with strong international support
• Travel Guard (AIG): Offers high coverage limits and options tailored to different kinds of travelers
• IMG Global: Well-priced plans with strong medical and evacuation benefits, especially good for longer or international trips
   

Emergency help: what to do if you get sick

If you get sick or need help fast, here are the key numbers to know while traveling in Mexico. Save them in your phone before your trip.

• 911 - Works nationwide for police, fire, and medical emergencies
• 078 - Tourist Police in major destinations
• 065 - Red Cross (Cruz Roja) for ambulance and first aid
• 078 - Also connects you to the Tourist Assistance Hotline with 24/7 support in multiple languages
• +52-55-5080-2000 - US Embassy in Mexico City for emergencies involving American citizens
• +52-55-5724-7900 - Canadian Embassy in Mexico City for Canadians needing help
• 078 - Angels Verdes (Green Angels), a government-run roadside assistance service for travelers on highways

Going to the hospital

If you need hospital care in Mexico, know that treatment usually won’t begin until you’ve paid upfront or provided a credit card. Bring your passport, insurance documents, and emergency contacts with you - ideally all in one place.

Private hospitals generally have more modern facilities, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff, especially in big cities and tourist areas. But they can be expensive. Public hospitals are much cheaper and do handle emergencies, but English is less common, and care may be more basic.

If you don’t speak Spanish, it helps to carry a translation app or travel with someone who can help you communicate. Some private hospitals also have interpreters on site.

Even in emergencies, most hospitals in Mexico will ask for a deposit or full payment upfront. Credit cards are usually fine at private hospitals, but some public hospitals or local clinics might prefer cash, especially for smaller services.
 

Recommended hospitals

If you end up needing medical care, some of the best hospitals to head to:

• Hospital Angeles Lomas (Mexico City): This is one of the most trusted private hospitals in Mexico City, especially for expats and travelers. The staff includes internationally trained doctors, many of whom speak English, and they’re used to treating foreign patients. It’s well-equipped for emergencies and complex procedures like cardiac surgery and oncology.
• Hospital San Javier (Guadalajara): In Guadalajara, San Javier is a go-to for high-quality care. You’ll find US-trained doctors and bilingual staff here, plus a wide range of medical services - from emergency treatment to diagnostics and intensive care.
• Hospital Christus Muguerza (Monterrey): This hospital is part of a larger international network and keeps high healthcare standards. It’s well-known for neurology, orthopedics, and women’s health. Many doctors speak English, and the facilities are modern and built with international patients in mind.
• Hospiten Cancun: If something goes wrong while you’re on vacation in Cancun, this hospital is easy to reach, right in the hotel zone and open 24/7. They regularly treat travelers and have experience with things like trauma injuries and tropical diseases. You’ll also find English-speaking doctors here.
• Hospital CMQ Premiere (Puerto Vallarta): This is a solid choice if you’re traveling along Mexico’s Pacific coast. CMQ Premiere is modern and staffed with bilingual professionals. It’s especially good for travel-related issues, general surgery, and emergencies. They also have arrangements with many international insurance companies, which can save you a lot of paperwork.

Medication access in Mexico

You’ll find pharmacies (farmacias) pretty much everywhere in Mexico, and many are open 24 hours. It’s common to see both local and international brands, and in many cases, you don’t need a prescription for medications that might require one back home. That said, it’s always smart to ask the pharmacist about proper dosage and possible interactions - especially if it’s a medication you haven’t used before.