HEALTH CARE IN MEXICO
Health and Insurance
All foreigners in Mexico are required to have health insurance valid for use in Mexico before departing the US. Monterrey Tec provides an optional insurance plan for students who do not show proof of coverage from the U.S.

You are required to keep all receipts and itemized statements to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Note: Be sure to plan ahead and budget for medical treatment and doctor appointments. Extend your credit card limits so you can be sure you will have the ability to cover any expenses encountered for treatment of common colds, flus, dental problems, etc. You MUST see a doctor if you are feeling ill.

Medical Services in Mexico
Your resident director and your host institution have contacts for local physician services to handle non-emergency situations such as colds, fevers, etc. Check with these sources as to the arrangements you need to make.

For emergency situations, there are major hospitals. You will be given a comprehensive list of emergency numbers and more details about health and safety during orientation.

Pharmacies and Medication
If you take prescription medication for a chronic ailment, we strongly suggest that you bring enough medication to last the semester. Any prescription medication that you carry with you to Mexico must be accompanied by your physician's written description of the medical problem, the dose of the medication, and the generic name(s).

Prescription medications must remain in their original containers. Keep in mind that drugs approved in the US may be banned in other countries. Contact the Mexican consulate in your jurisdiction for additional information. Since regulation of over-the-counter drugs varies in other countries, you should bring what you think you may need. Doctor prescriptions from the US cannot easily be filled in Mexico.

Be sure to list all medications you regularly use, and be sure to have adequate supplies of special items. Brand names and dosages differ, and you may have difficulty tracking down the specific medication you want. Be sure all prescriptions you take with you are labeled with your name, the name of your physician, and the generic name of the medication.

It is fundamental that you provide the Resident Director with any information that would help her in assisting you in an emergency. This information will be treated confidentially and will remain in the files only until you complete the program. We also encourage all students with a medical condition who might require emergency treatment to wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or pendant.

In addition, it is wise to pack some of your favorite over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Thera-Flu, Robitussin, Advil, Benedryl, or any motion sickness or travelers diarrhea medications that will not interfere with prescription medical treatments.

Special Medical Needs
If you have any medical or psychological condition that may require attention from a physician or psychiatrist during your stay in Mexico, please be sure to have your physician/psychiatrist prepare an adequate summary of the details so you can be properly treated by a physician/psychiatrist in Mexico. One copy of this should be carried with you to Mexico; one copy should be left with a parent or guardian.

You should also inform us of any special needs, including dietary restrictions and/or preferences, physical concerns or learning disabilities, allergies, and strict religious observances in advance of your arrival. It is much easier for us to help you if we know about your special needs ahead of time.

If you are currently undergoing treatment for physical or mental health issues and wish to have access to similar services in Mexico, contact the Resident Director for more information.

Additional Resources

Mobility International has a useful checklist for students with chronic health conditions, as well as other disability and health-related travel materials: http://www.miusa.org.
Mexican Embassy in the US: http://www.embassyofmexico.org
US Embassy in Mexico: http://www.mexico.usembassy.gov