Getting sick in a foreign country is never a fun experience, so to ensure you’re prepared if and when you come down with something, we’ve compiled some helpful information for you to have, as you enjoy your time in the Riviera Maya.
If you’re starting to feel a bit under the weather, and think you need a consultation, you don’t necessarily have to know/find a local doctor, or even go to a clinic. You’ll be happy to know that most pharmacists working at the pharmacies are also consultation doctors, or will have one available on the premise. Prices for a consultation are about 45 pesos, and if you need anything additional, there will be an extra fee, but with exchange rates continuing to rise, this is a great deal and extremely convenient. For basic care, this is a great option, as you can receive prescriptions, injections and blood tests all without ever leaving the pharmacy.
If you need to get further testing done, there are many clinics and hospitals that will be able to assist you. After your initial tests are complete, you will usually receive a professional printout of your results to take to a doctor of your choice. Depending on which city you are staying in, your immediate access to medical care will be slightly different, and we have outlined the major facilities available underneath.
Playa del Carmen
Clinics
Consultorio Clinic
Calle 20 between 1st and 5th Ave.
Hours: On call 24 hours a day, but normally Monday- Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm
Languages: English, Spanish, and Italian.
Phone: 984 745 0294, 984 169 3447
Located in the center of Playa del Carmen, this clinic is more designed for tourists, as they speak multiple languages, and provide a higher level of service than any of the pharmacies above.
10th Avenue near the corner of 28th Street. (between 26th and 28th St)
Hours: Emergency hours, 24 hours a day, with office hours from 8:00am-8:00pm.
Phone 984 803 1215. Emergency number 984-873-1365
Playa International Clinic offers great medical care, along with consultations and checkups. They are especially popular with divers, as they have one of the only hyperbaric chambers in town. From treating burn victims, crush injuries, non-healing wound care, traumas, and carbon monoxide poisoning, they can provide you with great basic medical care.
Hospitals
C. Balamcanché Lote 1, MZA.30, Carr. Federal
77710 Quintana Roo Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+52 (984) 803 10 02
This hospital is probably the best hospital in the area. With the most advanced care, the largest facility, and an English speaking staff, their rates are high, but they are very used to treating tourists and foreigners alike. Their services and specialities include: general medicine, general surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dermatology, radiology, gynecology, internal medicine, trauma surgery, diagnostic imaging, and emergency room services.
Carr. Federal, MZ 285, LT 7, entre 27 y 23,
Edificio Progreso,Col. Ejido Sur, Playa del Carmen, QR, Mexico 77712.
+52 (984) 803 7777
CostaMed provides medical and wellness services to give their clients the most comprehensive care available. They have broken down their care into 5 different sectors, which include: weight loss, dental services, plastic surgery, medical services, and cardiology. Although smaller than Hospitan, they are a fully functioning hospital, have a bilingual staff, and will be able to assist in whatever care you need.
Carretera Federal, entre Av. Constituyentes y Av. Benito Juárez
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. México
Tel. (52) 984.859.33.14 -18
Emergency Tel: 9982 75 00 10
This hospital is mainly used by locals, and is not as extensive in the services they offer, but can still be visited for things needing minimal care, such as a sprain or a fractured bone.
Akumal
Medical Centers
Akumal Medical Center
Gonzalo Guerrero, Mza 13, Lt 01 entre Calle Punta Allen y Punta Piedra,
Cd. Akumal, Mpio Tulum, 01, 77780 QROO
(Main street in town, 1 block past police station)
Hours: Emergency services 24 hours a day; office hours 9:00am-2:00pm
+52 984-875-9090 Alt: +52 984-875-9393 Cell: +52 984-806-4616
Ambulance: +52 984-876-2250
akumalweb@hotmail.com; www.akumalmedicalcenter.com
This 24 medical center, run by bilingual Dr. Nestor Mendoza Gutierez, offers emergency and ambulance services, consultations and a pharmacy. If necessary, Dr. Mendoza is also available to make house calls.
Akumal Pueblo
Across the main highway from the entrance to Akumal
Hours: 7 days a week, 8:00am-2:00pm, and 4:00pm-7:00pm
Pharmacy (984) 875-9334, Office (984) 875-9372
Cell 044 (984) 806-4072 and 044 (984) 108-0091
Dr. Lizabeth Mendoza Morales runs Akumal Pueblo, a pharmacy and consultation service for the town of Akumal. She speaks both Spanish and English, and did some of her research work at UCLA, in California.
Tulum
Hospital
Hospital de Tulum
Avenida Tulum Manzana 4 Lote 7, 77760 Tulum, Q.R.
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Phone: 984.871.2271 Cell: 998.147.7034
www.hospitaldetulum.com, recepcion@hospitaldetulum.com
Open 24 hours a day, Hospital de Tulum services include: General Surgery, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Trauma, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Pediatrics. The medical center has an operating room, recovery rooms, and has both a lab and pharmacy on site. The staff speaks English as well as Spanish, and will be able to help you in your insurance coordination.
Emergency Services
All of the aforementioned hospitals have emergency services that will be able to assist you in a time of need. If, for some reason, the first hospital you arrive at is unable to assist you, each hospital also has ambulance services that will be able to transport you to another hospital in the area. Below are the top numbers to know if and when an emergency situation occurs.
Police/Emergency 066
Ambulances 065
Fire Department 01 (984) 879 3669
Mexican Red Cross 01 (984) 873 1233
Police Department 060
Tourist police 01 (984) 877-3340
Red Cross Ambulance (specifically for Akumal and Tulum) 984 802 5521
Using your Insurance
Most hospitals in the area will accept your traveler’s insurance, but always check beforehand. Be prepared to pay out of pocket for your visit; you will need to contact your insurance for reimbursement of your expenses. At the end of your visit, you will usually receive a professional printout of the services provided to send off to your insurance, or sometimes the hospital will take your insurance information to fax your printout directly to your insurance. If the doctor does not give you a printout, simply ask before leaving, and the staff should get something drafted out for you. If you can, we suggest calling your insurance before your treatment, to notify them you will be sending in a claim, and to ask if there is any specific paperwork they might require. Keep all documentation of your doctor visit, including test results, printouts, prescriptions and receipts, as different insurance companies will ask for different documents.
Medical Tourism
The proximity of Mexico to other countries such as the United States and Canada make it an easy option for foreigners to seek medical care in Mexico. Travel expenses back and forth are relatively low and make it easy for patients to travel in a timely and budget-friendly manner. If you’ve come specifically to Mexico for medical tourism, or are potentially interested in having something done while here, this area couldn’t be better. According to the World Health Organization, Mexican hospitals are similar in quality and care to facilities in the United States, the prices in Mexico can be between 50% to 75% lower than that of the average costs in the United States, and many doctors are now bilingual. With most of the hospitals offering these services, as well as private doctors in just about every service available, you’ll have your pick in selecting a doctor you feel comfortable working with. From dental work, to cosmetic procedures, to general surgeries, and so much more, there are endless options available for you to consider. We encourage you to research your desired procedures and doctors in the area beforehand, and to meet with them once you’ve arrived.
Dentists
One of the most popular areas within medical tourism in Mexico is dentistry — Mexico has great standards of care, and the prices are a fraction of the cost you would pay in your home country. There are a plethora of dentists in the Riviera Maya, and the list we’ve compiled is not meant to be exhaustive, but will at least provide you with a base of providers in the area. We guarantee you will find many others, and as always encourage you to meet with a few to discuss your desires before selecting one right away.
Playa del Carmen
Clinica Dental PlayaDentist
Calle 6 Bis Norte entre 30 y 35 Ave., Centro.
Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-2:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm
24 hours a day for emergency services
Phone: 984-873-2816
This is one of the most visited clinics for tourist and expats in Playa del Carmen. Dr. Jorge Armenta and Dr. Caesar Casas both work out of these offices, and have a reputation for taking good care of their patients, in their small office located on a side street. The building may look just like a house at first, but look for the sign on the door, and you’ll know you’ve arrived. Normally appointments can be made just a few days before you want to come, or you can always try walking in to see if they have same-day availability.
Dental Bio-Esthetics
Av. Diagonal 65 Norte s/n Local 5, Col. El Fundador,
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710
Phone: USA (561) 24 SMILE MEX +52 (984) 109 3787
http://www.dentalbioesthetics.com
Run by Dr Michelle Spears, DDS, Dental Bio-Esthetics is one of the leaders in dental cosmetology and dentistry in the Riviera Maya. With nearly 30 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry in the U.S. and the Riviera Maya,, Dr. Michelle Spears and her staff are a proven professionals in the field. They offer a brief consultation, via email, telephone or Skype, Dr Spears and her staff prepares a comprehensive treatment plan, travel and accommodation itinerary, transportation and follow-up care.
Dental Integral
Avenue 35 between 2 norte y 2 norte bis, Downtown,
Playa del Carmen, 77710
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-2:00pm; 4:00pm-8:00pm, Sat 10:00am-2:00pm
24 hours a day for Emergency
+52 (984) 803 3420
www.dentalintegralplaya.com; dentalintegral@hotmail.com
The team of doctors at Dental Integral are highly educated and experienced specialists. Using the most up-to-date instruments, and high-quality materials, they pride themselves on only performing high quality and safe treatments. They not only provide cosmetic dentistry, but a range of services such as dental implants, orthodontic services, oral surgery, dentures, periodontic services, and dental restoration. The staff speaks both English and Spanish, and will gladly assess and discuss your needs via email.
Dental House
5a Avenue between 40th & 42th street, Playa del Carmen, Q Roo.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-1:00pm; 3:00pm-8:00pm, Sat 10:00am-3:00pm
24 hours a day for Emergency
984.267.2008
www.dentalhouseplaya.com; info@dentalhouseplaya.com
Dental House was especially designed for dental tourism — from a simple checkup or cleaning, to x-rays, root canals, and implants, Dental House can cover all your dentistry needs in one place. Their staff of four highly experienced professionals are sought after, and with them having the latest 3D technology in their offices, we can understand why. Offering free consultations, their services and procedures are quick and reliable. They speak both English and Spanish and welcome your emails or phone calls to learn more about what they can offer you.
Dentists Akumal
If you’re staying in Akumal, and are interested in having some dental work done, you might have to travel to the surrounding area of Playa del Carmen to receive the same access to the many dentists available. Only being a short 30 minute ride away, whether by taxi or car, you should then be able to visit the many dentist offices around town, and make an informed decision.
Dentists Tulum
Although Tulum is a popular tourist destination for its cliff-top Mayan ruins, the town itself is quite small, and as such, only have a small amount of facilities available. There are dentists in Tulum, but most of the practicing doctors don’t have websites, so your best bet would be to either walk around the town, or ask a local while you’re there. Additionally, making the trip to Playa del Carmen is also an option, and as Tulum has its own bus station that services direct to Playa del Carmen, it’s very easy to get to and from. The center we listed below is one of the few dentist centers in Tulum to have any information available online.
Plaza Andador Tulum , Local 18, Maya pax Tulum
Tulum, Quintana Roo
Office 984 160 0634; Cell 222 791 5868
dr.justofragoso@gmail.com
Dr. Justo Fragoso Silvia runs Eurodental Odontologia Integral, and is one of the newer dental clinics in Tulum. With a goal of leaving every patient satisfied, Dr. Fragoso personalizes every treatment to fit the needs of his patients. He offers comprehensive dentistry, including cleaning, teeth whitening, implants, removable or fixed prosthodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry.
Specialty care
Is your back out of place and you’re looking to get adjusted? Did you lose your glasses or think you might need a new prescription? From chiropractors to eye doctors, the Riviera Maya has plenty of specialized doctors to help you with whatever ailment you’re suffering from. We guarantee whatever issue may arise during your stay, the doctors here will be able to work with you to ensure a fast recovery, so you can continue to enjoy your stay in the Riviera Maya. Below we’ve listed a few well-known Chiropractors and Eye Doctors in the area. There are of course many more, so feel free to walk around, ask your hotel or even a local, on where you can find more.
PlayaWell
1st Ave between 52 and 54 calles
Colosio, Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo
984-118-2360
www.playadelcarmenchiropractic.com; mlandedc@gmail.com
PlayaWell is dedicated to improving the overall health of their patients by centering their care on natural healthcare and healing. Dr. Michael Lande, DC, who runs PlayaWell, is a holistic chiropractic physician, that was trained and licensed in the United States. They specialize in a number of services, including: chronic pain, full body adjustments, nutrition consultations, customized wellness and recovery plans, and specialized care programs for pregnancy and after birth. They are committed to helping their patients achieve optimal health and are happy to assist in any way they can.
Playa del Carmen Chiropractic Services
1st Ave. North between Constituyentes and 16 St,
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Office 984.873. 2098; Cell 984.165.5682
With over 25 years of experience in the US, Canada, and Mexico Dr. Richard McCarthy of Playa del Carmen Chiropractic Services, is well-known to tourists and locals alike. He applies a holistic approach to his care, and has extensive training in almost everything related to chiropractics. He is certified in Pediatrics, Radiology, and Sports related injuries, and all treatments are personally overseen by him. Whether you are trying to manage long-term pain, dealing with an injury, or just are interested in a check-up or routine correction, Dr. McCarthy can put together a chiropractic care plan that will work for you. He offers a free consultation to those that are new to chiropractics, and is conveniently located in the heart of Playa del Carmen.
Carretera Federal Cancun-Chetumal MZ 14 LT 1 Esquina Calle 28 Norte Colonia Ejido Sur
77712 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
(984) 206 2066
Dr. Jose Luis Domenzain Afendulis runs Optica Vision Playa. He takes his work seriously and is skilled in fixing cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. He welcomes tourists and locals alike to his office and will be happy to meet and assess your eyecare needs.
If you still need more information, don’t forget to ask the resort where you’re staying — more often than not, they too have compiled a list of helpful information to give to their guests, so be sure to see what they can provide as well. We hope you enjoy your stay in the Riviera Maya, and that if you end up needing medical assistance, you can rest assured knowing you’ll be safe and sound.
