If you are coming to spend some time in Playa del Carmen it would be a good idea to know the medical care options in case you need them. Prices and quality of service vary widely, so here is a general overview of what is available in Playa del Carmen.
For tourists: If you are staying in an all-inclusive hotel, there will be basic medical facilities available. In general in Mexico the priority is to give the best care to the customers. And this by ambulance drivers, doctors, pharmacists and hospitals. You are not seen as an opportunity to make money, but really to be given the best care. In fact tourists may even receive better treatment than locals.
Pharmacies and medical consultation
Basic care. You will be happy to know that it is very easy to have a doctor’s consultation, fast and very cheap! There are doctors’ offices attached to most pharmacies for consultations for about between 35 and 50 pesos (about $ 2) or even in some places for free lile pharmacies Ahorro, ther is one at the corner of 10th Avenue and Calle 10.
Similar pharmacies are the most common and are recognized by a doctor. Prices are around 35 to 50 pesos (about $ 2) to see the doctor. Prices are higher in the late evening hours, but who cares about these prices! Everything is there directly, which means, if you need a blood test or something, there is a price list for almost everything. It really is a good deal. If you are using these services and you need to get a prescription, this can be extremely handy. The doctor will give you a prescription and just go to the pharmacy next door to get what you need. If the prescription is an injection, you can go back to the doctor and he will inject it for just 20 pesos.
The doctor’s expertise may vary, but for basic care, this is a great option. Most doctors speak Spanish and some English. The good thing is that the basic Spanish medical terms are similar and an antibiotic or pain pill can help you get through most ailments.
Please note: A shot injection is a very common treatment for pain, muscle aches and fever due to small infections, etc. The drug is called diclofenaco and it is very popular in Mexico. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). So get ready to drop your pants to get your medicine! The drugs usually cost around 200 to 300 pesos (about $ 15). Often they recommend vitamins and a few articles on your prescription. You only buy what you want.
Tip: The best medicine in Playa del Carmen is in air-conditioned pharmacies. The strength of drugs is reduced when they are not stored at the right temperature.
If you need to get tested, there are specialized clinics that will do all of your tests for you. These clinics give you impressions of your professional diagnostic results.
Hospitals
The hospitals in the area are very clean and welcoming. All hospitals and clinics work with insurance. Playa del Carmen is now on par with the services available in Cancun. Many expatriates have found that, for major medical care or extensive health problems, Star Medica in Merida is the best service in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a three hour drive from Playa del Carmen but they have rave reviews and have world class facilities.
Tip: When you go to a hospital in Playa del Carmen, if you are a resident with an ID that mentions it, you can benefit from a discount.
Hospiten Hospital is the best hospital in Playa del Carmen. It is the largest and has the most advanced health center in Playa. That being said, it is a little more expensive. Doctors speak good English and this hospital is used to treat tourists and foreigners living in Playa del Carmen. Services and specialties include: emergency room, general surgery, pediatrics and pediatric surgery, dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, diagnostic imaging, radiology, gynecology, internal medicine, trauma surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology and medicine General.
Hospiten is located on Carretera at the southern end of the city opposite the Centro Maya and just next to the entrance to Playacar Phase 2.
C ostaMed is another hospital center where you can get almost a full range of services. They speak English too. They offer the same services as Hospiten and as well as dental services. If you are drunk downtown and you need to go to the hospital, they will take you.
Also at the southern end of the city on the Carretera.
San Carlos Hospital is used more for the locals and not with as many services as the other two hospitals mentioned above. This hospital might be a good option for a sprain, fracture or something that needs minimal care, but more care than a clinic.
This hospital is also on the Carratera located between avenue Juarez and Constituyentes Avenue.
Medical clinic in Playa Del Carmen
Here are two clinics located in the center of Playa del Carmen. They are more for tourists and offer a slightly higher level of service (and cost too) than pharmacies.
Clinical Consultorio
Calle 20 between 1st and 5th Avenue.
Playa International Clinic
This clinic is popular with divers because it has a hyperbaric chamber. They provide medical care for divers suffering from decompression sickness and arterial air embolism, as well as medical examinations and consultations with medical staff. You can go there for basic medical care quickly. you can even get injections administered for 25 pesos if you have a prescription for medicine.
10th Avenue, near the corner of calle 28. (Between 26 and 28)
Hope this article helps you become more familiar with the medical services in Playa del Carmen. Hope you don’t need to, but now you’re a little more prepared. Since everyone’s needs are different, please consult each facility to see what might meet your needs.
