What If You Have a Medical Emergency in Cozumel?

We are all fortunate to be living here. I think it is safe to say that we are living the dream. Agreed? I know I wake up daily feeling blessed. Paradise and tranquility are my reality now. But is that the big picture?

I know from experience that with my reality is multifaceted, extending beyond tranquility. Many of us would like to focus on all the wonderful things in our lives since we retired or moved here. And we do! What many would prefer not to think about is what they will face in a medical emergency.

If you face an unexpected hospitalization, how will you pay for it? If you or your significant other passes away, is everything in order so that the stress of such a tragedy is decreased? Does your family know your wishes in such an event? There really is a lot to think about! Advance arrangements for any kind of emergency is always a good idea.

I am currently working on a new page for the website dedicated to Getting Your Ducks in a Row. For now, though, I thought I would cover just a few of the basics to get this started. To begin with, if you are in an accident and/or need to be hospitalized, do you have a medical ID card that you carry with you? If you are alone, this could contain critical information for your medical team. There are a couple of websites where you can easily enter the important information, print out the card, and have it laminated. I personally have one in my wallet and one in my passport case, as does my husband. Here are a couple of websites you can go to and create your card easily and quickly – both are free!

http://allfreeprintable.com/emergency-medical-information-card

https://www.myidentitydoctor.com/index.php?route=information/walletcard/form

Additionally, do you have medical insurance that will cover you on Cozumel? Not all hospitals will accept foreign insurance, and those that do may not accept your particular coverage depending on the carrier. The important thing to know is that you are going to have to pay the bill in full (less any amount covered and approved by insurance) before the hospital will discharge you! I would recommend that you consider getting a Mexican health insurance policy to make things easier for you if you qualify for one. I will address this in more detail on the web page, but you can contact any carrier for information.

Lastly, you really should have a will that is executed here in Mexico and registered. If you already have one in your country of origin, see a notary to have it translated and registered here. You need a will or other final documents in Spanish! Again, I will address this more on the web page, but I will just say that the cost is half price in September.

There is so much more to consider, but it goes beyond the scope of a blog post. I just wanted to get people thinking before I could get the page(s) ready. I hope this is a start for you.

I would like to extend thanks to Susan Beech for suggesting this important topic and for her input on the web page(s).