When traveling to Mexico, it is vital to be aware of the risks and regulations. In 2021, the land border between the United States and Mexico will be open for nonessential travel. However, some states within Mexico may impose tighter restrictions than the national government. For these reasons, you must check with your hotel or tour operator about local directives. For example, some states may not allow tourists to cross the border unless they have a specific medical condition.
Violence between rival drug cartels
The country is in a drug war, and violence between rival drug cartels is rife. While several groups are fighting in the country, the Zetas and the Gulf Cartels are the most active. Both groups have strongholds in Mexico’s northeast and have been battling against each other for control of territory. The Zetas have been the most violent drug cartel in recent years, and they have been known to decapitate victims. As a result, they have become the country’s biggest drug cartel and surpassed their rival, Sinaloa, in numbers. They’re thought to control half of the country and supply one-third of its drug market.
The violence between rival drug cartels has gotten so bad that authorities have doubled efforts to control it. The government is also trying to stop gang warfare in Mexico. Recently, a gang clashed with the government in prison, killing 68 people and injuring over two-hundred others. It’s the third large prison riot in the country this year. As of 2021, the country’s prison violence has killed over 320 people, making it one of the deadliest countries in the world.
While violence among rival drug cartels in Mexico is a serious concern, crime rates in Mexico are rising. Cartels are increasingly attacking local and subnational authorities, often intensifying their attacks during election cycles. In some cases, they are also establishing de facto political domains.
Cost of medical evacuation
Medical evacuation is an expensive and complex process. It requires a highly-specialized team and extensive experience to plan and implement a safe, timely medical evacuation. The process involves:
- Coordinating with healthcare facilities and local physicians.
- Navigating language barriers.
- Dealing with immigration formalities and upfront payments.
While most travel health insurance plans cover emergency medical evacuation, some will not. For example, Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the U.S., so you should ensure that your health insurance covers medical evacuation before leaving home. Also, it is essential to understand that many medical facilities in Mexico will only accept cash for payment. It can be costly for patients to use their health insurance to pay for their treatment.
Medical evacuation is expensive, especially if you do not have medical insurance. You must contact a medical evacuation company to be airlifted out of Mexico. This service will cost from US$25,000 to US$60,000 for a dedicated air ambulance. The cost will also be higher if you travel to a foreign country.
It is important to note that Medicare does not cover medical evacuation costs while you are traveling to Mexico. However, certain circumstances may qualify you for Medicare coverage. In such cases, Medicare may provide primary or secondary health coverage. Medicare also covers certain expenses, such as ambulance travel, but it also has limitations. If you cannot afford a medical evacuation plan, consider self-funding your trip.
Safety of public transportation
You should know a few things if you’re planning a trip to Mexico shortly. Safety, especially in driving, is one of the most important things to consider. Although the country is generally safe for driving, you should be extra cautious, especially at night. While driving in Mexico is usually safe at night, you can do a few things to keep yourself safe.
If you’re unsure about the safety of public transportation in Mexico, it’s essential to understand its regulations. Several programs can help you stay safe on public transport. Many of these programs are designed to address specific problems, such as speeding and drug-related crashes.
Another way to increase your safety is to book a hotel in a safe area. Many crimes occur at night, so it’s safer to ride an Uber instead of walking alone in the dark. You should also research and discover the safest parts of Mexico. By planning, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Safety of Cancun beach rip currents
The first step to ensuring the safety of Cancun beaches is to make sure that lifeguards are present at all beaches. Using flags to determine the danger level, lifeguards will do their best to keep swimmers safe. A yellow or red flag means rip currents or waves are strong. A double red flag means the water is closed to swimmers. Purple flags indicate there is significant marine life near shore.
To avoid being caught in a rip current:
- Swim parallel to the shore.
- If you get caught in one, yell and try to grab hold of a floatable object.
- If you can’t do this, try contacting lifeguards by throwing one.
Another way to avoid a rip current is to swim with a lifeguard continuously. Children should never be left alone in the ocean. Research teams are currently running campaigns to raise public awareness of rip currents. They have also developed helpful tips for beachgoers. The following tips can help you avoid getting caught in a rip current:
- Always stay with a lifeguard at the beach.
- Never swim alone.
- Always have a friend or family member along.
If you’re considering visiting Cancun, you’ll need to know the dangers of rip currents. Fortunately, the government of Mexico is working to keep the resorts and the area as safe as possible for tourists. However, exercising caution is still important, even though the risk of getting caught is low.
Health care in private hospitals
In Mexico, many people have access to public health care services. The government provides care for an estimated 70 percent of the people, but many private hospitals also exist. In 2019, Mexico had approximately 3,114 private hospitals, and 194 were considered highly specialized medical centers. Of these, 100 had more than 50 beds and the capacity to provide highly technical services.
According to a review of the health system in Mexico published in the Lancet Global Health, about half of the hospital beds and examining rooms are private. Long waiting lists and insufficient access to healthcare services are factors in the growing demand for private healthcare. The quality of a hospital’s services is a significant factor when choosing where to seek care in Mexico. A hospital must meet rigorous quality standards and have been in operation for one year.
According to the Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), COVID-19 and heart disease were the leading causes of premature death in Mexico from January to August 2021. Other causes of death were pulmonary disease, liver disease, cerebrovascular disease, and homicides.
Mexico’s private healthcare system covers a wide range of procedures and conditions. Finding a secret healthcare plan that meets all your medical needs and preferences is essential. You can opt for a personal or family medical insurance plan. The premiums for these plans depend on age, pre-existing medical conditions, and lifestyle.
Malaria and Zika virus risks
Traveling to areas affected by the Zika virus can increase your risk of contracting this infection. You must talk to your healthcare provider and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and disease. Pregnant women should not travel to these areas, as Zika can be passed on to their babies through breast milk. In addition, women with Zika symptoms should avoid sexual intercourse until two months after they return home.
Although symptoms of the Zika virus are mild in most people, they can lead to severe complications, including congenital disabilities, congenital disabilities, and even death. The infection can be transmitted from one person to another during pregnancy and causes severe neurological damage. There is no cure for Zika, but it can be managed with appropriate medications. Symptoms of the disease include fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, and the treatment relies on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Unfortunately, no specific drug or vaccine prevents the disease, and many people do not seek medical treatment.
The primary concern for travelers is to avoid areas with the Zika virus since the mosquitoes that transmit the virus do not live at elevations higher than six thousand feet. However, this is only sometimes the case, as the height can vary between different areas more than a map can show. Additionally, it is essential to note that the presence of the virus can change with temperature and rainfall.