Medical Accidents In Mexico: Start Here

In this month’s issue, we’re tackling what to do in a medical emergency (and the checklist to have ready before it happens), how to vet specialists, why Japan’s new synthetic blood might change everything, and more. Let’s get to it.

Medical Accidents in Mexico: What You Need to Know

Medical emergencies in Mexico don’t play out the way they do back home.

Whether it’s a fall in your kitchen or an injury during a car crash or assault, how you respond – and how you document it – can determine whether your treatment goes smoothly or your claim gets denied.

Emergency at Home? There’s a Catch 
If an emergency happens in your home – whether it’s a slip in your shower or, worse, you’re assaulted during a home invasion – having a plan ahead of time is key.

If you’re critically injured, call 911. If you’re home alone, remember to also call your medical buddy, since EMTs cannot break into your home to help you.

Should you need to get to a hospital, figure out if you can drive yourself or grab a taxi. If you are injured and cannot (or should not) drive, call an ambulance. The Red Cross is a budget-friendly choice, since it’s not tied to private hospitals or specific networks.

If you fell or are having chest pains, there’s no need to call 911 – just call an ambulance. However, if an accident or injury stems from criminal activity (like a break-in that leaves you hurt) call 911 immediately.

911 dispatches police. From there, you will need to talk to the Ministerio Público, Mexico’s Public Ministry Office, to start the criminal investigation process. They handle crimes and can ensure the incident is properly documented, which might matter for insurance or legal claims down the line.

What to Do in Public Accidents 
If you're injured in a public space or have a car accident, call 911 immediately. Even for minor injuries, this call triggers official documentation. Ask for a police report on-site, take photos, and get the names of all involved parties and any witnesses.

Don’t admit fault at the scene. Don’t accept cash settlements. Don’t leave before officials arrive. These actions can affect both your legal standing and your insurance claims eligibility.

If you need to file with your international health insurance, they will require the police report to process your claim – especially if the injury involves a car crash, physical assault, or any criminal activity.

Unless you’re seriously injured, get the responding officers’ names and contact information in case you need to talk with them again – or remind them they need to provide the report.

When you get the report, review it to make sure it contains all the information about the accident, such as the date of the accident, the location, and everyone involved.

You won’t receive the report instantly. Plan on following up with the local police department or the Ministerio Público to retrieve it later.

Each week, we answer a question from one of our Premium Members about international insurance or navigating healthcare in Mexico.

Q: I've heard you say I should file all my claims. But sometimes I go to the doctor and it's 500 pesos. Do I really need to spend time and energy to file a claim so small?

We tackled this exact question in the latest Premium Q&A, along with hidden maternity benefits, why your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) isn’t what you think it is, and the longevity molecule hiding in every cell.

👉 Upgrade to Premium to read the full answer + attend our next member workshop.

The Future of Blood Is Universal, Shelf-Stable – and Japanese

In the world of True Blood (TV Series), Japanese scientists invented synthetic blood so vampires could live off something other than humans.

It’s no longer fiction, my friends.

In March this year, researchers at Nara Medical University began human trials of synthetic blood that could work for any blood type.

Created from expired donor hemoglobin and packed into microscopic “vesicles,” this lab-grown blood mimics the real thing – minus the infection risk, short shelf life, or compatibility issues.

It’s being designed to do exactly what real red blood cells do: Carry oxygen, stabilize blood pressure, and save lives. But unlike real blood, it lasts up to two years at room temperature…and it’s virus-free, universal, and ready to use in trauma, surgery, and disaster zones.

Is it weird? Maybe.

But it’s also a potential game-changer for countries with aging populations, low donor turnout, or emergency systems strained by logistics.

The early trial involved 16 healthy volunteers. No major side effects have been reported so far. If all goes well, Japan aims to have this tech in real-world use by 2030.

Yes, the future of transfusion medicine might look a little sci-fi. But it’s happening.

What We Do (and Why It Matters): We help people with international health insurance get reimbursed faster, avoid costly mistakes, and take full advantage of their international health insurance. With nearly a decade of experience and zero ties to insurers, we’re your advocate – not theirs. Our mission: Less stress, more clarity, and smarter healthcare decisions that let you enjoy life here in Mexico with confidence.

Need Health Insurance? Let us connect you with a vetted broker near you. Whether you’re looking for private coverage, long-term insurance, medical evacuation, catastrophic care, or travel insurance – we’ve got someone who can help. Find your broker.