Traveler Safety · Medical & Emergency
Medical & Emergency Guide for Travelers
Everything you need to know before something goes wrong — emergency numbers, hospitals, pharmacies, travel insurance, and what to do in a medical emergency in Los Cabos.
Emergency contact numbers
Screenshot this page or save these numbers before your trip.
Mexico national emergency number — English-speaking operators available
English-speaking tourist assistance
Ambulance service throughout Baja California Sur
Main private hospital — 24/7 emergency room
Private hospital with bilingual staff
Critical for diving accidents — Cabo San Lucas
Nearest full US consulate — 24/7 emergency line
24/7 American Citizens Services line
What every traveler should know before arriving in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is a safe, well-developed tourist destination with modern private hospitals and English-speaking medical staff. The most important preparation is having travel insurance with emergency medical coverage — not because emergencies are likely, but because private medical care without it can be extremely costly.
Medical Facilities
Hospitals & clinics in Los Cabos
H+ Hospital Los Cabos
Private — 24/7 Emergency RoomThe most recommended private hospital for tourists in Cabo San Lucas. English-speaking staff, modern facilities, accepts US insurance (verify coverage). Emergency room open 24 hours.
CMQ Hospital Los Cabos
Private — 24/7 Emergency RoomBilingual staff and a solid reputation among expats. Good for urgent care and emergencies. Like all private hospitals in Mexico, payment or insurance verification may be required upfront.
IMSS Hospital (San José del Cabo)
Public — Mexican Social SecurityPublic hospital — free to Mexican citizens and residents. Tourists can be treated in emergencies but may experience longer waits and limited English. Best for true emergencies when private hospitals are not accessible.
Médica San Lucas
Clinic — Walk-In & Urgent CareWalk-in urgent care clinic for non-emergency conditions — illness, minor injuries, infections, sunburns, food poisoning, and prescription services. Faster than an ER for non-critical issues.
Pharmacies
Where to get medication in Cabo
Farmacias del Ahorro
Most common pharmacy chain in Cabo — multiple locations, open late, pharmacist on duty. Good selection of prescription and OTC medications.
Farmacia Guadalajara
Large pharmacy chain with wide inventory. Locations in both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Walmart Pharmacy
Walmart in Cabo San Lucas has a full pharmacy — convenient if you're shopping for supplies too. Lower prices on many medications.
Farmacia Similares
Generic-only pharmacy offering significantly lower prices on common medications. All pharmacists are licensed.
Travel insurance for Mexico
Travel insurance with emergency medical coverage is one of the most important purchases you can make before visiting Los Cabos. Most US health insurance plans provide little or no coverage in Mexico.
Private hospital stays, surgical procedures, and emergency air evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage. Emergency medical evacuation from Cabo San Lucas to a US hospital typically runs $30,000–$100,000 or more.
Look for a policy that includes: emergency medical coverage (minimum $100K), emergency evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and 24/7 assistance hotline. Companies like Travel Guard, Allianz, World Nomads, and Nationwide offer Mexico-inclusive plans.
Check before you buy
Verify your existing credit card travel benefits — many premium cards include some emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
Diving? Get DAN
Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers dive-specific insurance covering hyperbaric treatment, evacuation, and medical care for underwater emergencies.
Pre-existing conditions
Declare any pre-existing conditions when purchasing your policy. Failure to disclose can void coverage. Look for policies with pre-existing condition waivers if purchased within 14–21 days of deposit.
Ocean Safety
Pacific currents, rip tides & the flag system
The Pacific Ocean side of Cabo San Lucas (Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach, Solmar Beach) has dangerous rip currents and is not safe for swimming. The Sea of Cortez side (Médano Beach) is calm and suitable for swimming. Always check the flag system at your beach.
Green Flag
Safe conditions
Yellow Flag
Use caution
Red Flag
No swimming
Black Flag
Beach closed
Divorce Beach and Solmar Beach are not safe for swimming under any conditions. The Pacific surf here claims lives every year, including experienced swimmers. Stay on dry land — the views are worth the visit, the water is not. Médano Beach (on the marina side) is the designated safe swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas.
Common Questions
Medical & emergency in Cabo — answered
What is the emergency number in Cabo San Lucas?
The emergency number in Mexico is 911 — the same as in the United States. English-speaking operators are available. You can also call Cruz Roja (Red Cross) ambulance directly by dialing 065.
What hospital should tourists use in Cabo San Lucas?
H+ Hospital Los Cabos is the most recommended private hospital for tourists in Cabo San Lucas. It has English-speaking staff, a 24/7 emergency room, and modern facilities. CMQ Hospital is another well-regarded private option. Both accept US insurance, though you may need to pay upfront and file for reimbursement.
Is it safe to drink the water in Cabo San Lucas?
Do not drink tap water in Cabo San Lucas. Stick to bottled water (agua purificada) for drinking and brushing teeth. All reputable hotels and restaurants use purified water. Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere.
Do I need travel insurance for Cabo San Lucas?
Travel insurance with emergency medical coverage is strongly recommended for any trip to Cabo San Lucas. Medical care at private hospitals requires payment or insurance upfront, and emergency air evacuation to the US can cost $30,000–$100,000+ without coverage. Most US health insurance plans have limited or no coverage in Mexico.
Where can I get prescription medication in Cabo San Lucas?
Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacia Guadalajara, and Walmart Pharmacy are the most accessible options in Cabo San Lucas. Many common medications are available over the counter in Mexico that require a prescription in the US. A licensed pharmacist is on duty at most pharmacy chains.
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