Medical Insurance & Assistance in Puerto Vallarta

Consider buying trip insurance with medical-only coverage. Neither Medicare nor some private insurers cover medical expenses anywhere outside of the United States. Medical-only policies typically reimburse you for medical care (excluding that related to pre-existing conditions) and hospitalization abroad, and provide for evacuation. You still have to pay the bills and await reimbursement from the insurer, though.

Another option is to sign up with a medical-evacuation assistance company. Membership gets you doctor referrals, emergency evacuation or repatriation, 24-hour hotlines for medical consultation, and other assistance. International SOS Assistance Emergency and AirMed International provide evacuation services and medical referrals. MedjetAssist offers medical evacuation.

Medical Assistance Companies

AirMed International (www.airmed.com). International SOS Assistance Emergency (www.intsos.com) MedjetAssist (www.medjetassist.com).

Medical-Only Insurers

International Medical Group (800/628-4664. www.imglobal.com). International SOS (www.internationalsos.com). Wallach & Company (800/237-6615 or 540/687-3166. www.wallach.com).