Hospitals and Pharmacies in Puerto Vallarta: What to Do If You Get Sick
What to do if you get sick or hurt in Puerto Vallarta: pharmacy doctor's offices for minor problems, the main private hospitals and where they are, the 911 emergency number, and why travel insurance matters.
By Vallarta Pro local editorsUpdated 2 min read✓ Facts checked against sources
Getting sick on vacation is stressful. Here's where to go in Puerto Vallarta, from a stomach bug to a real emergency.
Minor problems: the pharmacy doctor
For a stomach bug, a cold, an ear infection or a bad sunburn, you usually don't need a hospital. Many Mexican pharmacies have a **doctor's office (consultorio) attached**, with a general practitioner who sees walk-in patients.
How it works: you put your name on the list and wait your turn. The doctor examines you and writes a prescription, which you can fill at the pharmacy counter.
What it costs:Farmacias Similares, the best-known chain for this, raised its general consultation to 60 pesos in central Mexico and 80 pesos in the north in September 2024. Prices vary by region.
Language: don't count on English. A translation app on your phone helps.
Emergencies: the private hospitals
For a broken bone, chest pain, a bad fall or anything serious, go to a hospital emergency room. The main private hospitals:
Private care is paid for, so ask how payment works when you arrive and call your insurer's assistance line as early as you can.
Insurance
Medicare usually doesn't cover care outside the US, apart from rare exceptions, and Medicare drug plans don't cover prescriptions bought abroad. Check your own plan before you travel, and bring travel medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation.
In an emergency, call 911
911 is Mexico's single emergency number for ambulance, police and fire. It works nationwide, 24 hours a day, free from any phone. Be ready to give your address, neighborhood and nearest cross street, and have a Spanish speaker help if you can.
Yes. Many pharmacies have a doctor's office (consultorio) next to the counter. Farmacias Similares raised its general consultation to 60 pesos in central Mexico and 80 pesos in the north in September 2024; prices vary by region. The doctor can write a prescription you fill at the counter.
What are the main hospitals in Puerto Vallarta?
Private hospitals include Hospital Joya Marina and San Javier Marina in the Hotel Zone, Amerimed in Marina Vallarta, Hospital CMQ Premiere on Av. Francisco Villa and VMC Vallarta Medical Center on Av. Los Tules. The public system (IMSS) also has clinics in the city.
What is the emergency number in Puerto Vallarta?
911, Mexico's single emergency number for medical, police and civil-protection emergencies. It works nationwide, 24 hours a day, free from landlines and mobiles.
Does Medicare cover me in Mexico?
Usually not. Medicare.gov says Medicare usually doesn't cover health care while you're traveling outside the US, except in rare cases, and Medicare drug plans don't cover prescriptions bought abroad. Travel medical insurance fills the gap.
