Save Safely: Medical & Dental Tourism in Cozumel MX

A few beach days with a side of Botox? Or a few days of diving, and then for that new dental crown you’ve been putting off (at a much more gentle price)?

The Medical Tourism industry is growing, and for residents of the United States and Canada, Mexico offers alternatives to the high prices and long waits patients may face at home. 

Cozumel, Mexico is an incredible vacation destination, but it’s also well-equipped with many highly-trained medical professionals, modern hospitals, private clinics, bi-lingual services, and a comforting (and growing) number of glowing personal testimonials all over social media. 

Add a wonderful and relaxing environment in which to recuperate under the shade of a palm tree, and you’ll turn an expensive headache into an affordable and enjoyable solution, and a great way to afford and enjoy the care you need.

For those in the know – including the large and growing number of digital nomads, foreign residents and ex-pats – Cozumel is becoming one of the towns people think of when planning to medical travel to Mexico for quality dental work or other medical procedures.  

Why Travel To Cozumel for Dental and Medical Tourism Destination

Since it’s such a popular destination in general, many people cycle through here annually. 

Many come for one day on a cruise, as Cozumel has become one of the busiest ports of call in the world. 

But most real fans of this incredible island are here to SCUBA dive, enjoy a beach vacation, and eat like kings at the island’s countless delicious restaurants. 

And lately, more and more medical tourists are heading to Cozumel dentists and doctors for some of the best, most comforting, and most affordable dental and medical care around.

It’s especially perfect for dental procedures or dermatological services that aren’t covered by your insurance plan at home. 

Many people are already coming to have their teeth fixed in Cozumel, or to get Botox or fillers in Cozumel clinics.

A growing number of medical tourists are also researching beyond Mexico City and choosing private hospitals in Cozumel and the greater Quintana Roo and Yucatan region to have bariatric surgeries for weight loss and more significant cosmetic surgical procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, and boob jobs. 

Word is spreading about the quality of medical and dental care in Cozumel, and the great experiences foreign patients have had.

Especially the fact that healthcare options at far more affordable, and in a low-key environment where recuperation time is an absolute pleasure. 

Read up on some of Cozumel’s cool boutique hotels for some that are particularly convenient to the various medical facilities mentioned here, or start with a more general overview of the island’s main hotel zones, here.

Cozumel’s medical tourism clients don’t need to limit their choices to Mexican border towns that might have cost savings, decent patient reviews, fine dentists, etc., but don’t exactly have the most welcoming atmosphere to hang out in, post-op. 

I mean, why go to “Molar City” across the southern border (yes, that is a real thing, a.k.a. Los Algondones in Mexico) when you can get your post-procedure R&R on a hammock in Cozumel? 

Main Considerations when Planning to Travel for Medical Reasons

Of course, all patients should talk to their primary doctors before beginning any travel plans for potential treatments.

Your home doctors can best advise you and determine if additional testing or preparatory medical procedures are needed before you leave home. 

First-timers might also opt to start with a non-invasive medical procedure to make sure you’re comfortable during a routine visit and have a good rapport with the doctor or dentist you’ve selected.

For any major medical procedures or significant plastic surgery, you’ll want to thoroughly research the doctor and hospital you have in mind and have conversations with them to ask all necessary questions and make absolutely sure they’re reputable providers! 

Don’t let low prices alone convince you. 

For substantial cosmetic surgery or invasive surgical procedures, you need to approach with great care no matter where you’re going.

Be sure to schedule major surgeries with one of Cozumel’s large reputable hospitals (like Costamed), where doctors have their full credentials on view, and more experience dealing with international patients.

When possible, it might also make sense for patients should plan their procedures during the off-season, to avoid peak travel costs and greater flexibility with scheduling or follow-up appointments. 

Benefits of Medical & Dental Travel in the Cozumel Region

Cozumel offers medical tourism in a very chill tropical environment with warm, clear waters just off the eastern Caribbean coast of Mexico.

An island vibe with some built-in wellness features is the perfect place for a relaxing recuperation period.

And when you’re rested and recovered, you can treat yourself to some of Cozumel’s best shopping, excellent regional tacos, or some decadent (and historic!) chocolate selections.

Even ex-pats that live locally could escape to a hotel for the resort-style amenities and gorgeous surroundings of Cozumel for affordable, low stress recovery.

Cozumel has a high number of well-trained resident doctors and dentists, modern facilities, new imaging equipments, and also a low-key but spa-like atmosphere with relaxing places to stroll, nice beach fronts with stunning daily sunsets, and calm places to chill out and relax before, during, or after medical treatments.

If you book through a reputable hospital like Costamed Cozumel, they may even be able to put together an affordable “all-inclusive” type package, that may include lodging, meals, and after-care.

Cozumel for Dental Treatment – Excellent and Economical

Cozumel is also perfect for dental work and oral health care because of the excellent dental professionals and the quality of their facilities.

I recently had a crown replaced, and was reminded of the excellent care and amazing prices of everything from a simple teeth cleaning to a full procedure like that. And with local anasthesia and a stellar result, my bill was in the hundreds rather than the thousands!

I swear by my excellent dental professionals at Cozumel Dental here, but there are many top-rated dentists on this small island.

In fact, their patients on Facebook battle for who’s the best dentist!

Recent reviewers used words like “amazing,” “impeccable care,” “state of the art,” and “meticulous in their work.” And then others chime in singing the praises of all the other professional dental offices in Cozumel.

There are numerous local dentists that have legions of great reviews from locals, dental tourists, and American and Canadian ex-pats.

Reputable Cozumel dentists can provide cosmetic dentistry, crowns, and dental implants, as well as general procedures like cleanings, tooth whitening, veneers, and extractions. 

You can also visit a dentist in Cozumel for Invisalign and other orthodontics and teeth straightening methods.

In addition, most Cozumel dentists are very familiar with foreign patients by this point, and familiar with the general medical tourism experience. Most speak English fluently and can provide guidance on common questions and concerns that international patients may have before or during their procedure.

Foreign patients will find that the cost of dental work in Cozumel is significantly lower compared to large and mid-sized cities, and really almost any market in the United States.

While the cost of dental work in Cozumel is not rock-bottom (and that’s good, because you don’t want the absolute lowest…), it will be much cheaper than what patients would pay in most towns and cities in the U.S. and Canada. 

Overall, your lower dental bill will usually make up for the added costs for your hotel accommodations and meals, etc. 

Cozumel is a great place to visit for basic services like teeth cleaning and filling replacements, and common cosmetic dentistry like veneers or in-office teeth whitening.  

I know some frequent visitors to the island that always make time to have a teeth cleaning appointment and exam while they’re here, just because they like the services and it’s way more affordable than at home! 

(Full disclosure, I just got my teeth cleaned and examined today and the cost was well under $50.00USD.)

Cozumel for Botox, Dermal Fillers, and Aesthetic Skin Procedures

If you want great results from your botox or dermal fillers in Mexico – or anywhere – you have to be sure to find a good clinic with well-trained doctors.

In Cozumel, you’ll find several options for high-quality clinical practitioners who administer botox and dermal fillers, including Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, and others.

On average, the cost for Botox in Cozumel, Mexico is about $8.00 USD, per unit. Compared to the running average in the U.S. of $10-20 USD, per unit, getting your typical treatment of anywhere from 20-50 units of Botox in Cozumel could save you hundreds of dollars each visit.

A quick review of the local social media pages reveal lots of positive reviews on various cosmetic procedures, including eager repeat customers, and remarks in praise of local practitioners.

Here’s just one glowing review, of many: “he is magical, not to mention so affordable!” 

I have had botox in Cozumel twice now, and have been very happy with the results! Especially considering I was chicken to try it, in the first place.

**Read on a little further below in this post for the most popular and well-reviewed clinics in Cozumel for Botox and similar anti-aging treatments, and my experience with it. 

Cozumel for Colonoscopy and Other Imaging Technologies

Early on in my time living here in Cozumel, I needed to schedule a colonoscopy procedure, as I have a history of colon cancer in my family. 

I was trepidatious about it, I’m not going to lie.

How would the services be compared to my previous experiences in NYC?  What if something went wrong? Would the equipment be on par with what we had in the United States? 

Well, it turned out, I needn’t have worried. The experience was fantastic, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. 

My colonoscopy was performed by one of the top doctors at the Costamed hospital, who comes very highly recommended.

The anesthesia was provided seamlessly by a kind team of specialists, and the entire process took less than two hours.

Heck, even the preparation method they asked me to do here was a lot less…uncomfortable. 

It was painless, and I was able to go back home immediately after the procedure. (And p.s. I didn’t need another adult to escort me home afterward, something my mature and single self was really bothered by back in the U.S.) 

And the price?  Was in the hundreds, rather the thousands.  That was the only major difference. (and in fact, the medical facilities in my case were superior.)   

Now, I’m not saying you’d travel here for your next endoscopy, but it’s good to know you could!  

In fact, if you’re on a health care plan that doesn’t include a lot of imaging or preventative tests, etc., it might just be the difference between early detection and waiting for something bad to happen. 

I similarly had a CT scan of my head when I was having some sinus issues from scuba diving a lot.

My whole sinus system was scanned and documented (and I get to keep those records for future use) at the San Miguel Hospital and my bill for medical costs was something like $100 bucks.

My results were thorough, and ready in a matter of hours. 

Amazing medical care compared to what I’m used to in the U.S. 

High Quality Healthcare in Mexico

According to global health insurance giant, Allianz:

Mexico boasts an impressive and efficient healthcare system, which consists of public and private healthcare schemes.The majority of Mexican hospitals are excellent and are staffed by highly trained and English speaking doctors. Despite this, not all nursing and care staff speak English.

Allianz Global

Many of Cozumel’s medical and dental service providers are equipped with the latest technology and a team of seasoned professionals, from internationally trained physicians and nurses, to efficient bi-lingual customer service professionals.

So where do you start?  

Here is our short list of some of the most popular and well-reviewed quality medical and dental tourism providers in Cozumel. 

Top Dental Offices in Cozumel

There are probably too many to count! 

The island has many great dentists, and great peers and competition make for high-quality results.

Here’s just a short list of those that rise to the top: 

Cozumel Dental and Medical Services

I’m starting with Cozumel Dental Services because this is the dental office that I luckily found when I first needed help to replace a tooth filling while living in Cozumel.  I’ve since been there close to a dozen times for all my preventative cleaning visits.

Dra. Nora Hernandez and her whole team are just fantastic.

Cozumel Dental has a brand new office with modern, well-equipped treatment rooms. 

They can do everything from teeth cleanings and fillings to veneers, crowns, root canals, bridges, and dentures. 

Located a few blocks off the main drag in the Centro neighborhood of downtown Cozumel, Cozumel Dental is located at 20th Ave. between 7th Calle Sur & Hidalgo.

Contact them via their website, HERE. 

Here are several others that get extremely favorable and loyal reviews on social media: 

Cozumel Dentist

Dra. Alejandra Novoa Carus

I went to Dra. Alejandra at Cozumel Dentist to try Botox treatments, and she is excellent.

I’m one that was very hesitant to try it, and wanted a conservative touch that would still allow lots of facial movement, and Dra. Novoa was in full agreement, and did an excellent job.

I found her, though, because she gets tons of positive reviews on social media for her dental expertise!

Knowing the structure of the face and jawline and the intricacies of facial muscle structures often make dentist the unsung heroes of facial injections, as well. That is definitely the case, here.

Cozumel Dentist also has a modern, well-equipped office with bi-lingual staff and easy parking.

Dental Care Cozumel

Dra. Yazmin Ibrahim Alfie

WEBSITE

Cozumel Isla-Dent

Dr. Luis Gamboa – Cozumel IslaDent

WEBSITE

Dr. Aurelio Arteta Collado

I have several good friends that go to Dr. Aurelio. It seems the best place to make contact with him is via Facebook. 

Top Cosmetic Skin Practitioners in Cozumel 

Cozumel Rejuvenation Clinic

If you’re hoping to have some dermal fillers or botox in Cozumel, the Cozumel Rejuvenation Clinic is the most well-known and popular place.

Cozumel Rejuvenation Clinic is staffed by well-trained medical professionals, and is a full-service dermatology office that offers various skin aesthetician services, as well as full cosmetic surgical procedures. 

This clinic has two locations. One is very conveniently located along the Malecón (waterfront esplanade) and close to the Cozumel passenger ferries terminal and the original cruise pier, Punta Langosta.

The second one is a little further south by the other two main cruise piers (area shown in photo, above), and close to several nice waterfront hotels – again, perfect for recuperation. 

Check out Cozumel Rejuvenation Clinic’s website right HERE.

Cozumel Dentist

As mentioned, above, Dra. Alejandra Novoa at Cozumel Dentist is another skilled practitioner of facial injectables, and does excellent, subtle Botox work in Cozumel.

Her prices are a bit lower than at Cozumel Rejuvenation Clinic, as well, so you will likely pay closer to $7.00/USD per unit, but of course prices are subject to fluctuation and may vary depending on your chosen course of treatment. But I would definitely compare the two (and maybe some others) to make a decision.

CostaMed (CMC)

Check out CostaMed Cozumel’s large team of medical professionals, including specialists in the field of dermatology.

CMC’s procedures here are more on the aesthetic and/or “anti-aging” end of things, like microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, fillers and botox. (see below for more on other services). 

Top Mexican Hospitals in Cozumel

CostaMed Cozumel – a.k.a. “CMC”

CostaMed is a large and growing network of modern private hospitals.

Cozumel’s location is comprehensive and contemporary, with a lot of specialties, including Dermatology (see above) and a full plastic and reconstructive surgeries department. 

CMC also has a fully staffed compression chamber to serve Cozumel’s large scuba diving populations, in case of various forms of decompression sickness. 

International Hospital

Cozumel’s excellent International Hospital is centrally located in downtown San Miguel, and known for many things but mostly for its expertise in dive-related medicine and diving emergencies. 

Sometimes just locally referred to as “The Chamber”, the International Hospital also covers the full range of medical care needs, or any emergency or other treatment or prescription you may require. 

San Miguel Clinic

The Medica San Miguel hospital is a little older than the previous two, but is a great hospital resource and also located conveniently right downtown. 

This is where I had that comprehensive (but inexpensive) scan of my sinuses (see above), with one of the island’s top ENT doctors. 

San Miguel is also a great place to donate blood, if you’re so inclined, and is home to one of the island’s best ophthalmologists.

AmeriMed Hospital

Amerimed Hospital is a prized hospital on the island of Cozumel. 

It’s located further away from the waterfront and the hotel areas, so it’s less frequently visited and reviewed by international patients and customers, but it’s an excellent Cozumel hospital and very well worth a look. 

For more on Cozumel’s top-notch hospitals, read our full post on local hospitals right here.

Don’t Forget the Travel Insurance!

All this would be moot if your flights were cancelled, or you had another medical need enroute! Cover yourself and your investment with a trip insurance policy for Cozumel. Travelex has a good reputation, and is easy to use.

But if you have your own homeowners policy or car insurance company that you like, check with them, too. Individual trip policies depend on your overall costs, but are a relatively inexpensive way to gain peace of mind, and some protection of your investment.

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