Mexico kidnapping: Why a million Americans a year risk Mexico medical tourism

[Judi Lynn]

Published
1 day ago

Americans often travel to Mexico for low-cost medical services. But bargain shopping for healthcare can be risky.


Over the weekend, four Americans were kidnapped in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, after travelling by car to the Mexican border town for cosmetic surgery, according to relatives. Two have been confirmed dead, and two survived the ordeal.

Border towns like Matamoros are among the most dangerous in Mexico. Drug cartels control large regions of the state of Tamaulipas, and often hold more power than local law enforcement.

But these towns are some of the top medical tourism destinations for tens of thousands of Americans, some who can't afford healthcare in the US.

Medical shoppers, especially those familiar with the region, have learned to take precautions, like registering their vehicle in Mexico, which allows them to change the licence plate to a Mexican one after entering the country by car so they will be less of a target, and avoiding wandering around these towns on foot.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64832308