[quote=eyePod]My young daughter almost died in Mexico. We own a house in the interior, down in the heartland. Her condition deteriorated so fast she ended up having surgery there. And no, they did not demand payment or insurance in advance. This was in the highest end private clinic in town. They did however, demand payment in full before discharge. And I agree with all the previous comments about the great bedside manner and care. And the cost (cash) was about what my deductible would have been in the states.[/quote]

Many years ago, so my Dad tells me, US hospitals use to operate like this: you went and paid your bill the day you went home.