MTO traveler Christina shares her recent visit to the pharmacy in Tijuana during a global pandemic.

June 9, 2020 - The following conversation between Christina and Curry Willix of MTO has been transcribed.

Medical Travel Option is taking travelers across borders again as the U.S. begins opening during the coronavirus pandemic.

Thanks for being willing to share your experience, Christina. You’ve traveled twice and the second time was a little different because of coronavirus.

Yes. Not too bad. The first time I came before the virus, I was really nervous but this time everything went smoothly and familiar.

For you, what was the experience like traveling now?

It was it's alright, I mean other than wearing the mask–it gets hot–but the flight was good, and the hotel stay and the travel across the border…everything was good. Other than [not] going to meet with the doctor so that was kind of different.

Would you have preferred to meet with the doctor (in person) versus Telemedicine?

It was kind of nice doing the telephone without having to go in, but then at the same time I know who I am talking to and even though I'm seeing her on video it's nice to see who you're talking to in person instead of video.

Driving across the border, how is that experience?

It was good. Coming back to the states there’s people walking around at the border and coming close to the car [selling merchandise] but you tell them “no.” and they pretty much move on. The wait sometimes it's long and sometimes it's really quick but everything is fine.

Do you feel like the driver does a good job of keeping you comfortable, safe, informed?

Yeah. Sometimes I can't understand them when they speak in Spanish to someone else. But I can understand when they speak English with me.

How do you feel about the pharmacy and the way they handled getting your medication?

They did a good job. They had all my paperwork ready and then we did inspection for the medication exchange. It was quick and sanitary.

You were the first person to do the border crossings (after the quarantine). For somebody who's coming next what do you think they need to be prepared for?

To have a good experience. I mean it's nice having the hotel stay and being able to do whatever you want and it's not bad crossing the border and coming back. Sometimes the drive is quick through like yesterday was, and today was a little longer. So be prepared for that. It varies.

The weather was nice while you were here…

Yes, that was a plus! It’s nice being able to go out and walk around or go down to the water find shells and crabs.

Did you find things to be more open than you expected like restaurants, or was it about what you expected?

It was about what I expected. There’s still quite a few things that were closed and it’s only take-out or delivery. But you find somewhere.

By the time you travel next–it could be six months–if things haven't changed, restrictions haven’t lifted, we're still traveling with masks…would you still get your medication this way?

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Whether it’s mask or no mask, staying at the border for an hour or 20 minutes or going straight through…yes.

Why is it worth it for you?

The medication makes you feel better. It helps my body.

Is there a savings for you?

Oh yeah, big time. With everything that comes with [the benefit]. And I'm just getting my medication!

Do you think you'll extend your trip in future?

Possibly next time! Like staying an extra day to sleep without kids (…laughs). Maybe two days; one day to sleep in and one day out exploring San Diego a little more than what I do just around hotel. Even with the virus, I actually went out and did something like getting dinner and then going down to water.

How well did MTO prepare you for everything? Do you feel like you were very prepared, not very prepared?

Very prepared. Everything was in an email of what to expect and what was expected. What I need with flights, hotels…I didn't worry about nothing. Very prepared.

Any other thoughts that you’d like to share?

This is an awesome thing through work and that [MTO] is doing. It went smoothly each time.

Thank you, Christina!

It’s an honor for MTO to be part of your journey. We’ll see you next time!

We believe everybody deserves to pay a fair price for life-changing healthcare and to enjoy doing it!