Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Mexico?

When considering a move to Mexico as an expat or digital nomad, one of the essential considerations is healthcare. Mexico does not generally require visitors to have health insurance upon arrival, but it is highly recommended, especially for those planning to stay long-term and seek residency. The country offers a public healthcare system, but coverage for expats is not immediate. Therefore, having private health insurance ensures that you are covered during the period before you obtain residency or become eligible to enroll in the public healthcare system. While there is no minimum coverage amount mandated by the Mexican government for residency applications, it is prudent to have a comprehensive plan that covers a range of medical services, including hospitalization, emergency services, and possibly medical evacuation.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

Most expat health insurance plans are designed to meet the needs of individuals living abroad, including those in Mexico. These plans typically offer a range of coverage options that can be tailored to the individual's needs and the requirements of the residency application process. It is important to ensure that the chosen plan is recognized by the Mexican authorities and provides adequate coverage for the duration of your stay. Expats should verify that their insurance policy is valid in Mexico and includes access to a network of hospitals and doctors within the country.

Which local health insurers offer this type of insurance?

In Mexico, there are several reputable local health insurance companies that offer plans suitable for expats and digital nomads. Some of the well-known insurers include Grupo Nacional Provincial (GNP), MetLife México, AXA Seguros, and Seguros Monterrey New York Life. These companies provide a variety of health insurance products that can be customized to suit different needs and budgets. They offer plans that include both basic coverage and more comprehensive options, which may cover preventive care, prescription drugs, and even dental and vision care. It's advisable to compare plans and read the fine print to understand the extent of coverage, any exclusions, and the process for filing claims.

Advice from Expats in Mexico about Health Insurance

Experienced expats in Mexico often emphasize the importance of securing health insurance that provides sufficient coverage for unexpected medical expenses. They recommend choosing a plan with a broad network of hospitals and clinics to ensure access to quality healthcare services across the country. It's also advised to look for policies with straightforward claims processes and clear terms regarding pre-existing conditions. Expats suggest considering the cost of premiums against the level of coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and co-pays. Lastly, it's beneficial to select an insurer with a strong customer support system that can assist with navigating the healthcare system in Mexico, especially for those who may not be fluent in Spanish.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance in Mexico

"Private health insurance is unaffordable. I have paid for some procedures such as scans because they are not terribly expensive," said one expat who moved to Monterrey, Mexico.

"Ask for receipts as many places don't issue one.....my health insurance would not cover my pedicures even though I went to the hospital for medical pedicures as the person doing it was not the officially accepted PODIATRIST. My massage visits are wonderful and reasonable 500 pesos for 75 minutes! My insurance companies pay those to a limit as long as the receipts show all necessary info... so check with your insurance company what is necessary. Many Mexicans don't or can't write properly, so make sure they spell your name correctly and have all the info correct, even the date as on one of my receipts the girl put 2010 when it was 2017 and my insurance company refused it even though I had submitted many receipts together and it was an obvious error. There are many walk in clinics with doctors, but quality is questionable, so stick to well known ones in your area. Similaries are good and lower cost. I also lived in Mexico for 2 yrs and worked and had the local Seguro Social medical coverage... covers basics. I speak Spanish so it worked out ok, but it was a bit of a drive and a different process... so when I felt stressed I just used the local private clinic and paid 500 pesos to see the doctor," mentioned one expat when asked about moving to Mexico.

"Unfortunately, when I moved abroad I was hit by a taxi. I was taken to a public hospital. That experience was life changing... I had never seen the conditions that I saw there - bathrooms with no soap or tp - group recovery rooms - disorder. I immediately realized the importance of have PRIVATE health insurance, and went on a mission to find suitable insurance for my family. As we love to travel I found insurance that allows us to be covered ANYWHERE in the WORLD including the US - at a fraction of the price we were paying when living in the US. We can choose ANY HOSPITAL OR DOCTOR that we wish. The policy is in English, the office is located in Playa Del Carmen with courtesy translation service, and there is an in-claims department, finally they are partnered with an international law firm. I felt that was soooo important to myself and my expat friends, that I asked for a job selling this insurance. I have been retired for 15 years, but got into this business because it is something that I feel passionate about and know that all my expat friends need," stated one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"I only have Medicare part A. It is pretty much useless stateside or elsewhere. For a time I purchase dental insurance but gave it up because it's cost was higher than the cost of the care I received," remarked one expat in Mexico.