Health Care in Guadalajara
Summary: Learn about the health system in Guadalajara: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Guadalajara.
Guadalajara has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and is used by both Mexicans and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Guadalajara for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. At a public hospital in Guadalajara, you can expect to find a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, general surgery, and specialized care. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Mexico. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they often have shorter wait times and more modern facilities. Private hospitals in Guadalajara offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and specialized care.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Guadalajara
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Guadalajara for expats. These include the public Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, located in the city center, which specializes in emergency care and general surgery; the private Hospital Angeles Guadalajara, located in the city center, which specializes in emergency care and general surgery; and the private Hospital San Javier, located in the city center, which specializes in emergency care and general surgery. For specialized medical care and surgeries, expats in Guadalajara often go to hospitals in nearby cities, such as the public Hospital General de Occidente in Zapopan, which is about 20 minutes away by car, or the private Hospital San Javier in Tlaquepaque, which is about 30 minutes away by car.
Emergency Services in Guadalajara
Guadalajara has several ambulance services, including the public Cruz Roja Mexicana and the private Servicios Médicos de Urgencia. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 066 from any phone. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the location.
Health Insurance Companies in Guadalajara
The most popular private health insurers in Guadalajara are Seguro Popular, IMSS, and GNP Seguros. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.