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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Cancun 2024
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Health Care in Cancun

By Betsy Burlingame

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Cancun: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Cancun.

Cancun, Mexico has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and is used by both locals and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Cancun for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Cancun are typically crowded and understaffed, but they are free or low-cost and offer quality care. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Mexico. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery due to the shorter wait times and more personalized care. Private hospitals in Cancun are typically more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer a higher level of care.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Cancun

There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Cancun for expats. The Hospital Americano is a private hospital located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. It is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency room and specializes in orthopedic surgery. The Hospital Galenia is a private hospital located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. It is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency room and specializes in cardiology and oncology. The Hospital San Javier is a public hospital located in downtown Cancun. It is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency room and specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. Expats in Cancun may also go to hospitals in Playa del Carmen, which is approximately 45 minutes away by car.

Emergency Services in Cancun

There are ambulance services in Cancun. To call for an ambulance, dial 066 from any phone. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the location.

Health Insurance Companies in Cancun

The most popular private health insurers in Cancun are Seguro Popular, IMSS, and GNP. Seguro Popular is a government-run health insurance program that provides basic coverage for low-income individuals. IMSS is a government-run health insurance program that provides comprehensive coverage for individuals and their families. GNP is a private health insurance company that provides comprehensive coverage for individuals and their families. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


Welcome Home Mexico
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Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

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Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

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