Health Care in Tijuana
Summary: Learn about the health system in Tijuana: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Tijuana.
Tijuana has a public and private healthcare system. 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 Tijuana for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. At a public hospital in Tijuana, you can expect to receive quality care at a fraction of the cost of a private hospital. 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 offer more personalized care and shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Tijuana are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and offer a higher level of care than public hospitals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Tijuana
- Hospital Angeles Tijuana: This is a private hospital located in the Zona Rio area of Tijuana. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and specializes in orthopedic surgery.
- Hospital San Javier: This is a private hospital located in the Zona Rio area of Tijuana. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and specializes in cardiology.
- Hospital del Prado: This is a public hospital located in the Zona Centro area of Tijuana. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and specializes in general medicine.
- Clinica Hispano Americana: This is a private clinic located in the Zona Centro area of Tijuana. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and specializes in general medicine.
Emergency Services in Tijuana
Tijuana has several ambulance services, including Cruz Roja Mexicana and Servicios Medicos de Emergencia. To call for an ambulance, 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 Tijuana
The most popular private health insurers in Tijuana are Seguro Popular, IMSS, and GNP Seguros. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, rather than specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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