15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Mexico

"Medical care is readily available in our area and we have a very nice private hospital called Hospitan. Another private hospital - not as well equipped - CostaMed. The doctors all speak English and as we have Global Health insurance, we have the option to choose any hospital or doctor we wish. Private hospitals are really the only way to go if you expect the type of facilities and services that you would receive in the United States. As Playa Del Carmen is a smaller community, many times you will need to go to Cancun for specific needs. They have several private hospitals - Galenia, a larger Hospitan. If you have a chronic medical condition you might want to check with either hospital to make sure that the resources you will need are available," remarked one expat living in Playa Del Carmen.

"Healthcare services in Mexico are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is known as the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and is funded by the government. It provides basic medical services to Mexican citizens and permanent residents, including preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment. The quality of public healthcare in Mexico is generally considered to be good, although there are some areas where it is lacking. Foreign residents do not have access to the public healthcare system, but they can purchase private health insurance to cover medical expenses. Expats in Mexico typically use private healthcare services, although some may opt to use the public system if they are eligible," said one expat living in Mexico.

"Be sure to have travel insurance... helps to speak Spanish to communicate more freely with the caregivers, however someone there will speak English," mentioned one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Although I have met people having care for serious conditions, my experience has only been dental. People I know who had the same procedure done just across the border in San Diego had side effects I did not experience with my Mexican dentist," commented one expat who moved to Tijuana, Mexico.

" It depends on finances and age. If you're a professional moving to Mexico for business reasons, then you'll no doubt be given a private insurance plan. For those still young, private insurance is cheaper than in the USA but still ultimately unaffordable. Those working for public or private sector employers should automatically be enlisted in the IMSS which is our national system free to the user. Roughy equivalent to the UK's NHS, if you need something major it is excellent. For minor problems you may care to go private. Besides the IMSS, if you're not working you can enroll in the govenment's Seguro Popular system which is probably a bit inferior to the IMSS but again will protect you against major events. Next, I recommend paying monthly to subscribe to a private ambulance/outpatient service such as EMME. The price is reasonable and they come quickly with a fully equipped ambulance and medical team. They also have an outpatient walk-in centre open until late. Most pharmacies have an attached doctor available during work hours (sometimes morning only) and you can get a quick consultation either free or at insignificant cost - very useful if you need an antibiotic because these need a prescription now. ," remarked one expat living in Monterrey.

"I avoid cut-and-drug as much as possible and take responsibility for the key aspects of health: eating wisely and exercising. If I don't do those things, what can anyone do for me? What I do no t like about the government health program that I joined is that doctors have the same reliance on drugs as in the US. I have not had hospital care, but friends who have report excellent care. I would like to start a movement to ban Coca Cola and other diabetes-inducing "foods." And I would like to see more attention paid to use of traditional medicinal plants, which are widely available in Mexico," said one expat.

"Medical services in Mexico vary depending on the region. Generally, the country has a wide range of medical facilities, including public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. Many of these facilities offer quality care and modern medical technology. In addition, Mexico has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions. Mexico also has a number of medical tourism destinations, where people from other countries can receive medical care at a lower cost than in their home countries," remarked one expat in Mexico.

"Private healthcare is generally excellent and less expensive than the USA and Europe. Health insurance is available up to 70 years of age (renewable) but gets expensive with age. My daughter who is 30 pays about US $100/month and I pay US $450/month at age 68. The last increase in premium was 20%. This is with 10% co-seguro and a deductible of US$2500. I guess at some point it will be unaffordable," commented one expat who moved to Mexico.

"If you are planning on gettin a permanent recidency visa you could look into getting in the public insurance program, I think it is called IMSS, but they have a long list of pre existing conditions and some of those take years to expire, in other words if you do not have the conditions, but get it in a set amout of time, it will not be cover, you do have to pay a yearly fee but it would be cheaper than private. I think your best option would be to live close to the border and cover any minor issues out of pocket and cross to the US for anything major, there are medifvac insurance programs that you can look into," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Mexico can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a lower cost than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it often provides more comprehensive coverage and access to better quality care. Additionally, many employers in Mexico offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," remarked one expat in 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," remarked one expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

"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," said one expat living in Playa Del Carmen.

"I know of 3 hospitals in the area. Mexico General, Angeles Hosp. and Hospital Mexico are the ones I have heard of and I think 2 of them are public with nobody I have met telling horror stories, but I have not been to a hospital since the 80s and have not idea how one would get an ambulance. ," commented one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Tequisquiapan has a NUMBER of private hospitals. I cannot tell you about them as I travel TO QUERETARO for my health issues. I live in Tequisquiapan, Queretaro. For an expat, myself, I found myself unfortunately over the past 2 years needing healthcare. 1. Shoulder surgery 2. I was "found" by the ONLY venomous spider in all of Mexico and 3. I fell in Costco in Queretaro slipping on water on the floor and broke my hip. I have Medicare in the USA but it does you NO GOOD in Mexico. Period. Call me jaded but i cannot see paying for 2 health insurances at the same time. I am seriously considering stopping Medicare (after 3 years here) as it is useless here and why waste $200 a month? ," wrote one expat.

"I live about 10 minutes from the hospital zone which is crammed with care facilities of every kind. One of the best is the Muguerza. There are many. Care is as good as anywhere in the world. The national system has specialist hospitals such as maternity, skeletal, cardiac, etc," commented one expat who moved to Monterrey.

"This is a bit long, but you asked and I wish I had known before all of this happened to me. I have been in 3 hospitals (PRIVATE) in Queretaro. 1 for shoulder in Juraquilla and 2 in Qro. proper. ALL were extremely up to date, clean and better than the last on in Texas I had to go to. The staff of Dr's is amazing. ALL of my Dr's have spoken English, which is good because my Spanish is poco! 1. a good orthopedic surgeon 2. a good Internist! When I was extremely ill, and not knowing why, and my little housekeeper saying I had to go to a Dr., I ended up calling a friend in Qro. and she helped with finding me an English speaking Internist. Little did i know he is an amazing Professor that has taught most all of my other Dr.s. This was when we found the spider bite and i was immediately admitted into San Jose Hospital in Queretaro. I was there for 7 days with multiple IV, Oxygen etc. Private room. I ended up with a team of 7 Dr's. I had no idea about this spider nor how bad it is. I have been told I was lucky to be alive. The ONLY thing at San Jose was I was a single woman and thy kept hounding me about WHO was going to take care of me and How was I going to pay? They expect some family member to stay with you 24/7. I told them that wasn't going to happen unless it was one of my 4 legged dogs. They weren't too sure about that and we DID have a big go round about this when they started yelling at one of my visitors as to why they weren't there to take care of me. Be forewarned! So I had a 'team' of Dr.'s that all speak English in place. I had talked to another Orthopedist last fall when I found a 'hole' left by CEA in front of my house. So when I fell, I pretty much knew where I wanted to go, and where my Dr's were all located. BIG THING before they will look at you or admit you, you usually have to put up a deposit of $10,000 pesos.($500 usd). But, you will be refunded what you do not use. Emergency room fee (also included my Ambulance ride) and you can call your Dr you want to see you. I ended up with X-rays, an CT scan. My Dr. came and I was in surgery at 9 pm and even had my anesthesiologist (I see 2 times a year for pain injection management for my shoulder Dr. in Texas screwed up) HOSPITAL H plus is where I wanted to go. Clean, all my Dr's in one place. The ONLY thing I have an issue with is for a major surgery (plate and 6 screws) they only kept me 2 days then sent me "home". There are ** NO REHAB FACILITIES *** fortunately I had a Mexican family to look after me in their home for the next 8 weeks. Since then I have Physical Therapist that come to MY home to give therapy. Would I return to USA for medical Care. Everyone is different. But NO, honestly I feel my Dr's, each and every one are better than what I had in the USA! They are compassionate, very well educated - some even in USA and then come back to Mx to practice. Everyone is different and expects different ...... I am a Nurse by trade so I am very picky. Summary: The issues I have I've stated above. 1. They want someone of your family to stay with you in hospital for your care. ( That is what a nurse is getting paid to do, tell them that!) 2. No Rehab facilities. 3. Prices are CHEAP at private hospitals compared to USA. AND, watch out for Violinista Spiders. ," said an expat in Queretaro City and Tequisquiapan.

"If I had the option, and I DO because I have international health insurance, I am covered in the US as well as anywhere in the world. Without a doubt, if physically possible, I would go to the US for anything major. If I was unable to travel back to the US, many people use the faculties in Cancun and Merida simply due to the fact that these are more populated areas and as a result have better equipped hospitals," commented one expat living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

"Pretty much. Cheaper than USA costs and many different pharmacies. Guadalajara and Aahorra," remarked one expat in Queretaro City and Tequisquiapan.

"The farmacias have a huge stock of remedies. Most are fairly inexpensive. Many don't require a prescription. Others do. The only one I had difficulty finding required visiting 6 farmacias but the usual experience is finding what you need on the 1st try. ," remarked one expat living in Tijuana.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Mexico. Many of the same medications that are available in the United States are also available in Mexico, although they may be sold under different brand names. In addition, some medications that are not available in the United States may be available in Mexico. It is important to note that some medications may require a prescription from a Mexican doctor, while others may be available over the counter," said one expat living in Mexico.

"Farmacia Guadalajara is a chain, so you are reasonably sure of the quality of the drugs and since their prices are standardized, chain-wise, you are reasonably sure that you are not paying the gringo price at one of the tourist pharmacies. Many common drugs available. Also Freddy's on Olas Altas," mentioned one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Common prescriptions in the US do not require prescriptions in Mexico. There is an abundance of pharmacies everywhere in Mexico. Prices can vary greatly so it pays to shop around. Similares Pharmacies only offer generic brands and offer a further discount on Mondays. In general the cost of medicine is much cheaper in Mexico. All antibiotics require a prescription. ," commented one expat who moved to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

"I am very close to the many pharmacies for medicines. Also there are bi-lingual doctors' offices in many places downtown. There are several hospitals nearby within a few miles. I have heard that the quality of care is very good. But, I have not had personal experience yet, thank goodness," remarked one expat living in Playa del Carmen.

"3 miles, there are 2, there is a Red Cross ambulance 2 blocks from my house and the fire dept (Bomberos) ambulance is 3 blocks away, we have a 911 system," said one expat living in Puerto Penasco.

"Medical facilities and care in Mexico vary greatly depending on location and type of healthcare provider. Generally speaking, there are good quality hospitals and clinics throughout the country that provide comprehensive medical care. The quality of government-funded public healthcare can vary, however, those with access to private care receive satisfactory treatment from healthcare professionals. Mexico also has a large number of highly qualified specialists that can provide top-notch care in many critical areas of medicine. In addition, the country has access to cutting-edge technology and treatments," mentioned one expat in Mexico.

"We have one major private hospital in Playa. This is a really important thing to me as the public hospitals are not up to par with what expats are accustomed to coming from the US, Canada or Europe. The care is really outstanding in the private hospitals with most doctors speaking fluent English. They are also required to have an additional level of training to be able to work in a private hospital. I have been retired for 15 years but I actually sell international health insurance to expats which allows us to use ANY PRIVATE hospital or doctor in the world. I got involved in this because I was hit by a taxi cab about 15 years ago while traveling and ended up in a public hospital. The conditions were so bad - no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms - 50 people in a group room..... I never wanted to be in that situation ever again. That was when I went quest for international health insurance. It is something critical to have," commented one expat who moved to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

"All hospitals and clinics are 10-15 minutes from any point in the city. Many. many medical options to choose from. They have both public, which might be a long wait, and private, substantially below USA costs," remarked one expat living in Merida.

"I believe there is a public healthcare system for Mexican citizens, but I don't think it covers foreigners. Most people I have met seeking Mexican medical care travel to Mexico either because they can't afford care in the US or are seeking treatment that is inferior in the US. Most are paying out of pocket rather than through insurance, as Mexican care often costs less than the insurance would cost. Most visit clinics rather than hospitals, by researching the individual practitioners. Thus I have heard little about the quality of hospital care," commented one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Suffered a ruptured lung requiring surgery. treatment was outstanding and affordable," mentioned one expat in Xcalak.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Mexico. Access to healthcare has been limited due to the closure of many medical facilities, and the availability of medical supplies and personnel has been reduced. Additionally, the cost of medical care has increased, making it difficult for many people to access the care they need. Despite these challenges, the Mexican government has taken steps to ensure that the healthcare system remains functional, including providing financial support to medical facilities and increasing the availability of telemedicine services," commented one expat who moved to Mexico.