15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Mexico

"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.

" 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. ," mentioned one expat in Monterrey.

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

"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," remarked one expat living in Tijuana.

"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," commented one person.

"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," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Coatepec.

"Medicare and supplements are only of use within the US except for certain life threatening emergencies when traveling. If you have substantial financial resources and a high respect for the health services in major cities you can pay for private care. Most insurance in MX will not cover preexisting conditions and the premiums are out of reach, especially for people over 70 or so. Staying connected with doctors and hospitals in the US is the most logical thing for us, we make several trips a year to see our doctors but are prepared to pay for care here in MX as needed," wrote an expat living in Merida.

"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 an expat in Merida.

"Emergency services in Mexico are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 066 for an ambulance. This is a free service and the operator will be able to direct you to the nearest hospital or medical facility. The ambulance will be equipped with medical personnel and the necessary equipment to provide medical assistance. In some cases, the ambulance may also be able to provide transportation to the hospital," said one expat living in Mexico.

"There are many specialists in Puerto Vallarta and you can usually make an appointment within 2 days and the cost is about 500 pesos (less than $50)," commented one expat who moved to Puerto Vallarta.

"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 one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Playa Del Carmen.

"Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cancun are all cities in Mexico that have a wide selection of experienced medical specialists. Other areas that are well-known for their top-tier medical care include Baja California, Quintana Roo, Nuevo Leon, and Jalisco. In addition to these main cities, many small towns also offer quality medical care and specialist services," remarked one expat living in Mexico.

"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.

"Most medicines are available without a prescription except for psychotropic and antibiotics. Generic medicines are freely available, this means that medicines in general cost a fraction of the price you'd be charged in, say, the USA," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Mexico.

"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.

"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.

"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," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Puerto Penasco.

"I have no idea. Getting to a Dr. in Tequisquiapan is easy. You just ask someone where a good Dr. is and that is where you go. The best Drs are at their private hospitals," wrote one expat.

"As an expat, MOST people will purchase their own Expat Insurance which covers you in any PRIVATE HOSPITAL and allows you to use ANY DOCTOR you wish. Some policies can be quite expensive but others are actually very reasonably priced. For example a mother of 52 with two girls 11 and 13 pays about USD $1900 a year and the coverage INCLUDES the United States. only about $1000 EXCLUDING the United States. This is with a $1000 deductible. This is about the minimum starting point. But, the price of US coverage is just a FRACTION of what you would pay if you lived in the United States. Private insurance will typically exclude pre-existing conditions, but this is on a case-by-case basis. If you work in Mexico, you will have basic medical coverage called IMSS. All employers are required to pay into the system and it is like a socialized form of medical care for Mexico. It is BASIC because IMSS hospitals are not extravagant and will require you to produce a lot of paperwork and will also require a lot of time and patience. There is also health care for the poorest of the poor. In order to enroll you will be asked certain questions like - "is your floor dirt or tile", "do you own a tv"? If you have the means, I would recommend going Private as I can not recommend the public system or hospitals. If you are from the US, you will not be accustomed to the public hospitals and having to deal with the mountains of paperwork in Spanish. ," commented one expat who moved to Playa Del Carmen.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Mexico, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Mexico is known as the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). It provides a range of services, including preventive care, medical and surgical treatments, and hospitalization. The quality of care varies from region to region, but overall it is considered to be of good quality. The cost of care is also relatively low, making it an attractive option for those living in Mexico," said one expat.

"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," wrote an expat living in Mexico.

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