Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Monterrey, 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. ," wrote an expat living in Monterrey.

"Monterrey offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). These institutions offer a variety of services, including primary care, specialty care, emergency care, and preventive care. Private healthcare services are also available in Monterrey, with a variety of hospitals and clinics offering a range of services, including general and specialized care. Additionally, Monterrey is home to a number of medical research centers and universities, providing access to advanced medical treatments and technologies," said an expat in Monterrey.

"Monterrey offers a wide range of medical services, including general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals. The city is home to several private and public hospitals, as well as a number of clinics and medical centers. Many of these facilities offer modern medical technology and treatments, and many of the doctors are highly trained and experienced. Monterrey also has a number of pharmacies, where medications can be purchased. Additionally, the city has a number of medical tourism options, with many people from the United States and Canada traveling to Monterrey for medical treatments," commented one expat who moved to Monterrey.

"Excellent. I have had open heart surgery in the national system, I was diagnosed promptly and the level of care was as good or better as that in the USA, More recently I broke a bone in my foot and was X-Rayed, diagnosed, and treated in less than 90 minutes. Level of service significantly better than in the UK. And all free of charge," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Monterrey can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, private health insurance plans are more expensive than public health insurance plans, but they often provide more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the cost of healthcare services can vary depending on the type of care needed and the provider. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Monterrey, Mexico can be expensive, but there are options available to help make it more affordable," remarked one expat in Monterrey.

"In Monterrey, emergency services are provided by the Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross). They provide medical assistance, firefighting, and rescue services. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 065 from any phone. The Cruz Roja Mexicana also has a mobile app that can be used to request an ambulance," wrote an expat living in Monterrey.

"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," said an expat in Monterrey.

"Yes, there are many medical specialists in Monterrey. Patients with serious or specialized needs can receive highly specialized care from the various clinics, hospitals, and university health centers located in the city. In Monterrey, patients can find a wide range of specialties, such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, nephrology and much more. These medical centers also offer a number of other services, including emergency care and additional treatment options. Additionally, there are a variety of clinics and specialty services that can provide expert and compassionate care," remarked one expat in Monterrey.

"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," commented one expat living in Monterrey, Mexico.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Monterrey. Many pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of these pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, making it easy to get the medications you need. Additionally, many of the pharmacies offer discounts for those who pay in cash," wrote one expat.

"Monterrey offers a wide variety of medical care options and medical facilities. The city has several highly specialized hospitals, such as the Metropolitano Hospital and the CHRISTUS Muguerza Hospital, both of which specialize in particular areas such as oncology, orthopedics, and cardiovascular care. In addition, there are public hospitals and private clinics available, as well as numerous pharmacies that are able to provide medications and treatments. Monterrey is also home to many highly trained and experienced physicians, making the overall quality of medical care in the city very high," said one expat.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Monterrey, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Monterrey is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The public healthcare system in Monterrey is made up of a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, providing a range of services from primary care to specialized care. The public healthcare system also provides access to medications and treatments at a lower cost than private healthcare," said one expat.

"My wife and I came down with a fever of 38.4 and all the other symptoms of COVID except no cough or loss of smell or taste. We drove down the road to the Shock Trauma hospital and took a test (free) but we were negative. It turned out to be campylobacter (food poisoning) from a local seafood restaurant," remarked one expat living in Monterrey.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Monterrey. Many hospitals have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. Additionally, the lack of resources has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care to those in need. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Monterrey has been doing its best to provide quality care to those affected by the pandemic. The government has also implemented various measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, such as providing protective equipment and increasing testing capacity," said one expat living in Monterrey.