Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

"Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, while the private hospitals offer more specialized services and treatments. In addition, Puerto Vallarta has a number of pharmacies, medical laboratories, and other medical facilities that provide a variety of services. Many of the private hospitals and clinics also offer medical tourism packages, allowing visitors to receive medical care while enjoying the city's attractions. Puerto Vallarta also has a number of medical centers that specialize in specific areas, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. In addition, the city has a number of medical spas and wellness centers that offer a variety of treatments and therapies," remarked one expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

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

"As cash customers of healthcare services in both the US and Mexico, we have found that private system medical costs all across Mexico are 1/20 of what it used to cost us back in California. We have also found the quality of care to be better," remarked one expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

"Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide quality care and services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized treatments. Many of the hospitals and clinics are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals, and they offer a variety of treatments and procedures. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. For those seeking alternative treatments, Puerto Vallarta also has a number of holistic health centers that offer a variety of services, such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga," said one expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

"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," commented one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Puerto Vallarta can be relatively affordable compared to other countries. Many hospitals and clinics offer competitive prices for medical services, and there are a variety of health insurance plans available to suit different budgets. The cost of health insurance in Puerto Vallarta is typically lower than in the United States, and the quality of care is generally good. Additionally, many hospitals and clinics offer discounts for cash payments, making healthcare even more affordable," wrote one expat.

"We live in PV 6 months of the year in our condo there and are just a 5 minute walk from 2 private first rate hospitals, Medasist and CMQ in downtown Puerto Vallarta. You can literally walk in and be seen immediately by a doctor in Emergency. I was admitted for 2 days in 2015 for bronchitis. I had a large private room with a window, couch, large bathroom and everything was absolutely spotless and shining clean... floors etc. Nurses uniforms new and clean also. I speak Spanish so I was able to communicate with all my caregivers. The food was excellent, delicious actually. The lady at the front desk, who was also in charge of activating insurance quickly and efficiently coordinated with my insurance provider so that I was not out of pocket at all in the admission stage where they normally ask for a credit card. I was recommend insisting at this stage that the hospital contact your insurance company to take care of all costs or you will end up paying something and having to claim it back. For a 2 day stay, my bill was around $2355 USD," remarked one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Puerto Vallarta has a wide range of emergency services available to its citizens and visitors. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 066, which is the national emergency number. Ambulances are typically staffed with trained medical personnel and are equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment to provide basic medical care. Additionally, the local fire department and police department are available to respond to any emergency situation," remarked one expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

"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)," wrote an expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Puerto Vallarta. A variety of medical specialties are present in the area, including specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, oncology, orthopedics, psychiatry, and more. For highly specialized medical care, Puerto Vallarta offers specialized medical facilities and practices equipped with the latest technology. Specialty centers, clinics, and hospitals provide consultation, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Additionally, many of the physicians have additional training or certifications in specialized areas of care, such as renal disease, cancer, neurology, and cardiology," said an expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Puerto Vallarta. Most pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including those that require a prescription. Many of the medications available in Puerto Vallarta are the same as those available in the United States, although some may have different brand names. Additionally, some medications may be available in generic form, which can be significantly cheaper than the brand-name versions," commented one expat who moved to Puerto Vallarta.

"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," said one expat.

"Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of medical facilities and medical care. Most hospitals are staffed with well-trained personnel and offer modern medical services, including emergency and specialist care. The Mexican Social Security Health Services System (ISSSTE) is available for those who wish to apply for state-subsidized health services. Additionally, there are a number of private hospitals and clinics in the city providing top-notch medical services. They employ qualified doctors and support staff and use modern, state-of-the-art equipment. Puerto Vallarta also features several reliable pharmacies, dentists, and optometrists," commented one expat who moved to Puerto Vallarta.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Puerto Vallarta, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Puerto Vallarta is generally considered to be of good quality, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. The cost of healthcare is also relatively low compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those looking for affordable medical care. However, it is important to note that the quality of care may vary depending on the facility and the doctor, so it is important to do your research before seeking medical care," wrote one expat.

"The healthcare system in Puerto Vallarta has been strained during the pandemic, with many hospitals and clinics overwhelmed by the influx of patients. Despite this, the local healthcare system has been doing its best to provide quality care to those in need. The government has implemented strict safety protocols to protect both patients and healthcare workers, including the mandatory use of face masks and social distancing. Additionally, the government has provided financial assistance to those who cannot afford medical care. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Puerto Vallarta has been able to provide quality care to those in need during the pandemic," said an expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Access to our regular cardiologist and internist has been restricted (actually, cut off altogether) because they were both drafted into the Covid fight. We were able to find younger replacements temporarily, however," commented one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.