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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Mexico City, Mexico | Expat Exchange
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Mexico City

Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Mexico City

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jul 09, 2024

Summary: Mexico City, Mexico is home to a variety of hospitals and clinics, including the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, the National Institute of Pediatrics, the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, and the National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. Emergency services are available in Mexico City, and ambulances can be called by dialing 066. The quality of medical care in Mexico City is generally comparable to that of the United States, though some specialized treatments may not be available.

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How are healthcare services Mexico City?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Mexico City, they replied:

"Mexico City 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 Mexican Institute of Social Security (ISSSTE). These public institutions offer a variety of services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. Private hospitals and clinics are also available, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. Mexico City also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, fertility clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Additionally, Mexico City is home to a number of pharmacies, providing both prescription and over-the-counter medications," said an expat in Mexico City.

What are medical services in Mexico City like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Mexico City, they replied:

"Mexico City offers a wide range of medical 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 often have shorter wait times. Mexico City also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, fertility clinics, and pediatric centers. Additionally, Mexico City is home to a number of medical research centers, which are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," wrote an expat living in Mexico City.

"Traditional medicine is widely available and accessible in Mexico city. However, eastern and homeopathic medicine isn't as common and therefore not as reliable," said an expat in Mexico City.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

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Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mexico City?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Mexico City 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 higher quality care. Additionally, many employers in Mexico City offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of coverage," mentioned one expat in Mexico City.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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What are emergency services like in Mexico City?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Mexico City wrote:

"Emergency services in Mexico City are provided by the Mexican Red Cross and the Mexican Social Security Institute. In the event of an emergency, you can call 066 to request an ambulance. The Mexican Red Cross also provides emergency medical services, including ambulances, and can be reached by calling 065. Both of these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," remarked one expat living in Mexico City.

Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Yes, there are a wide variety of medical specialists in Mexico City. Many hospitals located in Mexico City provide general and specialized care in a variety of medical fields such as cardiology, neurology, 9and oncology. For highly specialized medical care, patients typically go to specialty hospitals like referred center Cl??n?ca Angela Passage, which offers services in a variety of medical and surgical specialties, as well as in-vitro fertility treatments. Additionally, some of Mexico City's hospitals, such as Clinica Integral Medica and Hospital Español, offer the latest medical technology and equipment, allowing them to treat the most complex medical cases," wrote one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in Mexico City?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Mexico City. Many pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including those prescribed by doctors. These medications are typically sold over the counter, and customers can purchase them without a prescription. Prices for medications in Mexico City are generally lower than in other countries, making them more accessible to people with limited budgets," commented one expat living in Mexico City, Mexico.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Mexico City?

"Medical facilities in Mexico City, vary across different districts, ranging from well-equipped private hospitals to overcrowded public facilities. Mexico City residents have access to a wide range of medical specialists, including doctors with both medical and surgical expertise. Despite this, medical care in Mexico City is generally considered to be of lower quality than what is available in other parts of the country. Many medical supplies and treatments can be hard to come by in Mexico City, with both cost and availability becoming an issue. It is common for those in need of advanced medical care to seek care outside the city," said one expat.

As a foreigner living in Mexico City, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Mexico City, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Mexico City 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 is also supplemented by private healthcare providers, which offer more specialized services," commented one expat living in Mexico City, Mexico.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Mexico City if they have access to public healthcare in Mexico City. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"In Mexico City there are private hospitals that do not treat covid patients. So they are not saturated and can treat regular visits as well. The covid hospitals should be avoided though," remarked one expat living in Mexico City.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Mexico City. Access to healthcare has become more difficult due to the closure of many medical facilities and the limited availability of medical personnel. Additionally, the cost of medical care has increased significantly, making it difficult for many people to access the care they need. The government has implemented various measures to help alleviate the burden on the healthcare system, such as providing free testing and expanding access to telemedicine. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Mexico City is still struggling to cope with the demands of the pandemic," said one expat living in Mexico City.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Mexico City?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Mexico City about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"1. Since the quality of care and availability of health services can vary greatly, it's important to research the options ahead of time to find the best and most appropriate provider for your family. 2. Many hospitals and clinics in Mexico City offer maternity services, so you may want to visit a few to get an idea of the available options. 3. Make sure to obtain the necessary documents and information so you can receive prenatal and post-natal care, as well as being informed about local laws regarding childbirth and family leave. 4. Finding reliable transportation to and from medical appointments can be tricky in Mexico City, as some places may have limited access to public transportation. Consider hiring a driver or arranging for a taxi service if needed. 5. It may be beneficial to hire a doula to help with the labor and birth process, as well as supporting any decisions you and your partner make. 6. Learn about the resources available for registering the baby's birth and for future baby care, including pharmacies, doctor offices, and even basic health care and vaccinations outside of the hospital setting. 7. Last but not least, don't forget to take care of yourself, as it's important to find the time and space to rest and also find support from other expat parents-to-be and local families," said one expat in Mexico City.

Are healthcare services good in Mexico City?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Mexico City. They wrote:

"Mexico City has a wide range of healthcare services available, providing citizens with access to quality medical care. The city is home to numerous public and private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers, staffed by qualified professionals who offer a variety of treatment and prevention services. Mexico City also has several specialized medical centers for specific conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. Additionally, the city features pharmacies throughout where residents can purchase both generic and brand-name medications. The government of Mexico City is committed to providing its citizens with affordable healthcare, and as such provides many of its services free of charge or at discounted rates to those in lower-income brackets," wrote a person living in Mexico City.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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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