Mexico Expat Forum

MonicaRixPaxson
Joined 2013
Posts: 111

7 years ago

If You Are Moving to Mexico

7 years ago

For readers who are considering Mexico as your new residence, whether because of job opportunities, retirement or family, there are a number of health-related factors that should weigh in your decision about where to live. This is the list of what may be the most important.
Health Considerations in Choosing a Location in Mexico
• Availability of Hospitals—Not every location that is popular with expats has a full service hospital. Consider where the nearest hospital is and if there is local ambulance service. If the hospital is public (IMSS or Seguro Popular, you will need to participate in that program to be admitted except on an emergency basis.)
• Doctors & Specialists —This is especially important if you are being treated by a specialist for a chronic health condition. Medical specialist in Mexico will not be found in every community where expats congregate.
• Seasonal Temperature & Humidity — The Winter weather at the beach may be ideal, but high summer temperatures could be a different story and air-conditioning may be essential. Some high altitude cities and towns have warm, sunny days, but the nights are cold and there is no central heating. This may have health implications for you.
• Altitude — This could be an important if you have asthma, emphysema or other breathing difficulties.
• Availability of Necessary Pharmaceuticals—There are different classes of pharmacies and not all may have the medicine you need. If you must have a specific medicine that cannot be changed, you’ll want to know if it is available before moving.
• Social Isolation— Not having friends and family nearby can adversely affect your mental and physical health. There are ways to compensate in Mexico, but it doesn’t happen magically. Are there other expats nearby? Learning Spanish can help.
• Emergency Response— Is there an ambulance service and a local emergency room? How far is it to emergency help and how long does it take to get there?
• Mobility— If you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty walking, you will need to discover the local situation before deciding where to move. Mexico’s streets are often irregular, lacking in curb cuts, lacking sidewalks, frequently cobblestone, etc.

Reprinted with permission from The English Speaker’s Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, 4th Edition, available in print and Kindle versions https://www.amazon.com/English-Speakers-Guide-Medical-Mexico-ebook/dp/B06XRG93J4/ and pdf version https://www.mexperience.com/ebook/guide-to-medical-care-in-mexico/

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