Health Care in Oaxaca City
Summary: Learn about the health system in Oaxaca City: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Oaxaca City.
The healthcare system in Oaxaca City, offers both public and private options for residents and foreigners. While the public system is accessible to all, many expats and digital nomads prefer private hospitals for their medical needs.
Mexico's Healthcare System
Mexico's public healthcare system, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), is available to both citizens and foreigners. However, public hospitals in Oaxaca City are not typically recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries. Public hospitals can be crowded, and the quality of care may not be as high as in private facilities. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Mexico, but many prefer private hospitals for their medical needs. Private hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they offer better facilities and higher quality care.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Oaxaca City
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Oaxaca City include:
- Clínica Hospital San Felipe (Private) - Located in the San Felipe neighborhood.
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Oaxaca (Public) - A public hospital specializing in high specialty care, located in San Bartolo Coyotepec.
- Hospital Civil Dr. Aurelio Valdivieso (Public) - A general public hospital located in the city center.
- Clínica del Valle (Private) - A private clinic located in the Reforma neighborhood.
In case of emergencies or specialized medical care, expats in Oaxaca City may need to travel to nearby cities such as Puebla or Mexico City, which are approximately 4-6 hours away by car.
Emergency Services in Oaxaca City
There are ambulance services in Oaxaca City, which can be called by dialing 911. However, response times may vary, and there can be delays in some cases. It is important to be prepared for potential delays and have a backup plan in case of emergencies.
Health Insurance Companies in Oaxaca City
Some popular private health insurers in Oaxaca City include Seguros Monterrey, GNP Seguros, and AXA Seguros. Expats and digital nomads may choose to use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers. It is essential to research and compare different insurance options to find the best coverage for individual needs.
About the Author
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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