Lake Chapala is home to a variety of healthcare options for expats and digital nomads. The public healthcare system in Mexico is called the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) and is available to all Mexican citizens and legal residents. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Mexico, however, most expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare.
Mexico’s Healthcare System
Mexico’s public healthcare system is provided by the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). It is available to all Mexican citizens and legal residents. While foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Mexico, most expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare. Public hospitals in Lake Chapala are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. The quality of care at public hospitals in Lake Chapala can vary greatly and the facilities may not be up to the standards of those in the United States or Canada.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Lake Chapala
The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Lake Chapala are:
- Hospital San Javier – Private hospital located in Ajijic
- Hospital San Antonio – Private hospital located in Chapala
- Clinica San Antonio – Private clinic located in Chapala
- Clinica San Javier – Private clinic located in Ajijic
- Clinica San Antonio – Private clinic located in Ajijic
Expats in Lake Chapala typically use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Lake Chapala are well-equipped and offer a higher quality of care than public hospitals.
Emergency Services in Lake Chapala
Lake Chapala does have ambulance services. To call for an ambulance, dial 066 from any phone. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, however, there can be delays depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency.
Health Insurance Companies in Lake Chapala
The most popular private health insurers in Lake Chapala are IMSS, Seguro Popular, and GNP Seguros. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Lake Chapala: Health Care
“Hospital San Antonio del Lago de Chapala is a private hospital and is known to charge huge bills to patients. We used to request for daily billing details about medicines, health report, isolation charge, the staff was least bothered about this. But at the time of discharge, we got final bill and we couldn’t recognize all billing things. I felt helpless on discharge from the hospital management. There were so many things that didn’t reached to us but were still added in the hospital bills. Request to patients who get hospitalized in Hospital San Antonio del Lago de Chapala. DO KEEP A WATCH ON YOUR BILLS! ,” commented one member living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.
“Lake Chapala boasts a wide variety of medical services available to visitors and residents alike. Both private and public hospitals and clinics offer services such as specialist care, dental care, and general family medicine, many with English-speaking staff. Local doctors and other healthcare professionals provide personalized patient care and offer a variety of treatments, ranging from contemporary to traditional medicine. Many patients have access to not only basic care but also advanced treatments typically found in the US and Canada, such as radiation therapy and cardiac diagnosis. In addition, the medical tourism industry in Lake Chapala is constantly growing and evolving to offer medical treatments at competitive rates. Ultimately, Lake Chapala presents a great health care option for any and all who choose to experience the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking scenery of the area,” mentioned one expat living in Mexico.
