Health Care in Mexico City
Summary: Learn about the health system in Mexico City: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Mexico City.
Mexico City has both public and private healthcare systems, with the public system being called the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). It is used by both locals and foreigners, although many expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare.
Mexico's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Mexico City is provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). It is used by both locals and foreigners, although many expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare. Public hospitals in Mexico City are generally considered to be of lower quality than private hospitals, and many people do not recommend using them for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. However, foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Mexico, and some expats do use it. Private hospitals in Mexico City are generally of higher quality than public hospitals, and many people recommend using them for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals typically offer more modern facilities and better customer service than public hospitals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Mexico City
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Mexico City for expats. These include:
- Hospital Angeles Pedregal (private): located in the south of Mexico City, this hospital specializes in orthopedics, oncology, and cardiology.
- Hospital ABC Santa Fe (private): located in the north of Mexico City, this hospital specializes in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
- Hospital San Angel Inn (private): located in the south of Mexico City, this hospital specializes in orthopedics, oncology, and cardiology.
- Hospital Ángeles Tlalpan (private): located in the south of Mexico City, this hospital specializes in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
Emergency Services in Mexico City
Mexico City has ambulance services, which can be called by dialing 066. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, although there can be delays in some cases.
Health Insurance Companies in Mexico City
The most popular private health insurers in Mexico City are Seguro Popular, IMSS, and GNP. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Mexico City
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico City
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Mexico City
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Mexico City
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Mexico City
- Public Transportation in Mexico City
- Best Markets in Mexico City
- Retire in Mexico City Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Mexico City
- Pros & Cons of Living in Mexico City
- Driving in Mexico City
- Cost of Living in Mexico City
- Health Care in Mexico City
- The Insider's Guide to Mexico City
- Living in Mexico City
- International Schools in Mexico City
- 7 Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico
- Best Places to Live in Mexico
- Real Estate in Mexico
- Having a Baby in Mexico
- What It's Like Living in Mexico City
- Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Mexico
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico


