Healthcare and Health Insurance in Mexico

Summary: The quality of medical care in Mexico is generally considered to be good, although it is not as advanced as the medical care available in the United States. Emergency services are available in Mexico, and ambulances can be called by dialing 066. However, response times may be slower than in the US, and the quality of care may not be as high.

How are healthcare services Mexico?

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

" It depends on finances and age. If you're a professional moving to Mexico for business reasons, then you'll no doubt be given a private insurance plan. For those still young, private insurance is cheaper than in the USA but still ultimately unaffordable. Those working for public or private sector employers should automatically be enlisted in the IMSS which is our national system free to the user. Roughy equivalent to the UK's NHS, if you need something major it is excellent. For minor problems you may care to go private. Besides the IMSS, if you're not working you can enroll in the govenment's Seguro Popular system which is probably a bit inferior to the IMSS but again will protect you against major events. Next, I recommend paying monthly to subscribe to a private ambulance/outpatient service such as EMME. The price is reasonable and they come quickly with a fully equipped ambulance and medical team. They also have an outpatient walk-in centre open until late. Most pharmacies have an attached doctor available during work hours (sometimes morning only) and you can get a quick consultation either free or at insignificant cost - very useful if you need an antibiotic because these need a prescription now. ," remarked one expat living in Monterrey.

"Make sure to join the national system and also subscribe to a local emergency ambulance service," said one expat living in Monterrey.

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What are medical services in Mexico like?

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

"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 one expat.

"Expat healthcare insurance for age 60+ is expensive and not great. To me, not worth it. Also Rx pain meds and psych meds extremely expensive & very difficult to legally obtain," remarked one expat in San Miguel de Allende.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mexico?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Mexico can be expensive, depending on what type of services or coverage you require. Health insurance is typically more expensive for expatriates living in Mexico than it is for citizens. Generally, Doctor's visits and treatments cost less than they do in other countries and prescription medications are relatively inexpensive; however, the fees for specialized treatments and procedures can be quite high. Additionally, even if you are insured under a Mexican health insurance policy, you may still be required to pay a portion of the cost for certain treatments, procedures and medications," remarked one expat in Mexico.

"I do not have medical insurance here in Mexico. And, most of my Dr's do not accept insurance anyway. Office visits, and hospital care are 1/5th the cost of USA and much better. In office appointments are usually an hour long instead of the 15 minute flyby of USA. Few Specialist have nurses. They do their own scheduling," remarked one expat living in Queretaro City and Tequisquiapan.

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What are emergency services like in Mexico?

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

"I know of 3 hospitals in the area. Mexico General, Angeles Hosp. and Hospital Mexico are the ones I have heard of and I think 2 of them are public with nobody I have met telling horror stories, but I have not been to a hospital since the 80s and have not idea how one would get an ambulance. ," wrote an expat living in Tijuana.

"Again,the best hospitals are PRIVATE - CostaMed and Hospitan. They are both located on the main highway that runs between Tulum and Cancun. In case of an emergency you simply dial "911". Of course, depending on your emergency, a patient may be brought to one of the hospitals mentioned above until stabilized and possibly moved to Cancun -where there are larger facilities and more medical equipment," said an expat in Playa Del Carmen.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Expats tend to travel to Mexico city for major health issues. This is about a half hour plane ride. It is important though to have PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE with Air Ambulance service," said one expat.

"The bulk of people I have met getting medical care in Tijuana live in the US and travel to receive their care. Tijuana, as a large border town is easy to get to and has many Doctors and dentists. People don't generally care to be evacuated to go to a country with worse care. I no longer go there now that my major dental issue is over, and now that I have moved to a more distant place," remarked one expat in Tijuana.

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Are common prescription medications available in Mexico?

"Everything except antibiotics and mind altering drugs requires no prescription. It's possible to get free prescriptions for many drugs but availability in the health system's pharmacies is patchy," wrote an expat living in Monterrey.

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

"I am very close to the many pharmacies for medicines. Also there are bi-lingual doctors' offices in many places downtown. There are several hospitals nearby within a few miles. I have heard that the quality of care is very good. But, I have not had personal experience yet, thank goodness," wrote an expat living in Playa del Carmen.

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

"Yes, as a foreign resident in Mexico, you will have access to public healthcare. Mexico's public health system, the Secretaría de Salud (SSA), offers free or low cost health services to all Mexican citizens, as well as foreign residents. The SSA operates public hospitals, rural health units and health centers which are scattered across the country. The quality of care provided by these hospitals can vary greatly, but in general they provide basic medical services such as vaccinations, diagnosis, and treatment. Many of the SSA's hospitals also offer specialist services, such as obstetric care, gynecology, and dentistry. Private hospitals are also used in Mexico, and they usually offer a much higher standard of care than the public hospitals," commented one expat living in Mexico.

"I have no idea. Getting to a Dr. in Tequisquiapan is easy. You just ask someone where a good Dr. is and that is where you go. The best Drs are at their private hospitals," wrote one expat.

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

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

"My wife and I came down with a fever of 38.4 and all the other symptoms of COVID except no cough or loss of smell or taste. We drove down the road to the Shock Trauma hospital and took a test (free) but we were negative. It turned out to be campylobacter (food poisoning) from a local seafood restaurant," said one expat.

"Mexico has overall been very good about lockdown and mask wearing, not gathering in groups for parties, etc. It has been much better than the US for the most part. It has curfews, etc," remarked one expat in Merida.

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

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

"First, research local hospitals and doctors, and ensure that the facility is well-regarded and accredited. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the country’s maternity laws and parental rights in order to know your rights and to ensure that your baby is properly registered with the local authorities. It is also important to ensure that you have a reliable support network of friends and family to provide both physical and emotional support during this time. Finally, be sure to retain important records, such as all medical reports and any documents related to formal registration of the baby," wrote a person living in Mexico.

Are healthcare services good in Mexico?

"A few weeks ago I used my GEHA (government employees health association) insurance at Hospital San Antonio. Well I should say I tried to use it. At first the staff at Hospital San Antonio said that my entire emergency would be covered but they charged my $25000 USD UP Front and I had to pay it or the administrative staff there told me they would send me to a public hospital in the worst part of Guadalajara. They bullied me and I felt so uncomfortable but I was not in a position to fight. I paid the up front fee and then on discharge they just deducted it from the bill which I still had to pay and they gave me a bill with codes to submit to my insurer for reimbursement...such lies and thieves trying to trick people about accepting insurances. I will never go back to Hospital San Antonio in Tlyacapan," explained one expat living in Lake Chapala.

"Yes, in San Miguel and Queretero nearby we have excellent care and it’s reasonably priced," said one expat in San Miguel de Allende .

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Mexico

How are healthcare services Mexico?

What are medical services in Mexico like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mexico?

What are emergency services like in Mexico?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Mexico?

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

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

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

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

Are healthcare services good in Mexico?

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