Healthcare and Health Insurance in Monterrey, Mexico

Summary: Monterrey, Mexico is home to a number of hospitals and clinics, including the Hospital San José, the Hospital Universitario, the Hospital Metropolitano, and the Hospital San José Tec de Monterrey. Emergency services in Monterrey are generally reliable, and ambulances can be called by dialing 066. The quality of medical care in Monterrey is generally comparable to that of the United States, with many of the same treatments and technologies available. However, the cost of medical care in Monterrey is often significantly lower than in the US.

How are healthcare services Monterrey?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Monterrey, 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. ," commented one expat who moved to Monterrey.

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

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What are medical services in Monterrey like?

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

"Monterrey offers a wide range of medical services, including general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals. The city is home to several private and public hospitals, as well as a number of clinics and medical centers. Many of these facilities offer modern medical technology and treatments, and many of the doctors are highly trained and experienced. Monterrey also has a number of pharmacies, where medications can be purchased. Additionally, the city has a number of medical tourism options, with many people from the United States and Canada traveling to Monterrey for medical treatments," said one expat living in Monterrey.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Monterrey?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Monterrey can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, private health insurance plans are more expensive than public health insurance plans, but they often provide more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the cost of healthcare services can vary depending on the type of care needed and the provider. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Monterrey, Mexico can be expensive, but there are options available to help make it more affordable," remarked one expat in Monterrey.

"Excellent. I have had open heart surgery in the national system, I was diagnosed promptly and the level of care was as good or better as that in the USA, More recently I broke a bone in my foot and was X-Rayed, diagnosed, and treated in less than 90 minutes. Level of service significantly better than in the UK. And all free of charge," remarked one expat living in Monterrey.

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What are emergency services like in Monterrey?

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

"Quite close. Within 20 minutes of major hospital care, and within five minutes of my clinic. (National health system.) Care is high quality in my opinion," commented one expat living in Monterrey, Mexico.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Yes, there are many medical specialists in Monterrey. Patients with serious or specialized needs can receive highly specialized care from the various clinics, hospitals, and university health centers located in the city. In Monterrey, patients can find a wide range of specialties, such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, nephrology and much more. These medical centers also offer a number of other services, including emergency care and additional treatment options. Additionally, there are a variety of clinics and specialty services that can provide expert and compassionate care," said one expat.

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Are common prescription medications available in Monterrey?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Monterrey. Many pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of these pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, making it easy to get the medications you need. Additionally, many of the pharmacies offer discounts for those who pay in cash," wrote an expat living in Monterrey.

"Most medicines are available without a prescription except for psychotropic and antibiotics. Generic medicines are freely available, this means that medicines in general cost a fraction of the price you'd be charged in, say, the USA," said an expat in Monterrey.

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

"Monterrey offers a wide variety of medical care options and medical facilities. The city has several highly specialized hospitals, such as the Metropolitano Hospital and the CHRISTUS Muguerza Hospital, both of which specialize in particular areas such as oncology, orthopedics, and cardiovascular care. In addition, there are public hospitals and private clinics available, as well as numerous pharmacies that are able to provide medications and treatments. Monterrey is also home to many highly trained and experienced physicians, making the overall quality of medical care in the city very high," remarked one expat in Monterrey.

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

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Monterrey, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Monterrey is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The public healthcare system in Monterrey is made up of a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, providing a range of services from primary care to specialized care. The public healthcare system also provides access to medications and treatments at a lower cost than private healthcare," said one expat living in Monterrey.

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

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

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Monterrey. Many hospitals have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. Additionally, the lack of resources has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care to those in need. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Monterrey has been doing its best to provide quality care to those affected by the pandemic. The government has also implemented various measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, such as providing protective equipment and increasing testing capacity," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Monterrey.

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

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

"First, it is important to research healthcare facilities in Monterrey, to ensure the facility meets the expat's needs. Consider talking to other expats who gave birth in Monterrey to get an idea of their experiences. Make sure to obtain international medical insurance so expats can receive the medical care they need during the pregnancy and delivery. Have an emergency back-up plan in case the birth takes place away from the expat's residence. Familiarize oneself with local customs and pregnancy rules and regulations regarding the expat's immigration status. Lastly, connect with other expats in the same situation to form a support network," remarked one in Monterrey.

Are healthcare services good in Monterrey?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Monterrey. They wrote:

"Monterrey has a wide range of healthcare services available to its residents. In addition to its public healthcare system, the city has some of the best private clinics and hospitals in the country. These private facilities offer a wide range of specialized treatment options, including radiation, chemotherapy, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and emergency care services. Monterrey also has a growing number of health and wellness centers where alternative and holistic forms of treatments, such as yoga, acupuncture and massage, are offered. Monterrey is committed to innovative methods that promote wellness and preventative care for its citizens," remarked one expat in Monterrey.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Monterrey, Mexico

How are healthcare services Monterrey?

What are medical services in Monterrey like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Monterrey?

What are emergency services like in Monterrey?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Monterrey?

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

As a foreigner living in Monterrey, 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 Monterrey?

Are healthcare services good in Monterrey?

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