Zihuatanejo, Mexico

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

Answer this Question

SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global

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...

"As an expat, MOST people will purchase their own Expat Insurance which covers you in any PRIVATE HOSPITAL and allows you to use ANY DOCTOR you wish. Some policies can be quite expensive but others are actually very reasonably priced. For example a mother of 52 with two girls 11 and 13 pays about USD $1900 a year and the coverage INCLUDES the United States. only about $1000 EXCLUDING the United States. This is with a $1000 deductible. This is about the minimum starting point. But, the price of US coverage is just a FRACTION of what you would pay if you lived in the United States. Private insurance will typically exclude pre-existing conditions, but this is on a case-by-case basis. If you work in Mexico, you will have basic medical coverage called IMSS. All employers are required to pay into the system and it is like a socialized form of medical care for Mexico. It is BASIC because IMSS hospitals are not extravagant and will require you to produce a lot of paperwork and will also require a lot of time and patience. There is also health care for the poorest of the poor. In order to enroll you will be asked certain questions like - "is your floor dirt or tile", "do you own a tv"? If you have the means, I would recommend going Private as I can not recommend the public system or hospitals. If you are from the US, you will not be accustomed to the public hospitals and having to deal with the mountains of paperwork in Spanish. ," said another expat in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

"I believe there is a public healthcare system for Mexican citizens, but I don't think it covers foreigners. Most people I have met seeking Mexican medical care travel to Mexico either because they can't afford care in the US or are seeking treatment that is inferior in the US. Most are paying out of pocket rather than through insurance, as Mexican care often costs less than the insurance would cost. Most visit clinics rather than hospitals, by researching the individual practitioners. Thus I have heard little about the quality of hospital care," wrote a member who made the move to Tijuana, Mexico.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
Get Quote

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

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

If you live in Mexico, newcomers to Mexico would love to hear your answer to this question:

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Mexico, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

With PassportCard, you'll never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

With PassportCard, you'll never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2026 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal