Mexico is one of the top six countries with the best health care in the world. 70% of Mexico´s medical tourism patients come from north of the border seeking services from Bariatric Surgery, Orthopedic Procedures, Dental, and even prescription medications. One point to note is that Mexico not only offers world-class hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities, but the driving factor is that Health Care in Mexico is generally 70-75% less than North of the Border.
As ex-pats and foreigners, expect that Healthcare in Mexico will be both accessible and affordable. Here is a summary of what you should know and expect about the Mexican healthcare system. The Mexican health care system consists of three tiers, the lowest of which is a limited coverage system in place for unemployed Mexicans that ex-pats will not need to utilize.
The second tier of healthcare is a public sector national healthcare program, called Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS). Citizens and foreigners who are employed in Mexico are eligible for IMSS healthcare. This healthcare program is funded by employees who contribute part of their salary each month. This amount is then matched by their employer.
The third tier of healthcare is provided by private clinics and hospitals. Expats already covered by the national healthcare system would most often utilize this level of care. To access this tier, both locals and foreigners should have private health insurance in order to shoulder the high expenses incurred by this sector.
Private hospitals are generally better and more consistent than government-supported facilities.
As mentioned before, the high standard of Mexican healthcare and the fact that it is provided at a lower cost than in neighboring USA has resulted in many US citizens, especially those who don’t have insurance, going to Mexico, each year to find cheaper treatment and pay ‘out-of-hand’.
Public Healthcare in Mexico
Public healthcare in Mexico is subsidized by the Mexican government. Expats working for Mexican
companies qualify to receive treatment under this program. Part of an employee’s salary in Mexico is automatically deducted to pay for the coverage.
Retired ex-pats can also join the group, although coverage is not automatic. The quality of care
provided by the system varies considerably. Some hospitals and clinics are truly first-rate, whereas
others, particularly in rural areas, are less consistent.
Although public healthcare is of a high standard and is affordable, most ex-pats still opt for private
healthcare in Mexico. Expats should be aware that some private hospitals in Mexico do not accept international health insurance, and patients are expected to pay for their treatment upon release from the hospital.
However, most hospitals will provide the paperwork needed for ex-pats to be reimbursed by their
insurance company. Because many Mexican doctors complete their medical training in Europe or the USA, they are often fluent in English, With this being said, ex-pats should not expect the same from nurses. Other professionals within the healthcare system, such as nurses and laboratory technicians are not bilingual.
Health Insurance in Mexico
Expats who choose to remain covered under their private insurance from home need to ensure that their Mexican hospital of choice accepts foreign insurance providers and that the hospital can
provide documentation for reimbursement from insurance companies. Senior citizen ex-pats can
qualify for discounts on healthcare.
Health insurance premiums have been on the gradual rise in Mexico over the past couple of years. Experts attribute this to the higher costs of medicine and hospital fees, as well as the improved cost of living. As such, employer-sponsored coverage through IMSS is a popular choice throughout the country. If you’re not able to get coverage through your job, it’s important to shop around and choose a private insurance policy that suits you and your family’s needs.
Pharmacies in Mexico
Expats should have no problem finding pharmacies in Mexico, as there are many large chain pharmacies available around the country. This makes it convenient and accessible for Americans that travel to Mexico to buy discounted prescription medication.
Health Hazards in Mexico
Expats should visit a doctor six weeks before leaving their country for Mexico to ensure that they have received the correct vaccinations and have been provided with the anti-malaria medication depending on the Areas of Mexico where malaria is a risk. Malaria high-risk areas include Chiapas, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, and certain parts of Chihuahua, Durango, and Sonora. There is no risk of malaria in the Mexico-US border areas.
It is also advised that ex-pats make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Mexico.
The following vaccinations are recommended:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Emergency Services in Mexico
The general emergency number in Mexico is 066. Emergency services are available, although
response times may be slow, particularly in rural areas.
Costs of the Mexican Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Mexico is part of the national social security program. It’s funded in part by employees and employers who contribute to the IMSS each month. It’s further augmented by
funding from the federal government, which is raised through general taxation.
A simple doctor’s office visit costs about $400 MXN or roughly US$20. Diagnostic tests can cost up to a third less in Mexico compared to the United States or Canada. However, costs can quickly add up for more complicated procedures.
Tourists and ex-pats should be aware that certain healthcare facilities in areas with large international tourist populations have been known to inflate medical charges. Even short-term travelers should carry comprehensive insurance.
Useful links
Most healthcare and health insurance information can be found on the IMSS website. Unfortunately, the site isn’t available in English. However, if you access it from Google Chrome you may be able to automatically translate it. Alternatively, you can work with a Spanish-speaking friend or translator to help you mine the site for information.
Enjoy your time in Mexico – and stay safe!
