Healthcare in Mexico is of a high standard and is affordable for ex-pats. There are three levels within
the Mexican healthcare system, the lowest of which is a limited coverage system in place for
unemployed Mexicans that ex-pats will not need to utilize.
The second level of healthcare is a public sector national healthcare program, 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 top level of healthcare is provided
by private clinics and hospitals. Expats already covered by the national healthcare system who would
like to utilize this level of care should have additional 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.
The high standard of Mexican healthcare and the fact that it is provided at a lower cost than in
neighbouring 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.
Private healthcare in Mexico
Although public healthcare is of a high standard and is affordable, most expats still opt for private
healthcare in Mexico.
Expats should be aware that some private hospitals in Mexico do not accept international health
insurance, and the patient will have to pay for their treatment upon release from the hospital.
However, hospitals usually provide the paperwork needed for expats 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. That said, expats should not expect the same from nurses.
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 expats 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 one that suits you and your family’s needs.
Pharmacies in Mexico
Expats should have no problem finding pharmacies in Mexico, as there are many available around
the country. This is largely a result of the many Americans that travel to Mexico to buy discounted
prescription medication.
Health hazards in Mexico
Expats should visit a doctor six weeks before leaving for Mexico to ensure that they have received
the correct vaccinations and have been provided with anti-malaria medication. Areas of Mexico
where malaria is a risk 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 advised that expats make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling 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 pesos 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!
