The Ultimate Guide to the Healthcare System for Expats in Mexico (2024)

FAQs

How is Mexico's healthcare for expats? ›

Healthcare in Mexico for expats. Healthcare in Mexico has the reputation to be excellent whilst being affordable compared to other countries. To give an idea, costs are estimated to be 25 to 30% lower than in the United States. This makes Mexico a destination of choice for medical tourism.

For foreigners living in Mexico, the average cost of a comprehensive health insurance plan is $5,900 per year. Most U.S. citizens also purchase additional coverage in the U.S., and so their premiums are higher.

For most people, to be eligible for the IMSS you have to be fully (and formally) employed in Mexico. As such, your employer makes the necessary arrangements with paperwork and to set up paycheck deductions. Alternatively, if you aren't formally employed you can also still join through voluntary enrollment.

US citizens living and working in Mexico may be eligible for healthcare in Mexico under the IMSS, which is the healthcare system provided under Mexico's private employment sector. If you have legal residency and are self-employed there, you can opt-in to the system voluntarily.

Standard Medicare A & B can be used only in the USA. No coverage is provided for Standard Medicare A & B in Mexico. Now what to do if you just have Standard Medicare A & B? Well, then you will have to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement Plan.

Do Mexican hospitals accept USA coverage? USA health insurance coverage is not accepted in private hospitals of Mexico. The same is applicable for Medicare as well. Unless you have a USA health plan that covers healthcare in Mexico, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for availing medical services.

Your employer-provided health plan may have limited or no coverage in Mexico, and Medicare doesn't cover health care outside the United States, except in rare cases. Travel health insurance pays for emergency medical expenses during a trip. These expenses include the following: Ambulance service.

Medicare is only available to citizens and permanent residents of the USA who are residing in the USA. Some exceptions when Medicare may cover your expenses in a foreign country include; If you have a medical emergency and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital.

Medicare generally does not cover health services outside the United States. If you move outside the United States: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), is available to you if you return.

“The major differences are the use of sedation, the cost and the care,” she adds, saying that the US has an advantage when it comes to technology – but not by much. “It's the cost and quality of services” that brings Americans to Mexico, she says. The quality is “almost the same, but here is cheaper”.

Can you have Medicare and live in Mexico? ›

Remember, you can have Medicare while you live abroad, but it will usually not cover the care you receive. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A, meaning you will pay nothing for coverage.

Premiums depend on age. For those aged 50 to 59, IMSS currently costs about $63 per month per person. For people 60 to 69, it is $89 per month, and 70 to 79-year-olds pay $93 per month. Nearly all treatments, including medications, are provided free of charge once you've paid your premium.

“What happens is, the hospital administration then threatens their family that they will call the 'Federales', who will detain them until the bill is paid,” she explained.

Once you enter a hospital or emergency department in Mexico you will typically be required to sign a release of legal redress. Pay attention to details about the paperwork you receive, whether there is a signature line for you or your insurance company.

To see a general doctor, you can expect to pay less. Somewhere between $50-$400 MXN (about $2.50 USD-$20 USD). Medications in Mexico also tend to be much, much cheaper. And most of the medications you would need a prescription for in the U.S. you can get in Mexico over the counter.

The majority of Mexican hospitals are excellent and are staffed by highly trained and often English-speaking doctors. However, some nursing and care staff might not speak English. Mexico has achieved universal health coverage and its public healthcare is used by most Mexican residents.

The Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) provides healthcare services for both Mexican citizens and expats legally residing in the country. People enrolled in the IMSS program receive full coverage, including prescriptions. To find out if you will qualify for the program, check the IMSS site.