Does my US health insurance cover me in Mexico?
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.
Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico? No, in most cases, you will not be able to use the health insurance you have in the US for treatment in Mexico. Your American health insurance policy, such as Medicare, will not extend outside the borders.
If you do need medical treatment whilst in Mexico, you may be required to pay for the services up front. At the very least, you will be asked to show proof of your ability to pay. This means that prior to any treatment you would be expected to: a) to show evidence of your insurance policy; b) give credit card details.
Before you go, consider your insurance options.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
Travel insurance is not currently required for all of Mexico. However, travel insurance with medical coverage is required for visitors to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. This insurance is to protect travelers against any unforeseen medical event, including those derived from COVID-19 contagion.
Public healthcare system in Mexico
Those employed in Mexico are automatically enrolled in the IMSS system and their contribution to the scheme is deducted from their salary. Those who are not formally employed may voluntarily enrol in the IMSS system, in which case they will have to pay an annual contribution fee.
EMERGENCY: If it's an emergency, you can call 911—same as in the United States. Ambulances in Mexico are typically private companies, and you may even have several ambulances arrive to try and compete for your business. Be warned that you may have to pay for them on arrival, privately owned ambulances aren't free.
Mexico Health Care Facts
To give you an idea, for an emergency room visit you can expect to pay a basic sum of between 350 and 500 MXN (15 and 25 USD).
- Drink lots of water. ...
- Electrolyte-fortified liquids. ...
- Go easy on the solid foods, at least at first. ...
- Avoid dairy, greasy or fried foods, and high-fiber foods or anything that upsets your stomach.
- Don't take diarrhea medicines. ...
- Seek medical attention if it's necessary – after TWO DAYS.
Dial 911. Make sure an accident investigator (perito) is sent to do an accident report. An accident report is important to have to file a claim and prevent delays in paying your claim. Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs and before you leave Mexico.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield work in Mexico?
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.
Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.
Health Care Resources for Travelers
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
You should purchase travel medical insurance any time you travel internationally since your U.S. health insurance plan likely will not provide coverage abroad.
Short-term visitors should look into travel insurance plans, while those planning on residing in Mexico for an extended period should consider an international health insurance plan. Mexican trip cancellation plans for tourists cover the cost of your Mexican holiday, including flights and hotel expenses.
Your US auto insurance policy won't cover your car if you drive into Mexico. To have coverage while driving in Mexico, you need to buy a separate Mexico tourist auto policy.
A recent study reported that a single day in a hospital in the U.S. costs around $1,514 while according to the World Health Organization the healthcare costs in Mexico are less than $120.
“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”.
International Health Insurance for Mexico
Designed to help expatriates and their families access first-class international medical coverage in Mexico, Aetna offers a wide range of options to fit your lifestyle.
This makes Mexico a safe option for medical tourism for several reasons: The quality of healthcare services in Mexico is comparable to those in the U.S. Mexico has the most certified hospitals in Latin America. Modern medical equipment is readily available in major cities.
How much is Mexican health insurance?
The Cost of Health Insurance in Mexico
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.
Medical tourism in Mexico is rising among Americans Before the pandemic halted travel, some 1.2 million American citizens visited Mexico for health care.
You can usually find out if your insurance covers certain procedures by asking your doctor. Additionally, most hospitals require payment upfront and/or frequently request advanced payments or deposits before care has been completed.
Anyone can see a doctor or a dentist in Mexico, or be admitted to a hospital, though you'll be expected to pay for the services in full at the time that you receive the care unless the hospital or clinic already has an agreement from your insurer.
| Medical service in Mexico | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor consultation services and house calls | 500 pesos maximum or US$45 |
| Lab test services | A third of the United States CAT scan prices, normally 25% of what you'd pay in the US |
| In patient services (patients spending the night) | Mostly less than US$100 |
