One of the biggest questions we get from prospective expats is about healthcare in Mexico. Is it available, high quality, effective and affordable? These are great questions and ones that we happily answer with a resounding YES!
Before we jump into the topic, though, it’s important to note that we are not healthcare professionals. We can only speak to what we’ve experienced and what has been shared with us by trusted sources. If, after reading this article, you still have questions, let us know. We’ll be happy to connect you with healthcare professionals in the area who can answer your questions and provide high-quality service.
The Effectiveness of Healthcare in Mexico
Doctors in Mexico are highly trained, with many receiving instruction in Canada, Europe, and the United States. They speak English, have wonderful bedside manners and are deeply concerned with the well-being of their patients. It’s not uncommon for them to make house calls or to offer their personal contact information for questions and after-hours concerns. They also stay up on the latest technology, techniques and prescriptions, especially since medical tourism is very competitive and they wish to attract patients from around the world.
Services include:
● Care and prevention for chronic conditions (cardiovascular disease and cancer)
● Chronic diseases
● Community family healthcare information and education
● Cosmetic
● Dental treatments
● Domestic violence
● Emergency medical treatment
● Family planning
● Family safety and injury prevention
● Infectious disease prevention (HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis)
● Nutrition
● Mental health services
● Oncology
● Osteopathic Medicine
● Plastic surgery
● Psychotherapy
● Sexual health
● And more!
If you’re interested in alternative treatments, you will find plenty ranging from acupressure, acupuncture and herbal medicine, to chiropractic, lymph drainage therapy, and reflexology.
Another plus is that Mexican healthcare facilities and hospital infrastructures are as current as others in North America and around the world. They feature highly effective diagnostic and treatment technologies, as well as accommodations for natural disasters that affect the region.
Rooms are private or semi-private, with natural light and thoughtful spaces for friends and family who visit long-term patients.
The Affordability of Healthcare in Mexico
The cost of healthcare is a big concern for those considering a move to Mexico from other countries. Most of our clients are either from Canada or the United States, both of which presents a unique set of concerns. If you’re Canadian, you’re accustomed to social healthcare and would need to pay out-of-pocket for health and medical services in Mexico if you don’t sign up for insurance (later in the article). If you’re American, you want to be sure that you’re free from paying the ever-increasing, inflated rates that are common north of the border.
Thankfully, out-of-pocket costs are about 482 MXN ($26 USD) to see a general practitioner and about 742 MXN ($40 USD) to see a specialist. The same cost covers house calls and trips to the dentist. An American friend of ours recently endured an itchy, red spot on her leg overnight. She had been accustomed to health insurance in the States and figured that the diagnosis, tests, and medications would reach $100 USD or more. She was referred to a local doctor, and within ten minutes, learned that it was a mere spider bite. The total bill, including an antibiotic, was 371 MXN ($20 USD).
If you need lab work, you can figure that it’s about one-third of what is charged in the United States. Treatment for serious medical conditions, such as surgery, dialysis and live-in care, is about half of what is paid in the United States. If you need to stay overnight at the hospital, it will cost about just over 2,041 MXN ($110 USD).
Prescriptions are famous for amping up healthcare costs, but in Mexico, they’re rather affordable. High-quality generic medications (at the same quality of what the name brands offer) and over-the-counter remedies are readily available at local pharmacies. You can expect to pay pesos on the dollar for a full range common and specialty medications.
Health Insurance
If you’re thinking of benefiting from Mexico’s medical system on a regular basis, opt for one of Mexico’s insurance options:
Government Clinics and Hospitals – The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) covers dental, medical, vision, hospitalization and prescriptions for 3,711-5,567 MXN ($200-300 USD) per year.
Private Health Insurance – If you’re under age 64, you can sign up with insurance companies, such as Grupo Nacional Provincial, MetLife Mexico and Monterrey-New York Life, for approximately 11,134 MXN ($600 USD) per year. Co-pays are around 556-742 MXN ($30-40 USD). These costs are still much cheaper than you’d pay in the United States, and you’d be under the care of top medical professionals in state-of-the-art facilities. Lab work is a third less than what is charged in the U.S. You can find private health insurance options online and by connecting with a participating hospital or healthcare facility.
And that’s it! We welcome any questions you may have and invite you to contact us anytime. We’re here to help you find your way to full health and happiness!
