Healthcare in Mexico
Healthcare in Mexico is affordable, accessible, and often high quality. It's one of the top reasons people relocate here.
Healthcare Options
1. IMSS (Public Healthcare)
- Available to temporary and permanent residents
- Monthly cost: ~$600-1,000 MXN (~$35-55 USD) annually
- Covers most services including hospitalization
- Wait times can be long
- Quality varies by location
- Must pre-exist health conditions may have waiting periods
2. Private Insurance (Mexican Companies)
- Companies: GNP, Metlife Mexico, Seguros Monterrey
- Cost: $50-250 USD/month depending on age and coverage
- Access to private hospitals and specialists
- Shorter wait times, more comfort
- Pre-existing condition exclusions common
3. International Insurance
- Companies: Cigna Global, Allianz, IMG
- Cost: $150-400+ USD/month
- Covers treatment worldwide
- Best for those who travel frequently
- Often includes evacuation coverage
4. Pay-as-You-Go
- Many expats, especially younger ones, pay out of pocket
- Doctor visits: $20-50 USD
- Specialists: $40-80 USD
- Works well for healthy people with emergency fund
Typical Costs (Without Insurance)
| Service | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| GP consultation | $20-40 |
| Specialist visit | $40-80 |
| Dental cleaning | $25-50 |
| MRI | $150-300 |
| Blood work panel | $30-80 |
| Emergency room | $100-500 |
| Childbirth (private) | $2,000-5,000 |
| Heart surgery | $10,000-30,000 |
Compare these to US costs often 5-10x higher.
Hospital Quality
Top Private Hospitals:
- Hospital Angeles (nationwide chain)
- Christus Muguerza (Monterrey)
- Hospital Español (Mexico City)
- Amerimed (tourist areas)
- Star Medica (nationwide)
Many doctors at these facilities trained in the US or Europe and speak English.
Pharmacies
- Farmacias Similares: Generic medications, very affordable
- Farmacias del Ahorro: Good chain, reasonable prices
- Many medications available without prescription
- Some US prescriptions may need Mexican doctor's prescription
Medical Tourism
Mexico is a top medical tourism destination. Common procedures:
- Dental work (50-70% savings)
- Cosmetic surgery
- Bariatric surgery
- Orthopedic procedures
- Fertility treatments
Border cities like Tijuana and Los Algodones are popular for day trips.
Tips for Healthcare
- Get insurance that covers your needs - gap coverage is risky
- Learn basic medical Spanish or use translation apps
- IMSS is best value for long-term residents
- Keep records of pre-existing conditions
- Establish relationship with a GP early
Pro Tips
- •IMSS public insurance is excellent value for residents
- •Private hospitals in major cities are world-class
- •Many doctors speak English, especially in expat areas
- •Medications are much cheaper and many don't require prescriptions
- •Consider medical tourism for major procedures
Have questions about healthcare in Mexico?