Mexico Healthcare Guide
Everything you need to know about healthcare as an expat in Mexico.
Healthcare System Overview
Mexico has a three-tier public/private healthcare system. The public IMSS system offers affordable coverage for legal residents, while private healthcare in major cities matches US/European standards at 50-70% lower costs. Mexico ranks as the world's #2 medical tourism destination. Quality varies significantly by location—excellent in major cities, limited in rural areas.
Public Healthcare
IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) offers voluntary enrollment for legal residents. Annual costs range from $445-1,065 USD depending on age (higher for 60+). Coverage includes GP visits, specialist referrals, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, and emergency services. NOT covered: dental, vision, pre-existing conditions (cancer, HIV, diabetes complications), mental health (limited), medical evacuation. Wait times can be lengthy—weeks to months for specialists. Enrollment requires Temporary or Permanent Residency. IMSS-Bienestar provides free basic care for residents without other coverage but is not recommended as primary coverage for expats.
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare in major cities is excellent—comparable to US/European standards. Major hospital networks include Hospital Ángeles (30+ locations, JCI accredited), Médica Sur (#1 in Mexico, Mayo Clinic Network), Hospital ABC (Houston Methodist partner), Star Medica, and Christus Muguerza. English-speaking doctors available in expat-heavy areas and major hospitals. Quality decreases significantly in smaller cities and rural areas.
Healthcare for Expats
Access & Eligibility
Legal residents (Temporary or Permanent) can enroll in IMSS voluntary program. Tourist visa holders cannot enroll in public healthcare and must use private facilities or international insurance. Private healthcare available to all regardless of immigration status.
Recommended Approach
Most expats use a combination approach: IMSS for routine care and catastrophic coverage ($500-1,000/year), supplemented by private insurance or out-of-pocket for specialists and dental. Those in expat-heavy areas often rely primarily on affordable private care. For ages 65+, Plan Seguro is the only major Mexican insurer accepting new applicants. International insurance recommended for frequent travelers or those needing US coverage.
Typical Costs
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Health Insurance
Requirements
No mandatory health insurance for residents. IMSS voluntary enrollment available for legal residents. Private insurance recommended but not required. Tourist visa holders should carry travel insurance or international health coverage.
Recommended Insurance Providers
- IMSS Voluntary: $37-89/month depending on age, comprehensive coverage, pre-existing exclusions
- GNP Seguros: Major Mexican insurer, $125-400/month, age limit 64 for new applicants
- AXA Mexico: Good claims processing, $125-335/month, age limit 64
- Plan Seguro: Only option for 65+, $200-500/month, case-by-case pre-existing
- Cigna Global: International coverage including US, $150-500/month, no age limit
- GeoBlue: Good for US visits, $200-500/month
Medical Tourism
Mexico is the world's #2 medical tourism destination. Healthcare costs are 50-70% lower than the United States across most procedures. JCI-accredited hospitals in major cities meet international standards. Major medical tourism hubs include Tijuana, Los Algodones (dental capital), Cancun, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. English-speaking specialists available in tourist and expat areas.
Popular Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Medicare in Mexico?
Medicare does NOT cover routine care in Mexico. Limited emergency coverage exists within 6 hours of US ports. Medigap Plans D, G, M, N offer up to $50,000 lifetime foreign emergency coverage at 80% reimbursement. Tricare covers some care at specific Mexican hospitals for military retirees.
What prescriptions are available without a prescription?
Most medications available without prescription. Prescription REQUIRED for: antibiotics (since 2010), psychotropics, opioids, controlled substances. Prescriptions easily obtained from pharmacy doctors for $3-5 consultation at Farmacias Similares. Medications typically 50-80% cheaper than US.
What is the emergency number in Mexico?
911 is the nationwide emergency number. Cruz Roja (Red Cross) provides free or low-cost emergency transport. Private ambulances cost $50-200 USD. Emergency quality is good in major cities but limited in rural areas.
Can I get health insurance after age 65?
Most Mexican insurers cap new applications at age 64-65. Plan Seguro is the only major Mexican insurer accepting new applicants over 65 (case-by-case basis). International insurers like Cigna Global and BUPA Global have no or higher age limits. IMSS accepts enrollment at any age for legal residents.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
IMSS does NOT cover pre-existing conditions including cancer, HIV, diabetes complications, and chronic conditions. Private Mexican insurers typically have 24-month waiting periods or exclude pre-existing conditions entirely. International insurers vary—some offer case-by-case coverage. Mexican insurance has a unique advantage: deductibles apply per illness/accident for LIFE (not annually), which benefits chronic condition management.
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Compare Healthcare Systems
See how Mexico's healthcare compares to other countries.