Mexican Hospitals for Foreigners
Mexico is a top tourist destination and is regularly one of the most visited countries in the world. While you may want to focus on which sunny beach to visit or where to find the best tacos, it’s also a good idea to consider healthcare in Mexico when planning your trip.
It’s true that nobody wants to think about accidents or emergencies while abroad, but it’s always better to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether you’re traveling to Mexico or not, find the best hospitals in Mexico that suit your needs.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
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Do They Have Good Hospitals in Mexico?
Yes, and you’ll find them throughout the country. Mexico is a popular destination for medical tourism due to its high-quality healthcare system and excellent safety record for medical procedures.
You will find that both public and private Mexican hospitals offer high-quality care to their patients. Some hospitals are associated with American ones, and even if not, many doctors studied medicine abroad and speak English.
Mexico’s public hospitals are run by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). While these hospitals are some of the top ones in the country in terms of advanced technologies and patient care, they are notorious for long wait times. As such, most Mexicans tend to buy supplemental insurance so they can access private hospitals.
What Cities in Mexico Have the Best Medical Care?
The capital, Mexico City, has the best hospitals available in the country. According to Newsweek’s 2024 Best Hospitals list, 10 of the top 12 Mexican hospitals are all found in and around the suburbs of Mexico City.
Guadalajara and Monterrey are two other cities that ranked among the top 10 hospitals in Mexico.
Is There an American Hospital in Mexico?
Many Mexican hospitals are associated with American hospitals and healthcare organizations. Amerimed Hospital Group is an organization that specializes in medical tourism and follows care guidelines from the U.S.
Their hospitals can be found in the popular tourist destinations of Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Cozumel.
What Is the Best Expat Hospital in Mexico?
Below you can find the five best hospitals in Mexico. You will see both public and private hospitals made the list. All of them are Mexico City hospitals and offer state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality patient care.
The private hospitals below are all well-known for their concierge services offered to international patients. Many of the hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a United States-based nonprofit organization that monitors quality and safety in medical care.
Keep in mind that while the IMSS website isn’t available in English, there’s normally at least one staff member who is bilingual – especially if you’re visiting one of them in the capital.
Best Private Hospitals in Mexico City
Hospital Médica Sur
Puente de Piedra 150, Toriello Guerra, Tlalpan, 14050 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
Phone: +52 55 5424 7200
WhatsApp: +52 55 4635 5605
Email: miuriber@medicasur.org.mx
Hospital Médica Sur currently tops Newsweek’s 2024 Best Hospitals in Mexico list and has been one of Mexico’s best hospitals for over a decade. The hospital works together with the Mayo Clinic, one of the leading hospitals in the United States. A popular choice for medical tourism, Médica Sur has dedicated staff to support expats before, during, and after their stay.
Centro Médico ABC – Campus Santa Fe
Av. Carlos Graef Fernández 154, Col. Santa Fe, Cuajimalpa, 05300, Ciudad de México, México
Phone: +52 55 1103 1680
Email: atnpubsf@abchospital.com
Centro Médico ABC – Campus Observatorio
Sur 136 No. 116, Col. Las Américas, Álvaro Obregón, 01120, Ciudad de México, México
Phone: +52 55 5230-8880
Email: atencionalpublico@abchospital.com
Centro Médico ABC has two different campuses that are both rated among the top five best hospitals in Mexico. ABC has been associated with Houston Methodist Hospital since 2006. They are JCI-accredited and have, among other services, one of the most advanced cancer centers in Latin America. As a non-profit organization, the hospital invests extra funding back into vulnerable communities through specialized care, teaching, and research.
Hospitales Ángeles – Lomas
Vialidad de la Barranca s/n, Hacienda de las Palmas, 52763 Huixquilucan, México
Phone: +52 55 5246 5000
Hospital Angeles is a privately owned chain of hospitals in Latin America. The hospitals are known for their state-of-the-art technology and patient-centered care. They offer concierge services for international patients and are a popular site for medical tourism. The Lomas campus is a ten-story building with 175 medical offices.
Best Public Hospitals in Mexico City
IMSS – Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI
Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06720 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
Phone: +52 55 5627 6900
Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI is a public hospital complex managed by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). It is the best IMSS hospital in the country and specializes in
cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics.
IMSS – Centro Médico Nacional La Raza
P.º de las Jacarandas S/N, La Raza, Azcapotzalco, 02990 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
Phone: +52 800 623 2323
The Centro Médico Nacional La Raza is another public hospital managed by the IMSS. It’s a research hospital and a pioneer in specialized transplants, best known for its bone marrow transplant center.
Recommended Hospitals for Expats in Mexico
Expats and travelers can also seek high-quality care at the following facilities located throughout the country.
Best Hospitals in Guadalajara
Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Juan I. Menchaca
Salvador Quevedo y Zubieta 750, Independencia Oriente, 44340 Guadalajara, Jal., México
Phone: + 52 33 3883 4400
Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde
Calle Hospital 278, Centro Barranquitas, 44200 Guadalajara, Jal., México
Phone: +52 33 3942 4400
IMSS – Hospital General Regional 46
Calz. Lázaro Cárdenas 2063, 8 de julio, 44910 Guadalajara, Jal., México
Phone: +52 33 3810 0010
Best Hospitals in Monterrey
Christus Muguerza – Alta Especialidad
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla 2525, Obispado, 64060 Monterrey, N.L., México
Phone: +52 81 8399 3400
Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González
Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González S/N, Mitras Centro, 64460 Monterrey, N.L., México
Phone: +52 81 8389 1111
Hospitales Ángeles – Valle Oriente
Av. Cto. Frida Kahlo 180, Valle Oriente, 66260 San Pedro Garza García, N.L., México
Phone: +52 81 8368 7777
Best Hospitals in Puebla
Hospitales Ángeles – Puebla
Av. Kepler 2143, Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, 72190 Puebla, Pue., México
Phone: +52 22 2303 6600
Hospital Universitario De Puebla
Av 25 Pte 1301, Los Volcanes, 72410 Puebla, Pue., México
Phone: +52 22 2214 0702
Email: calidad.hup@correo.buap.mx
Christus Muguerza – Hospital Betania
Av. 11 Ote. 1826, Azcarate, 72501 Puebla, Pue., México
Phone: +52 22 2213 8300
Best Hospital in Mérida
Hospital General Agustín O’Horan
Avenida Itzaes s/n x Av Centro Jacinto Canek, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., México
Phone: +52 999 930 3320
Best Hospitals in Cancun
IMSS – Hospital General Regional 17
Av. Politécnico Nacional Región 509, Sin Nombre, 77533 Cancún, Q.R., México
Phone: +52 99 8267 8644
Hospital Galenia
Av. Tulum, Lote 1, Mza. 1, SM. 12 Esq. Nizuc Fracc. Sta. María Siké, 77505 Cancún, Q.R., México
Phone: +52 99 8891 5200
Email: info@hospitalgalenia.com
Best Hospitals in Tijuana
IMSS – Hospital General Regional 20
Blvd. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz s/n, Las Fuentes, 22115 Tijuana, B.C., México
Phone: +52 66 4629 6350
Hospitales Ángeles – Tijuana
Av. Paseo de los Héroes 10999, Zona Río, Zona Urbana Río Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, México
Phone: +52 66 4635 1800
Best Hospitals in Puerto Vallarta
Hospital CMQ Premiere
Av. Francisco Villa 1749, Vallarta Villas, 48313 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
Phone: +52 322 226 6500
Hospiten Puerto Vallarta
Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio #3970, Villa Las Flores, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
Phone: +52 322 226 2080
Email: hospiten@hospiten.com
Vallarta Medical Center
Av. Los Tules 136, Díaz Ordaz, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
Phone: +52 322 178 3000
WhatsApp: +52 322 779 9327
Email: info@vallartamedicalcenter.mx
Best Hospitals in Mexico City
Hospital Español
Av. Ejército Nacional Mexicano 613, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11520 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
Phone: +52 55 5255 9600
Email: contacto@hespanol.com
Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga
Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06720 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
Phone: +52 55 2789 2000
Best Health Insurance Plan for Expats in Mexico
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Best Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens Living in Mexico
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Best Travel Insurance Plan for Shorter Trips
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
What To Do If You’re Sick in Mexico?
Mexico has both public and private hospitals available for expats and foreigners. If you are legally working and paying taxes in the country, you should be automatically enrolled in the public IMSS insurance program by your employer.
For those who are self-employed, you can register yourself as long as you have a valid residency permit.
Once registered with the IMSS, you’ll be assigned a local clinic and doctor. This is where you’ll need to go to receive any type of health care.
You will need a referral from your assigned IMSS doctor if you need to see a specialist. However, you should be aware that the IMSS doesn’t cover many pre-existing conditions.
Depending on your health care needs, this can be a big disadvantage of the system.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital in Mexico?
While the IMSS hospitals have highly trained doctors who offer excellent care to their patients, most foreigners and wealthier Mexicans choose to use the private system.
Private hospitals have shorter wait times, a greater range of specialists, and more advanced medical equipment.
If you have an injury or need surgery, private hospitals generally allow you to make appointments directly with a doctor of your choosing on their website – and many of the sites are available in English.
Some even offer concierge services to support international patients, especially those in Mexico for medical tourism.
It’s recommended that expats and backpackers alike buy a comprehensive international health insurance plan to cover any treatments they may need while abroad.
Do Hospitals in Mexico Take American Insurance?
No, in most cases, you will not be able to use American insurance to cover treatments in Mexico.
Mexican hospitals do not have mutual agreements with other countries, and American plans such as US Medicare or Medicaid are not available in Mexico.
Unless you are eligible for the IMSS program, you will need to use the private system. As such, most expats purchase global health insurance plans to cover them while in Mexico.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit a Hospital in Mexico?
Health care costs vary widely depending on the hospital, the illness, the location, and other factors. Surprisingly, seeing a doctor averages the same price as an emergency room visit, between $15 and $20 USD.
Keep in mind that some facilities near large foreign populations have been known to charge higher prices. Most Mexican healthcare services don’t offer direct billing programs and will expect you to pay for the bills upfront.
You can then submit the paperwork to be reimbursed by your insurance.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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