Health Insurance for Expats from Mexico
An estimated 13% of Mexicans live abroad. By far the most popular destination for expats from Mexico is the United States. It’s home to an estimated 8.3 million to 11.4 million Mexican citizens.
Trailing in second and third place are Canada and Spain. The United States and Spain are similarly popular for Mexican students. An estimated 30,000 Mexican students study overseas annually, a number that grows by a few thousand each year.
Whether the time abroad is short-term or long-term, maintaining good health is essential. Health insurance for expats from Mexico is vital to maintaining both physical and financial well-being.
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
Does Mexico’s Healthcare System Cover Citizens Abroad
Unfortunately, when you move abroad, your Mexican health insurance won’t cover your needs in another country. Mexico’s healthcare system is based on residency.
The Best Medical Plans for Mexicans Living Abroad
Cigna Global offers the flexibility you need when you move abroad. Many Mexican expats have found this plan to be a great choice when living abroad.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Insurance for Mexicans Living in the USA
When moving to the U.S., the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is a great option. With the Blue Cross Blue Shield network of hospitals and doctors, you cannot go wrong in the U.S.
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.
Anticipating Medical Costs Overseas
Generally, healthcare in Mexico is more affordable compared to other countries in North America. It also costs less than healthcare in popular overseas destinations such as the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and Australia.
In particular, the cost of healthcare in the United States is astronomically high compared to that in Mexico. You don’t want to be caught without insurance coverage.
In some circumstances, the problem isn’t just the cost but also what’s included in your coverage. In some countries, the cost of prescription medication, diagnostic tests like X-rays, and even ambulance rides aren’t covered through public health insurance.
Even if you think you have coverage, you could be left holding the bill for additional services.
Healthcare in Mexico vs Worldwide
In many regards, the strength of Mexico’s healthcare system is in its flexibility. It has a public system, an employer-based system, and a private system.
This allows for everyone to be included. It also gives patients the option to choose the style of coverage that they prefer. The system also includes provisions for those who are not employed or have low incomes.
Not every country has a similar system in place. Many countries have employment-based systems for public healthcare. If you’re not part of the traditional labor market, your healthcare choices are limited.
Payment processing is another big change for expats from Mexico. Depending on where you relocate, paying for medical visits is going to be vastly more simple – or highly aggravating.
In Mexico, many clinics and hospitals don’t participate in direct billing programs with insurance companies. As such, patients often have to pay up front. They later submit their receipts for reimbursement. In other countries, you pay little to nothing up front.
For instance, Canadians are covered for 100% of the cost of their medical visits, and no cash ever changes hands. In France, patients often pay a very modest co-pay of a few Euros, but the rest of their costs are billed directly.
However, in countries like China, you might be required to pay for your care in advance. In an emergency, this wastes valuable time and causes tremendous stress. It’s even a problem for minor maladies.
Expats report that it’s aggravating to pay for a foot X-ray in one wing of a hospital before they receive their imaging in another wing. That’s a lot of hobbling and hassle.
Before relocating, research how your new country operates in terms of payment and billing. You don’t want a nasty surprise when you’re feeling ill.
Accessing Healthcare Services Abroad
Using Public vs Private Facilities Abroad
As expats from Mexico soon learn when they move overseas, the quality of public healthcare can vary widely around the world. It can even differ between regions of the same country.
Those who grew up with Mexico City’s excellent public hospitals will be shocked to see what passes for healthcare in many rural areas of the world.
By contrast, those who grew up in Mexico’s more remote areas will be thrilled to see the services offered at a modest urban hospital in many countries.
There are many advantages to using public facilities, as they usually offer inexpensive care. Additionally, the staff really know their local communities inside and out.
However, most public healthcare systems worldwide struggle to secure adequate funding. Long wait times are common.
Access to specialists is difficult. And in the most strained circumstances, facilities are disorganized, crowded, and even unhygienic.
Utilizing private facilities means that you’re more likely to be treated by a multilingual doctor. The facilities are much more private and comfortable.
Additionally, waitlist times are greatly reduced. Plus, in many countries, the public and private systems work well in conjunction with one another.
They’re not necessarily as separated as they are in Mexico. As such, it’s common for private facilities to make referrals to public practitioners if there’s one person you really hope to see.
Using Pharmacies Abroad
In Mexico, there are two groups of pharmacies. There are the segunda clase and the primera clase. Segunda clase pharmacies are found throughout Mexico and sell everyday medications, such as cholesterol drugs and allergy treatments. The primera clase pharmacies sell more restricted products, including serious pain medication.
This dual system is a rarity. Most countries, instead, have a system of drugstores and pharmacies. Both will dispense any medication for which you have a prescription.
However, drug stores usually have a large selection of toiletries, cosmetics, even snacks and toys in addition to having a pharmaceutical corner. Pharmacies are smaller and focus primarily on dispensing prescriptions, with limited additional services.
However, there is often a small display of first aid items, vitamins, and so on. It must be noted that the distinction between what is technically a drugstore and what is technically a pharmacy is increasingly blurred. You can use either term and get exactly what you need.
Note that in smaller towns and rural areas around the world, pharmacies may require a few days to fill prescriptions for less common medications.
Additionally, you might be required to show identification in addition to your prescription for regulated pain medication.
Returning Home
The Institute for Mexicans Abroad (Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior or IME) is a valuable resource. This decentralized agency of the Mexican government’s Foreign Ministry supports Mexicans who live and work abroad.
While they don’t facilitate healthcare coverage for Mexicans returning home after living abroad, they are a valuable source of information for all aspects of the expat experience, including moving back to their home country.
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
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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