Medical Insurance for Expats in Mexico
A primary consideration for those searching for expat health insurance in Mexico is the choice of where you can receive treatment. Local insurance programs will cover you for care in Mexico. However, if you want the option of receiving your care in another country, or in your home country, a global health insurance plan is the way to go. Private medical insurance in Mexico will also provide you with your choice of hospitals in country, and worldwide, so you can decide where to receive care for you and your family.
Public hospitals are often crowded and the primary language spoken will be Spanish. Private hospital rooms, a greater range of specialists, and shorter waiting times are some of the perks you can expect to enjoy if you supplement your coverage. Although IMSS has a broad network of hospitals, waiting periods can be lengthy for non-emergency procedures. Access to some of the better private hospitals will be limited or not available at all. IMSS members who are covered through their employment receive preference over independent enrollees. Be aware, IMSS will limit or exclude coverage for certain pre-existing conditions.
Best Expat Health Insurance in Mexico
Expatriates in Mexico have options for their global medical coverage. Two leading providers are Cigna Global and GeoBlue Xplorer. Cigna Global is a great option for most and you benefit from their flexible plan design allowing you to tailor coverage by selecting specific modules to meet your specific coverage needs. GeoBlue Xplorer plan is an excellent insurance option for US citizens living in Mexico as they will provide up to 9 months of coverage back in the USA as well as worldwide.
Best Health Insurance Plan in Mexico for Expats
The Cigna Global health plan listed below offers expats in Mexico a wide range of plans, excellent service, and a variety of coverage options to suit the specific needs of our clients. Cigna Global’s international medical insurance plan for Mexico is a great option for a few reasons. Clients like the modular plan design which allows you to select certain benefits you want to be covered and not pay for benefits you don’t need. Cigna is partnered with over 125 of the best medical facilities, companies, and hospitals. All foreign nationals are eligible to apply, no matter your age.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
The Best Health Insurance for US Citizens in Mexico
US Citizens living in Mexico have some unique considerations when it comes to health coverage in Mexico. As the two countries are very close, you may want to receive most of your medical care in the USA. In that case, you should purchase the GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Plan which will provide up to 9 months of medical benefits in the USA along with coverage anywhere in the world. If you are ok with receiving care in Mexico, you can exclude USA coverage from your global medical insurance plan to save up to 50% on your monthly premium.
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
Cheapest Health Insurance Plan in Mexico
IMG Global Medical offers an affordable plan for internationals and foreigners living abroad. Their Bronze plan is the cheapest and provides coverage primarily for catastrophic and emergency medical care. Their Gold and Platinum plans offer more comprehensive coverage at affordable rates. You also have the option of their Gold and Platinum level of coverage for more comprehensive benefits at a reasonable price.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and additional optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Mexico?
The average cost of a comprehensive health insurance plan in Mexico is $5,900 per year. Most US citizens also purchase cover in the USA and so their premiums are higher. If you exclude US coverage from your plan, you can save approximately 50% of the cost of a high quality plan. For example, the cost for a Canadian citizen would be $3,010. For Europeans, the cost would be closer to $2,750 per year. The government plans discussed below come with different costs and have limitations on where you can receive care.
Does US Health Insurance Work in Mexico?
In general, most US medical insurance plans will offer little to no benefits to legal US citizens living in Mexico. You need to check with your specific plan to confirm what is covered out of the country. Most plans will cover you in your state of residence, and some plans cover you throughout the USA. Few offer cover outside of the USA. An International Health Insurance plan will be able to cover you worldwide – in any country where you may be at the time. You can also choose to receive treatment in the country of your choice.
Understanding Mexico’s Insurance Systems
Health Insurance in Mexico is often less expensive than in other countries such as the United States. However, medical treatment–particularly emergency medical care–can still be quite expensive for people without medical insurance coverage in Mexico, and most health care providers will require that those without insurance pay prior to receiving treatment. Be aware also that certain healthcare facilities in areas with large international tourist populations have been known to inflate medical charges. The quality of care is good to very good but will vary widely across facilities.
IMSS – Mexico’s National Solution
The Mexican healthcare system has resources for ex-pats with three different levels of care. The most basic level focuses on care for the unemployed, including some of the country’s poorest families. This level of care is free to nationals and is not really applicable to expats. The middle level is the public sector national healthcare program, Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS). Foreign citizens who are employed in Mexico are eligible for IMSS coverage. It is a popular resource for working expats with a temporary or permanent residency visa. One advantage – The cost of the coverage through IMSS is very affordable, costing approximately US$500 per year for residents.
The top-level of healthcare comes in the form of services at private clinics and hospitals in major cities of Mexico City, Iztapalapa, and Guadalajara as well as smaller cities throughout the country. Like private health facilities around the world, you can expect more comfortable conditions compared to the government-operated facilities found at the second level of care. If you are an expat who is covered through the IMSS for your regular insurance needs, you’ll want to consider purchasing supplemental expat health insurance that would equal this third level of care. This is especially true if you’re based in a more rural area where the available standard government-provided care might be very basic indeed.
For Retirees Living in Mexico: Insurance for Retired Citizens Living Abroad
In addition, be aware of your options regarding health care providers in different areas of the country. Doctors, dentists, and emergency medical personnel are located throughout the country. However, English-speaking doctors are much more readily available in large cities like Monterrey as well as regions that are well-known for expats, like Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende or Mérida. The country’s highest-rated hospitals and clinics are clustered in a few cities as well, including Ecatepec, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
Read More: Mexico’s Healthcare System
Costs and Paperwork Considerations for Health Plans in Mexico
Non-residents, retired expats, and those working as freelancers or Nomads won’t have the advantage of IMSS coverage. Instead, they’ll require their own private international healthcare insurance coverage. However, it is important to remember that a good insurance policy does not mean you don’t have to worry about paying for emergencies. It is a smart idea to keep a reserve of cash on hand in your bank. In many cases, clinics and hospitals don’t participate in direct billing programs for international insurance. Patients have to pay before leaving the hospital and submit the relevant paperwork for reimbursement. They may even have to make a deposit against their final bill at the beginning of their stay.
In other cases, hospitals require your insurance company to send them a Guarantee of Payment certificate. This is so the hospital is confident they won’t be out of pocket. In these circumstances, it’s great that you do not have to pay upfront – but it also means coordinating international paperwork when you are not feeling your best. It would be prudent to have a conversation with your insurance provider pre-departure to see what their requirements are in terms of notifying them before you seek treatment and what kind of receipts they would require for reimbursements.
Services and Standards for Hospitals
It’s important to remember that healthcare services may not be available in English, regardless of where you seek treatment. Of course, many Mexicans do speak English, especially those who work in the medical system. But you should never assume that you will automatically be treated by English speaking staff. Thankfully, most insurance providers include telephone support, can help you find a local translator, or even help with the interpretation directly over the phone. Language matters aside, the overwhelming majority of expats are very happy with healthcare in Mexico. Nearly 80% surveyed reported being somewhat satisfied to very satisfied with their experiences.
Hospitals Accepting Insurance in Mexico
Christus Muguerza Hospital
Carretera Nacional 6501 Col. La Estanzuela, Monterrey N.L., 64988
+86 4008 919191
Hospital Ángeles Tijuana
Av. Paseo de los Héroes #10999
+52 664 635 1800
CMQ Hospital Puerto Vallarta
Basilio Badillo 365, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
+52 322 223 1919
Hospital México Americano
Calle Colomos No.2110, Ayuntamiento, 44620 Guadalajara, Jal.
+52 33 3648 3333
Related: Best International Hospitals in Mexico and Safe Places to Live in Mexico
Thinking Globally – When Expats Hit The Road
When expatriates first catch a glimpse of Mexico’s sunny beaches, they vow that they’re never going to leave. And who can blame them? The truth, however, is that most expats do leave Mexico now and then for a short sojourn. They may pop up over the border to the United States to enjoy a little cross-border shopping with their favorite brands or take advantage of deeply discounted winter airfare to visit ski destinations outside the area. In these circumstances, never assume your health insurance for Mexico for expats will cover you if you leave the country. In particular, visits to the United States may be catastrophically costly if you are so unlucky to experience a traffic accident or unexpected serious health illness. As with all travel experiences, it’s good to plan ahead to make sure you are covered.
Worldwide Insurance for Foreigners and Internationals Living in Mexico
If living well is the best medicine, Mexico may just be one of the healthiest countries in the world. The combination of gorgeous views, a delectable foodie scene, and warm communities make the country a beloved destination for expats, especially retirees. Foreigners living in Mexico can enjoy an exceptional quality of life everywhere from bustling cities to sleepy, oceanside hamlets. And the genteel climate and affordable prices certainly don’t hurt at all! But the combination of low prices and relaxed living doesn’t mean that expats in Mexico can ignore their health insurance needs.
Start by Requesting Quotes for Coverage
Use the links below to research plans further and request a quote from your preferred global medical insurance programs. These private health plans have been vetted by our expert health insurance agents and are designed specifically for expats and foreigners living abroad in Mexico.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and additional optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
Related:
- Health Insurance for Expats in Canada
- US Health Insurance for Expats in America
- Travel Insurance for Visitors to Mexico
