Mexico is a very welcoming country to foreigners. Many Mexicans speak English, so language and communication will be the least of your problems. The healthcare providers in the country are also proficient in English, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands when you need medical assistance.
In this post, you will learn why health insurance in Mexico for expats is one of the best in the world. See the cost of the healthcare service in the country and which policies and insurance providers work well with expats and immigrants.
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
Medical Insurance for Expats in Mexico
When it comes to choosing the best health insurance in Mexico for foreigners, one major thing to consider is where you can receive treatment, given your insurance limitations, whether in a public or private hospital.
Sure, any local insurance program can cover immediate care; however, having an international health insurance plan not only guarantees immediate care but also equips you with options of getting it from the best treatment centers in Mexico.
Before traveling to Mexico, you should be fully aware that access to some of the better private hospitals will be limited or not at all available.
Public hospitals are often crowded, and the primary language spoken will be Spanish. Waiting periods can be lengthy for non-emergency procedures.
If you are getting local insurance (IMSS), some patients may be given more priority than expats due to membership level, and there might be limits or exclusions of coverage if you have certain pre-existing conditions.
Best Expat Health Insurance in Mexico
There are two leading providers of medical insurance in Mexico with global medical coverage: The best-suited plan for all expats is Cigna Global, and for U.S. citizens, it is the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan.
Cigna Global is a great option for expats in Mexico since its wide range of flexible plans allows you to customize by selecting only the medical benefits that meet your specific coverage needs.
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is an excellent insurance option for U.S. citizens living in Mexico, as it offers flexibility in choosing where to receive medical care.
The Best Health Insurance 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 an excellent option for several reasons. Clients appreciate the modular plan design, which allows them to select specific benefits they want to be covered and avoid paying for services they don’t need.
Aside from ensuring excellent service, Cigna Global is partnered with over 125 of the best medical facilities, companies, and hospitals in Mexico. All foreign nationals are eligible to apply, regardless of age.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
The Best Health Insurance in Mexico for U.S. Citizens
As the two countries are very close, U.S. citizens may opt to just have their medical care back in the U.S.
In that case, purchasing the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier Medical Plan is the best option, as it entitles you to up to 9 months of medical benefits in the U.S., in addition to comprehensive medical coverage anywhere in the world.
However, if you prefer to receive care in Mexico, you can opt to exclude U.S. coverage from your plan, which could save you up to 50% on your monthly premium.
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.
The Cheapest Health Insurance Plan in Mexico
IMG Global Medical offers different affordable insurance plans for 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 for reasonable rates as well.
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
The Cost of Health Insurance in Mexico
For foreigners living in Mexico, the average annual cost of a comprehensive health insurance plan is $5,900. Most U.S. citizens also purchase additional coverage in the U.S., and so their premiums are higher.
However, if you exclude U.S. coverage from your plan, you can save approximately 50% of the cost of a high-quality plan. For example, the annual price for a Canadian citizen would be $3,010. For Europeans, the yearly cost would be approximately $2,750.
Read on below to learn more about the Mexican government’s plans, including their costs and limitations on where you can receive care.
Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico?
More often than not, the majority of U.S. medical insurance plans will offer little to no benefits for U.S. citizens living in Mexico.
Most plans will cover you in your state of residence, and some plans cover you throughout the U.S. However, only a few plans include coverage outside the U.S., so you need to confirm what is covered when traveling abroad.
Having an International Health Insurance plan is best to ensure coverage worldwide. With this plan, you can also choose to receive treatment in the country of your choice.
Understanding Mexico’s Insurance Systems
Health Insurance in Mexico is comparatively cheaper than in other countries, such as the United States.
However, medical treatments–particularly emergency medical care–can still be quite expensive for people without medical insurance coverage, and most hospitals in Mexico will require payment before receiving treatment, especially for those without medical insurance.
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 it still varies widely across facilities.
IMSS – Mexico’s National Solution
The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or IMSS, is Mexico’s national healthcare program. Foreigners who are living and employed in Mexico are eligible for IMSS coverage.
It is a popular resource for working expats with a temporary or permanent residency visa. The advantage of IMSS health coverage is that it’s very affordable, only costing approximately $500 per year for residents.
However, if you are an expat covered by the IMSS for your regular insurance needs, obtaining supplemental expat health insurance should be highly considered, as the standard government-provided care is essential.
Like anywhere globally, you can find high-quality healthcare services and facilities in private clinics and hospitals compared to government-operated facilities.
In Mexico, you can expect more comfortable conditions in private healthcare facilities in major cities, such as Mexico City, Iztapalapa, and Guadalajara, as well as in smaller towns throughout the country.
If you are in a more rural area, the available standard government-provided care might be fundamental indeed if you only have an IMSS health plan.
As to the availability of health care providers in different areas of Mexico, you may quickly find doctors, dentists, and emergency medical personnel throughout the country.
However, English-speaking doctors are much more readily available in large cities like Monterrey and regions well-known for expats, such as Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, or Mérida.
The country’s highest-rated hospitals and clinics are also clustered in a few cities, including Ecatepec, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
Billing and Paperwork Considerations
Non-residents, retired expats, freelancers, or nomads are not eligible for IMSS coverage and must obtain their own private international health insurance plan.
In any case, it is essential to remember that even a good insurance policy does not guarantee that you will not have to pay for medical emergencies. It is still advisable to maintain a reserve of cash, as many clinics and hospitals in Mexico do not participate in direct billing programs for international insurance.
Patients may have to pay before leaving the hospital and submit the relevant paperwork for reimbursement. They may even have to pay a deposit upfront before getting treated or admitted to the hospital.
Some hospitals will require a Guarantee of Payment certificate instead from the insurance company as proof that they won’t be out of pocket.
With this arrangement, it’s great that you do not have to pay upfront – but it may also mean having to coordinate international paperwork when you are not feeling your best.
Therefore, before traveling, clarify with your insurance provider their requirements for notifying them before seeking medical treatment and the type of receipts they will require for reimbursement later on.
Services and Standards for Hospitals in Mexico
Regarding language barrier concerns, many Mexicans speak English, particularly those working in the medical field. However, you might not be automatically treated by English-speaking staff just because you are a foreigner.
Thankfully, most insurance providers provide telephone support that can help you find a local translator or even assist with language translation directly over the phone.
Language matters aside, the overwhelming majority of expats are pleased with healthcare in Mexico. Nearly 80% of the surveyed individuals 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
Tel: +52 86 4008 919191
Hospital Ángeles Tijuana
Av. Paseo de los Héroes #10999, Tijuana, B.C.
Tel: +52 664 635 1800
Hospital De Jesús
Av. 20 de Noviembre 82, Ciudad de México
Tel: +52 55 5542 6501
CMQ Hospital Puerto Vallarta
Basilio Badillo 365, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Tel: +52 322 223 1919
Hospital México Americano
Calle Colomos No. 2110, Ayuntamiento, 44620 Guadalajara, Jal.
Tel: +52 33 3648 3333
Thinking Globally – When Expats Hit The Road
When expatriates first catch a glimpse of Mexico’s sunny beaches and experience a culture unlike any other, they instantly fall in love with the country and vow that they will never leave. Who can blame them?
The truth, however, is that most expats do leave Mexico occasionally for a short vacation. They may cross the border into the United States to enjoy a bit of cross-border shopping with their favorite brands or take advantage of discounted winter airfare to visit ski destinations outside the area.
Under these conditions, never assume your health insurance in Mexico for expats will still cover you if you leave the country. In particular, visits to the United States may be catastrophically costly if you are unfortunate enough to get involved in an accident or unexpectedly get seriously ill.
As with all travel experiences, it’s essential to plan to ensure you are covered every time.
Worldwide Insurance for Foreigners Living in Mexico
If living well is the best medicine, Mexico may be one of the healthiest countries in the world. The combination of gorgeous views, a delectable foodie scene, and warm communities makes the country a beloved destination for expats, especially retirees.
Foreigners living in Mexico can enjoy an exceptional quality of life, whether in bustling cities or sleepy, oceanside hamlets. And the cultured climate and affordable prices certainly don’t hurt at all!
Even so, this doesn’t mean that you can set aside and ignore your medical insurance needs, so you are protected from whatever happens during your stay in Mexico.
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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