Healthcare Overview
Mexico has a three-tier healthcare system:
Public (IMSS/ISSSTE)
~$600 USD/year- Government-run hospitals
- Available to residents
- Long wait times common
- Spanish required
- Covers everything once enrolled
Private Insurance
$1,500-5,000 USD/year- Access to private hospitals
- Shorter wait times
- English-speaking doctors often available
- Pre-existing condition limits
- Age limits apply
Pay Out of Pocket
Varies- Common for routine care
- Costs much lower than US
- Doctor visit: $30-80 USD
- Major surgery risk without insurance
- Most flexible option
IMSS for Expats
The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) offers voluntary enrollment for residents who aren't employed in Mexico.
Eligibility
- Must have legal residency (Residente Temporal or Permanente)
- Ages 0-59 eligible for new enrollment
- 60+ may have limited options or be rejected
- Pre-existing conditions have waiting periods
Costs (2024)
| Age Group | Annual Cost (approx) |
|---|---|
| 0-19 years | ~$220 USD |
| 20-39 years | ~$400 USD |
| 40-59 years | ~$600 USD |
| 60+ years | Generally not available for new enrollment |
⚠️ Important: IMSS has a 12-24 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions and major surgeries. Don't expect to enroll and immediately receive expensive treatment.
Private Health Insurance
Popular Options for Expats
- GNP Seguros: Major Mexican insurer, good hospital network
- AXA México: International company, various plan levels
- Allianz: Global coverage options, good for travel
- BUPA: International plans covering Mexico
- IMG Global: Expat-focused, US company
Key Considerations
- Age limits: Most won't issue new policies after age 65-70
- Pre-existing conditions: Often excluded or have waiting periods
- Deductibles: Higher deductibles = lower premiums
- Hospital networks: Check which hospitals are covered in your area
- Emergency evacuation: Consider if you want coverage to return home
Cost Comparison
Private healthcare in Mexico costs a fraction of US prices:
| Procedure | Mexico (Private) | USA (Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor consultation | $30-80 USD | $150-300 USD |
| Dental cleaning | $25-50 USD | $100-200 USD |
| MRI scan | $150-400 USD | $1,000-3,000 USD |
| Knee replacement | $8,000-15,000 USD | $30,000-50,000 USD |
| Lasik (both eyes) | $1,500-2,500 USD | $4,000-6,000 USD |
Prescriptions & Pharmacies
Many medications available only by prescription in the US are sold over-the-counter in Mexico.
Easy to Obtain
- Most antibiotics
- Blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medications (non-insulin)
- Many other common medications
Strictly Controlled
- Controlled substances: Opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants (Adderall)
- Require Mexican prescription from licensed doctor
- Cannot import: Bringing controlled substances from abroad is a crime
⚠️ Adderall/Stimulants: ADHD medications like Adderall are highly controlled in Mexico. Bringing them across the border without proper documentation can result in arrest. See our Enforcement Tracker for cases.
Major Pharmacy Chains
- Farmacia del Ahorro: Large chain, competitive prices
- Farmacia Guadalajara: Widespread in western Mexico
- Farmacias Similares: Generic medications, lowest prices
- Farmacia San Pablo: Common in Mexico City area
Emergency Care
In emergencies, hospitals are legally required to stabilize patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
What to Know
- Call 911 for ambulance (may be slow in some areas)
- Private ambulances: Services like "Angeles Verdes" on highways are free
- Carry ID and insurance info at all times
- Credit card deposits may be required at private hospitals
💡 Tip: In tourist areas, private hospitals often have English-speaking staff. Hospital Galenia (Cancun), CMQ hospitals (Puerto Vallarta), and Hospital Amerimed (multiple locations) are known for treating expats.