Health Insurance Coverage for Expats in Mexico (2024)

Are you moving away from home for work? If the answer is yes, then make sure that your healthcare needs are covered. Many people move to Mexico every year. They either relocate for employment, to retire, to study or just as a lifestyle choice. Irrespective of the reason, it is important to find the right solution for end-to-end healthcare management during your stay. You need to find expat-friendly medical coverage that is comprehensive.

Since every country has an entirely different health system compared to an expat’s home country, it is necessary to understand Mexico’s health system and plan in advance. Most expats choose to receive medical care in private hospitals in Mexico. Even though it is expensive, private clinics or hospitals offer high quality care. They are well-equipped with English-speaking staff and doctors.

Why expats opt for international medical insurance?

Having an international medical insurance helps expats cover healthcare costs that they may accrue while living abroad. Medical costs can be very high in a new country, especially if one is suffering from a severe health condition.

With the international insurance, they get to avail quality care during medical emergencies. Such plans are beneficial but expats will have to spend money on buying an international plan.

Are you moving away from home for work? If the answer is yes, then make sure that your healthcare needs are covered. Many people move to Mexico every year. They either relocate for employment, to retire, to study or just as a lifestyle choice. Irrespective of the reason, it is important to find the right solution for end-to-end healthcare management during your stay. You need to find expat-friendly medical coverage that is comprehensive.

Since every country has an entirely different health system compared to an expat’s home country, it is necessary to understand Mexico’s health system and plan in advance. Most expats choose to receive medical care in private hospitals in Mexico. Even though it is expensive, private clinics or hospitals offer high quality care. They are well-equipped with English-speaking staff and doctors.

Why expats opt for international medical insurance?

Having an international medical insurance helps expats cover healthcare costs that they may accrue while living abroad. Medical costs can be very high in a new country, especially if one is suffering from a severe health condition.

With the international insurance, they get to avail quality care during medical emergencies. Such plans are beneficial but expats will have to spend money on buying an international plan.

Do Mexican hospitals accept USA coverage?

USA health insurance coverage is not accepted in private hospitals of Mexico. The same is applicable for Medicare as well. Unless you have a USA health plan that covers healthcare in Mexico, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for availing medical services.

Check your plan closely for details, especially if you intend on keeping it. In most cases, living in Mexico as an expat will likely disqualify coverage under the scope of travel insurance.

Private hospitals and clinics in Mexico charge good money for healthcare services. They are well-equipped and have English speaking staff and doctors. As an expat you need to know that not all private hospitals provide treatment under the international health insurance. They can however issue an invoice for the treatment. You need to collect this invoice and present to your international insurance company for reimbursem*nt claim. Also, if you find yourself in a medical emergency, you will have to pay for availing ambulance services.

Extensive coverage with Lakeside Medical

With Lakeside Medical Group, you don’t have to worry about end-to-end healthcare management in Mexico. We are similar to a Managed Care HMO that accepts more than 350 USA and Canadian health plans. This means, you can enjoy extensive health coverage during your stay in Mexico without having to buy an international insurance plan.

If you wish to use your existing USA insurance plan in Mexico, you can do so by gaining membership from our group. As a member, if you use your existing plan, there will be no need to pay deductibles or co-insurance. Membership with Lakeside Medical is free of cost and there are no hidden charges.

Health Insurance Coverage for Expats in Mexico (2024)

FAQs

Can expats get health insurance in Mexico? ›

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 it's very affordable, only costing approximately $500 per year for residents.

Does my US health insurance cover me in Mexico? ›

Your employer-provided health plan may have limited or no coverage in Mexico, and Medicare doesn't cover health care outside the United States, except in rare cases. Travel health insurance pays for emergency medical expenses during a trip. These expenses include the following: Ambulance service.

What is the average cost of health insurance in Mexico? ›

How much does healthcare insurance cost in Mexico? An IMSS coverage can cost around US$400 per year. The cost of private insurance can vary, but on an average it cost around US$1,700 per year.

Can temporary residents get health insurance in Mexico? ›

Foreign residents (temporary or permanent) can apply for the Mexican public healthcare insurance system known an IMSS on a voluntary basis which provides access to certain doctors, clinics and hospitals in Mexico. Some medications are also covered under this plan.

Can expats use Medicare in Mexico? ›

Standard Medicare A & B can be used only in the USA. No coverage is provided for Standard Medicare A & B in Mexico. Now what to do if you just have Standard Medicare A & B? Well, then you will have to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement Plan.

What does expat health insurance cost? ›

How much does international health insurance cost? The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,500 per year.

Can I have US health insurance if I live abroad? ›

Does US health insurance cover you living abroad? Generally, U.S. health insurance benefits will not cover you while outside of the U.S. Your domestic U.S. health insurance plans will cover you in a specific region within the USA.

How much does it cost to stay in the hospital in Mexico? ›

A recent study reported that a single day in a hospital in the U.S. costs around $1,514 while according to the World Health Organization the healthcare costs in Mexico are less than $120.

How to apply for free health insurance in Mexico? ›

If you are a legal resident in Mexico, but not formally employed (such as a retiree), you can apply to be enrolled in the IMSS public health insurance program yourself. The procedure is as follows: Collect the required documents (see below). Apply online at the IMSS website or apply in-person at the local IMSS office.

Is private healthcare in Mexico good? ›

Private healthcare in Mexico

Although private hospitals are more expensive, they are better equipped, provide greater access to specialised procedures and generally provide higher-quality care.

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Mexico? ›

A simple doctor's office visit costs about 400 pesos or roughly US$20. Diagnostic tests can cost up to a third less in Mexico compared to the United States or Canada. However, costs can quickly add up for more complicated procedures.

How to get medical care in Mexico? ›

In Mexico, you will have good private and public health insurance options. Public health care is usually provided by the IMSS through employment or voluntary enrollment. The INSABI provides health care to individuals who are not covered by IMSS or who do not have private insurance.

Do hospitals in Mexico take US insurance? ›

USA health insurance coverage is not accepted in private hospitals of Mexico. The same is applicable for Medicare as well. Unless you have a USA health plan that covers healthcare in Mexico, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for availing medical services.

Do permanent residents of Mexico get free healthcare? ›

Mexico has a public healthcare system, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), which provides medical services to citizens and permanent residents. It is funded by the government and contributions from employees and employers. The services offered by IMSS are free of charge for its beneficiaries.

How much money do you need for temporary residency in Mexico? ›

Residency in Mexico Through Monthly Income

If you are applying for residency in Mexico using your monthly income to fulfill the financial criteria, you have to ensure that your monthly income is at least USD $4,350 for temporary residency and USD $7,300 for permanent residency.

Who is eligible for government healthcare in Mexico? ›

Public healthcare system in Mexico

Those employed in Mexico are automatically enrolled in the IMSS system and their contribution to the scheme is deducted from their salary. Those who are not formally employed may voluntarily enrol in the IMSS system, in which case they will have to pay an annual contribution fee.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6111

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.