Health Insurance in Mexico for Foreigners (2024)

FAQs

Can foreigners 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.

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.

US citizens living and working in Mexico may be eligible for healthcare in Mexico under the IMSS, which is the healthcare system provided under Mexico's private employment sector. If you have legal residency and are self-employed there, you can opt-in to the system voluntarily.

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.

Everyone Can Apply

​​Find out more on the Department of Health Care Services website. Both lawfully present and not lawfully present individuals can apply through Covered California to see if they are eligible for a health plan through Covered California or Medi-Cal. There is no “waiting period” or “five-year bar.”

Public healthcare has an elaborate provisioning and delivery system instituted by the Mexican government. It is provided to all Mexican citizens, as guaranteed by Article 4 of the Constitution. Public care is fully or partially subsidized by the federal government, depending upon the person's employment status.

Costs of the Mexican Healthcare System

It's funded in part by employees and employers who contribute to the IMSS each month. It's further augmented by funding from the federal government, which is raised through general taxation. A simple doctor's office visit costs about 400 pesos or roughly US$20.

Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have. So, the best way to find out whether your health insurance covers international travel is to contact your insurance provider.

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.

If you do need medical treatment whilst in Mexico, you may be required to pay for the services up front. At the very least, you will be asked to show proof of your ability to pay. This means that prior to any treatment you would be expected to: a) to show evidence of your insurance policy; b) give credit card details.

What happens if you can't pay your hospital bill in Mexico? ›

If you don't have enough money upfront, you could end up paying the bill later with a huge interest rate. The hospital can even call your credit card company once they receive your bill and charge them directly. It is recommended to get Travel Insurance for instances like these.

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

There are two primary options for health insurance for expats in Mexico on temporary or permanent residence visas: public health insurance through Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), which is the country's national healthcare system, or private health insurance.

What kind of coverage do I need in Mexico? The only type of coverage you're legally required to have in Mexico is liability, and you'll need to get it through a specialized insurer.

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.

In general, health care costs vary widely depending on the doctor, hospital or the magnitude of the situation. However, you can expect to pay a basic sum of between 350-500 pesos for a visit to the doctor. (That's about US$18-25).

“The major differences are the use of sedation, the cost and the care,” she adds, saying that the US has an advantage when it comes to technology – but not by much. “It's the cost and quality of services” that brings Americans to Mexico, she says. The quality is “almost the same, but here is cheaper”.

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

This makes Mexico a safe option for medical tourism for several reasons: The quality of healthcare services in Mexico is comparable to those in the U.S. Mexico has the most certified hospitals in Latin America. Modern medical equipment is readily available in major cities.