What is the average cost of health insurance in Mexico?
Health Insurance in Mexico: Average Cost
The Cost of Health Insurance in Mexico
For foreigners living in Mexico, the average cost of a comprehensive health insurance plan is $5,900 per year. Most U.S. citizens also purchase additional coverage in the U.S., and so their premiums are higher.
Costs of the Mexican Healthcare System
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.
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.
Mexico spends $1181 per capita on health, less than the OECD average of $4986 (USD PPP). This is equal to 5.5% of GDP, compared to 9.2% on average in the OECD. There are 2.5 practising doctors per 1,000 population (OECD average 3.7); and 2.9 practising nurses (OECD average 9.2).
In Mexico, access to public health care is cheap. The main downfall is that as most public healthcare systems, the demand is higher than the offer, so the system is overcrowded. For this reason, many expats choose to either get private insurance or supplemental coverage. Mexico has various trusted providers.
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.
Medical service in Mexico | Average cost |
---|---|
Doctor consultation services and house calls | 500 pesos maximum or US$45 |
Lab test services | A third of the United States CAT scan prices, normally 25% of what you'd pay in the US |
In patient services (patients spending the night) | Mostly less than US$100 |
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.
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.
Can I use my Medicare in Mexico?
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.
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.
The Healthcare System in Mexico
Long waits to see a doctor or dentist are rare, results from tests are often given directly to the patient on the same day, and many medications are sold over the counter, with made-in-Mexico drugs costing less than half the price of their U.S. equivalents.
“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”.
Getting “unavailable or unapproved” procedures is a top reason for going abroad, according to the CDC, which also highlights lower costs – averaging at 40-60 percent cheaper for Americans in Mexico. Cosmetic surgeries like tummy tucks, which can cost thousands of dollars, are largely uncovered by US health insurers.
The major health concern in Mexico is Obesity. In Mexico, 32.4% of the population is obese, making it the country with the 2nd highest prevalence of obesity, behind the US. The country also has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the OECD, with 15.9% of the population having diabetes.
While health professionals in Mexico are generally well qualified and their expertise high, the medical equipment and quality of health facilities are not always the most consistent around the country, particularly in the public sector, where the standards of comfort and equipment are uneven.
Nearly 2 million U.S. citizens have pulled up stakes and moved to Mexico for a better life; it's the most popular country in the world for Americans who choose to live abroad. Mexico is relaxed and friendly. The highways are good, the healthcare is excellent and affordable, and the food is terrific.
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.
What happens if I have a medical emergency in Mexico?
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.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.
You can usually find out if your insurance covers certain procedures by asking your doctor. Additionally, most hospitals require payment upfront and/or frequently request advanced payments or deposits before care has been completed.
Treatment Type | Price in USD $ |
---|---|
Routine Checkup | $12 to $15 |
Complete Blood Work | $50 to $80 |
X-Ray | $24 to $30 |
MRI | $300 to $500 |
The average price of Colonoscopy in Tijuana is $900, the minimum price is $900, and the maximum price is $900. The total cost is calculated individually. It may range depending on your medical issue, doctor's qualification, procedure complexity and related complications (if they occur).
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