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 good English speakers, so you can rest assured 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.
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 good English speakers, so you can rest assured 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 and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best 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 exclusion of coverage if you have certain pre-existing conditions.
Best Expat Health Insurance in Mexico
There are two leading providers for medical insurance in Mexico with global medical coverage: The best-suited plan for all expats is Cigna Global, and for U.S. Citizens is the GeoBlue Xplorer.
Cigna Global is a great option for expats in Mexico since their wide range of flexible plans allows you to customize by selecting only the medical benefits that meet your specific coverage needs.
The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is an excellent insurance option for U.S. citizens living in Mexico due to its flexibility in regards to choosing where to get 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 a perfect option for a few reasons. Clients like the modular plan design, which allows you to select certain benefits you want to be covered and not pay for services you 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
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
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 GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Plan is best since it entitles you to up to 9 months of medical benefits in the U.S., in addition to medical coverage anywhere in the world. However, if you prefer to receive care in Mexico, you can choose to exclude U.S. coverage from your plan, and this will save you up to 50% on your monthly premium.
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
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
- Four plan options and additional optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
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.
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 price for a Canadian citizen would be $3,010 a year. For Europeans, it would be close to $2,750 per year.
Read on below to know more about the Mexican government's plans and its different costs and limitations on where you can receive care.
Can I Use My U.S. 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 throughout the U.S. However, only a few include coverage outside of the U.S., so you need to confirm what is covered when out of the country.
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 from 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 it's very affordable, only costing approximately $500 per year for residents.
However, if you are an expat covered through the IMSS for your regular insurance needs, getting supplemental expat health insurance must be highly considered since the standard government-provided care is fundamental.
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, Guadalajara, and 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.
For Retirees Living in Mexico: Insurance for Retired Citizens Living Abroad
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 that are well-known for expats, like Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, or Mérida. The country's highest-rated hospitals and clinics are clustered in just a few cities as well, including Ecatepec, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
Read More: Mexico's Healthcare System
Billing and Paperwork Considerations for Health Insurance Plans in Mexico
Non-residents, retired expats, freelancers, or nomads are not eligible for IMSS coverage, and they will need to get their own private International Health Insurance plan. In any case, it is essential to remember that even a good insurance policy does not guarantee not having to pay for medical emergencies. It is still best to keep a reserve of cash since, in many cases, 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, do clarify with your insurance provider about their requirements regarding notifying them before you seek medical treatment and what kind of receipts they would require for reimbursements later on.
Services and Standards for Hospitals in Mexico
In terms of language barrier concerns, many Mexicans do speak English, especially those who work in the medical system. 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% surveyed 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
+86 4008 919191
Hospital Ángeles Tijuana
Av. Paseo de los Héroes #10999
+52 664 635 1800
CMQ Hospital Puerto Vallarta
Basilio Badillo 365, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
+52 322 223 1919
Hospital México Americano
Calle Colomos No.2110, Ayuntamiento, 44620 Guadalajara, Jal.
+52 33 3648 3333
Related: Best International Hospitals in Mexico and Safe Places to Live in Mexico
Thinking Globally – When Expats Hit The Road
When expatriates first catch a glimpse of Mexico's sunny beaches and experience a culture that's like no other, they instantly fall in love with the country and vow that they're never going to leave. Who can blame them?
The truth, however, is that most expats do leave Mexico now and then for a short vacation. They may pop up over the border to 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 so unfortunate as to get involved in an accident or unexpectedly get seriously ill. As with all travel experiences, it's good to plan to make sure 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 make the country a beloved destination for expats, especially retirees. Foreigners living in Mexico can enjoy an exceptional quality of life everywhere, from bustling cities to 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.
Start by Requesting Quotes for Coverage
Use the links below to research Mexico health insurance plans further and request a quote from your preferred global medical insurance programs. These private health plans have been vetted by our expert health insurance agents and are designed specifically for expats and foreigners living in Mexico.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and additional optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
