Health Insurance in Mexico- Do You Really Need It?

Many people move to Mexico for various reasons, including better weather, lower cost of living, a new adventure, and affordable healthcare. But there’s a saying in the expat community: “Don’t leave your common sense at the border.”

What do I mean by that?

Well, it’s simple. Unfortunately, many expats living in Mexico have learned the hard way that even though routine and outpatient medical care is generally more affordable in Mexico, it doesn’t mean that a catastrophic event can’t leave you bankrupt.

Let me explain…

First, Let’s Talk About The Healthcare System in Mexico

Mexico’s healthcare system is broken up into a few parts. First, a federal government healthcare program, IMSS (similar to Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S.), exists.

Then, there is private healthcare and insurance. To help you understand how each one is different, I’ll give you a brief description of each one.

Please remember that I am neither a doctor nor an insurance broker in Mexico. This information is solely for your research, and I recommend working with an expert who can help you navigate your health and insurance policy.

Federal Employees Healthcare- ISSSTE

Let’s start with federal employees in Mexico whose employers pay social security taxes and have access to a healthcare program known as ISSSTE.

Unlike the Social Security program known as IMSS- which I will cover further down- the ISSSTE is charged with providing benefits for federal government workers only. The acronym is Instituto de Seguridad Y Servicios Sociales Del Los Trabajadores Del Estado. (Whew! That’s a mouthful!)

Most of us do not qualify because we do NOT work for the Federal Government in Mexico, so I won’t discuss the ISSSTE.

Healthcare Funded By Taxes- IMSS- Bienestar

These are the waiting lines at IMSS- There are usually no places where family members can wait.

One of the most popular healthcare programs you’ll probably hear about is IMSS– which stands for Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. You can enroll if you’ve been employed in Mexico or have a CURP. That means you first have to receive your residency in Mexico to qualify.

IMSS Fees as of 2024

AGE RANGE& ANNUAL PREMIUM IN MXN
0-19$8,200
20-29$10,200
30-39$10,950
40-49$12,700
50-59$13,150
60-69$18,300
70-79$19,050
80+$19,700

IMSS FEES ARE IN MEXICAN PESOS

You pay a yearly premium calculated based on a few factors, including your age. For example, someone in their 60s without pre-existing conditions would pay around USD $1,000 USD/Year or MXN $18,300.

However, some pre-existing conditions will disqualify you from enrolling at all. IMSS has its own hospitals and clinics, and its doctors are well-trained specialists who usually have private practices. The downsides to having IMSS as your form of health insurance are:

  • Waiting periods for certain conditions.
  • Long lines and wait times- there are only so many IMSS hospitals and many patients.
  • Availability of specialists during off-hours or holidays.
  • In some cases, there are run-down facilities with outdated equipment.
  • You usually do not have a private room.
  • No English-speaking staff in most cases.
  • Medications can sometimes be scarce.
  • You are assigned a local clinic, depending on where you live.
  • Wait for days or weeks for more serious surgeries- which can be very uncomfortable.

With all those negatives, why would someone want to enroll in IMSS for healthcare? Well, for many, this is the only option for having affordable healthcare in Mexico. And even though some of the IMSS hospitals lack medications or services, for many, it is a far better option than not having any medical coverage.

Private Health Care in Mexico

Private healthcare in Mexico allows you to go to private clinics and hospitals of your choice without waiting for hours or days.

Private hospitals are usually the most modern facilities with up-to-date equipment, private rooms, a cafeteria, a lounge area for family members, and English-speaking staff. And unlike IMSS, you can usually be seen immediately and receive comfortable and personalized care.

A private hospital in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not bashing the public healthcare system in Mexico. On the contrary, I am very thankful that the lower-income families in Mexico have access to some form of healthcare even at the lower poverty levels.

I’m saying that if you can afford to pay for private health insurance in Mexico, then I wouldn’t think twice about it.

What About Self Insuring?

Some foreigners prefer to self-insure or pay out of pocket for medical treatment in Mexico.

And I join entirely in the sentiment that Mexican healthcare is usually far more affordable and better in Mexico than in the U.S.A.

For example, you can get a CAT scan on the same day without an appointment for less than USD 300 without insurance.

You can get a comprehensive lab panel done for less than USD 100 without insurance. You can also quickly see a specialist like a cardiologist or orthopedic doctor for about USD 40, not including treatments and medications.

You can even have major surgery for a 1/3 of the cost of what it would be in the U.S.- Like my friend Pat, an 80-year-old ex-pat who had invasive back surgery in Guadalajara and paid out of pocket without breaking her bank. Yes, medical care in Mexico can be much more affordable.

You May Be Interested in Learning About Pat’s Surgery in Guadalajara

But I also have to share that a catastrophic event in Mexico without insurance can just as easily bankrupt you if you’re unprepared.

For example, if you were to have a heart attack in Mexico and needed a stent plus a week of hospitalization, you could be looking at USD $30,000-$40,000 without insurance. And something like cancer can quickly add, costing around USD $100-200k total in medical treatments if you don’t have insurance.

And in Mexico, treatment at a private hospital without insurance means you need to leave a sizeable deposit before being admitted to most hospitals. And in some cases, you won’t be released until you pay your bill.

But the important message here is that you can avoid that headache with health insurance or savings.

You may be interested in the video below, which explains some of your healthcare options in Mexico.

YouTube video

If you’re from the United States and are eligible for Medicare, then you have an alternative in case of emergencies. Those who have Medicare A and B can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, which covers their life-threatening medical conditions in Mexico. But it’s important to know that not all medicare advantage plans cover you outside of the United States. So, speaking with the right broker can help you determine which Medicare Advantage plan is right for you. If you need our Medicare Advantage broker recommendations, check out our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide.

Age Limits and Pre-Existing Conditions?

As we age, our health insurance premiums will naturally increase, and at some point, it becomes difficult for seniors to qualify for private health insurance. All insurance companies in Mexico have an age limit to apply.

Usually, that age is 69. A few companies in Mexico insure people past 70, but they are expensive and require many medical exams. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you will likely have difficulty getting private health insurance in Mexico.

But we have a solution!

I take my research at Mexico Relocation Guide very seriously. I receive about 100 emails each month from people concerned they won’t be able to get insurance in Mexico, which is when I found Greg.

Greg Hovey runs Safe Travels in Mexico, a travel insurance company that offers great health insurance in Mexico for foreigners, including Canadians, Europeans, Americans, etc. He can insure anyone under 79 who plans on moving to Mexico, even if you have pre-existing conditions. And even if you only plan to live in Mexico part-time.

Check out my Q&A with Greg below

YouTube video

What Does Health Insurance in Mexico Cost?

I’ve seen many expats start GoFundMe campaigns to help them pay medical bills in Mexico because they didn’t realize you can’t go home until you pay your account!

Can you imagine that? Not being able to go home until you pay?

Because there’s no way for the hospital to guarantee you’ll return and pay? No one wants the added stress of medical bills after recovering from a traumatic experience or dealing with a chronic illness.

health insurance in mexico

This is especially true when health insurance in Mexico costs around $100-$300 USD/Month for comprehensive coverage for healthy individuals in their 60s.

A fraction of the total bill. And even if you have pre-existing conditions, we have solutions that will cover you in an emergency in Mexico.

I am not advocating for health insurance companies either because, let’s face it, they’re very profitable businesses. They don’t really care about you as the client. Your health insurance broker is the one who truly cares about you and will look at your entire medical history to suggest the best plan.

What To Look For In A Health Insurance Broker?

Not all brokers are great, and not all health insurance companies have great coverage. Therefore, it is important to do your homework and research when working with an insurance broker. You see, health insurance in Mexico is unlike health insurance policies in the U.S.

There are a lot of nuances that you might not know about because you don’t know what questions to ask. You need to find a great broker who understands this and has experience working with expats. That way, they will thoroughly explain your policy, its coverage terms, and what to do in an emergency.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself when doing some research:

  • Where is the broker located? Are they here in Mexico, able to assist you in an emergency? Getting things resolved in Mexico can be challenging, so you need a broker who knows their way around the Mexican system.
  • Does the broker have an office, and are they established in the community? As experienced and reliable as your agent in your home country can be, insurance is different in every country. Unless your agent is located in Mexico or has a company registered and established here, you cannot expect high-quality service and timely claim resolutions as you can with an agent experienced in Mexico.
  • Should I choose a broker representing multiple insurance companies? In my opinion, YES! A good insurance broker should be able to offer you a variety of policies with options to suit your requirements and your budget. Health insurance in Mexico ranges from basic to elite-level companies. You may want a policy that only covers you in Mexico or one that gives you international coverage. Some Mexican companies even give you full coverage in the U.S., usually a quarter of the price you would pay for a policy through a U.S.-based company.
  • Does my broker speak English? Select an insurance broker that offers bilingual assistance. It will be virtually impossible to resolve your claim without a Spanish-speaking advocate. You want a broker and an insurance company that can communicate with Mexican officials, hospitals, and other agencies involved in a claim.
  • Request proof of their license when shopping for any insurance. Unfortunately, there are many salespeople selling insurance illegally in Mexico. They mislead clients and make promises they cannot keep, and the client may end up in bankruptcy with no legal recourse. An insurance broker should have a license that ensures the agent/broker is diligent and complies with the law. It protects clients from errors made by the broker, and the mistakes of omission policy protects the insured. Our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide only recommends licensed and vetted health insurance brokers.
  • Avoid misleading information- Get everything in writing. Review the policy and ensure everything promised to you during the presentation is in writing. Verbal promises are not going to help you while you are sitting in an emergency room.
Age limits may be one of the reasons you might have to self-insure in Mexico.

Take Your Healthcare Seriously

There are few things in life we can truly control. We can control how we live, our lifestyles, the foods we eat, and the stressors we add to our lives.

Our health is one of the few things in life we have some control over. Sure, no one can predict chronic diseases or catastrophic events. And as unfortunate as they are when they happen to us, there’s something about having insurance that can help you sleep at night.

In Mexico, healthcare is much more available and far more affordable. Many people end up in better health after moving to Mexico because the doctors in Mexico genuinely care about your overall health. I’ve chatted with many Canadians and Americans living in Mexico who have talked about getting off the lifelong list of medications they were taking by making a few changes to their lifestyle and diet based on their Mexican doctor’s instructions.

Many retirees have found that improving their quality of life makes them feel more energized and younger. And that can be you, too! But I also want to make sure you don’t move here because medical emergencies won’t cost an arm and a leg without some coverage. Moving to Mexico should be about finding a better life, after all.

Mariana Lange

Mariana Lima-Lange was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. when she was a child. Every year she would split her time between life in the U.S. and Mexico- which gave her a deep understanding about Mexican culture, lifestyle, and traditions. She is fluent in both Spanish and English. Since 2019, our blog posts, resources, videos, and COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Online Guide have helped thousands move to Mexico the right way!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David Michael Waggoner says

    Hello Marianna and thanks for this article and good advice.
    What options for private coverage do expats over 75 have….if any?

    • Mariana Lange says

      Hi David
      Most insurance companies won’t insure anyone over 70 in Mexico. There are a few exceptions. In our Complete Mexico Relocation Guide we give you the contact info for the brokers around México that have insurance companies for people over 70 in Mexico.

      Alternatively you could either self insure or enroll in the IMSS

      • Anna says

        I have Plan Seguro through Novamar Insurance in Puerto Vallarta. They have offices in the United States and Mexico. I am insured for 2 Million USD and pay around 150.00 per month. I am 63. My insurance agent just told me that they have plans with BUPA and Plan Seguro that have no age cap.

  2. Darrell L Bushnell says

    In your article above you state – All insurance companies in Mexico have an age limit to apply. Usually, that age is 75. But in your reply to a comment you state the age limit for a policy is 70. Which is correct?

    • Maria stevens says

      Can I go and talk in person with Greg as to what insurance I could qualify, and if so where is he located.

  3. Fred Quinn says

    Hi Mariana,
    “health insurance in Mexico costs around $200-$400 USD/Month for comprehensive coverage for healthy individuals in their 60’s.”
    That is as much as a person would pay in the US with Medicare Part B, Part D, Medigap coverage, and a Dental plan, and that is with several pre existing conditions when you initially sign up!
    You can use the public healthcare system in Spain after living there for one year on a buy in plan for expats. It is rated much higher than the healthcare system in the US, you pay no extra for pre existing conditions, and the cost is 170 euros ( much less if you are under 65) or 170 US dollars per month. For these reasons I chose Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa even though Mexico has nicer beaches. Fred

    • Mariana Lange says

      It’s average. It’s not a total amount. Mexico also has a social security hospital known as IMSS (kind of like Spain) where the insurance is very affordable (less than $170 euros)

      • Fred Quinn says

        The IMSS plan in Mexico requires you to pay up front for 1 full year of coverage and if they deny your coverage because of pre-existing conditions they keep your money and you get no coverage. There are a number of You Tube videos on this subject. There are ways to avoid pre-existing condition penalties in the US, but not in Mexico. Spain, France, Germany and a number of other European countries are light years ahead of both the US and Mexico when it comes to low cost, high quality healthcare.

        • Mariana Lange says

          They don’t keep your money upfront if you aren’t covered. You only pay your premium once you are covered through IMSS. Sorry but you shouldn’t believe everything you see online

    • Anna Lopez says

      Not quite true. Medicare for seniors in the US is approximately $100 a month.

  4. Claudia Hernandez says

    Does INSABI cover costs for children with mental health needs? If the parents are NOT expats, how do they afford it? Where do they go for help because I know people whose children have needs, live in Mexico and can’t get to a specialist.

    • Mariana Lange says

      That’s what iNSABI is for- people who cannot afford private healthcare. But those locals will have to make an effort to travel to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Which may prohibit them from being able to get help, unfortunately.

  5. Francisco Vazquez says

    Please do you a favor and do not rely on IMSS, INSABI nor other government health care institutions. They don’t have enough fundings to operate, so any urgent care could be dangerously delayed or denied because there is a lack of medics, material or medicines. Also, expect terrible service and huge queues. Trust me, do not rely on these and get your health insurance from companies like “Seguros Monterrey”, “GNP”, “Metlife”, or some other private insurance company. These are not as expensive as in the US.

  6. Roberta Smith says

    So if you are over70 what freaking options are there? Public insurance is inadequate and no private insurance exists?
    Do you just fly home or wait to die?

    • Mariana Lange says

      If you are over 70 and area healthy, you can sign up for the IMSS system in Mexico. Or we have a contact for expat healthcare in Mexico that insures people over 70 even if they have pre existing conditions. In our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide we give you access to our recommended healthcare brokers and info on how to sign up for IMSS.

      Complete Mexico Relocation Guide
      mexicorelocationguide.com/guide

      • Stephen Williams says

        Hi Mariana, So my wife and I will be moving to Mexico soon. My problem is that I am 72 (she is 9 years younger). I am still not sure what to do about healthcare. I am healthy but don’t want a catastrophic event that could bankrupt us. What are my worthwhile options?

        • Mariana Lange says

          Hi Stephen
          You could apply for the IMSS social security medical system in Mexico. However, remember you don’t get fully covered until 3 years after signing up.
          Most people in your situation either hire an international health policy or pay out of pocket.
          We have an excellent recommendation for an expat healthcare broker who can help you sign up for a policy that covers your emergencies in Mexico while you self-pay for minor things, which are very inexpensive.

          Our recommended contacts information is included when you purchased our Mexico Relocation Guide
          mexicorelocationguide.com/guide

  7. Ashley Armour says

    Mexico

  8. Kay Wagner Mitchell says

    We are in process now of moving to San Felipe, Baja. Wondering if all above and other also applies to San Felipe also?

  9. Brianna Haver says

    This is why I live close to the US border in Baja. We have a free government facility here for minor lumps and bumps and for catastrophic it is a 1.5 hr drove away from US. Win win.

  10. Wes Chapman says

    I was quite surprised that your blog does not cover Medicare as an alternative for emergency coverage in Mexico. Many Advantage plans include worldwide coverage for emergencies for stays outside the US of 6 or 12 months. This coverage does not include any additional fees and can be used anywhere in the world. Plans C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N provide emergency coverage up to $50,000 for trips up to 60 days in length. Almost all US citizens over the age of 65 have access to Medicare, and it offers access to care back in the US. Using Medicare outside the US is not limited to networks in Mexico.

    • Mariana Lange says

      Not all my customers are from the U.S.A we have several posts where Medicare Advantage is Covered as an option for people living in Mexico

  11. Carlos Holguín says

    I’m 69. I don’t yet live in Mexico full-time, but I intend to in another year or so. I do spend a lot of time there, however, and would not feel comfortable without health insurance of some sort.

    Here in the US I have original Medicare Parts A and B and a gap plan. I would not swap those for a Medicare advantage plan, which, IMO, is a scam to enrich large health insurers while offering inferior, less flexible benefits to plan participants.

    The exception, as has been pointed out, is that some advantage plans offer *some* coverage to participants who live abroad, but I know of none that offer equivalent coverage inside and outside the U.S.

    To date, my solution has been to buy medical evacuation insurance, which costs under $500/year. Small issues cost little to treat in Mexico, but should anything catastrophic befall me, the insurance will evacuate me to the U.S., where I can get care at any hospital and from any doctor that accepts Medicare, which upwards of 95 percent do.

    The more I read about all the restrictions private insurers in Mexico impose, the more I think I’ll just self-insure down there and rely on evacuation to the U.S. in case something really nasty happens.

    The main risk, as far as I can see, is that a car accident or something equivalent lands me in hospital for an extended stay and immediate evacuation isn’t possible. But even then, many policies cover such stays until evacuation can be accomplished.

    Are there any other downsides to this approach? Thanks.

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