Health Insurance in Mexico for Foreigners (2024)

FAQs

Can foreigners get health insurance in Mexico? ›

Health Insurance for Foreign Residents 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.

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.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Health Insurance in Mexico: Average Cost

The costs will vary depending on the type of medical insurance, level of cover, the number of family members covered, among other factors. Just as an estimate, the average cost is around 38,000 MXN (1,700 USD) a year, with a deductible of approximately 11,000 MXN (5,000 USD).

Mexico has universal health care for its own citizens. Mexico has a public/private system. Everyone is guaranteed health care regardless of ability to pay. Americans and other foreign travelers are provided emergency health care services without charge based on need.

If you are not enrolled in any health plan, you'll be responsible for major health expenses, but you won't face a federal tax penalty.

“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”.

There are mainly two government sponsored insurance systems that you can choose from: Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS), run by the federal government and Seguro Popular, run by the state government. As a retiree you can also opt for a private healthcare service provider such as Lakeside Medical Group.

Medical tourists from the United States most commonly travel to Mexico and Canada, and to several other countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The reasons people may seek medical care in another country include: Cost: To get a treatment or procedure that may be cheaper in another country.

Can I use Kaiser in Mexico? ›

As a Kaiser Permanente member, you're covered for emergency and urgent care anywhere in the world.

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Medical costs in Mexico are generally lower than in the United States and Europe, which is a significant draw for patients from these regions. To put this into perspective: A doctor's visit can average at about 400 pesos, which is around 20 US dollars.

The public sector provides healthcare for the uninsured through the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) and the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). Private insurance is then available to those who desire it.

Lawfully present immigrants can get Marketplace coverage and may qualify for premium tax credits and other savings on Marketplace plans. The term “lawfully present” includes immigrants who have: “Qualified non-citizen” immigration status (see details below).

“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”.