Can foreigners get health insurance in Mexico?

Asked by: Duncan Weissnat  |  Last update: September 20, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (64 votes)

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.

Can a US citizen get health insurance in Mexico?

You may be eligible for Mexico's public health insurance as a US citizen if you or a family member work in Mexico's public or private sector businesses and have temporary or permanent residency there.

How do expats get health insurance in Mexico?

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 is the average cost of health insurance in Mexico?

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).

Can foreign visitors get health insurance?

Visitor Insurance most commonly refers to international travel medical insurance plans designed for international travelers visiting the United States of America. These plans are perfect for non-U.S. citizens who have domestic health insurance, but aren't covered outside of their home country.

A Look at Private Health Care in Mexico

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Can a non US citizen get health insurance?

If you're a lawfully present immigrant, you can buy private health insurance on the Marketplace.

Can you get health insurance on visitor visa?

- B1/B2 Visa (Tourist Visa): If you are visiting the USA on a tourist nonimmigrant visa you can purchase health coverage during your visit in the USA for as many days you want.

Is my US health insurance good in Mexico?

Does US health insurance work in Mexico? Most United States health insurance providers do not cover travel overseas, including to Mexico, but you should check with your carrier to be sure.

Is private healthcare in Mexico good?

Private healthcare in Mexico is considered excellent, and despite having access to the IMSS, most expats choose private facilities.

Does Blue Cross cover you in Mexico?

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.

Which city in Mexico has the best healthcare?

Hospitals and Clinics in Mexico

Mexico's best hospitals and clinics are based in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. If you are seeking specialist hospital treatment in Mexico you will probably have to travel to one of these cities.

Can I get Medicare if I live in Mexico?

Access to Medicare outside of the USA

Outside of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, Medicare is only available in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

What insurance do you 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.

What happens if you need to go to the hospital in Mexico?

A lot of people don't know that most hospitals here won't take an insurance assignment. That means that even if you have insurance, you'll have to pay to get released from the hospital and file a claim with your insurer to be reimbursed later. Most hospitals request a deposit by credit card when you are admitted.

What to do if you are sick in Mexico?

Unlike in the U.S., going to the doctor in Mexico is inexpensive and quick. For those wondering What to do when you get sick in Mexico — the answer is go see a doctor ASAP! If you find yourself sick in Mexico, open Google Maps, find one of the big chain pharmacies near you, and go straight there.

Can I use my US health insurance in another country?

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.

Why do people go to Mexico for healthcare?

A 2020 research paper that surveyed some 427 Americans crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in California for medical services found that most of the respondents "felt that Mexican health care services are of the same or better quality compared with those in the United States, for a lower cost."

Where does Mexico rank in healthcare in the world?

On an international scale, Mexico is ranked at 61 in the WHO's league table of countries for the performance of its health care system.

Do hospitals in Mexico take American insurance?

Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico? No, in most cases, you will not be able to use the health insurance you have in the US for treatment in Mexico. Your American health insurance policy, such as Medicare, will not extend outside the borders.

How do I get healthcare in Mexico?

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.

Do I need health insurance when traveling to Mexico?

There are currently no requirements that require U.S. citizens to carry medical or travel insurance as a condition of entering the country. However, since Mexico is still considered a developing country, many Americans purchase travel insurance before going.

Can a tourist buy US health insurance?

Travel health insurance for those who need coverage while visiting the United States. All plans feature a coverage period of 5-364 days, offer a choice of deductible amounts, and are available to persons aged 14 days and older.

Is it worth buying visitor insurance in USA?

As a visitor to the US, it is not mandatory to buy travel insurance. However, with high medical costs in the US, you can risk losing an enormous amount of money, even for a minor injury. To avoid any unexpected financial burden due to your medical conditions, buying a travel medical insurance policy would be best.

How can I get insurance without a visa?

Everyone Can Apply

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.”