How much does it cost to go to hospital in Mexico?

Asked by: Dr. Elna Nicolas  |  Last update: February 14, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (36 votes)

Average cost of an emergency room visit
In general, health care costs vary widely depending on the doctor, hospital or the magnitude of the situation. However, you can expect to pay a basic sum of between 350-500 pesos for a visit to the doctor. (That's about US$18-25).

Do you have to pay for hospital in Mexico?

Translating Your Medical Bill

One thing you probably won't think about if you're looking into medical care in Mexico is your hospital bill. Especially if you specifically chose a place because you found an English speaking doctor. Expect the hospital to give you a bill in Spanish.

How much is emergency room in Mexico?

Mexico Health Care Facts

To give you an idea, for an emergency room visit you can expect to pay a basic sum of between 350 and 500 MXN (15 and 25 USD). A doctor's consultation will cost you approximately the same as a trip to the emergency room — around 400 MXN (18 USD).

Are hospitals cheaper in Mexico?

The cost of medical care in Mexico is up to 75% cheaper than that of the US. It offers far less expensive rates for everything from dental work to bariatric surgery.

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

If it's an emergency, you can call 911—same as in the United States. Ambulances in Mexico are typically private companies, and you may even have several ambulances arrive to try and compete for your business. Be warned that you may have to pay for them on arrival, privately owned ambulances aren't free.

We Went to a Mexican Hospital: Here's How Much it Cost

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How much is an ambulance ride in Mexico?

These fees usually range from US$25,000 to US$60,000 for a dedicated air-ambulance to transport you from Mexico back to the US or Canada, and more if your home country is in Europe or Asia.

How much is a doctors visit in Mexico?

In general, health care costs vary widely depending on the doctor, hospital or the magnitude of the situation. However, you can expect to pay a basic sum of between 350-500 pesos for a visit to the doctor. (That's about US$18-25).

Is healthcare in Mexico free?

Whether you are covered with the IMSS or the Seguro Popular, healthcare in Mexico is free and there is no co-payment. The main downside is that you are not free to choose your own doctor (except in specific cases). You are not covered abroad, in the private sector or in your home country.

What happens if you have a medical emergency in Mexico?

You should head to the nearest hospital or clinic if you experience a medical emergency. If you're in a rural area, go to the closest town and find the local police station or hospital.

Is healthcare free in Mexico for tourists?

Residents and citizens in Mexico are entitled to universal healthcare, but as a tourist you will likely have to use private healthcare options and be covered by private insurance. This is not to say a public hospital won't treat you, but you will probably have to pay up-front and have insurance cover.

How much does an xray cost in Mexico?

How much does x-ray examination cost in Mexico? The average price of x-ray examination in Mexico is $110, the minimum price is $20, and the maximum price is $200.

Are hospitals in Mexico good?

The majority of Mexican hospitals are excellent and are staffed by highly trained and often English-speaking doctors. However, some nursing and care staff might not speak English. Mexico has achieved universal health coverage and its public healthcare is used by most Mexican residents.

What happens if you don't pay a medical bill in Mexico?

So, do your best to avoid any actions that could land you in a Mexican jail. If you become hospitalized in Mexico and cannot pay your hospital bill, you cannot be lawfully detained against your will. If this happens or is threatened, call the ministerio público (district attorney) for help.

Why is healthcare so cheap in Mexico?

Doctors in Mexico do not purchase malpractice insurance (so there is no incentive for patients to sue for malpractice), thus saving the $4,000-$20,000 in annual malpractice insurance that doctors in the U.S. typically pay.

Will my US health insurance cover me in Mexico?

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.

Is there a 911 in Mexico?

911 is Mexico's national emergency number and will give you the fastest response.

Does Mexico have emergency rooms?

Unlike many US hospital, emergency rooms or urgent care clinics, in Mexico, if you visit a hospital, you will be expected to pay up-front for the services rendered.

Is surgery free in Mexico?

Every Mexican citizen is guaranteed no cost access to healthcare and medicine according to the Mexican constitution and made a reality with the “Institute of Health for Well-being”, or INSABI.

Is medical care in Mexico good?

Fortunately, you will find, in general, healthcare in Mexico is very good…and in many places it is excellent. Many doctors and dentists in Mexico received at least part of their training in the U.S. (And many U.S. doctors have trained in Mexico, notably in Guadalajara and Mexico City.)

Does Mexico have better doctors than the US?

According to the latest health ranking prepared by specialists of the British medical journal The Lancet, Mexico ranks 48th out of 188 countries for the best health professionals worldwide. This list includes nations from virtually the entire planet.

Is medical care in Mexico expensive?

One of the many benefits of living in Mexico as an expat is the generally excellent level of medical care and the comparatively low cost of healthcare in the country. It is one of the key reasons more and more Americans, Canadians and retirees from other countries are choosing Mexico as a place to live.

Do you need health insurance in Mexico?

Private Medical Insurance in Mexico

Most foreign residents who can afford to do so will take out a private medical insurance plan that covers their personal needs and gives them direct access to private doctors, clinics and hospitals in Mexico.

Are ambulances free in Mexico?

On average, they provide more than 1.3 million people with emergency ambulance services, free of cost, every year. This equates to Mexican Red Cross responding to eight out of ten ambulance calls (source: International Federation of Red Cross).