Is medical treatment cheaper in Mexico?

Asked by: Tessie Parisian  |  Last update: August 16, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (43 votes)

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. Also, the quality of medical care in Mexico is as good as in the USA.

Why are medical procedures cheaper 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.

How expensive is medical care 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).

Is medical care in Mexico good?

The World Health Organization noted that the overall efficiency of Mexico's publicly-funded healthcare system ranked well below the developed world. Mexico ranked #61 compared to first place France. Spain ranked #7, the UK #18, Canada #30 and the U.S. #37.

Are doctors in Mexico better?

According to a survey by The Lancet, specialists have placed Mexican medical providers in position #48 of their global ranking…. 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.

Medical tourism: Americans traveling for cheaper health care

21 related questions found

Are Mexican hospitals expensive?

While the cost of medical care in Mexico is generally much lower than the U.S., private hospital care can still be expensive, especially compared with the public healthcare options. One or two hospital stays may make you wish you had joined IMSS or INSABI as your backup plan.

Is Mexico's healthcare system better than the US?

A study published this year in The Lancet found that Mexico's Healthcare Access and Quality Index rating rose from 49.2 in 1990 to 62.6 in 2015. This 100-point scale is a measure of citizens' access to quality healthcare.

Are doctors expensive 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).

How safe is it to get surgery in Mexico?

The truth is that plastic surgery in Mexico is safe and effective when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon at an accredited facility. In order to become a plastic surgeon in Mexico, doctors must complete extensive training and pass rigorous exams, and surgery facilities need to be cleaned and checked regularly.

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.

Does Mexico have good hospitals?

Mexico boasts an impressive and efficient healthcare system consisting of public and private schemes. The majority of Mexican hospitals are excellent and are staffed by highly trained and often English-speaking doctors.

Where does Mexico rank in health care?

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.

What is wrong with Mexico's healthcare system?

Mexico's healthcare system is underfunded and inadequately organized to meet the needs of its population in light of increasing longevity and the growing challenges created by the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

What city in Mexico has the best medical care?

In alliance with the German market and consumer data company Statista, the magazine ranked hospitals in 27 countries for its World's Best Hospitals 2022 index. Médica Sur, located in the borough of Tlalpan, ranked No. 1 in Mexico with a score of 94.37.

Can US citizens get healthcare in Mexico?

Yes, since the introduction of the INSABI scheme in January 2020, Mexico has universal healthcare for all its citizens and expats.

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.

Where is the best healthcare in the world?

Switzerland. Switzerland comes top of the Euro Health Consumer Index 2018, and it's firmly above the eleven-country average in the Commonwealth Fund's list too. There are no free, state-run services here – instead, universal healthcare is achieved by mandatory private health insurance and some government involvement.

Is medical care 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.

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.

How much is an xray 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.

Does American insurance work in Mexico?

Most typical U.S. auto insurance policies will not cover Mexico. So, if you're heading south of the border, you'll need additional coverage for the family wagon. GEICO, for example, has partners that offer Mexico-specific policies for cars, RVs and motorcycles.

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.