What are the disadvantages of healthcare in Mexico?

Asked by: Miss Elody Luettgen  |  Last update: January 5, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (45 votes)

Each year, around 3 million people in Mexico face catastrophic expenses due to major illnesses or injuries. Finally, quality is a challenge. According to several surveys, the population perceives the quality of health care as being very low in both the public and private sectors.

What are the health problems in Mexico?

Noncommunicable diseases and risk factors

In Mexico in 2023, the prevalence of tobacco use among people aged 15 and older was 11.9%. In the same age group, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 73.4% in 2022. Also in 2016, 28.9% of the population reported insufficient physical activity.

Is medical treatment in Mexico safe?

Mexico is home to top hospitals and medical facilities with international accreditations and sterling reputations in all facets of patient care and safety.

What are the disadvantages of government health care?

Con: limited budgets

Universal health care that's funded or heavily subsidised by the state may not offer treatments or medicines deemed not effective or proven enough to justify the expense. This practice, known as "care rationing", can even be expanded to frontline treatment.

What are the pros and cons of free healthcare?

Universal healthcare provides medical care to all citizens of a nation regardless of their ability to pay. Proponents of universal healthcare say it increases equality in a society and provides more affordable care. Critics say it can increase waiting times to get care or may lower the quality of healthcare.

FIGHT FOR HEALTHCARE: Pros and cons of healthcare in Mexico

26 related questions found

What country has the best healthcare?

According to the 2024 Mirror, Mirror report, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have the best healthcare systems, though the differences in overall performance among most countries are relatively small.

Is Mexico's healthcare system 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.

Where is the safest place to have surgery in Mexico?

Tijuana is, by far, is the best city for medical tourism because of incredible surgical talent. Tijuana is home to some of the best board-certified bariatric surgeons in Mexico. Tijuana has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for medical tourism, particularly due to its exceptional surgical expertise.

Is it safe to buy medicine in Mexico?

When purchasing medications in Mexico, avoid buying from street vendors or unregistered pharmacies. Instead, look for well-established and reputable pharmacies, preferably those recommended by local healthcare professionals or travel insurance providers.

What are some weaknesses of Mexico?

Weaknesses
  • Strongly dependent on the US economy.
  • High criminality linked to drug cartels and trafficking, widespread corruption surfing on poverty and inequality.
  • Weaknesses in transport, health and education.
  • High informality in the economy and the job market (55%)

Where is the best place to retire in Mexico on a budget?

Mexico's affordability, pleasant weather and established expat communities make it a popular retirement destination for Americans. The best places for retirees in Mexico are Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Lake Chapala, Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende.

What are three reasons to stay away from Mexico?

HOW SAFE IS IT TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO? DO THE MATH
  • An increase in homicides, mostly gang- and cartel-related killings.
  • Limited police presence and poor emergency response outside of major cities.
  • Drug and human-trafficking activity in some level-three or level-four (do not travel) states.

How to avoid getting sick in Mexico all inclusive?

Remind travelers that tap water in Mexico is not potable; that they should avoid consuming unpasteurized, often artisanal, dairy products, particularly soft or fresh cheeses; and that they should avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or fish, leafy greens, or raw vegetables.

How much does a doctor visit cost in Mexico?

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Mexico? Private doctor consultations typically cost $30-$70 USD without insurance. Emergency care or hospital stays will cost more. Many places expect payment on the spot.

What are three major issues in Mexico?

President López Obrador has collaborated with the US government in anti-immigration policies aimed at preventing migrants from travelling through Mexico to reach the United States.
  • Violence and Impunity. ...
  • Criminal Justice System. ...
  • Torture. ...
  • Military Abuses. ...
  • Disappearances. ...
  • Attacks on Journalists and Human Rights Defenders.

What city in Mexico has the best medical care?

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and it is home to most of the best hospitals in the country. Other cities that have popular hospitals are Monterrey, Tijuana, and Guadalajara. In these cities, you can find hospitals with English-speaking staff and comprehensive specialties.

Which country has the best surgery in the world?

What are the best countries for Surgery
  1. United States. The United States boasts a well-established healthcare system and is known for its cutting-edge technology and highly skilled surgeons. ...
  2. Germany. ...
  3. Thailand. ...
  4. India. ...
  5. Mexico. ...
  6. Singapore. ...
  7. South Korea. ...
  8. Brazil.

Are surgery centers safer than hospitals?

In fact, when it comes to having low infection rates, ASCs are consistently outperforming hospitals. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8.95 per 1,000 patients who had a surgical procedure at a hospital developed a surgical site infection.

Are doctors in Mexico any good?

All the doctors are carefully vetted and have plenty of experience treating both local and international patients, ensuring your consultation is clear and comfortable right from the start.

Why is diabetes so high in Mexico?

The epidemiology of diabetes in Mexico is complex and heterogeneous, with a large proportion of diabetes cases associated with obesity and glucotoxicity-mediated decreased β-cell function (33). Sociodemographic inequalities also markedly impact diabetes care for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (33–36).

Where does Canada rank in healthcare?

Across over 40 indictors measured, Canada's performance for availability and timely access to medical resources was generally below that of the average OECD country. In 2022, Canada ranked 28th (of 30) for the relative availability of doctors and 25th (of 30) for hospital beds dedicated to physical care.

Which country has the best doctors in the world?

Here are the top 10 countries known to have the best doctors according to the World Population Review 2024:
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • France. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Italy. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Austria. Often overshadowed by other countries, Austria has highly skilled doctors, particularly in rare diseases and palliative care.

What is the healthiest country in the world?

According to the index, Spain takes the top spot as the healthiest country in 2024. This impressive feat is attributed to a robust public healthcare system, readily available preventive care, and the widely celebrated Mediterranean diet.