Will my health insurance cover me in Mexico?

Asked by: Larue Howe  |  Last update: February 7, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (48 votes)

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.

Do you need medical insurance to travel to Mexico?

Travel insurance is not currently required for all of Mexico. However, travel insurance with medical coverage is required for visitors to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. This insurance is to protect travelers against any unforeseen medical event, including those derived from COVID-19 contagion.

Does my insurance work in Mexico?

Does Your Car Insurance Cover You 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.

Can US citizens get healthcare 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.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover me 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.

What is Mexico Healthcare Like? - Costs & Medical Insurance

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Does your health insurance work out of country?

Unfortunately, most domestic health insurance policies dont provide coverage outside your home country. In general, domestic plans limit their coverage to specific geographic areas.

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.

What do expats do for health insurance in Mexico?

Public Health Insurance in Mexico

Expats are automatically enrolled in the IMSS program by their employers. Expats who are not formally employed, or who are self-employed, can voluntarily enroll in the IMSS program.

Can I use my Medicare in Mexico?

The simple answer is no. Medicare is only available to citizens and permanent residents of the USA who are residing in the USA. Some exceptions when Medicare may cover your expenses in a foreign country include; If you have a medical emergency and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital.

What insurance companies cover in Mexico?

Which companies provide coverage in Mexico?
  • Allstate Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance. ...
  • GEICO Mexico Car Insurance. ...
  • Progressive Mexico Insurance. ...
  • Liberty Mutual Mexican Auto Insurance. ...
  • Other options for car insurance in Mexico.

What kind of insurance do you need in Mexico?

Liability car insurance in Mexico

You are required by Mexican law to have liability insurance. If you cause a car accident, this covers bodily injuries and property damage to others. You can typically choose a policy limit (up to a certain amount).

Can I see a doctor in Mexico?

Mexico has many fine doctors and many also speak good English. If you are in need of an English-speaking doctor in Mexico you may contact your local consulate as they usually keep a list of local doctors at hand.

Why is travel insurance to Mexico so expensive?

Worldwide travel insurance is considerably more expensive than domestic or European policies due to the potential medical costs in foreign countries. You can still find affordable cover, though.

How much does private health insurance cost in Mexico?

How much does healthcare insurance cost in Mexico? An IMSS coverage can cost around US$400 per year. The cost of private insurance can vary, but on an average it cost around US$1,700 per year.

Is medical insurance expensive in Mexico?

The Cost of Health Insurance in Mexico

For foreigners living in Mexico, the average cost of a comprehensive health insurance plan is $5,900 per year. Most U.S. citizens also purchase additional coverage in the U.S., and so their premiums are higher.

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.

Who qualifies for IMSS in Mexico?

Health insurance in Mexico can be broken down into three categories: IMSS: Public healthcare usually comes through the IMSS, Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social . If you legally reside in Mexico and you are formally employed in Mexico, you and your employer are required to enroll you in IMSS.

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.

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 do I get medical care in Mexico?

The Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) provides healthcare services for both Mexican citizens and expats legally residing in the country. People enrolled in the IMSS program receive full coverage, including prescriptions. To find out if you will qualify for the program, check the IMSS site.

Who has access to healthcare in Mexico?

Mexico has a mix of public health insurance programs, employer-provided health insurance and private out-of-pocket care. And a number of disconnected social security institutes that provide care. That means Americans traveling to Mexico may only be experiencing one aspect of the country's healthcare system.

How much is a hospital visit in Mexico?

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).

How do I know if my insurance covers me internationally?

The first step is to contact your health insurance company to verify whether your emergency medical coverage extends outside the U.S. Contact the customer service department and ask these kinds of questions: If I get sick or injured abroad, will my policy cover me?