Essential Healthcare Tips for Expats Living in Mexico

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Healthcare in Mexico is a topic of great importance for expats. With the recent implementation of the “Sistema Universal de Salud” (Universal Health System), Mexican citizens and legal residents have access to free public medical services. However, the quality of these services can vary greatly from region to region.

Private health services are also an option, and many expats choose to take out private health insurance. If you’re a foreigner living in Mexico (or you plan to move there soon enough), this second option might be better if you’re looking for fuller coverage or it’s important for you to be attended by English-speaking doctors.

In this article, we’ll give you some important tips on healthcare for expats in Mexico. We’ll talk about both the public and private services available and how health insurance works for foreigners in the country.

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The Public Healthcare System in Mexico

Mexico's public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health. All Mexican citizens and legal residents are entitled to the services offered free of charge.

The quality of this however can vary greatly from one region to another. In general, larger cities tend to have better public hospitals and clinics than rural areas.

There are two types of public hospitals in Mexico: general hospitals and specialty hospitals. General hospitals provide basic medical care, while the latter focus on a specific area of medicine (for example: pediatrics, obstetrics, etc.).

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Private Medical Care in Mexico

Private healthcare may be a better option for foreigners in Mexico. Throughout the country, you’ll find hospitals, clinics, and private offices where you can treat any ailment or medical emergency you have. Of course, it’s in large cities and popular tourist destinations that you’ll find the best private medical care. In small towns, it’s likely that you’ll only find basic clinics.

Compared to countries like the United States and Canada, private health insurance in Mexico is considerably cheaper. Not to mention, the hospitals and clinics are very well-equipped and have highly-qualified medical staff.

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Medical Insurance for Foreigners in Mexico

As a foreigner in Mexico, you may want to take out health insurance that offers you the right care when you need it.

In this case, you have two options:

Obtain international medical insurance from your country of origin (don’t forget to confirm that it covers you in Mexico).

Review the options for foreigners offered to you in Mexico. Many insurers have special plans for foreigners with which you’ll receive the medical care you need.

Whether you choose to take out international insurance or pursue coverage from one of the many options available for foreigners in Mexico, it’s important that you ensure that the plan provides protection for any and all the activities you plan to do while in the country, in addition to the fact that it’ll cover you for the entire time you plan to be there.

Private health insurance will grant you access to the private health services offered in the nation, which, as we’ve mentioned, has excellent infrastructure, highly trained personnel, and offers better medical care than the public health system.

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Additional Information for Healthcare in Mexico

Here are some additional things that you should know related to healthcare in Mexico:

Many medications are available in Mexico without a prescription. However, you should know that not all drugs available in the country are approved by the FDA.

Tap water in Mexico isn’t safe to drink. Be sure to drink bottled or boiled water, or have a filter in place.

Mosquitoes are quite common in the nation, even in large cities. Use mosquito repellent and take precautions to avoid bites.

Mexico is located in a seismic zone, so there's a chance of earthquakes. It’s important that you become familiar with the safety procedures of your area in case of an emergency.
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Are You Planning to Move to Mexico?

Mexico is one of the most charming countries to live in! For this reason, more and more foreigners choose it as their new home.

If you’re seriously considering moving to Mexico, you’ll need a place to live and settle down in. At Tao México, we can help you find your new home in some of the most stunning destinations in the country. We have luxury developments in beach destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Tulum and Akumal in the Riviera Maya, as well as in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende. These tourist destinations are some of the most important in the country, so you will find excellent medical infrastructure in or near them.

‍Get in contact with us! It’ll be a pleasure to meet you and show you the incredible properties we have available for you to make your new home in Mexico.

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