Health Insurance for Expatriates in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know
Navigating the Mexican healthcare system as an expatriate can be confusing. Discover everything you need to know to ensure your peace of mind.
Understanding the Mexican Health System
The Mexican healthcare system is divided into two main sectors: public and private. The public sector includes institutions such as the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) and the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). These institutions offer health services to employees and their families.
The private sector, on the other hand, is highly developed and offers a range of high-quality medical services. However, these services are generally more expensive and often require private health insurance.
Different types of hospital in Mexico
In Mexico, there are several types of hospital, including public, private and specialized clinics. Public hospitals are generally less expensive, but can sometimes be overcrowded and have longer waiting times.
Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer better quality care and shorter waiting times, but are also more expensive. Expatriates often prefer private hospitals for their comfort and quality of service.
Here are just a few examples of the fees charged:
The equivalent of €60 to €120 for a specialist visit
Around €500 for a medical check-up
From €800 for an MRI scan
5,000 € for a simple childbirth
5,000 € for appendicitis surgery
Between €150 and €200 per night for a private room in a hospital.
The majority of foreigners living in Mexico, and many Mexicans, pay private health insurance premiums to ensure they are properly covered. This ensures that they have access to competent and available healthcare professionals.
When you choose private insurance, you have the freedom to visit the doctor of your choice and any healthcare facility. It also means choosing to receive quality care.
Contributing to a private organization means you’ll be reimbursed according to the terms of your insurance contract.
Choosing the best expatriate health insurance
It is crucial for expatriates to take out private health insurance to cover high medical costs in the private sector. Many insurance companies offer specific plans for expatriates, including coverage for consultations, hospitalization and medication.
It is advisable to compare the various insurance options and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
The different types of private health insurance in Mexico:
International health insurance: This is generally the most comprehensive solution for expatriates. It covers medical expenses worldwide, including Mexico, and often offers assistance services (repatriation, translation, etc.).
Local insurance: Specific to Mexico, this offers more targeted coverage for local care. It may be less expensive than international insurance, but generally offers less coverage.
IMSS supplement: If you are affiliated to the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute), you can take out a supplement to improve your coverage.
Insurance companies:
There are many insurance companies offering health cover in Mexico. Some of the best-known are :
International companies: Allianz, AXA, Cigna, etc. They generally offer policies in English and French.
Local companies: GNP Seguros, Qualitas, etc. They offer policies in Spanish, and may be more competitive in terms of price for longer stays.Choosing local private insurance can be an interesting option for expatriates, especially if your employer covers all or part of the premiums. If this is the case, however, it’s best to make sure that the contract’s coverage is right for you.
Prices:
Health insurance prices vary considerably according to a number of factors:
Coverage: The more extensive the coverage, the higher the price.
Age: Older people generally pay higher premiums.
State of health: People with pre-existing health problems may see their premiums rise.
Standard of living: Expatriates with a high standard of living generally take out more expensive policies.Tips for choosing your insurance:
Take stock of your needs: What medical care might you need?
Compare offers: Request several quotes from different companies.
Read the terms and conditions carefully: Make sure you understand the coverage and exclusions.Choose reputable companies: Choose companies with a good reputation and an extensive network of providers in Mexico.
The coverage quality chosen depends on the following factors:
“Deductible: amount to be paid by the insured before the insurance begins to pay for treatment. A particular feature is that the deductible can be annual (same as a deductible) or fee-for-service.
“Coaseguro” (co-insurance): percentage of costs remaining payable by the insured for any procedure after payment of the deducible (generally 10% of costs).
“Tabuladores de honorarios” (fee tables): tables showing the ceilings applied by the insurance company for each type of procedure.
“Antigüedad” (waiting periods): the period of time imposed by insurance companies between underwriting and coverage for certain conditions or benefits. These periods generally vary from one to five years.
“Emergencia en el extranjero »: emergency coverage abroad, limited in amount.Please note, however, that these private insurances do not cover routine or preventive care (visits, tests). They also offer derisory assistance for maternity.
In addition, repatriation insurance and treatment in another country are not covered.
As an expatriate, choosing local private insurance can be an interesting option, especially if your employer covers all or part of the premiums. If this is the case, however, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re happy with the terms of your policy.
Access to healthcare for expatriate children
Expatriate children have access to medical care under the same conditions as adults. Pediatric consultations are available in both public and private hospitals. It is important to choose health insurance that covers pediatric services and vaccinations.
What’s more, some international schools offer basic medical services on site, which can be an advantage for families.
Healthcare costs: doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in Mexico
Hospitalization costs in private hospitals can be high, especially for surgical procedures and specialized treatments. Good insurance coverage is therefore essential to avoid unexpected expenses.
The cost of medication in Mexico can vary considerably, depending on the type of drug and the pharmacy. Generic drugs are often much cheaper than brand names.
Average cost of a visit to the doctor
On average, a visit to a general practitioner or specialist costs between 350 and 500 pesos (16 – 22 euros). A home visit costs about the same.
Average cost of a hospital emergency visit
The cost of healthcare varies considerably depending on the doctor, the hospital and the nature and severity of the health problem.
The deposit to be paid in private hospitals to enter the emergency room ranges from 14,000 pesos (626 euros) to 25,000 pesos (1,117 euros), depending on the type of care (treatment, surgery).
Hospitalization costs in Mexico
A day’s hospitalization in Mexico costs just over €1,000.
An overnight stay in a single room costs between 3,000 and 5,300 pesos (134 – 250 euros), depending on the type of room chosen.
Drug costs in Mexico
Medicines are generally quite expensive. Medicines manufactured in Mexico can sometimes be cheaper than in Europe or the United States. However, it is advisable to take 3 months’ worth of medication with you if you are on a course of treatment, or to take out additional private health insurance in Mexico for expatriates.
Cost of a visit to the dentist
A visit to the dentist in Mexico costs around 400 – 800 pesos (18 – 40 euros). A crown costs between 5,000 and 10,000 pesos (224 – 447 euros).
Cost of childbirth in Mexico
Maternity care in Mexico is expensive. You should expect to pay between 70,000 and 130,000 pesos (€2,800 and €5,300) for a natural birth, and between 90,000 and 150,000 pesos (€3,700 and €5,300) for a Caesarean delivery. For this reason, many women take out international health insurance.
Tarifs | France (en secteur conventionné) | Mexique (en secteur privé) |
Généraliste | 35€ | 16 à 55€ |
Pédiatrie | 40€ | 20 à 45€ |
Spécialiste | 60 à 150€ | 70 à 150€ |
Journée hospitalisation | 1500€ | 1000€ |
Implant dentaire | 1800€ | 460 à 630€ |
Accouchement | 2500€ | 2800 à 5300€ |
Comparison of medical prices in France and Mexico
About medications
In Mexico, it’s quite easy to obtain certain drugs (such as antibiotics or painkillers) normally on prescription without consulting a doctor. Please note that insurance companies only reimburse prescription drugs.
Pharmacies in Mexico
Mexican pharmacies are divided into two main classes:
Segunda clase: Segunda-class pharmacies are widespread, both in big cities and small towns. They sell over-the-counter medicines only (which excludes psychotropic drugs, for example).
Primera clase: Primera pharmacies are less numerous. All prescription drugs are available.
Many pharmacies also have a small clinic. You can go there for a cold or food poisoning, for example. More often than not, the doctor at the clinic charges nothing, or just 20-50 pesos. He prescribes medicines available in the pharmacy.
Prescription drugs manufactured in Mexico are generally much cheaper.
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