Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Overview
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for American and Canadian expats, offering an affordable cost of living, warm climate, and proximity to the United States. Healthcare in Mexico is surprisingly good and affordable compared to the US.
Unlike many countries, Mexico does not require health insurance to obtain a residency visa. However, having coverage is strongly recommended since US Medicare doesn't work in Mexico and most American insurance plans won't cover you there.
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Mexico's Healthcare System
Mexico has both public and private healthcare options. The quality of care in major cities and tourist areas is generally excellent, with many doctors trained in the US or Europe.
Public Healthcare Options
Mexico's public healthcare has undergone significant changes recently. The main option for expats is IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social).
Note: INSABI, which replaced Seguro Popular in 2020, was dissolved in 2023 due to funding issues. The public healthcare landscape continues to evolve.
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals in Mexico offer high-quality care, often with shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. Major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and popular expat areas like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende have excellent private facilities.
Many expats use a combination of IMSS for routine care and private insurance for major medical needs.
IMSS Public Insurance
IMSS is Mexico's social security healthcare system. Originally designed for employees, it's now available to legal residents on a voluntary basis through a program called "Seguro de Salud para la Familia."
Who Can Enroll
- Mexican citizens
- Temporary residents (Residente Temporal)
- Permanent residents (Residente Permanente)
Important: Tourists on visitor permits (FMM) are not eligible for IMSS.
IMSS Costs (2025)
- Ages 50-59: Approximately $63/month per person
- Ages 60-69: Approximately $89/month per person
- Ages 70-79: Approximately $93/month per person
Annual cost is typically under $500 for most age groups, making it one of the most affordable healthcare options available to expats anywhere.
What IMSS Covers
- Primary care and doctor visits
- Hospital stays and surgery
- Specialist consultations (with referral)
- Medications (from IMSS pharmacies)
- Lab work and diagnostics
What IMSS Does NOT Cover
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Elective surgeries (cosmetic, weight loss)
- Infertility treatments
- Medical evacuation
- Pre-existing conditions (some have waiting periods)
Language Note: IMSS services, applications, and all documentation are in Spanish only. If you don't speak Spanish, you'll need help from a friend or interpreter to navigate the system.
IMSS Waiting Periods
After enrolling, you must contribute for at least 4 weeks before receiving benefits. Some pre-existing conditions have longer waiting periods (called "deferments") before they're covered.
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Visa & Insurance Requirements
Good news: Mexico does not require health insurance to obtain a temporary or permanent resident visa. The main requirements are financial.
Financial Requirements for Temporary Residency (2025)
- Income proof: $3,738 USD/month for the past 6 months, OR
- Savings proof: $73,258 USD in bank accounts for the past 12 months
2026 Fee Increases
Mexico has announced that residency visa processing fees will double starting January 1, 2026. If you're planning to move, starting the process in 2025 could save significant money on government fees.
Why Insurance Is Still Important
Even though it's not legally required:
- US Medicare doesn't cover you in Mexico
- Most US health insurance plans won't cover care in Mexico
- Unexpected medical costs can still be significant
- Private insurance provides access to better facilities and English-speaking staff
Recommended Plans
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Mexico, from the affordable public system to comprehensive international coverage.
| Provider | Type | Best For | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMSS (Public) | Public | Budget-conscious | $500/yr |
| GNP Seguros | Local Private | Long-term residents | $120/mo |
| Bupa Mexico | Local Private | English speakers | $150/mo |
| IMG Global | International | Budget international | $75/mo |
| Allianz Care | International | High-deductible savings | $120/mo |
| Cigna Global | International | US border / travelers | $160/mo |
| BUPA Global | International | Mental health / pre-existing | $200/mo |
Local Mexican Insurance
GNP Seguros is Mexico's oldest insurer and offers competitive rates starting around $120/month. Note that they require 2 years of residency for full coverage. Excellent local hospital network.
Bupa Mexico (Bupa Nacional Plus) is popular with English-speaking expats because of their bilingual customer service and no hospital network restrictions. Slightly more expensive but easier to navigate.
International Plans
International insurers offer worldwide coverage and portability if you relocate. They're ideal for expats who travel frequently or want US coverage options.
- Cigna Global — Best for US border residents and those wanting US coverage options
- Allianz Care — High-deductible options for up to 60% savings
- BUPA Global — Premium coverage with mental health parity and pre-existing condition handling
- IMG Global — Budget-friendly with 50% deductible waiver outside US
Mexican vs International Plans
One key difference: Mexican insurance policies typically apply deductibles per illness/accident over your lifetime, not per year. This means if you have multiple unrelated medical issues in one year, you'd pay the deductible each time. International plans usually have annual deductibles.
Expected Costs
Healthcare costs in Mexico are significantly lower than in the United States, whether you're paying out of pocket or for insurance.
Insurance Costs
- IMSS (public): Under $500/year
- Local private insurance: $120-200/month ($1,500-2,400/year)
- International insurance: $200-400/month ($2,400-4,800/year)
Out-of-Pocket Costs (Without Insurance)
Many routine services in Mexico are affordable enough to pay cash:
- Doctor visit: $30-60 USD
- Specialist visit: $50-100 USD
- Basic lab work: $20-50 USD
- Dental cleaning: $30-50 USD
However, major procedures and hospital stays can still cost thousands, making insurance worthwhile for catastrophic coverage.
Common Questions
Does Medicare work in Mexico?
No. US Medicare generally does not cover healthcare outside the United States. If you're a US retiree moving to Mexico, you'll need separate coverage for care in Mexico.
Can I keep my US health insurance?
Most US health insurance plans only cover you within the US (sometimes only within your home state). A few plans offer limited international emergency coverage, but they typically won't cover routine care in Mexico.
Should I get IMSS or private insurance?
Many expats do both. IMSS is so affordable (under $500/year) that it's worth having as a backup and for routine care. Private insurance provides faster access to better facilities for serious issues.
What about dental and vision?
IMSS doesn't cover dental or vision. Private insurance may include these as add-ons. However, dental and vision care in Mexico is very affordable—many expats just pay out of pocket for these services.
Can I see English-speaking doctors?
In major cities and expat areas, yes. Many Mexican doctors trained in the US or speak English. IMSS facilities are Spanish-only, but private hospitals in tourist and expat areas typically have bilingual staff.
What about medical evacuation?
IMSS does not cover medical evacuation. If being evacuated to the US for treatment is important to you, make sure your private insurance includes this benefit, or consider a separate evacuation membership like MedjetAssist.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, IMSS enrollment procedures, and visa requirements change periodically. We are not insurance brokers or immigration consultants. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.
