Healthcare in Mexico: A Guide For Canadian Expats
People always discuss the glamorous side of moving abroad: The beaches, the cuisine, and the opportunities to save money. But, what people often fail to cover are the not-so-aesthetic things. Like, for example, what health care in Mexico actually looks like.
An Introduction to Mexico’s Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Mexico has several moving parts, but they can be divided into federal healthcare, private healthcare, and self-insurance. Let’s discuss each to see which might be right for your needs as a Canadian expat in Mexico!
Public Healthcare Program – IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social)
IMSS is funded through social security and is available to Mexican employees and residents with a CURP (Mexico’s unique ID number). It’s accessible to expats once they’ve established residency in Mexico.
This program is ‘free’ in a certain sense, as the fees are typically taken from your paycheck. You can also be voluntarily enrolled into the system and pay a yearly premium that depends on factors like age and pre-existing conditions.
All this said, IMSS has a few drawbacks:
- Longer wait periods for specific
- Fewer hospitals and clinics compared to private options, leading to more crowded
- Private rooms are usually unavailable, and medications may sometimes be in short
Private Healthcare in Mexico
That brings us to private healthcare in Mexico, which is generally seen as the preferred option for those who can afford it (which, as a Canadian expat, you likely can.) The preference exists because many private clinics and hospitals in Mexico have modern technology, private rooms, and English-speaking staff.
Self-Insuring
Some expats prefer to handle medical expenses out of pocket rather than purchasing insurance. Healthcare costs in Mexico are typically quite low, which is why some consider this option.
For instance, something like a blood test would only run you around $110 CAD without insurance.
That said, catastrophic medical events can lead to big expenses, even in Mexico. In the case of a heart attack requiring a stent and hospitalization, bills can run as high as $41,000 – $55,000 CAD.
Does My Canadian Insurance Work in Mexico?
In short, no. Most Canadian health insurance plans offer minimal, if any, coverage for medical care outside of Canada. While some, like OHIP, provide limited reimbursement for emergency care, it rarely covers full expenses abroad.
Luckily, as discussed above, there are plenty of flexible and affordable options for local healthcare in Mexico.
Knowing Where to Go For Healthcare in Mexico
When you’re a Canadian expat living in Mexico, it is highly encouraged to choose a place to live that has a nearby private healthcare facility. That’s because public hospitals are known to have wait times that are several hours long, and some of the more quaint, small towns in Mexico can take you up to two hours to get to in an ambulance.
Optimizing Your New Life in Mexico to Prioritize Healthcare
If you need help finding a place to start your life as a Canadian expat in Mexico, leave it to us! Our team can help you find the perfect residence, whether that’s in a major metropolitan area or a calmer, less-crowded city. And, of course, we’re here to help you navigate Mexican healthcare with ease instead of confusion!
