A Guide for Retirees and Expats
One of the biggest concerns retirees and others have about moving to another country is the quality and cost of healthcare. Fortunately, healthcare in Mexico is very affordable and first-class! If you talk to other expats in Mexico about their experience with healthcare here, you will probably get overwhelmingly good reviews!
Quality of Healthcare System in Mexico
Many doctors at private hospitals in most major cities have studied medicine in Europe or the United States, and many speak perfect English. The equipment at most private hospitals in Mexico is modern and new. Even in rural towns, every area has at least one medical facility where minor health issues can be treated.
Affordable Medical Services
Many expats in Mexico don’t have insurance and pay as little as $5-$10 USD to see a general doctor from one of the many pharmacies. A doctor who can actually write prescriptions and give you a quick consultation. Or $20-$40 USD out of pocket to see a specialist at their private practice—without insurance. Affordable healthcare and top-notch medical services are some of the biggest money-savers and benefits to retirement in Mexico!
Health Insurance in Mexico
If you decide to buy health insurance in Mexico, there are a few things you need to know.
Pre-existing Conditions and Age Limits for Insurance
As we age, our health insurance premiums will naturally increase, and at some point, it becomes difficult for seniors to qualify for private health insurance. All insurance companies in Mexico have an age limit to apply. Usually, that age is 70. Most companies will NOT insure you past age 70. And if you have any pre-existing conditions, you will likely have difficulty getting private health insurance in Mexico.
But there is a solution! We have a variety of insurance brokers in Mexico that sell international insurance. This is the kind of insurance that covers you even if you have pre-existing conditions, and there are no wait times to be fully covered (as is common with Mexican insurance carriers). The difference is that these usually require you to pay for your hospital visit upfront and then make a claim for reimbursement. Our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide can help you find contacts that can cover you up to the age of 79!
Medicare Advantage for U.S. Citizens
If you are from the United States, you can even use your Medicare Advantage in Mexico for life-threatening emergencies! Check out our Q&A with Jeff regarding Medicare Advantage plans and how to choose the right one that will cover you in an emergency.
Affordable Dental Care
You’ll find many great dentists in Mexico with amazing prices and a long list of services. To give you an idea, here is our dentist’s list of prices (all in pesos):
- Regular cleaning: $800 pesos (about $42 USD)
- Teeth whitening: $2400 pesos (about $125 USD)
- Porcelain crown: $7500 pesos (about $375 USD)
- Endodoncia/Root Canal: $6000 pesos (about $350 USD)
Medications and Chronic Issues
What if you take a specific medication on an ongoing basis? Or what if you have a chronic condition that requires a specialist? We advise most people in this situation to speak to a specialist in Mexico before moving. This will give you an understanding of what this medical professional says regarding your ongoing care and which cities they recommend for the best doctors for you. They can also provide the Mexican equivalent of the medications you will need and advise on the next steps if a prescription is required.
Finding a Doctor
How do you find a doctor without first living in Mexico? For this, we recommend Doctoralia.com.mx. You can search based on specialty, location, and filter on languages spoken. You can also see if the doctor offers telemedicine for a remote consultation before moving to Mexico. Check out the site at Doctoralia.
Conclusion
Affordable healthcare and top-notch medical services make Mexico an excellent choice for retirees and expats. Whether you’re looking for general care, specialized treatment, or dental services, Mexico offers high-quality options at a fraction of the cost in other countries. With resources like international insurance brokers and platforms like Doctoralia, transitioning to healthcare in Mexico can be smooth and worry-free. Embrace your retirement in Mexico, knowing you have access to excellent and affordable healthcare.