Health Insurance in Mexico, Expats. Can I Get Health Insurance in Mexico

Yes, you can get health insurance in Mexico, whether you are a citizen, legal resident, or expat. Exactly which options are open to you, how much they cost, and what they cover depends on your visa status, where you live, whether you want private vs public coverage, and your health needs. I’ll break down how it generally works, plus what you’ll want to think about. If you tell me your situation (e.g. status, age, budget, what coverage you want)

Public Health Insurance Options

These are government‑run programs. They tend to be cheaper, but may have more limitations (wait times, specialist access, etc.).

Program: Who can join ? What it covers / things to know
IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social)
If you are employed in Mexico, or if you are a legal resident (temporary or permanent) you can subscribe voluntarily if you are not employed.

It offers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, many standard medical services. Some restrictions on pre‑existing conditions, waiting periods, and specialist access. Cost depends on age.

Citizens and legal residents who do not have IMSS coverage. It is a public safety‐net program.

Basic health care, primary care, some medications. It may not cover all specialized or high‑cost treatments. Free or low cost.

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Private / International Health Insurance

If you want faster access to specialists, higher quality facilities, ability to choose your doctor/hospital, or coverage while traveling, private plans or international expat insurance are often the better choice.

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Some points:

Private plans tend to cost more, especially if you are older or have pre‑existing conditions.

Many private hospitals in big cities use modern facilities, English speaking staff, etc.

Some international insurers cover Mexico and other countries; others are local plans that only cover you in Mexico.

Always check what’s covered: outpatient, specialist, hospitalization, surgery, maternity, pre‑existing conditions, dental, evacuation, etc.

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What You will Likely Need to Qualify

To be eligible for many of the public insurance options (IMSS or INSABI), you will often need:

Legal status: either a Resident visa (temporary or permanent) in many cases. Tourists / visitor status often doesn’t qualify for IMSS enrollment.

CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población), which is like a national identity code for residents.

Proof of address in Mexico (a utility bill, etc.).

Sometimes an application / medical questionnaire. There may be waiting periods for some services.

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Costs / What it Might Run You

Public insurance through IMSS for voluntary enrollment: costs vary by age. For example, many expats report an annual fee somewhere in the range of several thousand pesos.

Private/international insurance can cost much more depending on how extensive the coverage is. Basic plans might be relatively affordable; comprehensive plans much more.

If you want, I can pull up specific insurance providers in Puerto Vallarta, cost estimates for someone in your age range, and help you compare private vs public options where you are. Would you like me to do that?

Can I Get Health Insurance in Mexico If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

By far, this is one of the top questions expats living in Mexico (or those looking to move here) have.

For some, it is critical and can be a deal breaker before moving to Mexico full-time – or the reason you may need to move back to your passport country.

Here is everything you need to know about pre-existing conditions and obtaining health insurance while living in Mexico.

Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions and Expat Medical Insurance
A pre-existing condition is any health issue that you have prior to applying for health insurance.

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Common pre-existing conditions include:

Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or installed heart stents
Chronic conditions like high cholesterol
Various cancers, from more manageable types to those requiring extensive treatment (including those in remission)
Conditions like diverticulitis, which often lead to automatic denials due to their extensive impact on overall health
Pre-Existing conditions can also include any previous accidents that caused injury, previously treated pain (back, hip, etc.), and even broken bones.

It is important to be thorough about your medical history when applying for international health insurance.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Expat Medical Insurance
In the US, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a pre-existing condition.

But that is not the case for private insurance companies that offer international health insurance for expats in Mexico.

If you have a pre-existing condition, insurers have the right to deny your application, exclude coverage for a specific pre-existing condition, place higher deductibles on previous medical conditions, or limit treatment related to that condition.

When you submit an application for a new policy, it will go through the underwriting process where it will then be determined if the pre-existing condition will be covered, denied, or require a higher deductible.

General Rules for Pre-Existing Conditions
When it comes to pre-existing conditions, insurance companies consider several factors, including…

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Current medical status
Your level of activity and overall diet
If you have a past cancer diagnosis and how long you have been in remission
They will also consider your daily habits such as alcohol intake and if you smoke or not.

From there they will either exclude that condition outright, offer an increase in deductible for that specific condition, or flatly deny your application.

There are some pre-existing conditions that are automatic denials so be sure to bring up any conditions you have with your broker.

Let’s say you’ve had high cholesterol for 10-15 years but have maintained stable levels through a healthy lifestyle and medication. The insurance company may exclude coverage for high cholesterol-related issues, but still offer coverage for other health concerns.

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Or, they may outright deny coverage based on certain pre-existing conditions.

In the case of more serious conditions like breast cancer, insurers might offer a waiting period of 1-3 years before coverage kicks in for cancer-related treatments.

Alternatively, they may provide coverage with a higher deductible. Instead of a standard $5,000 deductible, they may require a $20,000 deductible for breast cancer-related claims.

When it comes to heart attacks, the timeline also matters.

If the heart attack occurred 10 years ago and you are now relatively healthy, the insurer may make an exception.

But they will likely request current medical notes and updated medical information.

However, if the heart attack happened within the past 5 years, most insurers will probably deny coverage.

What Happens If I Do not Disclose Pre-Existing Conditions?
If you fail to disclose a minor pre-existing condition, such as a previous back injury, the insurer may simply exclude coverage for anything back-related going forward.

However, if you omit a more significant condition, like stage zero melanoma cancer, the insurance company may cancel your policy entirely.

Honesty is always the best policy when applying for health insurance.

What If I Have a Minor Pre-Existing Condition?
Minor pre-existing conditions, such as a previously broken bone or minor orthopedic issues, may not result in a complete denial of coverage.

Instead, the insurer might exclude that specific condition from your policy or offer coverage with a higher deductible.

These exclusions can be temporary (1-3 years) or lifetime exclusions, depending on the insurer and the specific condition.

Steps to Take When Applying for Health Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
Be honest and thorough when completing the health history portion of your application.

Provide approximate dates, doctor or hospital names, and any relevant medical records.

If you are unsure about specific details, such as the exact age you had your tonsils removed, disclose the information to the best of your knowledge.

Be prepared to submit medical records, especially for more significant pre-existing conditions.

Remember that each case is assessed individually, so provide as much context as possible.

Here is an example of an application.

What to Do If You a re Denied Coverage
If your application is denied due to pre-existing conditions, most of the time, there isn’t much that can be done.

However, here are a few things you could do:

Appeal the decision and provide additional information or context to the insurance company.
Ask if they can offer coverage with a higher deductible or exclude the specific condition from your policy.
If there is an exclusion period, you can wait it out and then resubmit all current medical records.
Explore alternative options, such as travel insurance or medical evacuation coverage.

Healthcare in Mexico: Costs and Coverage Options

Picture this: You are living your best life in Mexico.

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Then it happens – a sharp pain in your side that would not go away.

Six hours later, you are staring at a hospital bill for MXN 189,305 for an emergency appendectomy.

Welcome to the new reality of healthcare costs in Mexico.

If you moved here thinking you could skip international health insurance because “Mexico is so much cheaper,” you are not alone.

But that assumption is becoming dangerously outdated.

Healthcare costs in Mexico are rising faster than almost anywhere else in the world, and many foreigners are discovering this the hard way – when they’re already in the hospital.

The truth is, while Mexico still offers more affordable healthcare than many countries, the gap is closing rapidly.

And for those without insurance, a single medical emergency can wipe out years of savings.

Keep reading for what you can expect to pay for healthcare in Mexico, as well as insurance options that fit your unique situation.

Healthcare Inflation in Mexico: Mexico’s healthcare costs are not just rising – they are skyrocketing at an alarming rate.

Medical inflation is projected to hit 14.9% in 2025 – nearly five percentage points higher than the Latin American average inflation at 10.1%.

To put that in perspective, if your doctor visit cost 1,000 pesos last year, it could cost 1,149 pesos this year.

In April 2025 alone, the cost of private medical consultations surged by 6.1% – the highest increase in over two decades.

Meanwhile, the medications you depend on are becoming significantly more expensive:

Anti-inflammatory drugs: up 7.14%
Diabetes treatments: up 6.77%
Cold medications: up 6.57%
And here’s the kicker: 52.7% of all out-of-pocket health spending in Mexico now goes toward medications.

This is partly due to ongoing medicine shortages in Mexico’s public healthcare system and a growing dependence on private pharmacies.

These are not isolated spikes – they reflect deep, systemic strain in Mexico’s healthcare system.

Now let’s break down what you can expect to pay should you have an emergency without coverage.

Here is how care typically plays out if you are uninsured:

Public Hospitals: Residents with IMSS (MXN 4,650 – 12,750/year) may access care, but wait times are long, and pre-existing conditions aren’t covered. Typically there is no bilingual staff available. Non-residents cannot use these services. You must be a temporary or permanent resident to apply for IMSS.

Private Hospitals: Expect upfront payments (USD 500 and up for ER visits). High-quality care is available, but costs are prohibitive. You’re more likely to find bilingual staff.

Ambulance: Cost depends on what hospital you call to send an ambulance, and the distance it takes to get there. Expect to pay approximately MXN 3,000 – 20,000 per trip. The Red Cross is a budget-friendly choice since it’s not tied to private hospitals or specific networks. They may ask for a small donation.

If you are living in popular destinations like Playa del Carmen or Los Cabos, the situation is even more challenging.

Private providers in these tourist areas often charge inflated rates.

They do this because they know foreigners have limited alternatives and may be willing to pay premium prices for English-speaking staff and familiar standards of care.

Health Insurance Options in Mexico:
When it comes to healthcare in Mexico, you have options.

The key is understanding which type of coverage makes sense for your situation and budget.

Health Insurance Options for Short-Term Visitors (Under 6 Months):
If you’re planning to stay in Mexico for less than 6 months, travel insurance is typically your most practical option.

These policies are designed for short-term trips and can cover minor to moderate medical care.

Plans from providers like Allianz, World Nomads, or SafetyWing typically cost USD 75 – 180 per month (depending on age, trip length, and coverage limits) and cover emergencies and general healthcare needs.

Coverage often includes:

Hospital visits and emergency room care USD 50,000 – 1,000,000 coverage)
Surgeries and prescription drugs
Medical evacuation to your home country if local treatment isn’t adequate
Additional travel benefits like lost luggage or trip cancellations
The catch?

Travel insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions and routine care for chronic illnesses.

You also need to purchase it before arriving, as some plans don’t cover incidents if bought after you’re already in Mexico.

And this is a BIG one: You can renew a travel policy for up to 2 years. After that, you’ll have to find a new solution.

health insurance brokers for expats in mexico

Health Insurance Options for Long-Term Residents (6+ Months):
If you live in Mexico most of the year, a long-term health insurance policy becomes essential.

These comprehensive policies can cover a wide range of medical expenses, from doctor visits and medications to surgeries and long-term treatments for chronic conditions.

Your options here are…

Long-Term International Health Insurance Coverage

Long-term health insurance is designed for expats or foreigners living outside of their passport country permanently (or for a lengthy period of time).

Just like at home, accidents and illnesses can happen when you least expect them.

Some countries, particularly in Europe, even require their citizens to maintain long-term health insurance while living abroad.

In addition to protecting your own health, long-term coverage can extend to your entire family – including newborns.

Note: Not everyone is eligible. Most insurers require proof of address in your expat country (such as a bank statement, utility bill, or cell phone bill). Also, pre-existing conditions may make it difficult or impossible to obtain coverage.

Comprehensive international health insurance policies can cover a wide range of medical expenses, including but not limited to…

Doctor visits
Medications
Medical tests
Diagnostic tests
Surgeries
Anesthesiologist fees
ER visits
Long-term treatments for chronic conditions
Medical transportation
Physical therapies
Home healthcare
Preventative care
ICU
In-patient care
Hospital accommodations to accompany minor(s)
House calls and telemedicine (for some policies)
Palliative care
Hospice care
Maternity (waiting periods may apply)
Most long-term plans also include preventative services like skin cancer screenings, prostate exams, and mammograms, typically with a maximum benefit of USD 100 – 200, depending on the policy.

While a deductible may not be required, these benefits have a waiting period of around 10 months or after the first policy year.

These plans also include emergency medical transportation or evacuation, but only if the facility you’re in cannot properly treat you – not simply to transfer you to a preferred hospital.

Some policies also include travel riders for short trips outside your country of residency (in this case Mexico), though restrictions usually apply.

For example, the emergency must occur within the first 30 days of travel, and a maximum coverage limit typically applies.

Catastrophic Health Insurance

This is designed to protect you from significant financial burden due to major illnesses, accidents, or emergencies – once a high deductible is met. Think of it as a worst-case-scenario safety net.

Catastrophic plans generally have lower monthly costs – expect premiums to range from USD 175 – 400 monthly, depending on your plan and circumstances.

However, they come with higher deductibles (starting at USD 5,000) and focus primarily on major medical expenses like hospitalizations, accidents, or surgeries.

Medical Evacuation Insurance (Medevac)

Medecac is another option if you can’t afford – or don’t qualify for – comprehensive coverage.

This is not health insurance, but it covers emergency medical transportation costs.

Plans typically cost under USD 500 for an individual and 1,000 annually for a family.

Having medevac can be invaluable if you live in a remote area or prefer treatment closer to home.

But it is not the ultimate safety net.

Too many people assume, if something goes wrong, they can just hop on a flight back home for treatment.

But here is the truth: It is not that simple.

One common misconception is that medevac replaces the need for long-term private insurance. It does not.

Why? Because you ca not be airlifted out unless you are first stabilized.

And paying for that stabilization phase? It is on you.

No flight will accept you until you’re cleared, and those first few days in a local hospital can cost thousands.

Another surprise: Not all medevac plans are created equal.

Some will only take you to the nearest adequate facility – maybe a regional hospital a few hours away, not your preferred clinic in the US or Canada.

Others allow “destination of choice” evacuation – but those plans are more expensive and less common.

IMSS for Residents

If you have temporary or permanent residency in Mexico, you may be eligible to enroll in the country’s public healthcare system, IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social).

This voluntary insurance program offers access to certain doctors, clinics, and hospitals, along with some prescription medications.

The annual cost varies based on your age.

For example, those between 60 – 69 years old pay around MXN 19,800 per year.

However, there are important limitations to consider:

Care is restricted to public hospitals and clinics only.
Expect long wait times due to high patient demand.
Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
English-speaking staff are rare, which can be challenging for non-Spanish speakers.
And if you’re enrolling voluntarily (rather than through an employer), you may be given lower priority for services.
While IMSS can be an affordable option for basic care, it’s not a full substitute for private or international health insurance – especially if you want faster service, English-speaking providers, and broader hospital access.

Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico?
If you have US health insurance, you may be able to use it while in Mexico – but it depends on your provider and policy.

Sometimes, US insurance companies provide emergency coverage while outside of the States, so you might be able to use it temporarily.

But not all do.

Do NOT assume your US health insurance policy will cover you while in Mexico (even for emergencies).

Before you move south of the border, contact your current insurance provider and find out details about your policy and where/what it covers.

US citizens relocating to Mexico often wonder how Medicare works. It does not.

The idea is that you can always go back to the US for treatment or surgery once you have been stabilized and/or cleared for travel.

There are some international riders, like Medigap, which are sold privately and can extend Medicare coverage for 30 – 60 days outside the US.

Medigap riders are helpful for covering the costs that Medicare does not, which include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

In contrast, many long-term international health insurance policies are global, which means you will be covered in the US and other countries where you travel.

Red Flags and Green Lights When Shopping for Health Insurance in Mexico:
When selecting coverage, watch out for these warning signs:

Red Flags:

Groups claiming to work with Medicare in Mexico (some have been investigated by the FBI)
Policies without clear exclusion explanations
Brokers who rush the decision process or pressure you to sign immediately
Plans that seem too cheap (they likely have significant hidden limitations)

Green Lights:

Guaranteed renewable policies for life, as long as premiums are paid
Clear provider network information and relationships with Mexican hospitals
Transparent exclusion policies with detailed explanations
Brokers who thoroughly explain reimbursement processes and answer all your questions
A clever way to assess customer service quality?

Ask potential brokers to explain how health insurance reimbursement in Mexico works.

Do they take the time to walk you through the process?

Do they answer questions patiently, or do you feel rushed?

Read to Protect Your Health and Finances?
The landscape of healthcare costs in Mexico is changing rapidly, and 2025 has made it clear that the days of assuming you can easily afford to pay out-of-pocket are ending.

Whether you need short-term travel coverage, comprehensive international insurance, or a budget-friendly catastrophic plan, the key is working with knowledgeable professionals who understand the unique challenges facing foreigners in Mexico.

Do not wait for a crisis to realize you are underprotected.

Connect with vetted insurance brokers who specialize in Mexico coverage and can walk you through your options, explain what is realistic for your situation and budget, and help you avoid the common mistakes that lead to uncovered emergencies or denied claims.

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Your health and your financial security are worth the investment.

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