Health care in Mexico

When people I know are contemplating moving to Mexico, the first thing they ask me is, “What about health care?”

The answer is complicated, but for my husband and myself I can say that we feel safe. We’ve been living in Mexico, in San Miguel de Allende, for the past eleven years.

Expats living in Mexico have numerous options. For one, they are eligible for Mexican health care through the government. This is open to anyone staying in Mexico more than a month and the cost is $250 per year. Frankly, I don’t personally know any expats who use this, but I am sure some do. Most Mexicans that I know do not use this system either because they would rather pay out-of-pocket for a private physician. Research bears out my personal observations.

Medicare does not cover services provided in Mexico, so a good percentage of expats from the U.S. go back to the states yearly for their check-ups and when they become ill they go back to the states for treatment.

My husband and I were not of Medicare age when we were moving to Mexico so we purchased international health insurance. It is substantially cheaper than any insurance policy that I am aware of in the states for people our age. An individual policy varies according to age and pre-existing conditions, but my yearly premium is under $3000. The best part of international policies is that you can choose where to have your treatment and/or surgery. For example, my husband needed very serious back surgery and chose a doctor in Mexico in whom he has immeasurable trust. I, on the other hand, needed surgery and did not have a doctor that I had faith in. Thus my surgery was done in the states by the physician of my choice in the facility of my choice.

And, I’m asked, “What about check-ups?” Mammograms cost the equivalent of $67. My gynecological checkup is $40 from a well-trained physician. You want to check your cholesterol? You walk into any lab (there are about six of them in our small town) and you tell them what tests you want. PSA, iron, liver, glucose, triglycerides - you name it. You don’t even need a prescription from a doctor! In a day or two you get the results and then you can decide if a doctor is necessary. This method suits me fine. I like taking responsibility for my health.

Then I’m asked, “What about the everyday problems like allergies, infections, minor injuries?” The quality of healthcare varies tremendously. I’ve heard my share of horror stories and of excellent, top-notch care. As in America, you have to ask around. Most communities in Mexico in which there are many expats are close knit. It isn’t hard to find good answers to your questions.

Caren Cross is a former psychotherapist who, after a one-week vacation in Mexico, decided to retire 10 years earlier than planned. She wrote and directed the documentary film, LOST and FOUND in MEXICO.