Looking for a guide for health insurance in Mexico for expats? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re just visiting Mexico or planning to stay for good, you want to have some sort of health insurance to protect you while you’re in the country.
Many people dream of moving to Mexico. The country has affordable living costs, quaint towns, gorgeous surroundings, and friendly people. How could you not like it? Regardless of your plan, securing your health care should be your top priority.
The questions are, how is Mexico’s health care system? What kind of access is granted to you as an expat? Also, what options do you have when it comes to health insurance? Read on. In this post, we explain everything you need to know about health insurance in Mexico for expats.
Levels of Insurance System
In Mexico, the health care insurance system is divided into three levels.
The first level is INSABI. This insurance program is focused on health care for those who are not covered by ISSSTE or IMSS.
The second level is ISSSTE or IMSS. These are the public health insurance programs. ISSSTE is a health insurance program designed to provide individuals in government employment with effective coverage.
IMSS, on the other hand, is a health insurance program that includes citizens working for private employers. Expats who are employed in the country are eligible for IMSS coverage.
The third level is private health care services from private hospitals and clinics.
If you’re looking for comprehensive health insurance in Mexico for expats, your best option is the third level.
Access to Mexico Health Care System
We can’t talk about health insurance in Mexico for expats without talking about access to the health care system in the country. Your right to access the health care system in the country depends on your residency status.
If you’re a non-resident (i.e. visiting Mexico for a short period), you will not have access to the health care system. Instead, you will have to subscribe to travel insurance. Keep in mind that travel insurance only covers you for a limited time, so be sure to check your policy.
If you’re a resident, you can apply to the IMSS either on a compulsory or voluntary basis based on your employment status. Note that this applies whether you’re a temporary or permanent resident.
If you’re employed, you will be enrolled in the IMSS program on a compulsory basis. If you’re self-employed, you can enroll in the program on a voluntary basis.
Health Insurance in Mexico for Expats: The Options
You have plenty of options when it comes to health insurance in Mexico for expats, which include
Short visits
If you’re traveling to the country for a business trip or vacation, your best health insurance in Mexico for expats is travel insurance. This type of insurance is ideal for short visits as it covers you while you’re traveling abroad.
The insurance may be part of your employer-provided health insurance plan. If it isn’t, you can buy it during your time in Mexico.
Extended stays
If you’re planning to stay in Mexico for a longer period but don’t plan to live there, you will need more than travel insurance. Travel insurance only covers you for a limited time. So if you stay for longer, you will need more.
Your best health insurance in Mexico for expats is a private health insurance plan. You want to buy one that provides local coverage.
Foreign residents
If you intend to be a foreign resident or are already one, you can skip travel insurance altogether. What health insurance in Mexico for expats should you get, then?
If you plan on staying in Mexico, look into international health insurance that covers all your needs, such as the IMSS program, private health insurance, and emergency evacuation.
1. The IMSS system
Temporary and permanent foreign residents are eligible for the IMSS program. By enrolling in the IMSS, you will get access to certain doctors, facilities, and medications in Mexico. The costs of coverage are based on age.
Note that the IMSS does not provide comprehensive coverage. Also, similar to any public health care system, there will be long wait times.
2. Private health insurance in Mexico for expats
If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, your best option is to buy private health insurance. Private health insurance covers your needs and provides you with direct access to the country’s private health care system.
Private health insurance policies are tailored to each person. The cost of the insurance is based on multiple factors, including age, the level of coverage, deductibles, and duration. If you’re willing to spend more, this is the best health insurance in Mexico for expats.
3. Emergency evacuation
This type of insurance will ensure that you will get flown home to your country of residence where you keep your health insurance coverage in the event of a serious accident or health issue.
Getting Health Insurance in Mexico for Expats
There are plenty of options for health insurance for expats. So many that it can be overwhelming, especially so if this is your first time in Mexico.
What’s more, while it is possible to secure health insurance on your own, you will spend a lot of time and effort sorting through insurers and policies before you can find the right one for you.
The good news is that you don’t have to look for health insurance alone. You can find a reputable insurance broker to help you find the right health insurance in Mexico for expats. Alternatively, you can buy private health insurance through international health insurance companies.
Mexico is a wonderful country to visit or stay in. But, no matter what your plan is, your number one priority is to secure your health care. The good news is, when it comes to health insurance in Mexico for expats, your options are plenty.
If you’re willing to spend more on health care during your stay, private health insurance is a good option as Mexico has plenty of renowned private hospitals with skilled professionals, modern equipment, and excellent service. We hope this helps you understand more about health insurance in Mexico for expats.