Health Care in Mexico

Mexican Health Care Is Excellent and Affordable

One of your primary concerns when considering a move should be health care. Fortunately, you will find that, in general, health care in Mexico is very good…and in many places it is excellent. Most doctors and dentists in Mexico received at least part of their training in the U.S. (And many U.S. doctors have trained in Mexico, notably in Guadalajara.) Many of them continue to go to the U.S. or Europe for ongoing training.

Every medium to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital. And a big plus is that the cost of health care in Mexico is generally half or less what you might expect to pay in the U.S. The same goes for prescription drugs. Prescription drugs manufactured in Mexico cost, on average, about 50% less than the same drugs in the U.S. Plus, health insurance in Mexico costs much less than it does in the U.S.

What You Might Expect to Pay for Health Care in Mexico

Of course, the costs of medical care will vary by physician, hospital, and the gravity of your condition. On average, an office visit with a doctor—specialists included—will cost 250 to 300 pesos (about $25). A house call—yes, doctors in Mexico still make house calls—will cost about the same. Lab tests will cost about a third of what they cost in the U.S. A CAT scan often costs about 25% of what it does in the U.S. An overnight stay in a private hospital room costs about 350 pesos ($35). A visit to a dentist for teeth cleaning costs about 200 pesos ($20).

Yes, in the major cities of Mexico, you can get good-quality medical care for serious medical conditions…including dialysis, major surgery…even live-in, 24-hour care…for a fraction of what you might pay in the U.S. But please, think twice about moving to Mexico if you have a serious medical condition that requires special equipment. The stress of being seriously ill in a foreign country can be difficult.

A recent note about medical care in Mexico from IL friends George and Patty of Philadelphia, Pa.:

"For $29 each, Dr. Dolores Russell gave us a good ultrasonic cleaning with the latest technique. First she numbed the gums slightly with an anesthetic. She is an expert at teeth implants and crowns and did a good job of inspecting the gums. She is very personable and speaks good English. She said her business really picks up in late October with the arrival of the snow birds from Canada and Europe. She is delightful and calls you 'my dear.'

"Also, George ordered eyeglasses through the optician who visits the Lake Chapala Society weekly. She is Luz Maria Zepeda Urias of Claravision. He did have to go to Guadalajara to see more frames than she brought with her. He got trifocals with progressive lenses similar to varilux and high-quality Italian frames with no lower frame. Total cost was $290. We thought the price was all right but not really cheap.

"But…now we are home, many people have complimented him on his glasses. I needed an eye exam and new glasses. I asked for something similar and was quoted the price of $450 not including doctor visit, which may be covered by insurance. If not, the total will be $515."

Read related IL Postcards:

- How to Get Health Insurance for Less Than a Dollar a Day

- The Mexican Answer to U.S. Health Care

- The Solution to Sky-high Taxes and Rocketing Health Care Costs