Are you wondering if health insurance in Mexico is absolutely necessary?
While it is not mandatory, it’s wise.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Mexico health insurance for foreigners so you can make the right decision for you and your family.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Mexico for Expats?
Health insurance in Mexico is not mandatory for expats living in Mexico full-time or part-time.
However, you need to be aware that with medical costs rising globally, medical care is no longer as inexpensive as it used to be.
Covering the costs of medical care in Mexico can be costly.
Self-insuring can become very expensive and may even force you to return to your passport country for medical care for larger medical events like major surgery or cancer treatments.
So, while health insurance in Mexico is not mandatory for expats, it’s advisable to hold a health insurance policy that can be used while living in the country.
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 doesn’t.
Medicare does not provide coverage in Mexico as it was designed to provide health coverage only within the US.
The idea is that you can always go back to the US for treatment or surgery once you’ve 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 doesn’t, 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.
Should I Get Health Insurance Before or After Moving to Mexico?
We recommend researching health insurance in Mexico before moving just to be safe.
Accidents can happen when you least expect them. And if you have one before your international health insurance policy is in place, it may be very costly and create a policy exclusion when you do apply for a policy.
If you have medical issues and need medications or treatments, you should already have health insurance lined up before you arrive so there is no gap in coverage.
If you have pre-existing conditions, it’s critical to research health insurance in Mexico before you relocate.
In the US, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a pre-existing condition.
That’s not the case for private insurance companies that offer international health insurance for expats in Mexico.
Global insurers CAN deny your application if you have pre-existing conditions (or limit coverage or increase deductibles) – so if you need coverage for a health issue, you don’t want to get here only to find out you can’t be insured.
For all these reasons, it’s best to begin the process before moving to Mexico.
Additionally, while most insurers can issue an international health insurance policy if you have already relocated to Mexico, there are some who cannot (or will not).
[Related Read: Can I Get Health Insurance in Mexico If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?]
What Happens If I Get Sick or Injured in Mexico without Insurance?
If you get sick or injured and do not have global health insurance in Mexico, it is going to be expensive.
The first thing to understand is that out-of-pocket expenses can be high – medical care is no longer as affordable as it once was in Mexico.
You should be prepared with at least 50,000 pesos to cover bills.
You will be required to pay your medical bills before you leave the hospital – they will NOT let you leave without payment.
Also, a lot of private hospitals in Mexico require a deposit before they treat you – whether or not you have health insurance.
This deposit can be anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 pesos.
Not only is the price and mandatory payment difficult, but just figuring out how to pay the bill can be a headache.
For example, you may have to pay your doctor and your surgeon separately from the hospital.
Labs might want a separate payment as well.
Some may require cash or money transfers, while others may only take a credit card.
You want to make sure you have enough pesos to cover the costs outright and the right form of payment, so you don’t have to waste critical time running around to ATMs or looking for a way to pay.
This situation can be much simpler if you have Mexico health insurance for foreigners.
What Are the Age Restrictions for Expat International Health Insurance in Mexico?
There is no minimum age for health insurance in Mexico.
However, there is a cutoff age for applicants. This age ranges from 70 to 75 years old.
There are a few insurers that have a cutoff date into your 80s, but these policies are tens of thousands of dollars a year, and they don’t even provide comprehensive coverage.
NOTE – If you already have an international health insurance policy, age doesn’t matter because the policy is guaranteed for life unless you cancel it.
Do I Need US Health Insurance When I Have International Health Insurance?
This is a personal choice.
Some expats feel safer having both health insurance in Mexico and insurance in their passport country.
However, you may be paying for something that isn’t necessary.
Most international insurance policies include the US and use the AETNA network.
If you are living in Mexico full-time or even part-time, why pay for US coverage when you can get a global plan that includes the US?
If you are 65 and older, have Medicare, and live full-time in Mexico with a global insurance plan, then there is no need for additional US coverage.
If you’re trying to budget and have an insurance plan that does not include coverage in the US, then travel insurance is an option.
[Related Read: Do I Need Short-Term or Long-Term Health Insurance Abroad?]
How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost in Mexico?
There are many varied factors that influence health insurance costs in Mexico, such as age, pre-existing conditions, and the desired amount of coverage.
A full-coverage plan with a low maximum benefit coverage ($250,000) will cost approximately $5,500 to $7,000 annually.
A comprehensive, global plan with a high maximum benefit coverage will start at approximately $5,200 and go up from there depending on other personal factors.
Here are some real, 2024 quotes for health insurance in Mexico:
- Single woman, 62 years, $2000/$3000 deductible, maximum annual benefit $500,000 – average $5400 annual
- Single man, 62 years, $2000/$3000 deductible, maximum annual benefit $500,000 – average $5800 annual
- Couple, ages 61, 62, $2000/$3000 deductible, maximum annual benefit $500,000 – average $12,000 annual
- Couple, ages 40, $2000/$3000 deductible, maximum annual benefit $500,000 – average $4,400 annual
- Family of 4, spouses 40, kids 5, 7, $2000/$3000 deductible, maximum annual benefit $500,000 – average $5,600 to $8,200 annual
All international health insurers offer payment options if a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual premium payment is in your budget.
Keep in mind that an interest rate will be included unless you pay the annual premium.
Talk to your broker about your options.
[Related Read: How Much Does International Insurance Cost?]
Factors to Consider When Choosing International Health Insurance
When it comes to choosing health insurance in Mexico, you should carefully consider your needs and desires.
- Age and health status: Are you young and healthy? Are you getting older and requiring more medical care? Do you have pre-existing conditions?
- Length of stay in Mexico: Will you stay in Mexico full-time or more than 6 months? If so, you likely want long-term health insurance. If you will only be in Mexico part-time, you may be better qualified for short-term health insurance.
- Budget: The cost of insurance varies significantly depending on the provider and the types of coverage. What can you afford? Do you have the budget for a comprehensive, global health insurance policy? Ask your broker to quote different deductible amounts, which can drastically change the premium costs. Does the insurer offer different payment plans so you can pay monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually?
- Desired level of coverage: Determine if you need comprehensive coverage for all medical expenses, or if a catastrophic policy with a higher deductible to cover only major accidents or illnesses is a better option.
- Access to preferred doctors and hospitals: Check to see if your preferred healthcare provider in Mexico already has a relationship with the insurer. It will make medical events smoother.
