When it comes to your health, finding the right medical specialist in Mexico is crucial.
But you shouldn’t see one without doing your homework.
As an expat, navigating the healthcare system in Mexico can be daunting. We get it.
Keep reading for tips on how to find a medical specialist in Mexico…and red flags to watch out for.
Accessibility of Medical Specialists in Mexico
Mexico is growing as a medical destination.
Many doctors in Mexico have studied or earned their degrees in other countries, including the US, Canada, Germany, and Spain.
And about 15% to 20% of the doctors practicing in Mexico were trained and certified outside of Mexico.
As a result, it’s really easy to find specialists in the bigger cities of Mexico where there’s a higher concentration of people, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Querétaro, and Oaxaca City.
Due to the good selection of medical specialists in Mexico, some people in San Diego will travel to Tijuana, Mexico, to see these specialists.
However, you can also find a medical specialist in Mexico who is willing to travel if you live outside of the bigger cities.
Some of these big-city doctors have office days, but also travel to other cities to see patients.
Plus, doctors in Mexico still do house calls.
If you need to see a doctor in your home or you’re unable to make it to the doctor’s office, more likely than not, a doctor will be able to see you at your own home.
While finding a medical specialist in Mexico seems very accessible, you should still do your research and not just go with anyone.
Researching and Selecting a Medical Specialist
As you would in your home country, you want to find a medical specialist in Mexico you trust.
That involves doing some research on your own.
- Start Your Search. Start by asking your doctor for recommendations. Typically, they have connections to the doctors within the industry or can ask colleagues for recommendations. Make sure to reach out to your expat community – either in person or in online groups – for recommendations.
- Verify Credentials and Experience. Once you have recommendations, verify credentials, experience, and education to ensure you’re treated properly. Here are some resources for looking online for information about different doctors and medical providers.
Mexican Association of Faculties and Schools of Medicine Online Directory
Medical Tourism in Mexico Verification
Mexican College of Physicians - Language Considerations. Foreigners in Mexico often feel more comfortable discussing medical issues in their first language, even if they are fluent in Spanish. If this sounds like you, then make sure you look for medical specialists in Mexico who are bilingual.
- Get a Second or Even Third Opinion. If you think you’ve found the right medical specialist in Mexico, it is still wise to get a second, or even a third, opinion. You want to make sure you find someone who will treat your actual symptoms and wants the best outcome for you. And you want to find a doctor with whom you can communicate well and feel comfortable.
- Confirm Insurance Participation. Find out if the specialist works directly with insurance companies or not.
When you are searching for a medical specialist in Mexico, be prepared to shop around – even outside of where you live.
Be willing to travel around if you need to see a specialist, like to Mexico City or Guadalajara, even if you live in Puebla.
Insurance Considerations When Searching for a Medical Specialist in Mexico
It’s essential to confirm if doctors work with insurance companies directly.
Doctors in Mexico aren’t required by law to accept insurance, but more and more are starting to do so.
Make sure you have a good, comprehensive policy and that you understand what it covers and does not cover.
For example, most policies will cover a second or third opinion to see a specialist.
The visit doesn’t need to be pre-certified.
But if you end up needing surgery or any long-term treatment, then it will need to be pre-certified.
This means you will need to get the required information submitted to your insurance company, so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket.
So, while you don’t need to be pre-certified to see the specialist, remember to collect all the necessary documents, such as the factura, the doctor’s notes, any test results, medications, etc., that you’ll need to submit for claims.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
As you are searching for a medical specialist in Mexico, be on the lookout for the following red flags.
- Poor communication. We don’t just mean language barriers. The specialist should communicate clearly and be available to talk with you in case of emergencies.
- Pushy behavior. Don’t let any doctors push you into having a surgery or treatment that you don’t think you need.
- Scare tactics. If you go to a doctor who uses scare tactics, such as pushing you to have surgery immediately or over a weekend – or suggesting charging you exorbitant amounts over what the UCR cost (Usual, Customary, Reasonable costs) is – then this doctor probably does not have your best interest in mind.
- Bad reviews. Listen to expats and friends who had bad experiences. These negative reviews are just as important as the good ones.
- Refusing to give facturas. Facturas are required for every claim with every international insurance company. By law, every doctor’s office in Mexico has to provide one when requested, but many times they will offer a substantial discount if you don’t get a factura. While it is fairly standard practice and not necessarily a red flag, what IS concerning is if a doctor refuses or stalls in providing the factura.
- Too cheap. If the doctor requests very little money, they are likely not a specialist. While the cost of medical care in Mexico is still significantly cheaper than in the US, you should still be suspicious of someone whose pricing is too low.
If you don’t pay attention to the red flags, you could not only pay hundreds of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, but also receive poor-quality medical care.
