Picture this: You’re living your best life in Mexico.
Then it happens – a sharp pain in your side that won’t go away.
Six hours later, you’re staring at a hospital bill for MXN 189,305 for an emergency appendectomy.
Welcome to the new reality of healthcare costs in Mexico.
If you moved here thinking you could skip international health insurance because “Mexico is so much cheaper,” you’re not alone.
But that assumption is becoming dangerously outdated.
Healthcare costs in Mexico are rising faster than almost anywhere else in the world, and many foreigners are discovering this the hard way – when they’re already in the hospital.
The truth is, while Mexico still offers more affordable healthcare than many countries, the gap is closing rapidly.
And for those without insurance, a single medical emergency can wipe out years of savings.
Keep reading for what you can expect to pay for healthcare in Mexico, as well as insurance options that fit your unique situation.
Healthcare Inflation in Mexico
Mexico’s healthcare costs aren’t just rising – they’re skyrocketing at an alarming rate.
Medical inflation is projected to hit 14.9% in 2025 – nearly five percentage points higher than the Latin American average inflation at 10.1%.
To put that in perspective, if your doctor visit cost 1,000 pesos last year, it could cost 1,149 pesos this year.
In April 2025 alone, the cost of private medical consultations surged by 6.1% – the highest increase in over two decades.
Meanwhile, the medications you depend on are becoming significantly more expensive:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: up 7.14%
- Diabetes treatments: up 6.77%
- Cold medications: up 6.57%
And here’s the kicker: 52.7% of all out-of-pocket health spending in Mexico now goes toward medications.
This is partly due to ongoing medicine shortages in Mexico’s public healthcare system and a growing dependence on private pharmacies.
These aren’t isolated spikes – they reflect deep, systemic strain in Mexico’s healthcare system.
Now let’s break down what you can expect to pay should you have an emergency without coverage.
Here’s how care typically plays out if you’re uninsured:
- Public Hospitals: Residents with IMSS (MXN 4,650 – 12,750/year) may access care, but wait times are long, and pre-existing conditions aren’t covered. Typically there is no bilingual staff available. Non-residents cannot use these services. You must be a temporary or permanent resident to apply for IMSS.
- Private Hospitals: Expect upfront payments (USD 500 and up for ER visits). High-quality care is available, but costs are prohibitive. You’re more likely to find bilingual staff.
- Ambulance: Cost depends on what hospital you call to send an ambulance, and the distance it takes to get there. Expect to pay approximately MXN 3,000 – 20,000 per trip. The Red Cross is a budget-friendly choice since it’s not tied to private hospitals or specific networks. They may ask for a small donation.
If you’re living in popular destinations like Playa del Carmen or Los Cabos, the situation is even more challenging.
Private providers in these tourist areas often charge inflated rates.
They do this because they know foreigners have limited alternatives and may be willing to pay premium prices for English-speaking staff and familiar standards of care.
Health Insurance Options in Mexico
When it comes to healthcare in Mexico, you have options.
The key is understanding which type of coverage makes sense for your situation and budget.
Health Insurance Options for Short-Term Visitors (Under 6 Months)
If you’re planning to stay in Mexico for less than 6 months, travel insurance is typically your most practical option.
These policies are designed for short-term trips and can cover minor to moderate medical care.
Plans from providers like Allianz, World Nomads, or SafetyWing typically cost USD 75 – 180 per month (depending on age, trip length, and coverage limits) and cover emergencies and general healthcare needs.
Coverage often includes:
- Hospital visits and emergency room care USD 50,000 – 1,000,000 coverage)
- Surgeries and prescription drugs
- Medical evacuation to your home country if local treatment isn’t adequate
- Additional travel benefits like lost luggage or trip cancellations
The catch?
Travel insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions and routine care for chronic illnesses.
You also need to purchase it before arriving, as some plans don’t cover incidents if bought after you’re already in Mexico.
And this is a BIG one: You can renew a travel policy for up to 2 years. After that, you’ll have to find a new solution.
Health Insurance Options for Long-Term Residents (6+ Months)
If you live in Mexico most of the year, a long-term health insurance policy becomes essential.
These comprehensive policies can cover a wide range of medical expenses, from doctor visits and medications to surgeries and long-term treatments for chronic conditions.
Your options here are…
#1 Long-Term International Health Insurance Coverage
Long-term health insurance is designed for expats or foreigners living outside of their passport country permanently (or for a lengthy period of time).
Just like at home, accidents and illnesses can happen when you least expect them.
Some countries, particularly in Europe, even require their citizens to maintain long-term health insurance while living abroad.
In addition to protecting your own health, long-term coverage can extend to your entire family – including newborns.
Note: Not everyone is eligible. Most insurers require proof of address in your expat country (such as a bank statement, utility bill, or cell phone bill). Also, pre-existing conditions may make it difficult or impossible to obtain coverage.
Comprehensive international health insurance policies can cover a wide range of medical expenses, including but not limited to…
- Doctor visits
- Medications
- Medical tests
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgeries
- Anesthesiologist fees
- ER visits
- Long-term treatments for chronic conditions
- Medical transportation
- Physical therapies
- Home healthcare
- Preventative care
- ICU
- In-patient care
- Hospital accommodations to accompany minor(s)
- House calls and telemedicine (for some policies)
- Palliative care
- Hospice care
- Maternity (waiting periods may apply)
Most long-term plans also include preventative services like skin cancer screenings, prostate exams, and mammograms, typically with a maximum benefit of USD 100 – 200, depending on the policy.
While a deductible may not be required, these benefits have a waiting period of around 10 months or after the first policy year.
These plans also include emergency medical transportation or evacuation, but only if the facility you’re in cannot properly treat you – not simply to transfer you to a preferred hospital.
Some policies also include travel riders for short trips outside your country of residency (in this case Mexico), though restrictions usually apply.
For example, the emergency must occur within the first 30 days of travel, and a maximum coverage limit typically applies.
#2 Catastrophic Health Insurance
This is designed to protect you from significant financial burden due to major illnesses, accidents, or emergencies – once a high deductible is met. Think of it as a worst-case-scenario safety net.
Catastrophic plans generally have lower monthly costs – expect premiums to range from USD 175 – 400 monthly, depending on your plan and circumstances.
However, they come with higher deductibles (starting at USD 5,000) and focus primarily on major medical expenses like hospitalizations, accidents, or surgeries.
#3 Medical Evacuation Insurance (Medevac)
Medecac is another option if you can’t afford – or don’t qualify for – comprehensive coverage.
This isn’t health insurance, but it covers emergency medical transportation costs.
Plans typically cost under USD 500 for an individual and 1,000 annually for a family.
Having medevac can be invaluable if you live in a remote area or prefer treatment closer to home.
But it’s not the ultimate safety net.
Too many people assume, if something goes wrong, they can just hop on a flight back home for treatment.
But here’s the truth: It’s not that simple.
One common misconception is that medevac replaces the need for long-term private insurance. It doesn’t.
Why? Because you can’t be airlifted out unless you’re first stabilized.
And paying for that stabilization phase? It’s on you.
No flight will accept you until you’re cleared, and those first few days in a local hospital can cost thousands.
Another surprise: Not all medevac plans are created equal.
Some will only take you to the nearest adequate facility – maybe a regional hospital a few hours away, not your preferred clinic in the US or Canada.
Others allow “destination of choice” evacuation – but those plans are more expensive and less common.
#4 IMSS for Residents
If you have temporary or permanent residency in Mexico, you may be eligible to enroll in the country’s public healthcare system, IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social).
This voluntary insurance program offers access to certain doctors, clinics, and hospitals, along with some prescription medications.
The annual cost varies based on your age.
For example, those between 60 – 69 years old pay around MXN 19,800 per year.
However, there are important limitations to consider:
- Care is restricted to public hospitals and clinics only.
- Expect long wait times due to high patient demand.
- Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- English-speaking staff are rare, which can be challenging for non-Spanish speakers.
- And if you’re enrolling voluntarily (rather than through an employer), you may be given lower priority for services.
While IMSS can be an affordable option for basic care, it’s not a full substitute for private or international health insurance – especially if you want faster service, English-speaking providers, and broader hospital access.
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.
Red Flags and Green Lights When Shopping for Health Insurance in Mexico
When selecting coverage, watch out for these warning signs:
Red Flags:
- Groups claiming to work with Medicare in Mexico (some have been investigated by the FBI)
- Policies without clear exclusion explanations
- Brokers who rush the decision process or pressure you to sign immediately
- Plans that seem too cheap (they likely have significant hidden limitations)
Green Lights:
- Guaranteed renewable policies for life, as long as premiums are paid
- Clear provider network information and relationships with Mexican hospitals
- Transparent exclusion policies with detailed explanations
- Brokers who thoroughly explain reimbursement processes and answer all your questions
A clever way to assess customer service quality?
Ask potential brokers to explain how health insurance reimbursement in Mexico works.
Do they take the time to walk you through the process?
Do they answer questions patiently, or do you feel rushed?
Read to Protect Your Health and Finances?
The landscape of healthcare costs in Mexico is changing rapidly, and 2025 has made it clear that the days of assuming you can easily afford to pay out-of-pocket are ending.
Whether you need short-term travel coverage, comprehensive international insurance, or a budget-friendly catastrophic plan, the key is working with knowledgeable professionals who understand the unique challenges facing foreigners in Mexico.
Don’t wait for a crisis to realize you’re underprotected.
Connect with vetted insurance brokers who specialize in Mexico coverage and can walk you through your options, explain what’s realistic for your situation and budget, and help you avoid the common mistakes that lead to uncovered emergencies or denied claims.
Your health – and your financial security – are worth the investment.
