Understanding your maternity care coverage is critical for a smooth and stress-free pregnancy – no matter where you live.
But there are a few key things you need to know about maternity care for expats in Mexico before you decide to start or add to your family.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about maternity care for expats in Mexico.
Understanding Maternity Care Coverage and International Health Insurance
Here’s the rundown of what you need to know about maternity care for expats in Mexico.
The Waiting Period
There’s always a waiting period for coverage.
If you think you can move to Mexico while pregnant and expect to be covered by a global health insurance plan, you’re in for a rude awakening.
Most require a minimum 10-month waiting period.
The exact waiting period depends on the insurance carrier, so if you’re planning on getting pregnant, it’s best to check with your provider beforehand.
Deductible Minimums
Most policies have a deductible minimum before the maternity benefit is eligible.
The maternity benefit is NOT an included benefit with deductibles over $2,000, $3,000, or $5,000 depending on the policy and insurer.
For example, most policies only offer the maternity benefit with deductibles of $3,000 or less. This means if you get a policy with a $5,000 deductible or higher, the maternity benefit is no longer eligible.
Always confirm with your broker what the guidelines are around deductible minimums and benefits.
Deductible Is Waived
Deductibles are waived when it comes to maternity benefits.
This means you don’t have to meet a deductible, but there’s a limit to how much you are reimbursed, depending on the insurer.
Maximum coverage typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 USD.
Complications
Maternal and newborn complications may be covered 100% with no deductible, depending on the policy.
Some policies have a maximum limit of coverage for these complications, so be sure to double-check with your insurer before you go into labor.
The last thing you want to have happen is to get caught off guard and have to pay out-of-pocket before leaving the hospital.
Yes, you can get reimbursed when you file a claim, but dealing with payment is the last thing you want to deal with when you have a newborn.
Post-Natal Care
Post-natal care depends on the policy. Some insurers include up to 2 pediatric visits, some don’t.
Again, check with your broker or insurer ahead of time so you know what’s covered after the baby is born.
What Is Covered for Maternity Care?
Once you find out you are expecting a new addition to the family, notify your insurance company to let them know you are pregnant.
They will provide additional instructions, but, typically outside of filing claims, you won’t contact them until the birth.
After the benefit kicks in, maternity coverage includes your pre-natal visits, maternity-related tests, and the birth, whether you are planning a traditional hospital birth or a scheduled cesarean.
Some policies may cover birthing classes as well, so you will want to confirm this with the insurer.
International insurance is a reimbursement model, meaning you will pay out-of-pocket and file the claims for reimbursement.
For the birth itself, many hospitals in Mexico offer maternity packages, with an average cost of around 26,000 pesos.
Be sure to thoroughly review what the package includes as some will offer discounted prices but not include invoices (facturas) and itemized bills, which are required to get your reimbursement.
While it’s a good idea to contact your broker or insurance company when you are in labor, it’s not required.
In case complications arise, it is helpful to have your broker communicate with the insurer on your behalf.
If there are labor and/or newborn complications, have someone contact the insurer as soon as possible so they can start organizing coverage.
Policies have a maximum benefit for complications so it is important to review your policy before the due date to be best prepared.
Maternity Care That Is NOT Covered by International Health Insurance
The following are excluded and are not covered by international health plans:
- Artificial insemination
- Contraceptive medicines or devices
- In-vitro fertilization
- Fertility treatments
- Erectile dysfunction treatments
- Sterilization and/or reversal of sterilization
- Surrogacy
- Any type of abortion
- Pre-natal vitamins
While many midwives are covered by international insurance, doulas are not covered.
What Is the Cost of Maternity Care in Mexico?
From conception to birth, average maternity care for expats in Mexico costs about 50,000 to 60,000 pesos – assuming a normal pregnancy.
This includes monthly pre-natal visits and tests, ultrasounds, and the birth itself.
This does not include pre-natal medication or vitamins, which are considered over the counter and must be paid for out-of-pocket.
What Are the Options for Giving Birth in Mexico as an Expat?
When it comes to giving birth in Mexico, expats have several options: public and private hospitals, birthing centers, and home births.
Here’s a quick rundown of your options.
Public Hospitals
Public hospitals cost less – with many being potentially free or close to free.
However, the downside is you are NOT allowed to have a partner present. In public hospitals in Mexico, there are very strict rules about who can be with you.
Also, expect longer wait times and potential language barriers. Don’t count on a translator or bilingual staff.
Private Hospitals
There are a lot of benefits of choosing a private hospital for your birth.
The main one being they often offer a maternity package which takes the guesswork out of billing.
You will also have the luxury of a private room for you and your birthing team. Private hospitals may also offer birthing alternatives such as a water birth room, and midwives are generally available to assist with the birth.
In bigger cities or cities with a large expat community, there’s a good chance there will be bilingual staff available to help with your labor experience.
Birthing Centers
Birthing centers are typically covered by your policy and offer a comfortable labor experience. More options are becoming available in Mexico as birthing centers are a popular choice for labor.
Once you have selected a birthing center, confirm with your insurer that the center is eligible for coverage.
Home Births
Many women choose to have a home birth, which doesn’t require coverage if everything goes well.
But, if there are complications and you need to go to a hospital, you need to contact your insurer right away.
Complications will be covered under the general maternity benefit, but the situation will need to be evaluated by the insurer.
Midwives are almost always in attendance at a home birth, but they are only covered by your international health insurance policy if they are certified to deliver babies.
Check their credentials to confirm eligibility if you plan on using a midwife.
Navigating the Mexican Healthcare System as an Expecting Expat
When it comes to finding a doctor, midwife, doula, birthing center, or hospital, the best place to start looking is to ask your community and online expat groups for recommendations.
If you’re looking for a midwife, ask your gynecologist if he or she works with midwives or has recommendations.
Make sure to meet with a few providers to find the best fit.
If you don’t speak Spanish fluently, consider finding a hospital with English-speaking staff or hiring a translator.
Ensure your doctor, midwife, or doula is bilingual and learn key phrases related to pregnancy and childbirth.
When shopping for insurance, look for policies that offer maternity care for expats in Mexico.
Check waiting periods, maximum coverage, and reviews specific to maternity benefits. If switching insurers, remember that waiting periods start over.
