Comprehensive Global Medical Insurance Protection & What You Need to Know When Living in Mexico!

Many individuals and families move to our neighbor to the south for many reasons, including great weather, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, lower living costs, and — of course — more affordable healthcare. Unfortunately, many expatriates in Mexico have learned that, while healthcare is relatively less expensive in Mexico, a catastrophic event can nonetheless cripple your financial condition if you are not covered properly while traveling or living in Mexico.

The Healthcare System in Mexico: An Overview

The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) is Mexico's federal government healthcare program — and it is pretty similar to Medicare and Medicaid. IMSS runs its own healthcare facilities, and its doctors are highly trained specialists with private practices. However, using IMSS as the health plan for you or your family also means coping with a few challenges. These includes long lines and wait times, the unavailability of specialists during off-hours or on holidays, the unavailability of English-speaking staff in most cases, and overcrowded, often dilapidated facilities with outdated equipment. There is also a free social healthcare system known as the Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar (INSABI). However, it is not very different from IMSS.

Given the shortcomings of federal insurance, many U.S.-based individuals and families buy private health insurance from Global Insurance carriers when living in Mexico instead. Private insurance provides you with immediate access to private healthcare facilities of your choice anywhere in Mexico — with no waiting periods. Private healthcare facilities also feature cutting-edge equipment and English-speaking staff. Furthermore, unlike INSABI or IMSS, you can receive personalized medical attention with your private insurance.

The Risks of Not Being Insured

Some American individuals and families decide not to buy the insurance and instead pay for medical treatment in Mexico out of pocket. This usually works because Mexican healthcare is significantly less expensive than U.S. healthcare. A same-day CAT scan costs less than USD 300, a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) costs less than USD 100, and you can see a specialist like an orthopedic physician or cardiologist for about USD 40. You can even undergo major surgery for a third of the price of what it would cost back home.

While you can pay minor medical bills out of pocket, catastrophic medical situations can just as easily bankrupt you if you do not have adequate Global Medical insurance. For example, if you had a cardiac arrest and required angioplasty and a week in a Mexican hospital, you could be looking at a bill of anywhere between USD 30,000 to USD 40,000. Cancer treatments can range from USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 without insurance.

If you receive treatment at a private Mexican hospital without insurance, you will not be discharged until you pay your bill. The takeaway here is that having a comprehensive global medical insurance plan that provides medical protection while living in Mexico can help you avoid that hassle.

Get Your Global Health Insurance Quote Today!

If you plan to move to Mexico, West Coast Global Insurance has made it easier to protect yourself from the unexpected. Check out their Global Health Insurance Online Questionnaire to find the best Mexico health insurance policy for your needs.