How to get health insurance in Mexico
Both Mexicans and foreign visitors highly regard Mexico's healthcare system. As a result, it attracts a large number of visitors from various nations seeking economic, high-quality healthcare. This is especially true in the United States, where the costs of medicine and treatments are far lower. You may rest confident that you'll be in good hands whether you choose private or public health insurance.
There are two types of public options available in Mexico. The most prevalent is the Mexican Institute of Social Security, or Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or IMSS. This benefit is granted to you if you work full-time for a Mexican company, and it is available to people of all nationalities. You can pay into the same plan as everyone else for a modest monthly charge even if you're not employed full-time.
Public insurance options in Mexico
The “Public Insurance,” or Seguro Popular, is the other option. The government, in this circumstance, provides the service to all Mexicans, regardless of their work condition. It is only offered to residents who are not eligible for the IMSS and have not joined a private insurance provider.
Seguro Popular is the most popular insurance among expats who have become residents after deciding to live in Mexico full-time.
To become a member of the Popular Insurance Scheme, go to the nearest Affiliation and Orientation Center.
The following documents must be presented in original and copy form:
- Proof of address (valid for no more than 90 days).
- Unique Population Registry Code(CURP) or Birth certificate
- Official identification with the titular's photograph; minors may present a letter of identification, which can be obtained from their delegacy or municipal hall.
If you are a recipient of a federal government assistance or subsidy program, you must provide proof that you are a member of a group.
If you want to add another beneficiary:
- Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) or Birth certificate of each of the components
- Present the birth certificate of newly born children.
All documents must be presented in their original form as well as a copy.
Once you submit your documents, a socioeconomic study will be conducted to determine whether or not you need to pay a fee for insurance. The policy you receive will be valid for three years. Once you are affiliated, you must submit your rights and obligations, and the entire process will be completed on the same day.
Private insurance options in Mexico
If you choose to be covered by an international health insurance policy, keep in mind that many private hospitals in Mexico do not accept foreign health insurance, and you will have to pay out of pocket in advance if you require medical attention there. This is why, before something unpleasant occurs, you should conduct research to see which hospitals accept your insurance.
Keep in mind that the prices are pretty low compared to what expats from the United States are used to.
Travel insurance is recommended for those who don't know for how long they will be staying in Mexico. If you know you'll be staying for a while, seek foreign medical insurance plans with a high deductible, saving you money on monthly charges. This is especially true if you want to insure someone under the age of 18.
Some foreign plans cover the United States and/or Canada. So, if you're going to be near the border, you might want to have a look at them.
Mapfre, GNP Seguros, Seguros Monterrey, Metlife, and New York Life are among the largest insurers. Each insurance provider offers a variety of individual and family packages that include medical services, specialty treatments, medications, and various medical tests.
If your package contains significant medical expenses, you will be required to pay deductibles, particularly for major surgery. An annual insurance policy for a 30-year-old adult might cost up to 19,000 pesos.
As an example, we will delve into the medical insurance benefits offered by MAPFRE.
You can opt for two types of insurance, traditional insurance and immediate contract insurance. Within standard insurance, there are four types of contracts:
- Seguro Gastos Médicos Mayores
Calculate the costs that the insured will incur as a result of medical treatment due to an accident or illness, with the option of choosing from a variety of coverage amounts.
- Seguro Colectivo Indemnizatorio
Only product on the market that provides indemnification coverage for the most common causes of illness and procedures in the Mexican population and Personal Accident coverage if the insured suffers an accident.
- Seguro Protección Médica a Tu Medida
This is a personalized insurance contract for large medical expenses that allows you to have protection tailored to your needs.
- Seguro Médico Protección Segura
Combines a traditional Individual Major Medical Insurance coverage with a fixed indemnification plan.
On the other hand, immediate hiring insurance offers you five types of contracts:
- Seguro Recuperación Médica RM15
Allows the insured to get compensation if diagnosed with a covered medical condition.
- Previcáncer
Insures the person who has been diagnosed with cancer.
- Hospitalización Diaria
Insures the insured person when they are hospitalized.
- Indemnización por Incapacidad
Insures the insured in the event of temporary incapacity.
- Protégela y Protégelo
It compensates women and men for some of the most severe harm they may suffer.
Furthermore, certain private hospitals, such as Hospital Angeles, provide their own set of medical services, which includes major surgery.
Useful links:
Vista de Sistema de salud de México
