Healthcare in Mexico

The quality and availability of health care in Mexico has increased immensely in the past ten years or so. Mortality rates have dropped substantially as a result. Mexico achieved universal health care in 2012, becoming the second North American country to do so.

Many visitors are surprised at the very high quality of medical care available in Mexico. It is even a popular regional destination for medical tourism due to its high quality modern facilities and reasonable prices! Mexico boasts world class hospitals, clinics and doctors, cutting edge technology, and top-notch research facilities.

Many Mexican doctors do post-graduate study in North America or Europe, and are to date on cutting edge medicine. These doctors are likely to speak English, as well.

Private Health Care

There are both private and public sources of medical care in Mexico. The highest level is private doctors and private hospitals. The facilities are nice, modern, and can even be luxurious. Two-thirds of the over 4,000 hospitals in Mexico are private. Many visitors, and even Mexicans who have access to public health care, prefer the quality of private medical care and pay to access private doctors, clinics and hospitals.

You will have an easier time finding staff who speak English or other languages in private facilities, since they are accustomed to catering to tourists and the international set. But because they are private, if you need a doctor or to visit a hospital, you will be responsible for paying them. This is where international student insurance can help you.

The study abroad program at your university can help you with find private doctors, clinics and hospitals near your university in Mexico. You can also check with your consulate for good recommendations in case you need to visit a doctor or have an unexpected need to visit a hospital. They maintain lists of specialists and facilities.

• Holistic, homeopathic and other forms of alternative medicine are quite popular in Mexico, and providers are widely available. Natural healing and dietary supplements can be easily found.
• Opticians are also plentiful in Mexico. Most opticians provide a free eye exam if you purchase your glasses or contacts lenses from them. The cost of contact lenses and glasses is reasonable, and students may consider buying an emergency pair.
• Pharmacies often have an attached medical clinic with a doctor. For a minimal fee you can see a doctor about minor injuries or illnesses. They can diagnose and treat these conditions and prescribe many medications. The cost is around 30 pesos, (less than $3US) or around 50 pesos (less than $4US) for an evening visit.
• Excellent dental care is available in Mexico, at a very reasonable cost. Visiting students can expect to pay about $25US for an office visit and cleaning.

Other, public Mexican health care systems – ISSSTE, IMSS, and the military hospitals – are available for public and private employees, and military personnel here in Mexico. They are clearly marked. You will become accustomed to seeing the ISSSTE and IMS symbols on hospitals and clinics in the city where you study. Private hospitals and clinics do not bear the ISSSTE and IMSS signs and logos.

The public health care systems in Mexico are not designed for visitors. In a pinch you may be able to convince a public facility to see you, but don’t count on this! Since your home university or your host university probably will have required you to purchase international student insurance prior to your arrival, you should seek private care if at all possible.