Frequently Asked Questions
Health Insurance in Mexico
+ How much do medical emergencies cost in Mexico?
Medical emergency costs depend on the nature of the accident / injury / illness as well as where it takes place. Medical costs in popular expat cities in Mexico are higher than less popular cities. The cost of urgent care is less than hospitalization care. What you can count on are high costs for hospitalization care. In 2024, the hospital bill for emergency back surgery cost $29,900 USD (this does not include post-op care or physical therapy). Also in 2024, an emergency outpatient heart intervention cost $10,500 USD.
+ How are pre-existing conditions evaluated?
All full cover health plan carriers will evaluate an applicant’s health history; specifically those conditions related to medications, surgeries, or medical treatment / procedures. Companies may place policy limitations on pre-existing conditions. Some policy limitations include, but are not limited to: permanent exclusion, premium surcharge, or additional deductible. All health insurance companies that insure individuals in Mexico evaluate pre-existing conditions. Travel insurance and medical emergency plans usually do not cover pre-existing conditions, however some plans do offer small coverage amounts for pre-existing conditions.
+ I only need catastrophic coverage. Are there any catastrophic-only health insurance plans in Mexico?
Most health insurance plans in Mexico include both inpatient and outpatient services. However, Mexico Insurance Advisors is continuously adding new health insurance carriers and plans to our offerings.
Please contact us for the most recent plan offerings.
+ What is health insurance?
Health insurance is a contract between an insurance company and an individual in which the health insurance company agrees to pay the individual’s medical bills based on the conditions of coverage & terms of the policy. In exchange, the insured pays a set amount of money — an “annual premium”.
+ What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a contract between an individual & insurance company to cover emergency medical costs during travel for sudden, unexpected accidents, injuries, or illnesses. Most travel plans cover very little or zero for anything related to a pre-existing condition (any prior surgeries or current medications). Travel insurance plans are for individuals on a travel Visa in Mexico, not for individuals with a temporary or permanent Visa who reside permanently in Mexico.
+ What are pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing conditions are directly related to your medical history. The conditions include all surgeries, medical procedures or medications you are taking.
+ I am healthy. Do I really need health insurance?
Medical emergencies in Mexico can be very expensive. If you have the misfortune of undergoing a medical emergency without insurance, it is easy to find yourself with a crippling amount of medical bills, which in Mexico will need to be paid up front at the time of service.
+ For individuals in good health, it's hard to see why health insurance might be necessary.
However, tripping on the cobble stone streets or falling down and breaking a hip could cause injuries that cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills. Although doctor´s visits are affordable, medical emergencies in Mexico are not.
+ How are health insurance premiums calculated?
Health insurance companies base their rates on the applicant’s age & sex. Premiums are calculated based on market prices, plan benefits, coverage area, as well as medical claims for all members the prior year.
+ What does it mean to have a deductible?
A deductible is the amount of member responsibility, which must be paid before the insurance can start covering medical expenses. For example, let's say that your deductible is $500 USD and you are hospitalized for pneumonia, which causes $12,000 dollars in medical costs. ... You would be responsible for the $500 USD and the insurance company would pay the rest either via direct payment to the hospital or via claim reimbursement.
+ What if I only need Medical Emergency insurance in Mexico?
There are some new Medical Emergency Insurance plans available. They are more affordable than full coverage health plans, have a $0 deductible, and don’t require an application form. Click here for more information.