Mexico Health Insurance

The United Mexican States, otherwise known as Mexico, is a large country in Central America adjacent to Belize, Guatemala and the United States of America. Mexico covers a land territory of 1,964,375 square kilometers and has an approximate population of 112 million people. Mexico is governed as a federal constitutional republic and the country is divided into 31 federal states and one federal district which is the capital, Mexico City.

An estimated 20 million tourists visit Mexico each year and the country has many natural attractions which date back some 4,000 years. 31 UNESCO Heritage sites in addition to ancient Mayan and Aztec architecture, numerous tourist resorts and a warm year round climate ensure a memorable time for all who visit the country. Propelled by a well developed tourism industry, Mexico’s overall economy has strengthened in recent decades and has progressed from a reliance on agriculture to one with impressive manufacturing and services sectors. The economy is expected to triple in size by 2020 and is predicted to become the fifth largest in the world by 2050.

Mexico Health Care and Insurance

The Mexican health care system is a mix of public and private health services with the Ministry of Health (SSA) assuming responsibility for the delivery of health care services in the country. The health care system has been divided into three distinct systems with each category catering to the needs of Mexico’s citizens. These three systems are comprised of the SSA, the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and private health care providers. The SSA is the main state run public health service which, by law, ensures that all Mexican citizens have access to primary health care. The IMSS is the national Mexico health insurance and pension fund in which all legalized employers and employees contribute to ensure that they, and their dependants, receive public health care services. The third and final system is the private health care sector and it is generally expatriates and affluent Mexican citizens who utilize these services. The Mexican public health network consists of clinics and hospitals and all suffer from inequality in terms of the number and location of facilities and the distribution of medical staff. Expatriates and tourists should note that cash payments are required at all of Mexico’s health facilities. Purchasing a Mexico international health insurance policy is therefore strongly recommended.

There are an estimated 3,000 private health sector facilities in Mexico although it should be noted that the majority of these facilities are limited in the range of treatments they can provide. The Cowdray hospital and clinic in Mexico City is one of the country’s best equipped facilities and is quite popular with medical tourists. Large numbers of American citizens regularly travel to Mexico for routine dental treatment, minor surgery and other services which are available at a fraction of the expense that these treatments would cost at many hospitals in the United States.

An estimated 3 million Mexican citizens and resident expatriates also use private health facilities as they wish to avoid the long waiting times and administrative issues that are common at public health facilities. Medical staff at private health facilities are also trained to international standards and many will have spent some time in the United States, both at University and in employment at large clinics and hospitals.

Mexico Travel Insurance Concerns

Mexico has a varied topography and its climate is influenced by its location along the Tropic of Cancer. The low lying coastal regions enjoy a year round tropical climate while the highlands and mountainous areas experience a temperate climate. Most of the country’s tourist resorts and attractions are located at sea level and the warm, humid conditions ensure a number of illnesses and diseases are prevalent in these regions. Insect borne diseases such as Malaria and Dengue fever are widespread, and steps should be taken to avoid being bitten by infected mosquitoes, such as wearing long sleeve clothing at night, using an insect repellant and erecting bed nets. Consultations with a travel health specialist prior to departure for Mexico are advised as a number of vaccinations should be received and updated before arrival in the country. Incidents of Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Rabies and bacterial diarrhea can occur throughout Mexico and expatriates and tourists should seek immediate medical attention if they experience persistent diarrhea and flu or fever-like symptoms.

Drug related crime and violence is an ever increasing problem in Mexico, with the northern parts of the country that are close to the border with the United States among the most affected. Inter gang violence continues to claim the lives of dozens of citizens and security personnel each week and expatriates and travelers should exercise extreme caution and vigilance if they intend to visit the flashpoint cities of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. While most of this violence is not directed at foreign nationals, incidents of kidnapping for ransom against perceived wealthy individuals, including expatriates, have been reported. A provision against kidnapping can be inserted into any Mexico international health insurance policy and this is recommended for expatriates resident in or near the northern cities of Mexico.

Mexico Expat Health Insurance

A reasonable standard of health care is available at Mexico’s health facilities with private health facilities in particular offering a good range of treatments and services, although at a greater cost than similar services at public facilities. Private clinics and hospitals can provide a level of care and treatment that is close to international standards and such facilities are popular with medical tourists and expatriates. To ensure you are fully protected against the cost of any potential medical treatment, purchase a Mexico international health insurance policy. Advisors at Expat Medical Insurance can advise you on which insurance plan is best suited to your individual needs. Plans can include benefits such as maternal, dental, in-patient, out-patient and more. For more information on Mexico international health insurance, global health insurance plans or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.