Mexico’s public healthcare system is available to anyone who works in the country, whether they are an expat or a citizen. Most expats, however, prefer private global health insurance to public health insurance in order to take advantage of the higher healthcare quality available in private clinics and hospitals throughout Mexico.
Here are five essential facts about Global Health Insurance you should know if you are considering living in Mexico:
You cannot use your U.S. health insurance in Mexico.
Generally, you will not be able to use your health insurance from the US (such as Medicare) to cover medical treatment in Mexico. Even if you have an insurance policy that provides international coverage, you will still be required to pay out-of-pocket until your claim is processed and reimbursed back home.
Healthcare in Mexico is significantly less expensive than healthcare in the United States. However, paying out of pocket can still be too expensive, so a comprehensive Global Health Insurance in Mexico is essential.
You are already enrolled in a Mexican public health insurance system if you work for a Mexican company.
Working for a Mexican company will automatically register you in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) health insurance system. Contributions to the plan are made by both you and your employer — your share of the contribution is deducted from your salary.
Though you will not be able to opt-out of IMSS and only subscribe to private health insurance, you can buy additional private Global Health Insurance coverage, which will provide you with access to private healthcare and greater flexibility on where you receive treatment.
Private insurance provides access to better healthcare.
Because private global health insurance provides coverage at private clinics and hospitals and the option to pick your doctor, many American expats in Mexico prefer to combine public and private health insurance. Private hospitals have shorter waiting times, better infrastructure, and provide superior care compared to public hospitals in Mexico.
You need a “factura” to submit your insurance claim.
The mechanics of submitting a claim will differ from one insurance provider to the next. In any case, though, you will need your receipt or “factura.” The factura for prescription medications is sent to you through email and handed to you at the register. Please keep in mind that you must have both to be reimbursed.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” pricing.
The best way to buy Global Health Insurance is through a reputable insurance agency such as West Coast Global Insurance Services. They will allow you to compare plans from multiple insurance providers online and pick the one that best meets your needs. But how much would a Global Health Insurance cost? The cost of Global Health Insurance will vary based on several factors, including a person’s age, Deductible selection, an Annual maximum plan vs. A Lifetime benefit plan and of course the amount of coverage included on your plan. However, you can expect to pay about USD 1,700 — with a deductible of about USD 5,000.
Get Your Mexican Global Health Insurance Quote Today!
If you plan to make Mexico your new home, West Coast Global Insurance Services has made it easy to protect yourself from the unexpected. Please fill out this form to get a quote for the most reliable global health insurance (expat major medical) coverage throughout Mexico.