| When planning on moving to Mexico a primary | | | | Many retirees move to Mexico from the US as |
| concern should be healthcare. People who have | | | | they cannot afford the healthcare and the IMSS |
| moved to Mexico are very lucky since Mexico | | | | system is the best there is. |
| health care is generally very good, in most places, | | | | It is not altogether clear how many Americans |
| it is positively exceptional. | | | | use this IMSS system, however with between 50 |
| Many health care practitioners in Mexico receive | | | | and 80,000 retired Americans living in Mexico the |
| at least part of their training in the United States | | | | numbers are probably in the thousands. |
| and many American doctors have trained in | | | | The Mexican social security is cautious that this |
| Mexico, notably in Guadalajara. | | | | plan may need reviewing and may not be |
| Every mid-sized to large city in Mexico has at | | | | sustainable if thousands more American re locate |
| least one first-rate hospital and a big plus about | | | | to Mexico. |
| health care in Mexico is that the costs are | | | | You may not get the luxury treatment of a |
| generally half or less than one might expect to | | | | private room with TV, and phone, and if things do |
| pay in the U.S. | | | | go wrong the Mexican court system is not on a |
| The same thing also applies for prescription drugs. | | | | par with the US and does not provide much |
| Those prescription drugs that are manufactured in | | | | recourse. However it is an affordable way of |
| Mexico are about fifty percent less on the | | | | protecting yourself against medical emergencies |
| average, compared with similar drugs | | | | while living in Mexico. |
| manufactured in the United States. | | | | Private Healthcare |
| There are two options to consider for healthcare | | | | Private health care in Mexico is far less expensive |
| in Mexico: IMSS (Social Security) and Private. | | | | than in America. Paying by cash for an |
| IMSS | | | | appointment could always be an option. A general |
| Thousands of U.S. retirees are moving to Mexico | | | | medical consultation may cost around $30 USD, |
| and taking advantage of IMSS - Mexican social | | | | but be warned costs are more expensive in |
| security healthcare (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro | | | | major tourist destinations and big cities. |
| Social). | | | | Very few Mexicans have private health insurance, |
| Mexico has allowed retirees and people who wish | | | | but this sector is growing. There are also very |
| to stay in the country for a longer period of time | | | | good medical centers in towns and smaller cities |
| to contribute to this scheme, this is the closest to | | | | often frequented by tourists. |
| socialized medical coverage as it is possible to get. | | | | Private clinics or hospitals in more rural locations |
| There are some pre-existing conditions that would | | | | have a tendency to be owned by groups of local |
| prevent you from coverage by way of IMSS. | | | | doctors or physicians varying in levels of training. |
| The typical cost of payment is calculated having a | | | | Their facilities and technology are not as |
| full time job on a minimum wage salary; the cost | | | | sophisticated and cutting edge, but are adequate |
| will increase marginally each year. | | | | to treat minor illnesses. |
| You can apply for IMSS on the official | | | | Most private hospitals do not accept foreign health |
| government web site by answering general health | | | | insurance, and will require a credit card or cash |
| care, medical history and a questionnaire. The | | | | payment before any treatment. However, if you |
| annual fee will give you access to resources like | | | | are critically injured or in grave health a private |
| regular doctor and dental checkups, emergency | | | | hospital will do everything they can to stabilize |
| surgeries, lab tests from your doctor, prescription | | | | your condition then you would be transferred to |
| medicine and even eyeglasses. | | | | an IMSS or Government hospital. |
| In a recent article about IMSS from USA Today, | | | | There is also talk of Americans being able to use |
| the paper said "The system has flaws, the | | | | Medicare or Medicaid insurance in Mexico health |
| facilities aren't cutting-edge, and the deal may not | | | | care facilities by the end of 2010. So really, |
| last long because the Mexican government said in | | | | whatever option you go for, you can be sure of |
| a recent report that it is notorious for losing | | | | accessible, high quality, well priced health care |
| money. But for now, (American) retirees say | | | | should you decide to retire to your own home in |
| they're getting a bargain." | | | | the Mexican sun. |