Sandra P. Says:
I heard that Mexico has two public healthcare systems. Is that true?
IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says:
Hi Sandra,
It is true that Mexico has two national healthcare systems, which expats on a valid residence visa can apply to join: IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or Mexican Social Security Institute) and INSABI (Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar), which replaced the old Seguro Popular program.
IMSS is the medical system for all tax-paying Mexicans in the private sector, serving millions of people. As a result, IMSS has hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies scattered all over Mexico—so you’re never far from an IMSS facility.
IMSS is roughly modeled on the Canadian and British socialized medical systems. The cost for participating in IMSS is low—it runs from about $120 a year for children and adolescents, up to about $900 for those in their 60s—and it includes medications.
You must ask to join IMSS—you aren’t signed up automatically. You must apply in the Mexican state where you live. And you’ll generally have to pay the entire year’s fee upfront. A drawback with this system is that some pre-existing conditions are not covered and some conditions could disqualify you completely from joining the IMSS program.
INSABI is for Mexicans who are self-employed or unemployed, and who therefore do not qualify for IMSS. INSABI covers medical treatment and medications, it’s free, and there is no enrollment process. You simply show up at a facility with your residence documents to receive care.
You can get more information on the Mexican healthcare system in our in-depth guidebook, Escape to Mexico, available on the IL Bookstore here.
And it’s not just your healthcare that’s affordable in Mexico. Check out my recent article about healthcare for pets in your IL magazine here.
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