Tourism in Mexico and how Hospitals in Mexico have been affected

In its early days, medical tourism was a means for people of impoverished nations to access higher quality medical services in more developed countries. However, it is now a means for residents of more developed economies to access quality healthcare at significantly lower prices. With medical tourism, Americans and Canadians can save up to 90% on their healthcare bills. The primary motivator is cost — but additional incentives include service efficiency, the ability to "vacation" while recovering, and access to medical procedures not offered in one's native country.

Why Mexico?

Mexico is our neighbor to the south, so getting there is cheap. Furthermore, healthcare in Mexico is of top-notch quality and relatively inexpensive, making it one of the top 10 medical destinations globally. Not to mention that Mexico has a vibrant and colorful culture and some of the world's best beach destinations.

The importance of buying global health insurance.

Mexico's public health system has no reciprocal agreements with any other nation — and American health insurance programs are not recognized here. Therefore, tourists and expats must make their own healthcare arrangements. Should you get involved in an accident in Mexico that necessitates healthcare or medical assistance, you will have to pay out of pocket or secure health Insurance in Mexico.

Medical tourists and expats can voluntarily apply for the Mexican public healthcare insurance system — Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social ("IMSS") — which offers access to select doctors and healthcare facilities in Mexico. Some prescription medications are also covered by public health insurance. Unfortunately, as with all publicly-funded healthcare systems, patient demand is often higher than service availability, so you may have to deal with long wait times.

However, most tourists and expats who can afford it should get a private global health insurance policy that will cover their unique needs and provide them with direct access to some of the finest private doctors and healthcare facilities in Mexico. Private insurance can be more expensive, but the facilities are generally more advanced, specialized health care procedures are more readily available, and waiting times are significantly shorter. Because many Mexican doctors get their medical training in the States or Europe, they are generally fluent in English as well.

Get Your Global Health Insurance Quote Today!

If you plan on traveling anywhere in Mexico, West Coast Global Insurance Services has made it easy to protect yourself from the unexpected. Learn more about your Global Health Insurance options in Mexico — from Expat Health Insurance to Travelers Insurance in Mexico

• by filling out their

Global Health Insurance Online Questionnaire to get a quote for the most reliable health coverage available throughout Mexico.

West Coast Global Insurance Services is dedicated to continuously researching our industry for the most comprehensive, best-priced insurance policies available in Mexico.