The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS is Mexico's national healthcare program. Foreigners who are living and employed in Mexico are eligible for IMSS coverage. It is a popular resource for working expats with a temporary or permanent residency visa. The advantage of IMSS health coverage is it's very affordable, only costing approximately $500 per year for residents.
However, if you are an expat covered through the IMSS for your regular insurance needs, getting supplemental expat health insurance must be highly considered since the standard government-provided care is fundamental.
Like anywhere globally, you can find high-quality healthcare services and facilities in private clinics and hospitals compared to government-operated facilities. In Mexico, you can expect more comfortable conditions in private healthcare facilities in major cities such as Mexico City, Iztapalapa, Guadalajara, and smaller towns throughout the country.
If you are in a more rural area, the available standard government-provided care might be fundamental indeed if you only have an IMSS health plan.
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As to the availability of health care providers in different areas of Mexico, you may quickly find doctors, dentists, and emergency medical personnel throughout the country. However, English-speaking doctors are much more readily available in large cities like Monterrey and regions that are well-known for expats, like Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, or Mérida. The country's highest-rated hospitals and clinics are clustered in just a few cities as well, including Ecatepec, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
Read More: Mexico's Healthcare System
