Private Medical Insurance in Mexico

Getting health insurance in Mexico as an expat is a relatively easy straight-forward process. Unlike registering a car, getting a driver's license, and opening a bank account - this is one of the big "expat" things to do here.

Health insurance in Mexico

Mexico has a large variety of insurance companies that can provide you with private health coverage. In the event that you or a member of your immediate family are taken ill or suffer an accident, the insurance company will cover the medical fees. How much is covered depends on what #health care plan you choose to buy. The more cover you need, and the older you are, the more expensive the premiums will become. Chosen deductibles also plays an important role here. Health #insurance premiums have been rising dramatically in Mexico over recent years. It is in part due to the higher cost of medical care, higher cost of medicines and an increase in hospital fees as well as the exchange rates. When you sign up for private health insurance, just as in the US and Canada, you will have to fill out a form stating all of your previous ailments and surgeries. If you have a #preexisting condition, the insurance company may refuse to pay for expenses related to that condition or even to offer a policy at all. The insurance company may also require you to take a physical exam before issuing a health insurance policy.

What is included in a private medical insurance in Mexico?

Most health insurance policies will cover:

 Doctor´s Fees (consultancy visits, medical and/or surgical treatments).  Operating theater and recovery room.  Anesthetizing equipment’s.  Laboratory and image analyses (x-rays, electrocardiogram, blood tests, etc.).  Medication in and outside the hospital (only if prescribed by treating physicians).  Intensive care.  Orthopedic apparatus or prosthesis that are required due to an illness or accident.  Land ambulance.  Medical expenses incurred for the practice of any sports as an amateur.  Medical or surgical treatments for reconstructive purposes (not aesthetic) that is indispensable as a result of an accident.

Important facts about Private Medical Insurance

 Private Medical Insurance policies don’t cover any #Preventative #treatments or medical #prescriptions to prevent health as they do at US or Canadian plans.  Most insurance companies have an age limit of 64 to contract a new policy.  Once the company has issued a policy, the renewal is guaranteed regardless of the use or cost generated, as long as the premiums are paid every year.  Insurance premiums will increase every year because of three factors: change of age (risk increase), inflation and exchange rates and hospital/medical adjustments.

About waiting periods

Most insurance companies will print the following waiting periods:

1 month | Any disease or illness 12 months | Respiratory cancer, cancer of the digestive system. 24 months | Knee, acid-peptic, spinal column, nose, paranasal sinuses, tonsils, adenoids, hernias of any type, mammary tumorations (benign and/or malign), anorectal, prostatic and gynecological conditions, varicose veins, perinea floor deficiency, disorders of the gall bladder and biliary tracts, kidney stones, stones at the urinary tracts, circumcision. These conditions shall not be covered if they are #preexisting. 48 months | Aids virus – HIV positive