Expats more than happy about healthcare options in Mexico

As Mexico attracts more expats originating from countries other than the USA, it’s reassuring to know that healthcare provisions are up to standard and lower in price than in the majority of European states.

Would-be expats considering moving overseas are looking for quality, affordability and accessibility, especially applied to available healthcare options in their chosen destinations. For families and retirees affordability is crucial, and even expat professionals on reassignment need immediate accessibility in the case of accidents. A recent study came out in favour of Mexico’s healthcare provisions, with some 75 per cent of respondents saying they were happy with their medical care experiences. Some 33 per cent went further, saying costs were around 20 per cent of those in the home country.

Interestingly, the study went a step further in that it identified locations offering the highest quality care, noting its affect on resident expats as regards healthier lifestyles. The region around Chapala Lake took top place die to its location an hour’s drive from the major city of Guadalajara and its state-of-the-art hospitals and medical facilities. Other favourites were Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Yucatan for their accessibility and prompt diagnosis and treatment, according to over 50 per cent of those surveyed.

For former USA citizens, cost is a priority, especially since Obamacare is under threat from Trumpian policies. Almost 75 per cent of respondents said their costs were down by 75 per cent, with another 40 per cent reporting decreases of between half and three-quarters of prices in the USA. For arrivals from the UK and other European countries, percentages re costs of private healthcare would be around 40 to 50 per cent cheaper than at home. In addition, pet veterinary costs were also far lower than in the USA as was dentistry, and prescription drugs were also far less expensive.

Most expat residents in Mexico, including those with pre-existing conditions, don’t feel the need for private health insurance, as lower costs in the private sector make it unnecessary. Another advantage is that, since the majority of medical and surgical professionals were trained in the USA, English is widely spoken, thus eradicating the need for an interpreter to prevent any misunderstanding about treatment or medication. The survey also rated expat lifestyles as against those in their home countries, will almost 100 per cent saying they were far healthier than at home.