Ultimate Healthcare Guide

The top hospitals for expats are Hospital Lomas (444 824 2424) and Hospital Angeles (444 813 3797). Both have English-speaking staff, accept international insurance, and offer high-quality care. Christus Muguerza is also expat-friendly with bilingual patient coordinators.

General practitioner visits cost $400-800 MXN ($25-50 USD). Specialists range from $600-1,500 MXN ($35-90 USD). Pharmacy consultations are only $35-60 MXN for minor issues. These costs are 50-70% lower than US prices.

While not legally required for visitors, health insurance is highly recommended. Medical costs are affordable, but a serious illness or accident can still be expensive. Options include Mexican private insurance ($2,500-15,000 MXN/month), international expat insurance, or IMSS through formal employment.

Most US insurance plans do not cover routine care in Mexico. However, some plans cover emergency care abroad. Contact your insurer to verify. Many expats purchase separate Mexican insurance or use international plans like BUPA Global or Cigna Global.

Dial 911 for general emergencies or call Cruz Roja (Red Cross) directly at 444 815 0519 for ambulance service. Private hospitals also have their own ambulance services - Hospital Lomas: 444 824 2400, Hospital Angeles: 444 813 1700.

Many medications that require prescriptions in the US/Canada are available over-the-counter in Mexico, including some antibiotics and pain medications. However, controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines) require prescriptions. Pharmacists can often recommend medications for common ailments.

Many doctors in private hospitals speak English, especially at Hospital Lomas and Hospital Angeles. When booking, request an English-speaking physician. Younger doctors are more likely to speak English. For public hospitals, English speakers are less common.

IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) is Mexico's public health system. Expats can access IMSS through: 1) Formal employment (employer enrolls you), or 2) Voluntary enrollment if you have temporary/permanent residency (costs vary by age). Coverage includes medical, dental, and prescriptions.

Private hospital ERs work similarly to the US: register, triage, treatment, payment. Wait times are typically shorter (15-45 min). Public hospital ERs can have very long waits (2-6+ hours) but treat everyone. Private ERs require payment or insurance verification upfront.

Standard vaccinations recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus update, and routine vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccination is widely available. Rabies vaccine recommended if you'll work with animals. Yellow fever not required unless coming from endemic areas.

Options include: 1) Ask your general practitioner for referrals, 2) Contact hospital physician directories, 3) Use Doctoralia (Mexican doctor review site), 4) Ask in expat Facebook groups for recommendations. Most specialists are located in Lomas and hospital medical towers.

Many pharmacies (Similares, Ahorro, Guadalajara) have in-house doctors offering consultations for $35-60 MXN. These are great for minor issues: cold/flu, minor infections, skin rashes. The doctor can diagnose and prescribe medications on the spot. Not suitable for serious conditions.

Yes, dental care in SLP is excellent and 60-80% cheaper than the US. A cleaning costs $500-800 MXN, fillings $400-1,000 MXN, and crowns $3,000-6,000 MXN. Many dentists trained in the US or have US certifications. Popular clinics include Dental Spa and OrthoSmile.

For serious emergencies: 1) Call 911 or go directly to nearest private hospital ER, 2) Hospital Lomas ER: 444 824 2400, 3) Hospital Angeles ER: 444 813 1700. For ambulance: Cruz Roja 444 815 0519. Don't wait if having chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe injuries.

Mexican pharmacies can fill US prescriptions, but may require a Mexican prescription for certain medications. Many medications are available without prescription. Bring your US prescription bottles for reference. Some pharmacies can contact your US doctor for verification.