Whether you are traveling to Mexico for just a weekend or living there long term, there are a few options you should be aware of when it comes to health insurance. You want to know what to do and where to go in the event you need medical attention.
Check with your home health plan before you go: whether it covers you abroad at all, for how long, with what exceptions, and whether it pays the provider directly or reimburses you afterwards. If it reimburses, you pay the Mexican provider yourself and claim later.
If you are a Mexican citizen or a foreign national living in Mexico, check the public social security system's (IMSS) eligibility rules for your residency status.
For everyone else, you either pay in cash or purchase private medical insurance to receive care. The good thing is most routine care in Mexico is pretty inexpensive. Some people just prefer to pay as they need attention. The easiest and quickest way to get coverage is to purchase travel medical insurance, which you can purchase online for as little as a day and up to three years. These plans are comprehensive and have deductibles similar to U.S.-based health plans. Some also include medical evacuation and are available for individuals and families; check the certificate. It’s important to keep in mind however that IMG's Patriot plans, which SmartGringo links to, exclude pre-existing conditions and include global emergency assistance services, so read the fine print before you purchase. Temporary medical insurance is incredibly affordable and a good option when you travel or reside in Mexico. The US State Department says: "We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel" (US State Department, Mexico travel advisory).
Want the plan that fits? Price an international health plan at IMG.