Why you should know about Mexico's unique healthcare system

Treatment
Mexico

Share:

Why you should know about Mexico's unique healthcare system

Mexico is a vibrant country with a developed economy and a good standard of living. Warm climate, nature and resorts, culture, and delicious food. The medical services and health care system in Mexico are considered very advanced. This is partly due to its economic ties with America and Canada. Doctors are highly qualified, speak English, and most have been trained in the United States. There are first-class hospitals in every medium or large city. 

Also, medical tourism is well-developed in Mexico because of the cheap prices compared to the same in America. Many Americans prefer to come here for treatment. Bariatric, orthopedic, and cosmetic surgery are the most required medical fields by foreigners. Overseas guests are also attracted by local dentistry, ophthalmology, cardio surgery, and endoprosthetic joint replacement. Aesthetic medicine is vastly popular. 


Specific features of the healthcare system

The Healthcare system in Mexico remains a constantly expanding and progressive structure. The Ministry of Health oversees medical services to the population. 

Treatment facilities are divided into two sectors and a separate subset of services:

  • public:
  • private;
  • medical services in pharmacies.

There are state clinics and hospitals in many cities, but they are unevenly equipped. For the citizens of Mexico, medical care in public facilities is provided free of charge, but they are required to make monthly contributions to meet medical needs in the form of a tax. These payments cover all medical expenses not only of the insured person but also of all his family members. There is national health insurance - Seguro Popular. It can be taken by everyone, including those who are officially unemployed or poor citizens in remote rural areas. It was invented to protect a huge segment of the population, which recently could not receive free medical care at all.


The private healthcare sector makes up a large part of the Mexican healthcare system, both in costs and activities. Many general practitioners open their own offices for private services and combine these practices. The services provided by private facilities and private physicians in their offices are provided by a portion of the population by contracting private insurance or by paying directly for the services received. It is estimated that about 6.9% of Mexico's high-income population has a private insurance policy.