Mexico Health Care Costs: The Sobering Truth
Posted on : Oct-01-2009 | By : Barbie | In : Healthcare & Insurance
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A lot of people have asked me about the cost of health care in Mexico.
Affordable, quality health care is one of the primary reasons more and more people are choosing to retire in Mexico. Quite frankly they simply cannot afford quality health care in the U.S.
Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard stories from vested interests that would paint Mexico’s health care system in some very unflattering colors.
But before you make a decision based on what you may hear or see on TV, you should ask real retirees who have been the recipients of low cost, affordable health care — in Mexico.
I can tell you honestly and wholeheartedly: If I had to go to a dentist in the U.S. to get my dental work done, I would be TENS of thousands of dollars in debt. Fact.
Am I exaggerating? Certainly not. And thankfully, I have a beautiful smile for a fraction of the cost of what I would have paid an expensive dentist in the U.S.
The quality of dental care that I get in Mexico meets and exceeds the quality I used to receive (but can no longer afford) in the U.S.
But I digress. As I was saying: Health care in Mexico is surprisingly affordable. Here are some random prices from private clinics in Chetumal — down on the “tail” of Mexico –south of Cancun – in U.S. dollars:
- Private room in a hospital, $50 per day
- Exam and consultation with a specialist, $15
- Ultrasound or X-ray , $15
- Oral surgery, $50 per tooth
- Porcelain filling, $30 each.
- Teeth cleaning, $25
- Emergency room treatment, $15
- Exploratory abdominal surgery and appendectomy using video laporoscopy.
- Four-day hospital stay in a private room, all fees of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, and medication. $1,200.
The professionals who practice their profession in Mexico after studying abroad hoping to make their country better is one reason the health care system is so friendly. All of my experiences with health care professionals in Mexico have been excellent. They are highly skilled, good, compassionate doctors and nurses.
SO IF I AM A DIABETIC INSULIN DEPENDANT WHAT TYPE OF INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR MYSELF?SORTA CONFUSED ABOUT NO COVERAGE FOR THIS CONDITION AND IF NOTHING AVAILABLE THAN THERES NO REASON FOR MY WIFE AND I TO RETIRE IN MEXICO.
Hi Rick, The option you may want to check up on is private insurance in Mexico. That way, usually even with diabetis, which may not be covered for the first year (usually), you can get through and then you will be covered. The way to pursue this is to contact an insurance agent in Mexico, fill out the forms, and see what they have to say. Best to you, Barbie
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My husband is suffering from arthritis of his entire body including gout, fibromialgia, swelling, neck and shoulder pain and takes oycontin 80mg. My question to you is: if we move down there to Mexico will he be able to get the medications he needs? Thank you
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Barbie Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
HI, Sarah:
Yes, you’ll be able to purchase the medications. But, remember, American health insurance does not transfer to Mexico. Medicare benefits are not available in Mexico. That being said, prescriptions are very, very reasonably priced in Mexico.
Barbie
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Barbie: I have read somewhere previously about a health care (insurance ?) plan that one can buy for about $20 per month. Is that still available?
Hi again, Lowell, The Mexican health insurance will run you just a bit more than that – closer to $25 a month. IMSS available to anyone who lives in Mexico.
Bartie
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Thanks for sharing your personal experience of the high quality of healthcare that is available in Mexico. As more Americans struggle to find affordable healthcare, they will learn that traveling south of the border is a valid option.
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