Comments on: Mexico HealthCare, IMSS

By: Barbie

Barbie — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:04:10 +0000

Hi. In short, and I’m certainly no expert, The Mexican Seguro Popular project is a government healthcare initiative, which aims to provide social security benefits to underprivileged members of the population. It is considered the basis for the wider implementation of social support throughout Mexico.
7/25/11 – It is a government funded social program that addresses the health and wellness of Mexicans nationwide, and will provide access to free medical care, medicine, and specialized treatments for deported migrants for up to three months. Immigrants who are deported from the United States into Mexico often lack documentation and work experience, making it hard for them to find work or acquire social aid. Seguro Popular’s new program does not require migrants to show any sort of identification, proof of work, or residency, nor pay any charges for the health care services.
My big question is, who the heck is supposed to pay for this…the beneficiaries are in the millions…??? Barbie

By: Rick (Ricardo)

Rick (Ricardo) — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:41:32 +0000

May 23 2012,
Just a little update. We live one hour north of Mazatlan (small town 10,000 res.). My wife is Mexican and has IMSS insurance. If you go to a local clinic, be prepared to spend a long time waiting (maybe 3-4 hours.). Go as early and close to opening time as possible. My wife was supected to have Lupus and referred to a specialist in Mazatlan. It took 6 weeks to get in to get the appointment (total “Manana”). If you can’t make appointment, it might take another 4-6 weeks. Dr. perscribed numerous meds (all free) and more lab work (all covered) for July 9th (we will be in USA). She will need to be there as she will be out of meds.
We also use local family Dr. (VERY affordable) when we don’t want to wait. Most drugs very cheap (insulin is costly) and easy to get. Good luck
Rick

By: Alan

Alan — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:35:18 +0000

Hello Barbie.

I have a question. What about Seguro Popular? IMSS has been doing a overhaul of their system the last few years and things have tightened up in some areas of Mexico and in general. I have a lot of information about the Seguro Popular through experiences I have had with them in San Luis Potosi.

By: Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:43:33 +0000

Hi Marc, no, you can seek medical attention wherever – especially in an emergency. But it is easier found in – maybe not just major cities, but “larger cities”. And, the second question, I’m not really sure about. Call the Consulate to check, but I don’t think you can – but, I’m not sure.

By: Marie

Marie — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:55:06 +0000

Hi Barbie:

You’ve mentioned that IMSS healthcare is available in most major cities. Are you referring to the application process only or does it mean that you can seek medical attention only in major cities?

Secondly, can an application for IMSS healthcare be accomplished at a local Mexican Consulate office in the United States even though you’re not physically living in Mexico currently but own property in Mexico?

Appreciate your newsletter !

By: Barbie

Barbie — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:53:33 +0000

Hi Carlton – I am quite positive that there is no age limit on IMSS. Barbie In fact, age is the basis for the cost of IMSS.

By: Jon. Kollin

Jon. Kollin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:10:13 +0000

RE: IMSS
I am 62, and we are moving to Lake Chapala. I have recently been reading on another Forum about IMSS and new rules. But what I am looking for is some definite answers. I do not know where to find them. More on that later.

I have, under medicine control, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Other than that there is no heart disease, no HIV, no cancer. Where can I begin to find out if I will be excluded when applying for IMSS coverage?

I will be in Ajijic the first week in April for vacation. Who/Where is a source for definitive answers to health questions?

Our move will be Jan/Feb 2013.

By: Barbie

Barbie — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:27:24 +0000

Have a great retirement, and thanks :)

By: froy

froy — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:29:50 +0000

me voy a jubilar vivo y trabajo en ciudad juarez pero trabaje muchos años en la ciudad de mexico y en las cotizacione al imss no aparesen las cotizaciones delos años que trabaje en la ciudad de mexico alguien me podria dar informacion selo agradeseria mucho

By: Lake Chapala Healthcare | Mexico Retirement Blog

Lake Chapala Healthcare | Mexico Retirement Blog — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:34:15 +0000

[...] service to Guadalajara.Usually, the hospitals offer private insurance, and of course, there is IMSS that is available to almost anyone.In my book, Retire In Luxury, I tell of how Dick and I explored [...]

By: Barbie

Barbie — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:19:28 +0000

I’m afraid your best bet would be applying for private Mexican Insurance. But…are you sure with your health problems…you are willing to give up Medicare? You have a lot to think about. Barbie

By: alena kusi

alena kusi — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:59:53 +0000

my husband, 65 and i, 60 years old would like to retire in mexico in 2 years. he is a type II diabetic and an diabetic amputee – i am healty. what to do?

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:42:49 +0000

Barbie,

I am 54 years old and planning on moving to Mexico in about 2 years to do missions work. I have been researching living in Mexico for the past 6 years. I really appreciate the articles that you have here concerning Healthcare. I just read this article and I was dismayed to find that you state: “And yes, it is available to foreign residents. In fact, public health care is guaranteed to all Mexican citizens regardless of pre-existing conditions. (Foreign residents of Mexico are eligible without exception, other than those who suffer from chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease.)” I am dismayed because I am a type I diabetic. I had always understood before that I still would qualify even with being diabetic. Can you fill me in on more information?

Thanks!

Allen

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:14:48 +0000

Dear Bob, No guarantees – only way to really find out is to fill out the papers – contact a Mexican insurance agent is what we did – and then find out – doesn’t take long, however, please read my response to Bear here.

By: David

David — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:35:46 +0000

Barbie,

Thanks!

Allen

By: Dennis

Dennis — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:45:54 +0000

By: Simon

Simon — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:27:32 +0000

Barbie,

Thanks!

Allen

By: George

George — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:43:10 +0000

Dear Allen – Please read my response to Bear.

By: Brad

Brad — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 05:56:44 +0000

Dear Allen – Please read my response to Bear.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:11:30 +0000

I have an artificial aorta valve that was put in on 10/02/02 .Sounds like that will me not eligible. What are the alternative if I still want to live in Mazatlan?

By: Barbie

Barbie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:33:45 +0000

Dear Allen – Please read my response to Bear.

By: Barbie

Barbie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:33:01 +0000

By: Barbie

Barbie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:13:24 +0000

Hi Bear, check my blog:
http://moneysavingmexico.com/healthcare/imss/ and:
http://moneysavingmexico.com/?s=imss and:
http://moneysavingmexico.com/healthcare/mexico-health-care-costs/
“In fact, public health care is guaranteed to all Mexican citizens regardless of pre-existing conditions. (Foreign residents of Mexico are eligible without exception, other than those who suffer from chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease.)”
And, from a friend living in Mexico: “Mexican national health insurance through IMSS (the Social Security system here) can be purchased by foreign residents. Runs around $300 or so per person per year. However, we’re in good health, and prefer to pay out of pocket for private care if and when the need arises. Private care here is so affordable that paying as you go is a viable option, depending upon your risk tolerance and the depth of your resources.”

By: W.J. Bear Valonis

W.J. Bear Valonis — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:49:35 +0000

I have an artificial aorta valve that was put in on 10/02/02 .Sounds like that will me not eligible. What are the alternative if I still want to live in Mazatlan?

By: Bob Crooks

Bob Crooks — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:16:31 +0000

I have a related question. I have fully controlled Type II diabetes. I also have high blood pressure– well controlled, but with a number of medications. Would either of those disqualify me?

Thanks,

Bob

By: Allen Rogers

Allen Rogers — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:05:21 +0000

Barbie,

Thanks!

Allen