These days many people are finding second homes in overseas locations; others are moving overseas lock, stock, and barrel. I live in Mexico, and I'm here to stay.

Talking to my friends in the states, I get a sense that most people are ready to make the move but have questions concerning overseas medical care. I never worried about medical care in Mexico before I moved here, because for years I've known a lot of US citizens who are living here comfortably and in good health, largly due to a great health plan available to anyone and everyone residing on Mexican soil.

In the US, I was paying $6,500 per year for my group health plan, and that didn’t include my medicinal prescriptions, dental care, or eyeglasses.  That's right, ... $6,500 per year. I'm sure many Americans are paying a comparable amount.

Once I got settled in Mexico my new home, I joined the health plan offered by the Mexican government.  It's called IMSS (Instituto Medicina de Segura Social), and it costs everyone a total of $399, no matter who you are or what your income is.  Everyone pays the same.  It covers medical, dental, prescription medicines, and if you’re of age, eyeglasses, too.  When you apply for IMSS, you must fill out a form listing any pre-existing conditions.  There is a waiting period of two years on all pre-existing conditions, but after that time, they are also covered.

Most of the doctors here are US trained, and I’m impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities. 

Here are some examples of health care in Mexico your readers might like to know about:

Example One
I know of an elderly gentleman who had no insurance at all, and he had to have a heart transplant.  He was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he required a surgeon, surgical assistants, an anestheologist, and nurses ... every one of them professional by the highest standards.  Of course, there were all of the normal hospital expenses too, which included a month of daily visits by his doctor to his home after the operation.

Example Two
I personally had a mysterious ailment that caused me to passed out on the street. I was taken by ambulance to the Cruz Rojo (Red Cross).

I required 4 IV’s, 4 injections and a 6 hour stay. When I was released, I asked what my bill was and I was told … NOTHING!!. They did tell me that there was a small donation box by the exit, and that I could leave something if I wanted. I returned the next day and left some money.

Example Three
I’ve seen full root canals done here for $600 and was told that this would cost much more in the states. If you want to have all your teeth removed and replaced with a set of upper and lower plates, it can be done for US$700.  A new set of uppers and lower plates can be purchased for US$200.

I hope that this sheds a little light on health care in Mexico from my perspective. In my opinion, most people know too little about health care overseas. I hope this Letter to the Editor will help them to understand that there is absolutely no question about health care in Mexico.  It's Great.

Sincerely,

Jerry Draughon

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