When planning on moving to Mexico a primary concern should be healthcare. People who have moved to Mexico are very lucky since Mexico health care is generally very good, in most places, it is positively exceptional.

Many health care practitioners in Mexico receive at least part of their training in the United States and many American doctors have trained in Mexico, notably in Guadalajara.

Every mid-sized to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital and a big plus about health care in Mexico is that the costs are generally half or less than one might expect to pay in the U.S.

The same thing also applies for prescription drugs. Those prescription drugs that are manufactured in Mexico are about fifty percent less on the average, compared with similar drugs manufactured in the United States.

There are two options to consider for healthcare in Mexico: IMSS (Social Security) and Private.

IMSS

Thousands of U.S. retirees are moving to Mexico and taking advantage of IMSS – Mexican social security healthcare (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social).

Mexico has allowed retirees and people who wish to stay in the country for a longer period of time to contribute to this scheme, this is the closest to socialized medical coverage as it is possible to get.

There are some pre-existing conditions that would prevent you from coverage by way of IMSS. The typical cost of payment is calculated having a full time job on a minimum wage salary; the cost will increase marginally each year.

You can apply for IMSS on the official government web site by answering general health care, medical history and a questionnaire. The annual fee will give you access to resources like regular doctor and dental checkups, emergency surgeries, lab tests from your doctor, prescription medicine and even eyeglasses.

In a recent article about IMSS from USA Today, the paper said “The system has flaws, the facilities aren’t cutting-edge, and the deal may not last long because the Mexican government said in a recent report that it is notorious for losing money. But for now, (American) retirees say they’re getting a bargain.”

Many retirees move to Mexico from the US as they cannot afford the healthcare and the IMSS system is the best there is.

It is not altogether clear how many Americans use this IMSS system, however with between 50 and 80,000 retired Americans living in Mexico the numbers are probably in the thousands.

The Mexican social security is cautious that this plan may need reviewing and may not be sustainable if thousands more American re locate to Mexico.

You may not get the luxury treatment of a private room with TV, and phone, and if things do go wrong the Mexican court system is not on a par with the US and does not provide much recourse. However it is an affordable way of protecting yourself against medical emergencies while living in Mexico.

Private Healthcare

Private health care in Mexico is far less expensive than in America. Paying by cash for an appointment could always be an option. A general medical consultation may cost around $30 USD, but be warned costs are more expensive in major tourist destinations and big cities.

Very few Mexicans have private health insurance, but this sector is growing. There are also very good medical centers in towns and smaller cities often frequented by tourists.

Private clinics or hospitals in more rural locations have a tendency to be owned by groups of local doctors or physicians varying in levels of training. Their facilities and technology are not as sophisticated and cutting edge, but are adequate to treat minor illnesses.

Most private hospitals do not accept foreign health insurance, and will require a credit card or cash payment before any treatment. However, if you are critically injured or in grave health a private hospital will do everything they can to stabilize your condition then you would be transferred to an IMSS or Government hospital.

There is also talk of Americans being able to use Medicare or Medicaid insurance in Mexico health care facilities by the end of 2010. So really, whatever option you go for, you can be sure of accessible, high quality, well priced health care should you decide to retire to your own home in the Mexican sun.