Expat Health Insurance in Mexico: What You Need To Know

[@oceanlvr97]

Great interview! Thanks Risa and Susi!!!

[@dreamretirementinmexico]

You are so very welcome!!

[@kunalbose9457]

This was a great interview. I am a new Mexican permanent resident and am holding off moving there, until this medical insurance confusion is fully sorted out. So many types of information out there!! But Susie's website indicates that she is a real estate agent and there is no mention of insurance agency or expertise!!

[@risam]

yes it is a service she provides for many of her clients...she doesn't advertise it but she has been doing it for years!

[@treborcsr]

The main question for retired U.S. expats: They have Medicare A and B plus supplemental. Or they have Medicare A and an Advantage policy. If they have a major procedure (broken limb, some kind of surgery) and they choose to have it done in Mexico, is it possible to use your Advantage policy to cover that surgery. Lakeside Medical apparently says they will file your insurance claim...you have to pay up front and then get reimbursed from your U.S. Advantage policy. I think that is the confusion with retired expats.

[@dreamretirementinmexico]

you should definitely contact Advantage as it also depends on what kind of policy you have....

[@JamesG1126]

US Advantage policy won't pay for expenses in Mexico unless they were incurred during a short-term vacation. They will make you prove with airline reservations that you were there for only a short time. If you're a resident in Mexico, you have no coverage from Medicare whatsoever.

[@rosalindhb]

Bcbs is my retirement insurance and they have a out of country version. Do you still recommend getting Mexican insurance also? Also what about breast cancer survivor that needs maintenance care?

[@dreamretirementinmexico]

You should check your BCBS policy and see if it covers all that you feel you need. You may not need a mexican policy as well... many foreigners have international insurance that covers them in Mexico.

[@giljusino]

What about medical coverage for someone over 70, but has obtained a Mexican passport. BTW, I have multiple pre existing conditions. I was born in Mexico to American parents. I’ve not lived in Mexico since 1956.

[@Calipeixegato]

OK. It sounds like anyone who moves to Mexico after they turn 65 will have VERY limited options for health insurance (e.g. almost none) and the options they do have will be somewhat expensive. Am I understanding it correctly?

[@JamesG1126]

I agree. You can buy insurance but it will likely have a high deductible and exclude pre-existing conditions. The cost will be high due to your age and then likely become not available once you hit age 74 or. Retiring in Mexico sounds cheap until you get into the health insurance situation. IMSS (Mexico's public healthcare system) is an option for permanent residents but I think it's a pretty nasty system. Extreme wait times.