Urgent & Emergency Expat Health Insurance In Mexico
Using Medicare Advantage Abroad Explained
By Dez | My Deztination
When it comes to relocating to Mexico, health insurance is one of those critical boxes you don’t want to leave unchecked.
That’s why I sat down with Robert Ash of Lakeside Medical Group (LMG) — a trusted expert with 20+ years living in Mexico and a deep understanding of the U.S. and Canadian healthcare landscape for expats. His company specializes in extending international coverage (including Medicare Advantage) into Mexico. And the best part? Their program is free to join.
We covered everything from enrolment and emergency protocols to Medicare myths and how to avoid huge out-of-pocket expenses.
🎥 Watch the full interview here: Urgent & Emergency Expat Healthcare Coverage in Mexico
Meet the Experts
Dez | My Deztination
Dez is the founder of My Deztination and Puerto Vallarta’s trusted relocation advisor. With over seven years living abroad in Mexico, she knows the importance of trustworthy and professional guidance & support. She specializes in personalized consultations, private neighborhood tours, and full-service relocation packages to help clients move to Mexico the easy way.
Robert Ash | Lakeside Medical Group
Insurance specialist and relocation advocate with two decades of experience in Mexico. Robert helps U.S. and Canadian expats extend their health coverage south of the border. LMG partners with hospitals in over 27 cities across Mexico, offering concierge-style support and billing assistance.
why is lakeside medical group different?
At My Deztination, we help clients relocate to Mexico with expert guidance and soul-aligned strategy. But when it comes to expat health insurance, we collaborate with specialists like Lakeside Medical Group (LMG) — because protecting your health abroad is essential.
Here’s what makes LMG different from traditional insurance or relocation options:
✅ Extends Your Existing Insurance
LMG works with eligible Medicare Advantage, Canadian, and other international plans to activate coverage in Mexico — without replacing your current policy.
✅ Emergency & Urgent Care Focus
Their program covers true emergencies and urgent care in private hospitals across 27+ cities in Mexico, including in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Chapala, and Mexico City.
✅ Free to Join
Enrollment is completely free. You only pay a small copay (~100 pesos) when receiving care — no monthly premiums or admin fees.
✅ Direct Billing (When Pre-Authorized)
Unlike most expats who have to pay upfront and fight for reimbursement, LMG offers direct billing with partner hospitals when coordinated properly.
✅ 24/7 Bilingual Support
Their team is on call around the clock to help during emergencies — including coordination with hospitals, ID verification, and next-step guidance.
✅ Built for Expats
This program is designed specifically for Medicare Advantage users, veterans, Canadian retirees, and digital nomads who want peace of mind abroad.
With My Deztination, you’ll get relocation help.
With Lakeside Medical Group, you’ll get protected in a medical emergency. Together, we make sure no detail gets missed.
how to enrol in lakeside medical group
Enrolling is quick and easy:
Submit your basic personal details, ID, and proof of insurance
Sign a simple electronic form allowing LMG to act on your behalf for billing
Receive a virtual ID card and welcome packet with emergency steps
LMG then handles your insurance claims directly — so you don’t have to fight for reimbursements yourself.
🩺 Need Help Navigating Health Insurance in Mexico?
Don’t wait for an emergency to figure it out. I’ll connect you with trusted expat insurance support—so you can access top private hospitals in Mexico, avoid surprise bills, and move with real peace of mind.
Book a 1-on-1 Relocation Call
what does the program cover?
Emergency care (life or limb-threatening)
Urgent care (non-life-threatening but immediate)
No deductible or coinsurance for qualified treatments
Some coverage for VA service-connected conditions abroad
Note: Routine care, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions like COPD are not covered unless they become emergencies.
emergency planning tips
Robert emphasized how different Mexico’s healthcare system is from the U.S. and Canada. Here’s what you need to know:
Always call Lakeside Medical Group BEFORE going to the hospital
Bring your laminated LMG ID card and emergency contact list (in English and Spanish)
Inform someone before hikes or remote travel — first responders will check your wallet
Private hospitals in Mexico require credit card info upfront unless coverage is pre-approved
is this medicare fraud? nope
Robert debunked one of the most common myths: using your Medicare Advantage plan in Mexico (through LMG) is not illegal or fraudulent — as long as your plan allows international care and you maintain a U.S. address.
where is it available?
Lakeside Medical Group is partnered with private hospitals across 27+ cities in Mexico, offering direct access to high-quality care for expats in key destinations, including:
CMQ Hospitals – Puerto Vallarta
Bayarca Medical Center – Puerto Vallarta
MedAssist and Laboratorio Silva – Puerto Vallarta
Hospital San Antonio – Lake Chapala (Ajijic)
Hospital Ángeles – Mexico City
Hospital Médica Sur – Mexico City
Plus many more throughout Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and coastal towns
These hospital partnerships allow for direct billing, faster service, and better coordination — no matter where you settle.
Why Lakeside Medical Group Is a Game-Changer for Expats?
Robert explained that one of the biggest oversights expats make is assuming their U.S. or Canadian insurance will automatically cover them in Mexico — only to find out during a medical emergency that it doesn’t. With Lakeside Medical Group, eligible expats can extend their coverage and access urgent and emergency care at top private hospitals across Mexico.
Enrolment is quick, free, and gives you a virtual ID that unlocks direct billing and bilingual support. Their 24/7 team is on-call to guide you through emergencies, so you’re never stuck navigating hospital systems or reimbursement paperwork on your own. Whether you’re a Medicare Advantage member, a Canadian retiree, or a younger digital nomad, LMG offers real coverage, real coordination — and real peace of mind.
✅ Final Tips from Robert at Lakeside Medical Group
- 🆔 Carry Your ID: Keep a laminated copy of your Lakeside card in your wallet at all times.
- 🤝 Share Info: Give your emergency instructions to a trusted friend or partner.
- 🥾 Stay Safe Outdoors: When hiking or traveling, let someone know & carry bilingual emergency info.
- 📞 Call First: Always call Lakeside’s 24/7 line before heading to a hospital to coordinate coverage.
- 💳 No Upfront Cards: Never show your credit card first — check with LMG before paying.
- ⏳ Don’t Wait: Enroll now — protection only works if you're already a member when emergencies happen.
final word from dez
“Medical emergencies abroad are scary enough — you shouldn’t have to figure out insurance in the moment. Lakeside Medical Group offers expats real protection, and their team actually shows up when it counts. That’s the kind of support I want my clients to have.”
– Dez, Founder of My Deztination | Helping You Move to Mexico the EASY Way
want to join or learn more
Start by reaching out to me (Dez)! I’ll connect you with Robert, and you’ll get a special referral code just for the My Deztination community.
🌟 Ready to Move to Mexico with Peace of Mind?
You don’t have to navigate healthcare and relocation alone. I’ll help you understand your insurance options, connect you to trusted providers, and guide you through every step of building a safe, supported life in Mexico—whether you're retiring, working remotely, or starting fresh.
🎥 Watch the video
Want to watch the full interview and hear all the real-life examples, insider tips, and bonus advice?
And if you’re ready to start planning your dream move to Mexico, I offer full relocation consultations, VIP tours, and customized packages to help you move to Mexico the easy way.
⚖️ Real Relocation Help—Legal, Medical & Stress-Free
Healthcare is just one part of the puzzle when moving abroad. From insurance referrals to hospital networks, legal residency, and personalized planning — I’ll help you relocate to Mexico confidently, with expert guidance every step of the way.
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Understand your best legal path to residency — including income requirements, consulate-specific strategies, and alternatives to RNE.
Book a Consultation🏥 Healthcare & Insurance Referrals
Get connected with trusted expat insurance providers and understand how to use Medicare Advantage or Canadian coverage in Mexico.
Get Referred🗺️ Custom Neighborhood Tours
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View Tours🌟 VIP Relocation Packages
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🎯 Ready to Make Your Mexico Move Safe and Seamless?
Whether you're relocating for retirement, remote work, or a fresh start — having the right healthcare plan is just as important as where you live. I’ll guide you through insurance options, private hospitals, and step-by-step relocation planning so you can move confidently and stress-free.
Book Your 1-on-1 Relocation Consultation💡 Expat Health Insurance in Mexico: FAQs with Dez & Robert Ash
Do I really need health insurance while living in Mexico?
Yes. Private hospitals in Mexico offer faster and more advanced care than public clinics—but they require payment or pre-approved coverage. Insurance protects your health *and* your savings.
Will my U.S. or Canadian insurance work in Mexico?
It depends. Original Medicare does not work abroad. Some Medicare Advantage and Canadian plans offer foreign emergency coverage—if you enroll through the right program, like Lakeside Medical Group.
What kind of insurance should I get as an expat?
If you're a full-time expat or snowbird, Lakeside Medical Group can help you extend your existing Medicare Advantage or Canadian plan to cover emergencies and urgent care across Mexico—for free.
Will hospitals bill my insurance directly?
Yes—if you're pre-enrolled with Lakeside Medical Group. You’ll receive a virtual ID and 24/7 support, so hospitals can verify coverage and you avoid paying out-of-pocket in an emergency.
Can I get coverage if I have pre-existing conditions?
Yes—because Lakeside doesn’t replace your insurance. It extends your existing plan's emergency benefits into Mexico, which means your eligibility depends on your home-country policy, not LMG.
What hospitals are included in the network?
Lakeside Medical Group partners with 27+ private hospitals across Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, Lake Chapala, and Mexico City. Direct billing is available with select hospitals in each region.
What if I’m not retired or on Medicare?
Lakeside can support Canadian residents, veterans, and digital nomads with insurance plans that offer international benefits. If you're unsure, Dez can help connect you to the right support.
How do I enroll in Lakeside Medical Group?
Enrollment is quick and free. Just send your name, insurance ID, and proof of coverage. Email Dez and she’ll connect you with Robert and the Lakeside team.