Expat Health Insurance In Mexico
Everything you need to knnow
By Dez | My Deztination
When you're planning a move abroad, one of the biggest (and most overlooked) questions is: What about healthcare?
Will your U.S. insurance work in Mexico?
What about Medicare?
What happens if you get hurt on a hike, need a specialist, or have a major emergency?
How do you actually get reimbursed—or do you have to pay out of pocket first?
That's why I sat down with Brett Lamar, a Senior Licensed Insurance Broker and true expert in expat health and life insurance. Brett has lived abroad for over 13 years (10 of those in Mexico!) and helps thousands of expats around the world protect themselves with the right coverage.
We covered everything you need to know about staying healthy and protected while living in Mexico — and the real truths about Medicare, private insurance options, and what to expect in an emergency.
Watch the full interview here:
Or check out the key highlights below! 👇
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.
Brett Lamar | Expat Insurance
Brett Lamar is a licensed insurance broker specializing in Health and Life Insurance for expats and travelers. With over nine years living abroad in Mexico and Southeast Asia, he knows the importance of reliable coverage. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Marine Technology graduate, Brett’s company offers full English support and an in-house claims team to help clients during medical emergencies.
Why You Need Health Insurance in Mexico
Brett and I agree on one big thing: moving to Mexico can dramatically improve your lifestyle, but you still need a healthcare plan.
Not because healthcare here is outrageously expensive (it's not compared to the U.S.), but because emergencies happen. And private hospitals, where you want to be if anything serious occurs, do not come cheap out of pocket.
The U.S. insurance you have now won't work here. Medicare Part A and B don't cover care outside the U.S., and while some Medicare Advantage plans offer "emergency reimbursement," there are BIG strings attached (more on that below).
Having a real plan — with trusted insurance that works in Mexico — gives you access to the best doctors, faster treatment, and peace of mind.
🩺 Get Covered Before You Move: Health Insurance for Expats
Don’t wait for an emergency to figure out your healthcare. I teamed up with insurance expert Brett Lamar to break down your best options for expat health insurance in Mexico. Click below to connect with Brett and get a free personalized quote—so you can move with confidence, not risk.
Get a Free Quote from Brett
The 3 Main Types of Insurance for Expats in Mexico
Short-Term Emergency Medical Insurance
Best for travelers, snowbirds, or short-term stays under 6 months. Covers unexpected emergencies only (think ER visits, accidents, hospital admissions). Includes some medical evacuation coverage.Annual Major Medical Insurance
Designed for full-time expats or long-term stays. Covers both inpatient and outpatient care, chronic conditions, prescriptions, surgeries, follow-ups, and more. It’s the closest thing to what you’re used to back home.Medical Evacuation Insurance
Covers the cost of transporting you back to your home country after stabilization. Especially useful for retirees with Medicare or Canadians who want care in their native healthcare systems. Not meant to cover treatment in Mexico.
✅ Tip from Brett: Many short-term and annual policies already include some form of emergency evacuation — but not always repatriation to your home country. Ask your broker.
🛡️ Ready to Move to Mexico — But Not Sure Where to Start?
Don’t risk delays, legal mistakes, or bad advice. My Starter Relocation Kit gives you a clear, expert-backed strategy—plus trusted referrals, visa guidance, and personalized next steps to move with confidence.
Get the Starter Relocation Kit
What About Pre-Existing Conditions?
If you're getting annual major medical insurance, you’ll have to disclose any pre-existing conditions.
Brett explained that depending on what you disclose:
Some conditions might be excluded from coverage.
Some might lead to higher deductibles.
Some severe conditions (like HIV, type 1 diabetes, or major mental illnesses) can cause automatic denial.
This is NOT like the U.S., where ACA laws require insurers to accept pre-existing conditions. International insurance still vets applicants.
Tip: If you're considering moving abroad in a few years, now is the time to work on improving your health (diet, exercise, lowering blood pressure, etc.) to qualify for better policies.
What If You Need to Use Your Insurance?
This was a huge myth-buster:
Most private hospitals in Mexico prefer direct billing (meaning the hospital bills the insurance company), but it’s never 100% guaranteed.
It depends on the hospital's internal policies, their past payment experiences with the insurer, and even the situation at hand (example: intoxication-related injuries often aren't covered).
✅ If they accept direct billing: you'll only need to pay your deductible and any uncovered portion.
✅ If they don’t: you pay upfront, then Brett (or a trusted broker) helps you file a claim for fast reimbursement.
Good news: Brett acts as a full concierge for his clients. You don’t deal directly with insurance red tape—you just send him the paperwork, and he handles it for you.
Does Medicare or Medicare Advantage Work in Mexico?
This is where a lot of expats get burned.
Medicare A & B: No coverage outside the U.S.
Medigap (Supplement Plans): May include $50,000 lifetime emergency coverage abroad, but only during the first 60 days of your trip.
Medicare Advantage: Some offer limited emergency-only coverage abroad, but you must reside in your U.S. "service area" no more than 6 months per year or risk cancellation.
🚨 Don’t rely on Medicare Advantage if you're moving to Mexico full time.
Do Hospitals in Mexico Accept International Insurance?
Yes — but with conditions.
Most private hospitals in Mexico will accept international insurance but not all offer direct billing.
Some situations will require you to pay upfront and file for reimbursement.
Direct billing is more likely for major procedures or emergencies lasting 24+ hours.
Brett has direct working relationships with top hospitals in Puerto Vallarta, including:
CMQ Hospitals
Hoya Hospital
Vallarta Medical Center
And more. His connections help expedite claims and approvals.
Public vs. Private Healthcare in Mexico
Brett also explained the difference between the public healthcare system (IMSS) and the private hospitals most expats use.
IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) is government-run and intended for Mexican nationals and workers.
Expats can join IMSS, but it’s not free, there are long wait times, limited resources, and communal wards (not private rooms).
Private healthcare offers faster access, private rooms, English-speaking doctors, and more modern equipment—but you must pay (or have insurance).
👉 Moral of the story: As an immigrant, it's better to privately insure yourself and not burden the already strained public system if you can.
Final Tips from Brett
✅ Start getting insurance quotes early—even if you're 1-2 years from moving.
✅ Understand that premiums rise with age, inflation, and company performance.
✅ Plan ahead for emergencies: know which ambulance number to call, where the nearest private hospitals are, and who can help with pets or logistics if you’re hospitalized.
✅ Always have a bilingual advocate (like Brett) to help with claims and paperwork.
Final Advice from Dez
"This is one of the most overlooked parts of moving abroad — but it’s the most important. I’ve seen clients go bankrupt or have to leave Mexico because they weren’t prepared. Working with someone like Brett who actually advocates for you makes all the difference."
- Dez, Founder of My Deztination | Helping you Move to Mexico the EASY Way
Need Help Choosing the Right Plan?
Quotes and consultations with Brett are free.
He’ll walk you through your options based on your age, lifestyle, travel patterns, and budget.
And remember — it's the same price whether you go through Brett or directly through the company. You just get extra support and advocacy when you work with an experienced broker.
🌟 Ready to Start Your Dream Life in Mexico?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you're still exploring options or ready to take action, I’ll guide you through residency, relocation, and creating a life in Mexico that truly fits you—legally, confidently, and with heart.
🎥 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. 🌴
Thinking about moving to Mexico? Don’t skip this essential guide to expat health insurance — especially if you’re counting on Medicare, U.S. coverage, or just hoping for the best in an emergency. In this powerful interview, I sat down with Brett Lamar, a licensed insurance broker with over 13 years abroad and 10+ years helping expats across Mexico and beyond.
We cover:
✅ What U.S. insurance doesn't cover in Mexico
✅ The truth about Medicare & Medicare Advantage
✅ Private insurance options for full-time expats
✅ What to expect in an emergency or hospital stay
✅ How to get reimbursed—or avoid paying upfront
✅ Why having a real plan matters
💼 Need a Quote or Help Choosing a Plan?
Work with Brett directly (free, no pressure):
⚖️ Real Relocation Help—Legal, Personalized, Stress-Free
Healthcare is just one piece of the puzzle. If you're planning a move to Mexico, I’ll help you sort through the rest—residency, neighborhoods, logistics, and the right legal path forward. No stress. Just strategy.
📄 Residency & Work Consultations
Navigate your best legal path—monthly income vs. savings, RNE alternatives, and consulate-specific strategy made simple.
Book a Consultation🏘️ Custom Neighborhood Tours
Explore the best areas of Puerto Vallarta based on lifestyle, walkability, safety, and long-term fit. Private, curated, and totally personalized.
View Tours🤝 Relocation Assistance
Skip the overwhelm. I coordinate with vetted attorneys, realtors, and service providers so you have trusted help with every step.
Get Support🌟 VIP Relocation Packages
Concierge-level relocation support—from pre-arrival prep to airport pickup, housing help, and full lifestyle integration.
Explore Packages
🎯 Ready to Make Your Mexico Move Official?
Whether you’re retiring, relocating, or reinventing your life—this isn’t just a vacation fantasy. It’s a real, legal, beautiful new chapter. I help you navigate everything from Mexican residency and visa strategy to neighborhoods, rentals, and relocation planning—step by step, without the overwhelm.
Book Your 1-on-1 Relocation Consultation💡 Expat Health Insurance in Mexico: FAQs with Dez & Brett Lamar
Do I really need health insurance while living in Mexico?
Yes. While healthcare in Mexico is more affordable than in the U.S., private hospitals (which offer faster, better care) can still be expensive. Insurance gives you access to top-tier treatment—without draining your savings.
Will my U.S. health insurance or Medicare cover me in Mexico?
No. Original Medicare does not cover care outside the U.S. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited emergency coverage, but there are strict limitations. U.S. health insurance policies generally don’t apply here either.
What kind of insurance should I get as an expat?
Brett recommends either short-term emergency travel insurance (for visits under 6 months) or annual major medical coverage (for full-time expats). You can also add medical evacuation coverage for added peace of mind.
Will hospitals bill my insurance directly?
Sometimes. Some private hospitals in Mexico do accept direct billing, but it's never guaranteed. If not, you may need to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement. Brett’s team helps clients navigate the entire process.
Can I get coverage if I have pre-existing conditions?
Possibly. Unlike the U.S., international insurance can deny or limit coverage based on pre-existing conditions. That’s why Brett recommends applying while you're still in good health if possible. Each case is reviewed individually.
Can expats use public healthcare in Mexico?
You can technically enroll in IMSS, Mexico’s public system—but expect long wait times and limited services. Most expats opt for private care and insurance to avoid delays and language barriers.
What if I’m on a tight budget—can I still get covered?
Yes. Brett works with many providers and can help you find a policy that balances affordability with solid coverage. Plans vary by age, lifestyle, and deductible preferences, so there's usually a workable option.
How do I choose the right insurance plan?
That’s where Brett comes in. He offers free consultations to help you compare your options based on where you’ll be living, how long you'll stay, your age, and your overall health. Contact Brett here.