A regularly requested query by Individuals considering a transfer to Mexico is whether or not their Medicare protection is legitimate right here.  The easy reply is not any, however there are some caveats.

Who’s eligible for Medicare

Medicare is simply accessible to authorized residents of the USA who’re of a sure age (or with particular medical conditions).  Listed here are some useful hyperlinks for additional analysis; we additionally suggest you discuss to your insurance coverage dealer or healthcare suppliers about your particular person state of affairs.

Entry to Medicare exterior of the USA

Outdoors of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, Medicare is simply accessible in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Medicare might pay for particular kinds of medical care in another country if a international hospital is nearer to the closest U.S. hospital ought to a medical emergency come up when you’re within the U.S., or touring by Canada between the continental U.S. and Alaska; or when you stay within the U.S. and the international hospital is nearer to your house than the closest U.S. hospital that may deal with your medical situation.

For those who’re touring on a ship, Medicare would possibly pay for medically-necessary companies supplied the vessel isn’t greater than 6 hours away from a U.S. port.

In all circumstances, Medicare drug plans don’t cowl pharmaceuticals chances are you’ll purchase exterior the U.S.

You may get full particulars in regards to the insurance policies and protection right here on the U.S. Medicare official web site.

Alternate options to Medicare while you’re in Mexico

Once you’re planning to stay in Mexico and wish to think about medical insurance coverages, there are a number of choices you’ll be able to contemplate.

Mexico’s IMSS protection

As a substitute for Medicare, some international residents in Mexico decide to take Mexico’s government-sponsored IMSS well being protection underneath an insurance coverage program that prices based mostly on age-brackets; sometimes between US$50-$70 per 30 days for somebody of retirement age.  Circumstances and exclusions apply, and also you have to be a authorized resident of Mexico to avail your self of this protection.

Personal medical insurance coverage

Personal medical insurance coverage is extensively accessible in Mexico, with insurance policies priced relying on the coverages you search, your age, well being, and medical historical past.

Medical evacuation insurance coverage

For those who’re solely in Mexico for brief intervals, and you’ve got coverages which give your healthcare choices in your house nation, you would possibly contemplate a medical evacuation insurance coverage plan that will help you get again house within the occasion of medical emergency.

Uncover choices for healthcare coverages in Mexico

For particulars and descriptions of the assorted healthcare coverages accessible to international residents, learn our article about Well being and Medical Insurance coverage Choices for Mexico that features choices for brief visits, prolonged stays, and long-term residency.