Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Kirsten Raccuia
For many of us Americans, affordable healthcare feels like a bad joke. It’s an oxymoron. A unicorn.
It’s no wonder some people pack their bags and move abroad.
Affordable healthcare wasn’t the reason we left America in 2013, but it’s definitely been a huge perk living overseas.
Not only is healthcare in Mexico inexpensive, but the quality of care is also very impressive. Because who cares if it’s affordable if it’s horrible?
I know many of you are thinking about moving to Mexico and wondering what healthcare is like here. So, let’s dive in. This is everything you’ve wanted to know about going to the doctor in Mexico (and maybe some stuff you didn’t, but hey, knowledge is power, right?).
Overview: How to see a doctor in Mexico
Going to the doctor in Mexico is refreshingly straightforward, with several options depending on what’s ailing you.
Pharmacies
For minor issues like a stomachache or cold, your first stop can be the local pharmacy.
Pharmacists here are knowledgeable on the basics, but they don’t always speak English.
However, many pharmacies have doctors on site, like a CVS Minute Clinic. These are legit docs who can treat you for anything minor. Additionally, you only need to walk a few steps to pick up your meds.
Mark hurt his back, and we went to see a doctor at a pharmacy. He spoke perfect English, assessed Mark, charged him 60 pesos ($3), and then sent him next door to the pharmacy with a prescription for an anti-inflammatory and pain injection.
Mark bought a package of needles and two liquid meds for 200 pesos ($10) and then returned to the doctor for the shot. In 20 minutes, Mark was feeling better and on the way home.
All of the pharmacy doctors we’ve seen in Puerto Vallarta speak English.
General Practitioners
If your stomachache has gone one level further and now you’re peeing out your butt, your next step is a general practitioner.
The general practitioners in Mexico are just as skilled as hospital doctors but operate independently. You can just walk in, but it’s better to make an appointment. You’ll never have to wait for days, let alone weeks, to get medical attention.
If you are at an Airbnb or hotel, they can guide you on who to see. Otherwise, there are apps like Doctoralia that can help you find an English-speaking doctor nearby. You can also book online, and some have telehealth options.
Many doctors in Mexico make house calls and you’ll still only pay about half of what you would in the US for an office visit, maybe less.
Another great way to find a doctor is in a Facebook group for the area you are in. There are loads of expat groups, especially in the larger towns in Mexico, where discussions about doctors are common. If you can’t find an answer by searching in the group, then ask, and you’ll get plenty of responses. Maybe too many.
Specialists
Ok, now you’re in total Montezuma’s Revenge: Extreme Edition, and you need to see a gastroenterologist — like stat.
You can use the above app and Facebook method or ask a friend or neighbor for a recommendation.
Once you nail down the who, just call and make an appointment. Most of the time, the specialists who speak English have receptionists who do as well.
Here’s the best part: no referrals are needed. If the specialist orders tests like blood work or scans, oftentimes, it can all be handled within the same hospital or office building, possibly on the same day.
Depending on the labs needed, you’ll usually get the results emailed to you and the doctor within the same day. If not, they’ll email it to you as soon as it’s ready within a day or two.
Your doctor will either have you come back in for a follow-up or will email you a protocol.
Emergency rooms
Another option if Montezuma has you feeling like you’re sweating, shaking, and googling, “Can you actually poop out your soul?” is to walk (or Uber) into an ER.
In Mexico, it functions just like the ER back in the US — but without the soul-crushing bill at the end.
Private hospitals tend to have shorter wait times, more amenities, and English-speaking staff, so they’re a great option if you have insurance or can pay out of pocket. Even if you go to the ER without insurance, the cost is typically a fraction of what you’d pay in the US.
The process is straightforward: you check in, explain your issue (many hospitals have bilingual staff), and get triaged quickly. And while no one wants to end up in the ER, it’s comforting to know you can get world-class critical care without worrying about going broke.
One thing to note is that you must pay your medical bill before you leave the hospital. If you prearrange it with your private insurance company, they might pre-pay it for you. But usually, you’ll have to pay and then get reimbursed.
A quick note on insurance in Mexico:
Mark and I have private Mexican health insurance because we want to choose which doctors and hospitals we go to. It’s called VUMI, and while everyone’s premiums will be different, ours is about 25% of what it would be in the US for a similar policy. We kept the deductible high ($2500 per person) because almost all basic health care, colds, flu, stomach issues and back pains can be cured for the amount of a co-pay back home.
If you are here as a temporary or permanent resident, you can look into the IMSS or INSABI programs. Both are government programs for health insurance.
Ambulances: What You Need to Know
There is one thing that worries me about medical care in Mexico — ambulances.
If you’re in a real emergency, calling 911 might not be your best bet.
Public ambulances exist, but they’re not always well-equipped, and response times can vary wildly. Plus, they usually take you to the nearest public hospital —not necessarily the best hospital for your needs.
If you ever need an ambulance, your best option is to call a private hospital directly and request their ambulance service. It’s a good idea to keep the number of your preferred hospital saved in your phone, just in case.
While Mexico’s healthcare system is excellent in many ways, this is one area that could use improvement, in my humble opinion.
Healthcare in Mexico: The Best Bits
One of the things I’ve come to love about healthcare in Mexico is how it always seems to exceed my expectations.
Even coming from the US — with its sky-high benchmarks (and equally sky-high bills) — I’ve never felt like the care here was subpar.
Mexico’s healthcare system consistently delivers quality care that doesn’t make your wallet weep.
English-speaking doctors
Living in paradise is all fun and games until you need to see a doctor and realize you don’t speak the same language.
I experienced this firsthand in the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. We were at the Royal Palace, and I got bitten by a poisonous spider. Not Spider-Man-level venom. Just the kind that makes a doctor’s visit your new priority.
As the poison started creeping through my foot and up my leg, we knew we had to find a doctor — fast. We found the nearest clinic and were quickly ushered into a room. When the doctor came in, he was in full scrubs and prepped for surgery. He didn’t speak a word of English, and my Khmer is, well, nonexistent.
He didn’t believe me that it was a spider bite. Or maybe he didn’t understand. But I saw that little hoppy sucker and felt her sink her teeth in me. So, we played a quick game of charades. In case you’re wondering, I can act out a biting spider like an Oscar winner (Hollywood, call me).
The doc lanced my toe, drained the poison and eggs (yes, eggs!), and then squeezed an entire tube of antibiotic cream on my toe. Not a dab. Not a dollop. The whole tube. Then, he used an entire roll of gauze to wrap my foot like a mummy.
I limped out of there, leaving a trail of squished cream everywhere I went. I looked like I’d stepped in mayo.
Did I get the right treatment? Yes. But what if I couldn’t get the point across?
Google Translate sucks, let alone in a medical emergency.
Here in Mexico, though, no charades required.
Doctors in Mexico often speak fluent English, especially in private clinics and hospitals. Being able to communicate with your doctor is non-negotiable. It makes life so much easier.
No guessing games, no awkward misunderstandings.
You won’t visit a doctor for a cough and be asked to drop your pants. While that might sound like an adventure to some (you know who you are), for most of us, that’s… not the vibe we’re going for.
Communication here is straightforward, and that’s priceless when it comes to your health.
World-class healthcare and standards
Mexico’s healthcare system isn’t just affordable; it’s genuinely world-class. Many doctors here were trained in the US, so they not only speak fluent English but also deliver care that meets or exceeds American standards.
The hospitals? Totally impressive. You’ll find modern, state-of-the-art facilities throughout the country, particularly in larger towns and cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun, Monterrey and Puerto Vallarta.
The gold standard for measuring healthcare quality globally is the Joint Commission International (JCI). Hospitals with JCI accreditation are recognized as leaders in patient safety and high-quality care. And Mexico has several of them.
While JCI is the gold seal of approval, even non-accredited hospitals I’ve visited in Mexico have been exceptional. The facilities, the cleanliness, the care — it’s all top-notch.
You don’t just get affordability in Mexico; you get peace of mind knowing you’re in expert hands.
Doctors who truly care
In Mexico, it’s not just the affordability or communication that makes the healthcare system shine — it’s the quality of care.
Doctors here genuinely take the time to understand your needs. Forget the rushed, 15-minute appointments you’re used to in the US. In Mexico, there’s no timer ticking away during your consultation.
I’ve never felt hurried, or like I’m asking too many questions — and trust me, I ask a lot of questions. (Mark could write a book about my knack for overthinking.)
The doctors in Mexico truly listen. They’re patient, attentive, and fully invested in helping you get better. It’s such a refreshing experience to feel like more than just a number.
Additionally, before you leave, the doctor will usually give you their personal WhatsApp number or email, or both. And they will respond and not be mad about it.
Modern Medical Equipment
Mexican hospitals and clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. From 3D mammography to the latest technology in eye surgery, it’s here. Dental is the same. You won’t be sacrificing anything by getting medical care in Mexico. There is a reason it’s one of the top medical tourism countries in the world.
You can get top-tier care with cutting-edge tools without sky-high bills.
I’m not saying every doctor or hospital has the latest and greatest everything. That is far from the truth. But if you are looking for something specific, you’ll find it here.
And the best part is that you can access it without jumping through hoops.
Availability of Medication in Mexico:
Many medications you need a prescription for in the US are available here over the counter and at a third less.
I can’t speak for all of Mexico, but in Puerto Vallarta, there are a lot of pharmacies that sell the medications you usually need a prescription for. Things like Xanax, Ambien, and Valium are sold over the counter in these specific tourist pharmacies.
Are those places legit pharmacies? Yes-ish. Have I bought meds from them? Yes. However, they tend to be more expensive than the well-known pharmacy chains. They know tourists come here and buy those kinds of controlled substances, so they charge more for them. They make a lot of money off tourists buying meds they need an RX for in the US or Canada.
For most medications, I go to the well-known chain called Guadalajara Pharmacy. They won’t sell you those meds or even antibiotics without a script.
If you’re in Mexico on vacation and forgot your meds, go to one of the clinics attached to a pharmacy and get the prescription.
Healthcare Costs in Puerto Vallarta:
I know this isn’t necessarily indicative of prices for the whole country. But I know these prices are accurate and can give you an idea of what things cost here.
- Doctor at a pharmacy: They usually don’t charge you if you need meds. But if they do, it’s about 60 pesos ($3). When Mark had some sort of flu-y-thingy (that’s the Dr. Raccuia medical term), he saw the doctor and got three days’ worth of antibiotic-sicky-shots and all in, it was $30.
- A general or family practitioner visit will run you anywhere between 800-1000 pesos ($38-48)
- Dental cleanings at a very high-end office with the latest equipment and technology: 800-1000 pesos ($38-48).
- Specialist visits, like a Gyno, Orthopedic etc., cost around 800-1000 pesos ($38-48).
- 3D Mammograms are 2300 pesos ($112), and breast ultrasounds cost 965 pesos ($47).
- Knee PRP procedure: 5500 pesos ($267).
- Full blood workup, including hormones, thyroid, vitamins, minerals, and cholesterol: 3400 pesos ($165).
- Skin check and mole removal: 1500 pesos ($73).
- Physiotherapist session: 450 pesos ($23).
- Mark had RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) surgery: 115,000 pesos ($5600)
The final bandage:
From walk-ins to specialists, the process in Mexico is remarkably efficient. You choose the doctor you want, on the day you want, without endless hoops to jump through. Sure, there may be some waiting, but the fact that you can handle consultations, tests, and results often in one day is nothing short of amazing. Plus, no referrals are needed.
It’s a system that works—and one that the US could definitely take notes from.
When people start dreaming about life in another country, healthcare often tops the list of priorities, as it should. Whether you’re a retiree, digital nomad, or part-time expat, knowing how to manage your medical care in Mexico is crucial. And now you know how.
Have you had any experience with doctors in Mexico? Let me know in the comments below.
Photo cred: 2 and 4 are from DepositPhotos.com
