The Puerto Vallarta area continues to grow as a US and Canadian retirement destination, and one of the most common questions I get asked by clients is about the quality of local healthcare.
While Mexico does offer public healthcare to citizens and permanent residents, the system is crowded and generally underfunded. Treatment can be basic and wait times long.
Thankfully there is a large network of private healthcare providers at a fraction of the cost it would be elsewhere. Catering to the growing population, these doctors are usually bilingual and educated at some of the best universities in Mexico and the US. Unlike in the US and Canada, seeing a specialist does not need a referral or lengthy wait. Also, unlike in the US and Canada, once you have seen a doctor they are more than happy to give out their cell phone number and are available to answer any follow-up questions or concerns. Costs for a general practitioner generally range from 500 to 800 pesos and for specialists from 1,000 pesos.
In an emergency, or if surgery is needed, there are several world-class hospitals around the bay. The two largest are Hospital Joya and CMQ. Both are excellent and have well-trained doctors and nurses on staff. The facilities are modern and equipped with the latest technologies. Again, costs are considerably less however they can add up depending on your condition and illness. I always advise people to make sure they have medical insurance coverage before arriving. Some foreign policies offer coverage but it is always a good idea to confirm and get travel insurance as a stopgap.
Once living here full-time private medical insurance is available and most people opt for higher deductibles or emergency coverage since doctor visits are so much lower. Something to be aware of is that hospitals will require payment upfront, or at least before leaving, and then insurance will reimburse the patient directly. An excellent health insurance provider that specializes in the expat community is Brett Lamar with ExpatInsurance. Additionally, having a credit card with a healthy limit will alleviate any problems that might arise.
Another booming part of the industry is Medical Tourism. Whether it be for a new smile or something more major, there are a huge amount of specialists to choose from. Complete packages are available that include travel, hospital, and recovery options.
The Mexican medical industry provides world-class care with professionals and facilities where you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
Richard Bartholomew,
Founding Partner of Bahia Partners