Moving to Mexico for better and more prompt healthcare than in the US

[blankletmusic]

I've read where many Americans living in Mexico moved for different reasons, but one of the main reasons was better, more affordable and faster access to healthcare than in the US. It takes forever to see GPs, specialists and other health providers in the US with absolutely insane costs involved in a "system" that is irretrievably broken. Saying something is broken though implies that it worked at some point so maybe a poor choice of words.

I'm wondering how many of you reading this moved there for healthcare as one of the primary reasons and how it's worked out for you.

[gringal]

I had other reasons for moving to Mexico, but I have been very pleased with the health care.  My misfortunes have required several hospitalizations and surgery, with satisfactory results.  Can't say the same for the U.S.

[RickS]

Since I have not moved to Mexico I can't answer your main question.

BUT, I can suggest that you have cut a pretty wide swath when you suggest that xxxx IN THE US is always the way you describe.  Most/many folks who are inclined to move to Mexico are probably over 65YO. That's Medicare age.  I, for one, can say that none of the things that you suggest are true for me on Medicare Advantage.... living in a state that is pretty costly otherwise. 

P.S.  I WILL say that I have had ALL my dental work for the last 10-15? years done in Mexico... Lakeside to be exact. And at a fraction of the cost NOB. 

[Zeb]

The health care is not better, but more accessible. Not so many restrictions and barriers to the doctors.  You get the doctor's cell number and can communicate directly.  That part is an improvement.  You will not have endless waits at an emergency room.

You will encounter a lot of inefficiency here such as equipment not working and incompetent clerical workers.  Some don't even know how to answer the phone, so they just say hello so you have to ask if you have the doctor's office, etc.  Certainly, less expensive than in the US particularly for dental and some other specialties that you could not afford in the US.

[sm1mex]

I have had many hospitalization and surgeries here. More excellent care than US. I have medical insurance here and recommend it. If you need a Dr.  call their cell phone. They answer and will take care of you. 

[rvanparys]

Mexico health is a mixed bag...While we have had acceptable care here, if anything goes wrong we are opting to return to the U.S. and receive our health care there... Cost for us is fortunately not a factor since all health requirements both north and south of the border have been 100% covered...

[Zeb]

13 hours ago, sm1mex said:

I have had many hospitalization and surgeries here. More excellent care than US. I have medical insurance here and recommend it. If you need a Dr.  call their cell phone. They answer and will take care of you. 

Not all patients have had your experience.   I also had my spouse hospitalized three times here and I cannot say it was that good.  I remember one hospital in Guadalajara where I had to ask for towels and basics that are normally provided in the bathroom.  It took 24 hours to get towels and then it was a battle as they kept saying it was housekeeping's job, but housekeeping never came....

In  a different hospital, there were other much bigger issues such as them insisting I sign a form stating that I would pay interest if the bill was not paid and refusing to fill in the amount of the interest.  I had to get two doctors and administrator involved.  My husband died a few hours later.  Of course, I paid in full before leaving, but that was not the point.  There was much more that was simply incompetence, but  I won't go into it here.

My experience on this forum is that when you write these things, you get attacked by people who have had a different experience.  Some have had good experiences.  We did not.

[Zeb]

We also have had bad experiences with doctors who were simply lying about what they could and could not do.  There is a special license required for certain narcotics and I would also ask ahead of the appointment if the physician had the  necessary license for this type of medication (which my spouse had been on for years and needed) .  One physician said no problem.  Well, guess what??? Problem.  He agreed it was the right medication during the visit but did not have the license and I could go on, but you get the picture.  There was no language problem with this guy, so he was clear from the start.

[Hud]

Yep, anything Major and we go NOB. Experience has taught us that lesson. 

[RickS]

Best of all worlds.  Unfortunately some folks may not have that option as they've cut ties completely. 

[lakeside7]

19 hours ago, rvanparys said:

Mexico health is a mixed bag...While we have had acceptable care here, if anything goes wrong we are opting to return to the U.S. and receive our health care their... Cost for us is fortunately not a factor since all health requirements both north and south of the border have been 100% covered...

Your comment.. if anything goes wrong we are opting to return to the U.S....is often made by other people, including myself. However if it is some "catastrophic" we are likely to be stuck here until we get the doctors release...this is the elephant in the room with having MedaVac insurance.

[RickS]

Yes, the devil is often in the details.  

[blankletmusic]

I'm curious as to how Lake Chapala medical care compares with  other areas of Mexico with large numbers of those from NOB. Has anyone lived in any of the other popular areas prior to moving to Lakeside and can weigh in on the care they received there vs. the care in the Lake Chapala area?

[ibarra]

We lived in San Carlos,  Sonora for 9 years, large expat community.   For any major medical issues we had to drive about an hour to Hermosillo.   Lakeside,  most specialists come here, on average,  once a week or every 2 weeks from Guadalajara.   We find health care here much more accessible with more choices in doctors and treatment options.  We self pay.

[RickS]

While I haven't lived there I have spent time in the winter in San Miguel on a couple of occasions. They do have some good medical professionals but my take on it was that it was not as 'robust' as Lakeside. Couple of reasons come to mind... one, they don't have near the number of expats there AND two, IMO the proximity to Guadalajara is a major factor for the 'strong' level of medical professionals Lakeside. 

[Tingting]

Mixed bag is definitely accurate. Due to several medical conditions, we've had to "sample" many of the local docs and hospitals, also several in Guad. In a nutshell, locally, there is one hospital that I would never again cross the threshhold unless I wanted the patient to suffer. After giving it several chances, I honestly believe that they "size you up" and determine whether or not they think you can pay their fees. You can have all the insurance in the world that covers everything, but if you like to dress casual, you clearly aren't for them. Another is overly priced (gringo gouging),  but gets the job done as long as you stay with the patient. While the docs are great, the nursing staff leaves a LOT to be desired. The third, Hospital Ajijic is a terrific option for general practice, bloodwork, and diagnoses. If you need specialized treatment, you'll be referred to the appropriate doc. You won't walk away feeling like someone's hand is in your cash. Of course, others have had different experiences, so you just have to decide what works for you.

Due to an emergency, hubby was taken to Hospital Real San Jose in Guad for treatment that was unavailable locally. It was incredible.  Everything was top-notch from the specialists to the four star hospital room to the staff. Everything was geared for the patient's comfort. The total charges probably had our insurance company dancing a jig. Since we pay first and then are reimbursed, I know I did a little tap dance 😏. 

We've also used other specialists in Guad (the joys of getting older...more than one issue). The care and attention is everything you would want at a price that is fair. So, I guess my basic and long-winded answer to your question is yes, the care can be better and cheaper, but you have to do your homework. 

I've mentioned this before, but http://www.doctoralia.com.mx is a great place to go if you need a specialist. You can see if there are any extra training/specialties, the qualifications obtained, schools, real reviews, languages spoken and more. If you don't speak Spanish, grab a friend who does; it's worth it.

[Yo1]

I left my cardiologist at Quality Care and saw a new doc at the Riberas Hosp.  I can't begin to describe the odd things I ran into while there, including a patient treatment area with a curtain that wasn't long enough to cover the door.  I was able to flash all the male employees with my magnificent breasts during my EKG.  By the way, the doctors appointment and EKG were 2250 pesos.  At QC, the same appointment and EKG were 1000 pesos. I suspicion "gringo gouging".

[Hud]

On 11/5/2022 at 11:19 AM, Yo1 said:

I left my cardiologist at Quality Care and saw a new doc at the Riberas Hosp.  I can't begin to describe the odd things I ran into while there, including a patient treatment area with a curtain that wasn't long enough to cover the door.  I was able to flash all the male employees with my magnificent breasts during my EKG.  By the way, the doctors appointment and EKG were 2250 pesos.  At QC, the same appointment and EKG were 1000 pesos. I suspicion "gringo gouging".

Next time you decide to put those on "display" please advise with a post here(time, date, place) for those of us who need to experience an uptake in our hearts' pumping abilities. TIA

[Yo1]

2 hours ago, Hud said:

Next time you decide to put those on "display" please advise with a post here(time, date, place) for those of us who need to experience an uptake in our hearts' pumping abilities. TIA

You probably couldn't afford the price of a ticket.

[Tingting]

It's not the price of the ticket, but the ticker!

[Nikalos Telsa]

 andIMO I have you all best.

A year ago I had an M.I. Got taken to one of the gringo hospitals local to Ajijic.

I knew exactly what I needed by name (Streptokinase or some other clot-buster.

After we arrived at the hospital, it took one hour of sending my wife home to get the cash deposit, then sending her back to get our MultiVa debit card to get more money.

By the time the cardiologist did something, the "Golden Hour." FYI: The first hour after the onset of a heart attack is called the golden hour. Appropriate action within the first 60 minutes of a heart attack can reverse its effects. This concept is extremely important to understand because most deaths and cardiac arrests occur during this period.

When I was stabilized, the doctor told me that they could do what I needed, but it would take several procedures and would be very expensive. Then the doctor said I would be better off to fly to the U.S. and have it done. I did just that but most likely have several years cut off my life potential, although statistically I am past my "Best used by" date.

My Cardiologist of 20 years had nothing good to say about how I was treated. My doctor is Chief of Cardiology at a hospital that was rated #1 out of 5,000 in the U.S. by U.S. News's survey.

I swear the above is true.

During this time, I was literally crying in paid while the cardiologist chatted with nurses.

A year later and I haven't been able to et my E.R. records.

Bottom line: From being repulsively healthy at age 82, I now have congestive heart failure.

[vetteforron]

I had hernia surgery in the little hospital before Jocotepec about 5 years ago. Double hernia with endoscopic surgery $500. walked in and out in 20 hours. I had no serious pain. Sent home with pain pills only took the first day.

I had a molar pulled in Guaymas Sonora at IMSS one week wait for the appointment in and out 45 minutes. 4 months ago. 

So far so good. 

[Tingting]

1 hour ago, Nikalos Telsa said:

 andIMO I have you all best.

A year ago I had an M.I. Got taken to one of the gringo hospitals local to Ajijic.

I knew exactly what I needed by name (Streptokinase or some other clot-buster.

After we arrived at the hospital, it took one hour of sending my wife home to get the cash deposit, then sending her back to get our MultiVa debit card to get more money.

By the time the cardiologist did something, the "Golden Hour." FYI: The first hour after the onset of a heart attack is called the golden hour. Appropriate action within the first 60 minutes of a heart attack can reverse its effects. This concept is extremely important to understand because most deaths and cardiac arrests occur during this period.

When I was stabilized, the doctor told me that they could do what I needed, but it would take several procedures and would be very expensive. Then the doctor said I would be better off to fly to the U.S. and have it done. I did just that but most likely have several years cut off my life potential, although statistically I am past my "Best used by" date.

My Cardiologist of 20 years had nothing good to say about how I was treated. My doctor is Chief of Cardiology at a hospital that was rated #1 out of 5,000 in the U.S. by U.S. News's survey.

I swear the above is true.

During this time, I was literally crying in paid while the cardiologist chatted with nurses.

A year later and I haven't been able to et my E.R. records.

Bottom line: From being repulsively healthy at age 82, I now have congestive heart failure.

First of all, despite our many, many differences, I'm really sorry to read your story. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and anger you must be feeling. Based on a truly bad experience hubby had at what was probably the same hospital, I don't doubt your story. There is something a bit frightening to me and how readily some will dismiss legitimate experiences because they happened to get "lucky," ie, didn't die.

 

[NoVaDamer]

I haven't met anybody who moved to Mexico from NOB (north of the border) for the healthcare; not saying they don't exist, just I haven't found any. I know many people who visit for specialized medical treatments (mostly dental, some plastic surgery, and experimental drugs) because they are cheaper/available. The comment I hear most often from expats is they are surprised by Mexican healthcare. But therein lies a story.

Some of the surprise stems from cultural differences. Doctors down here are very friendly and easy to approach. It's common to have them on WhatsApp or request a house call. Nursing here is very different; it seems the patient's family is expected to take care of things nurses handle NOB. Hospitals expect payment before you leave, without question, which is a shock, especially to tourists.

Also, healthcare in Mexico is more variable than the mostly profit-driven model in the US or the single-payer system in Canada. Despite all the justified criticisms of both systems, you rarely expect to walk into a doctor's office in either country and find a complete quack. You can still do so in Mexico (I have, here at lakeside). Things that are prohibited or tightly regulated NOB are available here. The free government-provided healthcare is worth the price (wink, wink, say no more). Some local doctors and hospitals have pushed prices up since expats remain willing to pay; of course, the doctors are also providing English-language services, too.

My experience has been that you have to be your own advocate and researcher. The quack I initially used came highly recommended, and I still know people who swear by him/her. My visits to specialists/hospitals in Guadalajara have been excellent: good facilities and competent doctors, consistent with its reputation as Mexico's center for health care.

Like so much else in Mexico, the healthcare field is less controlled, more open, with fewer safeguards. That is both good and bad.

[Hud]

50 minutes ago, NoVaDamer said:

I haven't met anybody who moved to Mexico from NOB (north of the border) for the healthcare; not saying they don't exist, just I haven't found any. I know many people who visit for specialized medical treatments (mostly dental, some plastic surgery, and experimental drugs) because they are cheaper/available. The comment I hear most often from expats is they are surprised by Mexican healthcare. But therein lies a story.

Some of the surprise stems from cultural differences. Doctors down here are very friendly and easy to approach. It's common to have them on WhatsApp or request a house call. Nursing here is very different; it seems the patient's family is expected to take care of things nurses handle NOB. Hospitals expect payment before you leave, without question, which is a shock, especially to tourists.

Also, healthcare in Mexico is more variable than the mostly profit-driven model in the US or the single-payer system in Canada. Despite all the justified criticisms of both systems, you rarely expect to walk into a doctor's office in either country and find a complete quack. You can still do so in Mexico (I have, here at lakeside). Things that are prohibited or tightly regulated NOB are available here. The free government-provided healthcare is worth the price (wink, wink, say no more). Some local doctors and hospitals have pushed prices up since expats remain willing to pay; of course, the doctors are also providing English-language services, too.

My experience has been that you have to be your own advocate and researcher. The quack I initially used came highly recommended, and I still know people who swear by him/her. My visits to specialists/hospitals in Guadalajara have been excellent: good facilities and competent doctors, consistent with its reputation as Mexico's center for health care.

Like so much else in Mexico, the healthcare field is less controlled, more open, with fewer safeguards. That is both good and bad.

Yep, well said.