QUESTION: Is it worth it for Mexican residents to enroll with IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social). It’s an important question – and not surprising considering some people swear by IMSS while others warn you off. |
| Here’s the plain-English version of what IMSS is (and isn’t), so you can decide with eyes wide open. |
| If you have temporary or permanent residency in Mexico or you’re a spouse of a Mexican citizen, you may be eligible to enroll in Seguro de Salud para la Familia (the IMSS voluntary plan). |
| This voluntary insurance program offers access to certain doctors, clinics, and hospitals, along with some prescription medications. It is way more affordable than private options and a lot of foreigners will use it just to have peace of mind should an accident happen. |
| Before you sign up, keep these limits in mind: |
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| Before you sign up, keep these limits in mind: |
- Care is restricted to IMSS public hospitals and clinics only (not private hospitals).
- Long wait times are common due to high demand. There are plenty of horror stories of people having accidents and waiting hours on end to receive care.
- Pre-existing conditions are not covered; applicants are screened during the application process.
- English-speaking staff are rare, which can be challenging for non-Spanish speakers.
- If you’re enrolling voluntarily (not through an employer), you may receive lower priority for services.
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| Enrollment in IMSS is paid annually per person, and coverage starts the first day of the month after payment. See the full cost table here. |
| For application requirements and how to apply online or in person, click here. |
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IMSS can be an affordable safety net for basic and emergency care, but it’s not a full substitute for private international insurance…especially if you want faster access, English-speaking providers, or a wider hospital network.
— from Expat Insider Mexico
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