Health Care & Drugs
For most of us ‘Boomers’ Health Care is a very important consideration. There are many aspects to Health Care from ‘Tourista’ (Montezuma’s Revenge) to major surgery, dental, natural medicine, private insurance to the National Medical System, prescription drugs and many items in between. It’s a big topic and a very important one.

If you haven’t spent much time in Mexico, this could be one of your major concerns. It should not be, especially if you are considering living near one of the major cities or tourist destinations.

There are excellent facilities, doctors, specialists and medical staff in Mexico and a major benefit is that they are readily available (no long waiting periods).

Many of the doctors speak English and often have taken some training in the United States.

Having lived in Lake Chapala, Mexico since 1995, we have had a lot of exposure, both personally and through the many Focus people we have brought to this area and got to know since we moved here. There are many, many stories of personal medical experiences.

Before we get started, I’m going to tell you something that may surprise you.
Whether you take private or public coverage or elect to just pay-as-you go, you will be absolutely delighted with the quality of the service and in particular, the personal and caring attention you will receive in Mexico. The people that live here will tell you they are very pleased with the quality and availability of health care, systems, facilities and medical personnel.
A good friend of ours found out he needed triple bypass surgery. They had left Canada and were residents in Lake Chapala, and had IMSS insurance but weren’t yet illegible for major surgery coverage. John went to see the specialist (who at the time was the head of the IMSS in all of Mexico). John told the surgeon that he didn’t have coverage so his wife (a former nurse) was going to check in Canada and the U.S. to find out the cost of the same surgery and compare it to the cost in Mexico. In Canada the surgery would have cost him $88,000 Canadian (he had become a non-resident of Canada and was not eligible for health care coverage there), but even had he been eligible, he would have been on a waiting list for months and he was told he needed the surgery immediately, so this wasn’t possible. In the U.S. he could have had the surgery immediately, but the cost was $250,000 U.S. In Mexico the cost was $ll,000 (Canadian equivalent) and he could have it immediately. Then the surgeon told him: “John, if you can’t afford the surgery, I will do it anyway so don’t worry. The main thing is you need to have it done and soon.”

Needless to say, John was speechless. He told the doctor. “I can pay. I just wanted to check out the cost to compare”. John not only had the surgery and it was successful, but he and his wife became good friends with the doctor.

John told us later that this doctor was paid about $30,000 U.S. equivalent in Mexico (as the head doctor for IMSS), but frequently flew to the States to perform surgeries and received $100,000 U.S. per operation. Why did he stay at IMSS instead of going into private practice? Simple. They need him there. Yes, the doctors in Mexico are very caring indeed.
Ray Bullock, Focus on Mexico
Certainly, you will find the ability of the doctors equal to those “north of the border”. But the real difference comes in with the quality of the service. When you go into a doctor’s office in Mexico, you are not a number – you are treated with love and care. You are treated like there is no one else waiting. They really listen to you and respond with kindness. They even make house calls. Even the veterinarians make house calls. Read a heart breaking story about "A dog named Sam"

There are basically two Health Care Coverage Systems in Mexico and both are available to ‘foreigners’ living in Mexico, under any immigration status. You can elect to use ‘Private Insurance Coverage’ or join the ‘National Program – IMSS, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social’. A third option is the ‘pay as you go’ approach or, if you are here only part of the time it is possible you may be covered by your insurance back home.
Did you know?
The majority of Mexico’s population has access to public or private services. Three-fourths of this majority use public health care services. Emergency medical care is available and accessible to everyone regardless of employment status, but wealthy people can afford better medical care.

Recently, designing health plans and providing coverage to the uninsured population has been the responsibility of the government.
(Source: Government of Canada )

Did you know?
Mexico has one of the most effective drug crop eradication programs in the world.
(Source: Government of Canada )

IMSS Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social

To join the system you must:

  • Have valid visa - FMT, FM2, FM3 or Imigrado
  • Prove Citizenship (Passport)
  • Marital Status (Certificate)
  • Birth Certificate
  • Complete Application Form
  • Provide two pictures

Note! There is no age limit. There are some limitations regarding pre-existing conditions and you will learn all these details and more on a Focus Program. The cost for IMSS is on a per person basis and varies, dependant on age, from $100 to $300US per year. Although they quote the coverage as “all inclusive”, I must tell you that most foreigners (Mex-pats) use IMSS coverage for emergencies and for day-to-day issues, use local doctors who charge by the visit.

The coverage is quite broad and includes consultations, tests, hospitalization, surgery and medicines.

There are some drawbacks to IMSS and you will get the whole story from the Health Care conference on one of the Focus on Mexico programs. It’s important for you to get all the information.

Private insurance varies of course depending upon your age, deductible and company and can range from $800 to $2000 U.S. per person. There are any number of companies offering a variety of options depending on what you want and how much you are willing to pay. Price depends on age, the “class” of hospital you choose, deductible/co-insurance levels and maximum policy level. You can select from the small (but good) hospitals with company selected doctors to the “glitzy” new hospitals with the top doctors/specialists (more expensive).

Private insurance covers “emergencies” i.e. illness that is diagnosed by your doctor and requires hospitalization and treatment. It usually doesn’t cover day-to-day issues (colds, minor upsets, etc) or many pre-existing conditions.

Many of the insurance companies have agreements with the hospitals and will pay directly. Others work on a reimbursement basis – you pay and you get reimbursed.


Pay as you go… and/or Insurance from back home

There are many private hospitals and clinics in Lake Chapala (as well of course in Guadalajara) where you can simply pay as you go…

You would be surprised to find people here that have elected the ‘pay as you go’ concept. Certainly the cost of doctors and hospitals is very affordable and much cheaper than north of the border. However, we don’t recommend this (unless you have back home coverage).

IMSS is so affordable it doesn’t make sense not to cover yourself.

Some people, however, spend sufficient time back home and are still covered by that insurance, so they don’t need to worry about obtaining Mexican Health Insurance for major surgeries. More than likely they will use a local doctor at one of the clinics for any day-to-day medical issues that arise.

One excellent clinic (Clinica Maskaras) is bilingual, fully equipped with laboratory, x-rays, pharmacy and much more and has access to nearly every specialist you could want. They have developed an extremely economical plan they offer to Mex-pats (foreigners), where for one annual fee you can have as many doctor visits as you need and get a variety of other benefits and discounts. Even though we personally have private insurance, for our day-to-day medical issues we use this clinic. Dr. Carlos Garcia is one of our Expert Guest Speakers.

Clinica Maskaras Program particulars
  • $2300 pesos (approx US$230) per year (adjusted to US dollar exchange rate).
  • Unlimited Clinica Maskaras office visits during normal office hours, with Dr. Carlos Garcia
  • No age restriction
  • No “previous condition” restriction
  • Emergency pre-hospitalization medical physician consultations at Clinica Maskaras, with Carlos Garcis or our participating MedCare Maskaras Emergency Care Physicians
  • Annual EKG
  • 20% Discount on all lab tests at Clinica Maskaras
  • 10% Discount on X-Rays and Mammograms at Clinica Maskaras
  • One free dental exam and 10% discount on dental services at Clinica Maskaras
  • Two house calls per year
  • 10% discount at the CARE X-Ray Clinic in Guadalajara (MRI, CAT, Ultrasound,etc)
  • 50% Discount with the eye doctor for the first eye exam visit
There’s lots more to learn during the “Focus on Mexico Programs”.
During the conferences you'll learn first-hand from our Expert Guest Speakers about the different levels of health care, how to apply, eligibility and costs, and if your coverage back home is all you'll need.

You’ll find out what affect pre-existing conditions make on the various plans, the age limits, when eligibility begins. You’ll hear the pros and cons of each system and be in a position of knowledge to make your own decisions.

You’ll have a chance to hear from local residents their personal stories and find out which method they have chosen and why.

You’ll get all the information you need to make an informed decision on which medical program is best for you. You’ll even get the contacts to in each area so when you are ready, you’ll know where to go.


Medication/Prescription & Over the Counter Drugs

There are likely more ‘Farmacias’ (pharmacies) per head in Mexico than anywhere else. Drugs are all pre-packaged and either made locally or imported. Cost wise, local drugs are similar or a bit cheaper in price than what you are used to, with imports being a little more expensive. There is a ‘generic’ farmacia with excellent prices. I couldn’t believe the prices the first time I went. It cost me $6 pesos (about sixty cents) for a generic drug that I had paid something like $80 pesos (eight dollars) for previously at a regular pharmacy, so it certainly pays to shop around. They sell the generic version of brand name drugs for up to 75% off the price.

Most drugs are available though some may have a different name or there will be an alternative drug available, if yours is not. You will be able to ask our Expert Speaker, during a Focus on Mexico program, all your questions and find out if you’re special needs will be able to met.

Some drugs are controlled and need a prescription – mainly mind altering drugs i.e. sleeping pills, relaxing pills like Valium. However, once you get the first prescription, you can continue on your own to refill. Many other ‘prescription’ drugs back home are sold over the counter here.

If you plan an extended visit or are moving here, bring a three to four month supply of your medication and then consult a local doctor for ongoing needs. This gives you some breathing space. If you have highly specialized drug needs, you should either bring enough for your visit, or e-mail a local doctor to discuss availability if you will need a prescription filled while you are here. (Contact us) and we will forward your request on to our Guest Expert Doctor)


Tourista (Montezuma's Revenge) - commonly known
as "Traveler's Diarrhea"

This is likely the most known and yet the least understood medical condition that affects tourists, not only in Mexico, but in many other parts of the world. When you hear "don't drink the water", this usually means - "don't drink tab water". You should however drink lots of purified water. One of the common problems with tourists in Mexico is they don't drink enough water; the sun is quite intense and they get dehydrated.

What is generally not known is that it is not only the water that causes the problem. Even if you drink only bottled purified water, you can still get Tourista.

The cause is called ‘Enterotoxigenic E. Coli’ and is a bacteria, usually ingested with food or liquid that is contaminated (or bacteria from your hands). It affects different people to a different extent, depending on your physical condition and resistance levels.

It usually passes in 24 hours. On our program you will get all our suggestions on how to avoid Tourista and most important, what to do if you get it.

We are pleased to say that we take you to the best restaurants and encourage you during your stay on our program to not eat food from the local street vendors. You need to be acclimatized a little first to your new environment.
Dental & Optical
The cost of dental work in Mexico is a real bonus and the service is excellent as well as caring and there is seldom a wait.

Optical is also very available, low cost and excellent quality. In Guadalajara you will find some of the best specialists available anywhere, and with the latest technology and equipment.
Personal Experience – Marie Dwyer-Bullock I went to see Dr. Laura Choza, an Ophthalmologist for laser surgery on both eyes. She is an incredibly talented doctor and although this is one doctor who you do have to wait to see (pardon the pun), she always makes you feel like she has all the time in the world for you. She actually has the latest equipment right in her office to perform the laser surgery. It is totally painless and you are awake throughout the whole procedure – really quite amazing, and very affordable. I believe I paid about $1200 equivalent (a few years ago) and that included the follow up check ups.
Note! One special attribute about the doctors in Mexico is, once you become their patient, it is like you also become a friend – that is how they treat you; with a big hug whenever they see you. And of course, that just represents the natural warmth of the people and their culture. It is really quite lovely and rubs off on us foreigners. Whenever you greet people here (whether Mexican or ex-pat) there is always the friendly hug and kiss with genuine sincerity of the greeting.
Natural & Alternative Medicine

There is no shortage of Naturopathic, Homeopathic facilities available with highly qualified practitioners. Their prices are extremely reasonable. You will also find Bio-resonance Therapy, Detoxification, and Massage Therapy just to mention a few.

Also many of the herbs used in natural remedies are locally available in the tianguis (local open air market). Several local stores also provide natural products either made locally or imported.

And there are Spa Clinics where you can even go and stay for rejuvenation and treatments.
Another side to health care
On the lakeside there is another side to health than just the medical facilities. We have natural thermal waters in San Juan Cosala (a little village next to Ajijic). Natural swimming pools of varying sizes and temperatures, filled with therapeutic hot springs, bring numbers of people looking for relief from arthritis, rheumatism, stress, fatigue and insomnia, and apparently these natural waters even help heal fractures.
A highlight on our Focus on Mexico programs is when we take you to the Mysterious Monte Coxala Spa & Pyramids in San Juan Cosala. Therapeutic hot thermal waters surface from the ground. These thermal waters are full of curative and spiritual properties. In a bygone era, Romans frequented 'termas' or hot springs. Here, people believed that, upon submersion their evils were released and they were able to stay healthy and lucid in their daily lives. What a great revelation it is to affirm that such beliefs were not totally wrong. Even in the twenty-first century, things haven't changed. The power of seduction that provokes people to bathe themselves in these thermal waters continues even today.

Living on the lakeside offers an active but relaxed, no-stress way of life. A dear friend of ours once said: “If you are happy, you are healthy”. Living in a warm climate with sunshine 365 days a year with clean fresh air and virtually no humidity (not to mention no cold or snow), together with a slower ‘stress free’ lifestyle and lots of smiles is by far the best remedy available for a healthy life. We have heard again and again from countless people that they feel better here and don’t seem to have the same aches and pains they had back home. Check the ‘Stories’ section for personal accountings.

If you come on a “8-Day Focus On Mexico Program” you’ll also hear stories like spiritual health in participating in a Temazcal (sweat lodge – traditional Aztec cleansing ceremony). And my favorite story of all is how Bromiliam (a haze sometimes showing over the lake) is the real reason people feel happier and healthier and have less stress in their lives.
Personal Experience - Marie Dwyer-Bullock A Curandera Reveals Traditional Aztec Secrets of Physical and Spiritual Health’ by Elena Avila with Joy Parker

  • Curandera’s Concept of Medicine and Wellness
    • Curanderismo is an earthy, natural, grounded health-care system that seeks to keep all of the elements of our being in balance. Curanderos believe that human beings- along with animals, plants, minerals, water, earth, air, and fire – are all part of the living earth system. Illness occurs when one does not live in harmony with all aspects of self and nature.

I had just finished this marvelous book about two days before an appointment with Dr. Barbara Rotthaler, my alternative medicine Doctor and good friend. Barbara told me about an upcoming Temazcal (sweat lodge – traditional Aztec cleansing ceremony) ridual that she was attending with a number of other women and invited me to go along. It was an experience of a lifetime. "Read the story..."

Salud (Good Health) and we really do hope you will join us on one of our “Focus on Mexico Programs” in Lake Chapala– a place where you can really enjoy the best years of your life in health and in happiness.
 
Health Care is an important issue when considering living in Mexico.