Many foreigners that are looking to relocate to Playa del Carmen are often baffled trying to figure out their insurance options. You should always consider having private health insurance as a foreigner. However, foreign residents can benefit from Mexico’s social security system. There are certain conditions to sign up for this health insurance, however. A foreign citizen can obtain Voluntary Health Insurance in the National Institute of Social Security (IMSS) under the Modality #33. You must be one of the following to access this insurance: part of a Mexican family, a Mexican expat, or a foreign residesnt that is not covered through another insurance plan.
How does the IMSS insurance work for foreigners?
Anyone who is formally employed in Mexico is obligated to pay IMSS contributions and become enrolled in the program, regardless of any other insurance they may have. For foreign residents who are living in Mexico, voluntary enrollment is available by signing an agreement with the IMSS. This can be done via the Seguro de Salud Para La Familia. Be aware, services are only available in Spanish, so for those who do are not fluent a translator is recommended. However, if you are not a resident – temporary or resident – you are not eligible to enroll in IMSS.
Once you sign the agreement, your coverage is provided. Members of your immediate family that are also registered immediately receive the coverage, as well. Additionally, eligibility is extended to the immediate family – spouse or common-law, their children, mother and father, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces or nephews, and aunts and uncles.
You must pay the premium on an annual basis for each member of the immediate family who requires coverage. This begins on the first day of the month following the signing of the agreement. You have to renew your agreement 30 days prior to its expiration date. I’ve detailed the current costs further down.
Coverage and eligibility
- Coverage is provided for medical assistance, surgery, pharmaceutical needs, hospitalization and maternity coverage.
- You get coverage in both pre- and post-partum in addition to the birth, in case of maternity.
- Some pre-existing medical conditions prevent eligibility for enrollment, and others may require a waiting period.
- Some additional exclusions include cosmetic surgery, glasses, hearing aids and chronic disease treatments that require therapeutic control permanently.
Enrollment requirements
In Person:
- Visit the location that corresponds to the address of the insured during opening hours.
- Present official identification, birth certificate, CURP and proof of address, and if applicable, marriage certificate, for the individuals requiring coverage.
- Provide general information and complete a medical questionnaire.
- Provide payment of the annual fee.
Online:
- Ensure you have an email, your CURP and a Social Security number.
- Visit imss.gob.mx/derechoH/escritorio-virtualC
Costs
Age Group | Fee ($MXN) |
0-19 | $ 3,250 |
20-29 | $ 3,850 |
30-39 | $ 4,100 |
40-49 | $ 5,700 |
50-59 | $ 6,000 |
Documents required
- Official ID (voting card, military service card, professional ID, consular ID)
- Birth certificate
- CURP
- Proof of residence
- Marriage certificate
- Medical questionnaire issued by IMSS
- 2 recent photos (tamaño infantil)
- Notarized letter stating that you don’t have family members should this be the case
In case of foreigners, all documents have to be provided in original and copy translated and apostilled. We recommend that foreigners who do not have private health insurance enroll with IMSS. Emergency medical bills can be very expensive if they pile up. Make sure you ask your local IMSS office for any further details and specifications.
At Top Mexico Real Estate, we are experts in providing real estate services to Americans and Canadians. Feel free to contact us, we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise in Playa del Carmen or anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Moreover, our professional Buyer’s Representatives can help you through the process of settling in Mexico.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!