Mexico with its languid pace and rich culture is an instant hit among tourists and expats alike. But being in Mexico is all fun and jazz only until you don’t fall sick. Not that it lacks a proper healthcare system. Not at all! But given its inflexibility to entertain health insurance plans of other countries often pose a problem. The cost of healthcare is spiralling at a phenomenal pace and a major illness can leave you absolutely drained financially. Luckily, you have Lakeside Medical Group to depend on while in Mexico. 

Why Lakeside Medical Group?

So first things first; what does Lakeside Medical Group do? Why would you want to consider it when you have a robust American healthcare plan to fall back on? Well if you haven’t yet figured out already, most medical practitioners and healthcare facilities in Mexico do not accept American or Canadian health insurance policies. Often, this implies buying a suitable insurance plan in Mexico to cover you against all types of illnesses and health complexities. While Mexico does have public health insurance programs such as the IMSS, you may not be eligible for them as an expat. Besides, there will be other limitations that may prohibit you from seeking the exact kind of health cover you need for yourself and your family. 

HMO services or health maintenance organization services in Mexico are quite popular due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. When compared to other types of plans, you will realize that an HMO plan is relatively less expensive. Typically, the primary care physician or your personal doctor coordinates everything to ensure that your health, as well as healthcare cost, is managed effectively. You get access to all those care providers who are within the HMO provider network ensuring that the fees you pay are minimal.

Should you opt for HMO plans?

HMO plans are pretty personalized taking into account your health history, medications, and the future course of treatment. The primary care doctor or PCP partners with you on the road to wellness though you can have different PCPs for different members of the family. And that's not all; you can change your PCP whenever you want as long as you are not hospitalized or in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Your stay in Mexico can be a treasure cove of experiences. You will love its vibe and be happy that you came here be it for business or pleasure. But if you are planning to move to Mexico and live there as an expat, then there’s a lot you should know. After all, life comes with its own set of surprises. You need to be prepared for all of them, especially the bad ones that may come in the form of a health emergency. 

The healthcare landscape

Those who are used to 'free at point of delivery' healthcare in their country, need to understand that Mexico does not have reciprocal agreements with any other country nor does it support health services and treatments covered under the US-sponsored Medicare System. Typically, employers offer insurance as part of your remuneration. Many choose to be covered under the IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) program - a popular, publicly funded insurance program devised for working people in Mexico. Also available is the Instituto Nacional de Salud para el Bienestar (INSABI) which is also a public program that is free and relatively less complicated. Expats who want extensive coverage and greater customization in health insurance plans however choose to go for private health insurance. 

Those living in Mexico as an expat would know how exciting life can be. Mexico is an eclectic mix of the new and the old, and for many, life here is nothing short of an adventure. Of course, there are the usual rules and protocols, but the cost of living is fairly affordable especially if you compare it to the USA. If you are here for the long haul, you need to factor in the healthcare cost too.

A brief overview

Well, what you need to understand is that the public health service here does not have reciprocal agreements with other countries nor does it allow you to use your existing US Medicare. So if there is an accident or a medical emergency, you should be willing to pay out-of-pocket. It's no secret that medical expenses can burn a hole in your pocket. You should know the options available to you before you decide to move to Mexico. If you are traveling to Mexico only for a short visit, you must still check the fine print of your current healthcare plan to ensure that you are indeed covered in Mexico. 

Lakeside Medical Group provides an extensive healthcare service to expats who live in Mexico or those who make a short or business travel to Mexico. We are equal to a managed HMO, and we take up over 350 plus U.S medical plans. There are many benefits we offer to expats for which we expect you to read through the entire blog and acquire every inch of details about your insurance acceptance. 

There is no need for expats to pay any joining fee, and the membership and registration are also offered for free of cost. Mainly, there are no hidden fees, so you can happily register your insurance details with our Lakeside Medical Group. We offer coverage for a wide range of your medical needs if you are living or travelling in Mexico. Once becoming our registered member, you will not pay additionally any amount to Co-insurance or Deductibles.