If you’ve been researching a move abroad, one question keeps coming up over and over again:
“What is healthcare in Mexico actually like?”
And not the polished version. Not the marketing version.
The real version.
In this episode, we sat down with Craig and KJ from
👉 Truly Remarkable Life
right here in our Lake Chapala office to talk about their firsthand healthcare experiences in Mexico — including emergency surgery, MRIs, doctor visits, and what it actually costs.
And let’s just say… the reality surprises a lot of people.
🤝 Collaboration with Truly Remarkable Life
This episode is part of a collaboration with
👉 Truly Remarkable Life
Craig and KJ are well-known creators in the Lake Chapala expat community, focused on lifestyle, relocation experiences, and helping people understand what day-to-day life in Mexico really looks like.
They’ve been living in Mexico for several years and bring a ground-level, lived perspective — especially when it comes to healthcare, retirement abroad, and quality of life.
Why Healthcare Is a Major Concern for Expats
Let’s be honest — for most Americans and Canadians, healthcare is one of the biggest fears about moving abroad.
We hear it all the time:
- “Is it safe?”
- “Is the quality good?”
- “What if something serious happens?”
- “I’ve heard horror stories…”
At the same time, there’s a growing reality:
👉 Many people are now traveling abroad for medical care because it’s cheaper, faster, and often better.
As mentioned in the episode, even major financial platforms are reporting that:
- Flying abroad
- Paying out of pocket
- Getting treated
…can still cost less than getting care in the U.S.
Real Experience: Emergency Surgery in Mexico
One of the most powerful parts of this conversation comes from KJ’s personal story.
He had an emergency gallbladder issue — and here’s what happened:
🏥 Step-by-Step Experience
- Sonogram: $40 USD
- Doctor review → immediate referral to surgeon
- Surgery scheduled within 24 hours
- Surgeon came in on his day off
- Overnight stay in private hospital
💰 Total Cost:
👉 ~$4,000 USD (all in)
Now compare that to the U.S., where:
- Emergency surgery can easily exceed $30,000–$80,000+
- Even insured patients face massive out-of-pocket costs
The Biggest Difference: Human-Centered Care
What stood out the most wasn’t just the price.
It was the experience.
🇲🇽 What They Noticed:
- Doctors give you their personal phone numbers
- Staff is kind, patient, and attentive
- You’re treated like a person, not a number
- Family members are welcomed and involved
One moment that really stuck out:
👉 The anesthesiologist held KJ’s hand and said:
“My job is to take care of you for the next two hours.”
That level of care is something many people don’t expect — but consistently report.
MRIs, Medications & Everyday Care Costs
Let’s talk about everyday healthcare costs — because this is where things really shift.
💉 Real Examples from the Episode:
- MRI: $75 USD each
- Doctor visits: often $20–$50 USD
- Pharmacy visits: extremely low-cost
- Medications: often cheaper than U.S. copays
In many cases:
👉 Out-of-pocket care in Mexico < insured care in the U.S.
Pharmacies & Fast Treatment
One of the most underrated aspects of healthcare in Mexico:
🏪 Pharmacy + Doctor Model
- Walk into a pharmacy
- Speak to a doctor on-site
- Get diagnosed
- Walk next door → get medication
All within 30–60 minutes
This is especially useful for:
- Minor illnesses
- Infections
- Routine issues
Private vs Public Healthcare in Mexico
Important distinction:
🏥 Private Healthcare (What Expats Use)
- Higher quality
- Faster service
- Still very affordable
- English-speaking doctors often available
🏥 Public Healthcare
- Available to residents
- Lower cost
- Longer wait times
- Designed primarily for Mexican citizens
👉 Most expats choose private healthcare, and it’s still affordable.
Why So Many Expats Choose Mexico for Healthcare
From what we’ve seen (and what Craig & KJ confirmed), the decision comes down to:
✅ Cost
Massively lower than the U.S.
✅ Accessibility
Faster appointments, less bureaucracy
✅ Quality
Modern facilities, highly trained doctors
✅ Experience
More human, less transactional
The Bigger Picture: Why People Are Leaving
Healthcare is just one piece of a much larger shift.
We’re seeing:
- More Americans creating “Plan B” residencies
- Younger expats moving abroad (not just retirees)
- Families relocating for lifestyle + cost reasons
- High-net-worth individuals leaving due to long-term cost concerns
As mentioned in the episode:
👉 Even people with $5M–$10M net worth are reconsidering retiring in the U.S.
FAQs About Healthcare in Mexico
❓ Is healthcare in Mexico safe for expats?
Yes — especially in private hospitals and major cities. Many facilities are modern and internationally trained.
❓ Do doctors in Mexico speak English?
Many do, especially in expat areas like Lake Chapala, Guadalajara, and Mexico City.
❓ Do I need insurance in Mexico?
Not always. Many expats pay out of pocket due to low costs, but catastrophic insurance is still recommended.
❓ How much does surgery cost in Mexico?
It varies, but often 70–90% cheaper than the U.S. (as shown in real examples above).
❓ Can I just show up at a doctor or hospital?
Yes — access is typically much faster and easier than in the U.S.
❓ What about prescriptions?
Many medications are available over the counter or at a much lower cost.
Final Thoughts: Is Healthcare in Mexico Worth It?
Based on:
- Our experience
- Craig & KJ’s experience
- What we see with clients daily
👉 The answer is overwhelmingly yes — if you use the right providers
Like anything:
- Do your research
- Work with trusted professionals
- Avoid shortcuts
But once you’re set up correctly?
👉 Healthcare in Mexico can be one of the biggest upgrades in your quality of life
🚀 Want Help Moving to Mexico?
If you’re considering making the move:
👉 Free guide: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/mexico
👉 Work with us: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/consult
👉 Visit our office: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/pin
We help with:
- Residency & visas
- Real estate & rentals
- Relocation strategy
- Business & tax considerations
