Medical Tourism in Mexico

As health care costs continue to rise to staggering levels in the United States, a growing number of people are looking internationally to find quality medical services at more reasonable costs. Due to potential savings of up to 60 or 70 percent on medical procedures performed abroad, Americans have begun to combine dental work, cosmetic procedures, or specialized surgeries with vacation time and in some cases with enough cash left over to bring the entire family.

Mexico has been a popular destination for those seeking respite from high US health costs and prescription medical costs since the 1960s, but over the last decade medical tourism has become a multi-billion dollar international industry. In recent years Mexico has realized the potential market they pose to US citizens seeking medical services abroad. The combination of Mexico's rich culture, mild climate, idyllic beaches along with its reputable hospitals and doctors, as well as its proximity to the US, has appealed to many Americans in search of medical services.

The advantages of medical tourism are very attractive. Cost alone is enough of a motivating factor for some. According to the National Coalition on Health Care more than 12 trillion dollars has been spent by US citizens in the last 7 years on health care, yet compared with other countries where services are much less expensive the NCHC reports that Americans are no more satisfied nor feel they receive better service.

Quality is of foremost concern when receiving medical services abroad. Many hospitals in Mexico have received international accreditations, and it is common that doctors and specialists study or practice for years in the United States or Europe. Additionally, insurance companies are beginning to investigate medical tourism as well, lured by the value of services provided abroad, and some companies have begun naming specific international hospitals and clinics as approved providers.

As with any serious medical treatment, there are potential risks. To minimize problems, have all your questions answered before heading south of the border. Aside from the most important questions about the doctor's and hospital's qualifications, the service and availability of nurses and support staff, and the success rate, cost and liability of the procedure, don't forget to investigate the cultural differences you may encounter. Especially if it is your first trip abroad, be as prepared as possible for the minor differences or inconveniences that are bound to occur when traveling outside the country. Anticipate varying levels of infrastructure and consider how best to handle culture shock.

Medical tourism may not be for everyone; however, its growing popularity indicates that it is worth researching. You may find that having a less expensive surgery performed in Mexico could make the difference between getting the surgery or going without it. Perhaps you could even bring the family along for a few days at the beach to boot.


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Staying Healthy in Mexico

Being Healthy in Mexico

Health is a number one priority for those relocating to Mexico City,/The Riviera Maya especially for foreigners usually have to go through a period of physical adjustment in Mexico, since general standards of sanitation often leave much to be desired, and also due to the fact that there are different types of bacteria that your body will be introduced to and will have to become immune to. In order to be fully informed on the best health practices, hospitals, and doctors in Mexico, the MedToGo book is the definitive guide.


Being Careful

Obviously the first rule to remember is to never drink the tap water. While some people go as far as to not even brush their teeth with tap water, this may be a little extreme. Also, even if one has lived for a considerable time in Mexico, eating off street corner taco stands can be risky to say the least. Although it's difficult to go through the transition process without being affected by "Montezuma's Revenge" you can take the basic precautions. Be wary of any salads served at restaurants and drink bottled water.


Healthy Options

Riviera Maya offers many parks and also some nearby get-away options for weekends, with the beach or natural springs and spas. There are also numerous and excellent sports clubs and gyms in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Prices vary but are generally on the higher side. Consult a physician before undertaking a fitness regimen.


Health and Medical Care

When it comes to medical and health care in Mexico, many expatriates have their doubts and their fears. Coming from countries with some of the best health care and hospitals in the world, many expatriates just don't know what to expect in Mexico. The truth of the matter is that there's no need to panic. In fact Mexico has some very fine hospitals that offer excellent care, and also for considerably less in terms of cost. Have a look at our insurance section for more information.


Insurance

While Mexico has very good doctors and physicians they also charge considerably less than European or U.S. doctors. An appointment can cost as little as $30 to $50 USD. Clinics operate under excellent conditions in all major towns, and especially in Cancun and Playa de Carmen. Yet ultimately the well being and safety of your family relies on good medical and health insurance.


National Coverage

The first and most basic option for foreigners residing in Mexico that hold a FM2 or FM3 visa is the IMSS nationwide health insurance program that offers services including a visit to the doctors clinic, hospital expenses (covering minor injuries and sickness) and intensive care facilities. The coverage only costs US$225 per annum. It takes six to nine months for the coverage to take effect. Nevertheless you do not have a choice of physicians, as the IMSS program has its own physicians.


Private Coverage

The ideal choice is private coverage that will cover all medical costs in the best private hospitals in the country. Many policies go for around US$1000 per annum. The best health and medical insurance plans cover expenses of up to $500,000 to $1,000,000 dollars per year (renewable every year) and offer a network of the best hospitals around the globe (including Mexico), covering dozens of countries, including different deductibles that fit your lifestyle, free coverage for all children under the age of ten, coverage of 100% of hospital and medical expenses in the country of residence after your choice of deductible, and medical care covering birth defects, premature births and other complications. Also covered are medical check-ups, emergency help lines, repatriation of mortal remains, and more.


Pharmacies

While one may find almost any kind of medication in Mexico, the same medicine is relatively cheaper in Mexico than in Europe or the U.S., and often a prescription is not required. But because many pharmacies do not have trained pharmacists on staff, it's important that a doctor is consulted for a prescription and that any prescription is translated into Spanish to avoid problems.


Hospitals

In terms of hospitals, the Riviera Maya has become one of the most important development areas in Mexico, with an unprecedented evolution has required all kind of services of the highest quality, not just for tourism but for many nationals and foreigners who have found a home in this paradise. Hospiten Riviera Maya is located on the Federal Highway at the second entrance to Playacar in Playa del Carmen. This is the second unit that the private health care group Hospiten has in Mexico, the first is located in Cancun. With more than 37 years? experience and caring for over 500,000 people from all over the world annually, the Hospiten Group continues its commitment to providing high quality health care to the visitors, and residents of Quintana Roo.


Utilities in Mexico

Electricity

Your electricity bills are paid to a public utility Comision Federal Electricidad (CFE). Unless you are the first to occupy your office or living space you should receive a bill every two months. This bill can be paid at any branch of most major banks (the list is on the back of the invoice). It can also be paid directly at any one of their locations, which is also where one needs to go to apply for service. Their home page, at www.cfe.gob.mx


Water

Water is paid directly to the Treasury of the Federal District, or to the treasury of the state where you live. Most state governments, including the District, allow you to pay at the branches of major banks. It is also charged once every two months.


Natural Gas

Natural gas, where required, is pumped from trucks that prowl the streets every few weeks (depending on the company and the area of town). Because there are a number of concessionaires it's best to ask the neighbors when they visit. Their rates are set by the government and the amount should be clearly stated somewhere on the outside of the vehicle.


Domestic Help in Mexico

One of the first things foreigners notice when they arrive is the amount of maids and chauffeurs their friends have working for them in Mexico. Most expatriates are not used to having domestic help, especially not with live-in maids, for example, so most of them will find this new experience a pleasant change, although it could also prove to be a trying one. Nevertheless, the advantages of having permanent domestic help outweigh any possible discomforts. Beside their main work, they can be invaluable in providing security by keeping the house occupied, they can take care of daily chores such as babysitting, taking care of pets, answering phones and other daily tasks which may need attending to while the home owner is absent.

Mexican households depend on a whole host of people who work outside of the formal labor force in people's houses. Most arrive via recommendations. Some, when you rent or buy a house, were working there before and so stay on with the new family. It is important to note that, despite the fact that they are a part of the underground economy, a good labor lawyer working on behalf of a disgruntled employee can still cost the former employer money, so it is best to keep the professional relationship cordial.

The working situation between the hired help and their employers is very informal. Its success will depend on good communication between employer and employee, as well as finding the right balance between professionalism and cordiality on the part of the employer. Due to the informality of the relationship, it's not uncommon to find a domestic servant simply walk away from his or her job in the case of friction or discontent. A lot of people who happily offer real estate services and other relocation help stay away from providing advice on people to work in the home - they figure they don't want to be held responsible if the person they recommend steals something or simply walks off. In any case, it's best to set a probationary period during which either party may get accustomed to each other and the work relationship. In the case of dissatisfaction, the relationship can be terminated with no further hassle. One will find, however, that the quality of domestic help is generally very good, the quantity of options plentiful, and the expense to the employer minimal.


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Dealing With Domestic Help in Mexico

As mentioned above, a balance is essential. One should in no way make any concessions on professionalism, as this will most probably only lead to abuse on the part of the employee. Nor should one stifle their employee with rigid regulations, as this will almost certainly backfire. Despite the ever courteous and pleasant demeanor of Mexicans, they will show their displeasure in other, less confrontational ways. Either the work will suffer, or the worker will disappear.

One should deal with all the details of the work involved before the employee even starts his or her probationary period. No detail is insignificant. Here are some important pointers:

  • Make sure you get some information on the person you plan to hire, in the form of letters of recommendation and/or by word of mouth.
  • If you don't speak Spanish, get a bilingual person to help you, as the person you're hiring will not speak English.
  • Establish your policy on uniforms - i.e. whether one will be worn or not.
  • Agree on the salary (which will be paid either monthly or, most probably, fortnightly) and find out what other people are paying.
  • In the case of maids, establish whether or not you want them to cook (although cooking is generally expected of maids in Mexico).
  • Most importantly, show your potential employee what you want done and how you want it done.

Usually it takes a week or two for your employee to get the hang of things and for the house to be running smoothly. One should know within the probationary period whether the relationship is going to work out or not. It is also a good idea to know about your potential employee's health and family situation.


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Know Your Employee's Rights

Unless you want someone to come around once or twice a week as a day maid, it's best to hire a live-in maid. It's your responsibility to provide a room, bed, bathroom, and the necessary comforts to help her settle in. A day maid can expect an hour off during the day for rest and for her meal.

In terms of taking time off, servants usually have Sunday as a holiday, since they have a legal right to take 24 hours off for every six days of work. If your helpers live far away (as often they do), they may need some extra time off. Servants will also expect to take holidays off, those holidays generally being January 1 (New Year's Day), February 5 (Constitution Day), March 21 (Birthday of Benito Juarez), May 1 (Labor Day), September 16 (Independence Day), November 20 (Revolution Day) and December 25 (Christmas Day). A Christmas bonus is expected. The amount of the bonus should be incrementally indexed to the amount of time worked. A Christmas bonus to the amount of half a month's salary is expected for someone who has been working in your household for a year.

Health costs may be involved in hiring a maid. The employer will only be responsible, however, for a chronic disease acquired on the job. The employer will also be expected to pay for medical costs in the case of any injuries sustained on the job by the employee.


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