Moving Your Healthcare To Mexico Checklist

Why Planning Ahead Saves Money and Stress

You’ve decided to move to Mexico. Once the initial excitement passes, the stress of figuring out the logistics kicks in. I know, I’ve been there! It takes no small amount of planning to make sure you have everything in place for the move – the residency cards, CURP, TIP – not to mention preparing everything in the States.

One thing that sometimes gets forgotten or pushed aside is preparing for your healthcare in Mexico. If you’re healthy, you may think you can just wing it. If you’re retired, someone may have told you to just use your Medicare. A lack of planning on your part can become a costly mistake. When you are moving your healthcare to Mexico, having a plan makes a big difference.

90-Day Pre-Moving to Mexico Healthcare Checklist

Ideally, moving your healthcare to Mexico starts 90 days before your move. I know that seems like a lot, but if you’ve done your homework for residency, you know that everything takes time. Here is what your healthcare timeline should look like:

90 days out

• Request medical appointments with primary care and any specialists. They can provide health check-ups and update your screenings.

• Request medical records.

• Update prescriptions.

  
  

60 days out

• Complete dental and vision screenings.

• Research insurance options in Mexico.

• Plan for international payments. Healthcare in Mexico often requires payment up front. This includes emergency room visits. Make sure you know how you will pay for these services before you need them.

  
  

30 days out

• Organize your healthcare documents and download any healthcare apps that let you access your records digitally.

• Prepare your medications for travel. Check which medications are allowed in Mexico, especially as some, like narcotics, may be prohibited. Get necessary documentation for all your prescriptions for customs and your healthcare provider.

• Set up emergency contacts. Life happens. Find an emergency contact for your healthcare in Mexico. Consider setting up a group chat on WhatsApp for family and friends to use in case of an emergency.

Medical Records You Should Bring

Your records are more than just a paper trail. They explain your health story to other healthcare providers and are essential to getting your healthcare in Mexico off to a good start. Medical offices have 30 days to give you copies of your medical records. Unfortunately, not all offices are quick with this, so make your request early. You’ll want both hard and digital copies of your records.

Remember, when moving your healthcare to Mexico, there is a language difference. Healthcare has its own language. So, if you can, get the records translated from English to Spanish. This is essential if you have a complicated medical history or are on specialized treatments.

Also, request any imaging files. Often these are provided on a disc or thumb drive. Imaging files can include basic screenings, such as your most recent mammogram, or images from complicated surgeries, such as joint replacement or repair.

Medications to Refill Before Moving

If you aren’t already getting 90-day refills, now is the time to request them. You can take a 90-day supply of your medications with you into Mexico. This will give you some time to set up a pharmacy in your new home.  

Request a letter from your doctor or healthcare provider listing your medications and the reasons for each. This helps when going through customs. It will also assist your new doctor in Mexico in taking over your treatment, because many of the same medications are available in both countries, though not all.

Insurance Status Review

One key issue to prepare for is paying for healthcare in Mexico. Planning helps you understand what to expect financially when you start accessing care in Mexico. Many retirees incorrectly believe they can just use their Medicare in Mexico. Legally, Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services received in Mexico, except in certain limited situations, such as when you are traveling through the U.S. to or from Mexico and experience a medical emergency near the border. I talk about this here.

There are other insurance options available. Many expats use private insurance for their healthcare in Mexico. Others choose to pay out of pocket. Everyone’s financial situation is different. Take the time to find out what is best for your situation. I cover the options in the Complete Healthcare Guide for Mexico workbook. Don’t forget to notify your U.S. health insurance about your move.

Establishing Healthcare Contacts Before Arrival         

When you were scoping out your new home, did you also look for your local pharmacy? If you take medication regularly, knowing where a good pharmacy is located is as important as knowing where to get your groceries. Consider researching the pharmacies near your new home. Pharmacies are all over, but they are not all the same. Do you need English speakers? Do you prefer a 24-hour pharmacy? Know what you expect from your pharmacy when doing your research.

The same advice applies to finding a new healthcare provider. In areas where there are a lot of American and Canadian expats, it’s usually not too difficult to find an English-speaking provider. Talk with your new neighbors or research online to find suggestions for providers in your area. If you can, schedule an appointment before leaving so that you can quickly establish your healthcare and make sure your medication transition is a smooth one.

Preparing for Emergencies

Most of Mexico has transitioned to using 911 to access emergency services. But, like other aspects of healthcare, it is not always the same care as you would get in the U.S. Many hospitals contract with their own private ambulance services. Prepare in advance by knowing which hospital you prefer and which ambulance service it is contracted with.

Set up a folder for emergencies. This should have a summary of your health history, medications, and emergency contacts. Keep a copy of your insurance and residency card in the file. Don’t forget to plan for payment. Check out The Emergency Plan for Expats to help you prepare for emergencies.

Download the Healthcare Checklist

Don't let healthcare planning be an afterthought. Moving your healthcare to Mexico should get just as much attention as every other part of your move. To take away the guesswork, download The Healthcare Checklist: Your First 30 Days in Mexico. This step-by-step checklist is made for expats and retirees and will guide you through your transition, so you feel prepared from day one. Start now to make your move smoother and protect your health in Mexico—download your checklist today and take control of your healthcare journey.