Mexico Medical Tourism – A favorite destination for people from the United States and Canada:
Mexico medical tourism has become a favorite destination for US citizens who live close to the border and for Canadians:
Canadian citizens and United States citizens seeking medical, dental, and cosmetic surgery procedures have been flocking to Mexico in recent years. Some of the reasons for this phenomenon are proximity and relatively low travel expenses.
Among the number of people taking advantage of Mexico medical tourism are Mexican-Americans living in the US and Canada who go back to Mexico and schedule dental and medical appointments in order to save on health care bills.
Origins of Mexico medical tourism:
In the beginning, people living close to Mexican border towns would cross the border seeking inexpensive dentistry and cosmetic surgery. Dentists and cosmetic surgeons began to open offices in these border towns, and the Mexico medical tourism trade began its boom.
Dentists, doctors, surgeons, health care professionals, and businessmen saw how attractive the US and Canadian market was, and many other specialties began to be added to the Mexico medical tourism menu. In addition, state-of-the-art medical centers with US-trained doctors began to open, and these medical centers are comparable to any hospital or medical center in the United States and Canada.
Mexico’s health care system:
The World Health Organization ranks Mexico’s health care system at number 61 overall in the world, and private hospitals are ranked quite a bit higher since many are Joint Commission International accredited, which means they have passed rigorous international standards.
Mexico medical tourism hospitals are in locations as varied as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Cancun. For those close to the border, Mexico medical tourism offers hospitals in Tijuana, Mexicali, and Laredo, among others. All of these hospitals offer medical packages which include lodging and aftercare, and you can choose an urban area, or a hospital close to the beach, where you can take advantage of the wonderful weather.
Mexico Medical Tourism – Waiting Times:
One of the advantages of using medical tourism in general, and Mexico medical tourism in particular, is that waiting times generally do not exist. Mexico medical tourism is set up so that the medical traveler is fast-tracked to all of the appointments, medical tests, screenings, and surgeries.
People in countries with universal health care coverage like Canada and the United Kingdom will appreciate not having to wait to see the medical or dental professional. The fact is that most countries with universal health care coverage have long waiting lists and waiting times for procedures.
If you take advantage of Mexico medical tourism, you will have your own private room, and you will meet face-to-face with the doctor, dentist, or surgeon. All of your issues will be discussed, and you can voice anything that is on your mind. Your doctor, dentist or surgeon will not rush you through your appointment to get to the next patient, which is what tends to happen in countries with socialized medicine and in the United States.
In fact, one of the knocks on medical tourism in general, and Mexico medical tourism in particular, has been the issue that you cannot develop a personal relationship with you health care practitioner. However, most medical travelers comment that they had never developed a personal relationship with a physician, dentist, surgeon, or health care professional until they used medical tourism.
Are you looking for Mexico medical tourism hospitals with JCI accreditation?
The Mexican hospitals on the following list have Joint Commission International accreditation:
- American British Cowdray Medical Center IAP Observatorio Campus, located in Mexico City
- Hospital ABC is a non-profit private hospital regulated under the Ley de Institution de Asistencia Privadas. Established in 1941, it is governed by a Board of volunteers, all prominent Mexicans and expatriates. Among the facilities are 200 in-patient beds and state-of-the-art medical technology. It offers a full range of diagnostic, medical and surgical services.
- The American British Cowdray Medical center IAP Santa Fe Campus, Mexico City
- Christus Muguerza Alta Especialidad, Monterrey, Mexico Christus Muguerza hospital network encompasses 3 hospitals in Monterrey and other Mexican cities. It recently opened a modern health center that caters for short stay surgeries.
- Clinica Cumbres Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
- Hospital CIMA Hermosillo, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
- Hospital CIMA Monterrey, Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia N.L. Mexico
- Hospital San Jose Tec de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico: A world class hospital accredited for its high quality and best-in-class patient care. Since 1969, it has focused on the well-being of care, and the best medical professionals and procedures in a cost-effective way. It is sponsored by the internationally recognized Tecnologico de Monterrey and is located only 150 miles from the US border.
- Hospital Y Clinica OCA, S.A. de C.V., Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The largest private hospital in the city
If you are interested in having any type of health care procedure performed at one of the hospitals on the list, fill out the contact form, and one of our consultants will contact you to help you put together an all-inclusive package. Your consultant will also help you put together an all inclusive Mexico medical tourism trip if the hospital you are looking for is not on the list.
The Most Common Mexico Medical Tourism Treatments:
Cosmetic surgery, dentistry (including maxillofacial surgery), and general plastic surgery are among the most popular Mexico medical tourism procedures. Bariatric or weight loss surgery is also at the top of the Mexico medical tourism treatments list.
Many elective surgeries and procedures are also at the top of the list, and this is most likely due to the fact that elective surgeries are not covered by insurance in the US.
Mexico medical tourism also offers the following procedures:
- Cosmetic surgery
- Dentistry
- Aesthetic procedures (Botox, etc)
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Orthopedic surgery
- Bariatric surgery/Weight loss surgery
- Eye surgery
- Cardiac surgery
What is the cost of Mexico medical tourism procedures?
The following table offers average prices for procedures. The actual cost of your Mexico medical tourism procedure may vary, so please contact a Mexico medical tourism consultant and request more information or a free quote without obligation by filling out the contact form.
| Heart | |||
| Procedure | Approximate Cost in USA Hospitals | Approximate Cost in Mexico | Approximate Average Savings |
| Angioplasty | $22,500 | $11,500 | 50% |
| Angiography | $4,800 | $1,200 | 70% |
| Valve replacement | $ 46,000 | $16,000 | 60% |
| Bypass surgery | $44,000 | $24,000 | 50% |
| Open Heart surgery | $64,000 | $24,000 | 66% |
| Orthopedic | |||
| Procedure | USA Hospitals | Mexico | Average Savings |
| Knee | $25,000 | $10,500 | 65% |
| Hip Replacement | $28,000 | $12,500 | 65% |
| Shoulder Replacement | $24,500 | $9,500 | 75% |
| Birmingham Resurfacing | $24,000 | $12,500 | 60% |
| Other Procedures | |||
| Procedure | USA Hospitals | Mexico | Average Savings |
| Gastric Bypass Surgery | $30,000 | $11,500 | 70% |
| Gastric Band Surgery | $24,000 | $9,500 | 60% |
| Hysterectomy | $14,500 | $5,500 | 75% |
| Fertility Treatments | $8,500 | $2,650 | 55% |
| Cosmetic Procedures | |||
| Procedure | USA Clinic | Cancun, Mexico | Average Savings |
| Face Lift | $18,000 | $4,250 | 68% |
| Breast Augmentation | $7,800 | $3,800 | 55% |
| Tummy Tuck | $8,800 | $4,500 | 50% |
| Liposuction (per area) | $3,200 | $1,150 | 60% |
| Rhinoplasty (nose) | $8,000 | $3,200 | 65% |
| Brow Lift | $7,500 | $2,850 | 70% |
| Brazilian Buttock | $10,500 | $4,950 | 65% |
| Neck Lift | $10,000 | $4,400 | 70% |
| Blepharoplasty (eyelids) | $5,400 | $2,950 | 55% |
| Dental Procedures | |||
| Procedure | USA Clinic | Monterrey, Mexico | Average Savings |
| Implants – 6 teeth | $18,500 | $3,600 | 75% |
| Porcelain crown (6 teeth) | $5,200 | $1,600 | 70% |
| Bleaching discolored teeth | $250 | $50 | 80% |
| Dental Vaneers (6 teeth) | $6,000 | $1,800 | 75% |
| Total Dentures | $4,800 | $1,600 | 70% |
The following is also a list of average Mexico medical tourism prices vs. prices in the United States:
| Medical Procedure | USA | Mexico |
| Angioplasty | Up to $57,000 | $17,100 |
| Heart Bypass | Up to $144,000 | $21,100 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | Up to $170,000 | $31,000 |
| Knee Replacement | Up to $50,000 | $11,500 |
| Hip Resurfacing | Up to $30,000+ | $13,400 |
| Hip Replacement | Up to $43,000 | $13,800 |
| Special Fusion | Up to $100,000 | $8,000 |
| Face Lift | Up to $15,000 | $8,000 |
| Breast Implants | Up to $10,000 | $9,000 |
| Rhinoplasty | Up to $8,000 | $5,000 |
| Lap Band/Bariatric | Up to $30,000 | $9,200 |
| Hysterectomy | Up to $15,000 | $7,500 |
| Dental Implant | $2,000-10,000 | $1,000 |
Please take note:
In the United States, there are medical insurers who have tailored insurance packages for people who wish to take advantage of Mexico medical tourism and everything it has to offer. In addition, California passed a law in 1999, and said law permits insurers in California to reimburse Mexico medical tourism providers.
This law has led to many changes in the insurance industry and the way Mexico medical tourism packages are set up. If you live in California, you should consult your insurance provider to see if the provider covers Mexico medical tourism procedures.
Since Mexico medical tourism services generally cost 50% to 70% less that medical services in the United States, insurance premiums are usually 60% less that most US plans.
Mexico Medical Tourism Advantages:
- Mexico is closer to the United States and Canada than any other medical tourism provider.
- Travel expenses when making use of Mexico medical tourism are low, and it is easy for patients to travel back and forth if needed.
- The quality of the hospitals in Mexico is on par with the quality of the hospitals in the US and Canada.
- Mexico medical tourism packages when you book through a medical tourism facilitator help you save even more.
- Prices are 50% to 70% lower than average US health care prices.
- Language - the doctors, dentists, surgeons, and health care practitioners involved in the Mexico medical tourism trade speak English for your convenience.
- Insurance coverage is increasing due to lower costs for insurers
- Patient out-of-pocket expenses are much lower.
- Waiting times are not a problem since people using Mexico medical tourism are fast-tracked
- The wonderful climate in Mexico is great for peace and relaxation, which is conducive for patient recovery.
Mexico Medical Tourism Disadvantages:
- The lack of standardization in the Mexico medical tourism industry.
- Lack of liability and difficulty in seeking legal remedy in case of mishap.
Traveling for Mexico Medical Tourism:
The following is a table of Flight times from major US and Canadian cities to the Mexican cities of Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City.
| From/To | Mexico City | Guadalajara | Monterrey |
| New York City | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Chicago | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| Washington, DC | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| San Francisco | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Los Angeles | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Toronto | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Montreal | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Vancouver | 5 | 5 | 5 |
How much does an airplane ticket cost?
The peak travel period to Mexico begins in late March to and extends to early April. There is another peak period beginning in mid-June and ending in August. There are also peak periods during holidays, and you can expect airfares to go up during the periods just mentioned. Therefore, you should plan your Mexico medical tourism trip around these peak periods.
If you fly during the week, you can expect to pay less than if you fly during the weekend. On the other hand, flights during the week can much more crowded than weekend flights, and it may be more difficult to get a frequent flier upgrade. If you don’t fix a return date (open return) or if you have different arrival and departure destinations (open-jaw), you will likely have to pay more than if you purchase a round-trip ticket.
Can I drive to Mexico?
If you live at or near a border town, you can drive to Mexico, especially if you live in a city like Brownsville or San Diego. The following is a table of driving times (at average speeds), from different cities in states that border Mexico.
| From/To | Tijuana | Mexicali | Monterrey |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2 hrs | 4 hrs | |
| San Francisco, CA | 10 hrs | 10 hrs | |
| San Diego, CA | 20-30 minutes | 2 hrs | |
| Dallas, TX | 10 hrs | ||
| Houston, TX | 12-13 hrs |
Mexico Medical Tourism numbers:
There are estimated numbers ranging from 150 thousand to 500 thousand Americans and Canadians making use of Mexico medical tourism. The numbers are an estimation because many people combine Mexico medical tourism with a vacation, and there are also no official records of the number of people using Mexico medical tourism, so the numbers could actually be much higher.
How do I take advantage of everything Mexico medical tourism has to offer?
Taking advantage of Mexico medical tourism is as simple as filling out the contact form. Your request for more information or a free quote without obligation will go out into our network of hospitals, health care centers, doctors, dentists, and surgeons.
You will be contacted by a Mexico medical tourism consultant, usually within 24 hours, with more information. If you requested a free quote, the consultant will help you find the best available treatment at an affordable price.
