© Mexico Connect 1996-2007
Posted by robert jerry eubanks on December 14, 1996
Could someone please tell me if you have to have a resident status before you can sign up for IMSS coverage. My wife and I would like to move to Mexico but we understand that it takes about 6 to 8 months for IMSS coverage to become effective. We would like to come down and sign up so that later next year when we move we would have coverage and could cancel our present policies.
Posted by Betsy on January 23, 1997
Like someone mentioned, the IMSS or Mexican Social Security is a little of everything. They have excellent 3rd level hospitals, that is top of the line with the best specialists educated in or out of the country. 3rd level hospitals are medical centers, like the ones you find in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey to mention some.
First, anyone legally in the country can sign up for IMPS during the months of January, part of Feb. and in July and August, every year. This insurance is paid in one lump sum, and can be renewed yearly. It takes 6-7 months to become effective, and also requires an approval from their new intake examining doctor. Employed workers are signed onto the system at any time, and immediately covered as stipulated by law. But voluntary joining to the facultative insurance can only happen during the months mentioned.
First, a person is assigned to a clinic, that is first level, and if you need hospitalization, you get sent to a 2nd level hospital, and if your case is in need of special consideration, you will be transported to the closest level 3 hospital, which some times is referred to as a high risk hospital, or better, where delicate cases are handled. I hope this answers all the questions. The cost is very reasonable, and covers medication and all other related costs, like therapy, X-rays and lab work etc.
How do I know? I am a foreigner, and I am married to a man that was trained in Denmark and in Great Britain, and held the position as chief of anesthesiology at a 3rd level hospital for 27 years. As a matter of fact, I met him half dressed and in a horizontal position. Does that tell you something? I got very good care. Try to get good care. Betsy
Posted by Marvin Kemel on January 11, 1997
Perhaps the quality of IMSS hospitals/clinics varies from city to city, but in Sonora i wouldn't take a dog to the hospital. The Doctors are useless, the hospitals are dirty, and the lineups are 5 to 8 hours. On the other hand the private hospitals are as good as any in the US or Canada. Even some of the locals do not use the IMSS.