Mexico
Healthcare quality & costs · 2022
Fair — 50.3/100 Mixed systemHealthcare index trend
Americas comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 77.3 | 81.8 yrs | Free | 2.40 | 100.0% |
| United States | 67.0 | 76.1 yrs | $239 | 2.60 | 92.0% |
| Chile | 64.0 | 79.5 yrs | $37 | 2.50 | 80.0% |
| Colombia | 57.7 | 76.8 yrs | $17 | 2.20 | 95.0% |
| Argentina | 56.0 | 76.1 yrs | $23 | 3.20 | 70.0% |
| Brazil | 53.7 | 75.2 yrs | $37 | 2.30 | 76.0% |
| Mexico | 50.3 | 74.5 yrs | $28 | 2.40 | 52.0% |
| Peru | 47.3 | 73.4 yrs | $18 | 1.40 | 60.0% |
Healthcare in Mexico — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Mexico in 2022?
Mexico scores 50.3 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2022, rated as "Fair". Life expectancy is 74.5 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 6.20% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Mexico?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Mexico costs approximately $28 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $184 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Mexico?
Public healthcare in Mexico covers only 52.0% of the population. A significant portion of the population pays out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Health expenditure stands at 6.20% of GDP.
How much is private health insurance in Mexico?
Average private health insurance in Mexico costs approximately $74 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Mexico have?
Mexico has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 52.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Mexico?
Mexico has 2.4 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 1.50 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Mexico?
Life expectancy in Mexico is 74.5 years in 2022, compared to the Americas average of 76.7 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Mexico?
The infant mortality rate in Mexico is 11.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a moderate rate reflecting ongoing improvements in maternal and newborn care.
How does Mexico compare to other Americas countries?
Mexico ranks 7 out of 8 Americas countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 50.3/100 is -8.9pp below the Americas average of 59.2/100. Life expectancy is -2.2 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Mexico?
Foreign nationals and expats in Mexico typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.
Is Mexico a good destination for medical tourism?
Yes — Mexico is a recognised medical tourism destination, attracting international patients with quality care at lower cost than Western Europe or North America. Common procedures include dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic surgery and specialist consultations. Private hospitals typically offer English-speaking staff and international accreditation.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Mexico?
A hospital stay in Mexico costs approximately $184 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Mexico's healthcare improving?
Mexico's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 50.3/100 to 52.8/100. Life expectancy also rose from 74.5 to 75.2 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Mexico?
Hospital quality in Mexico varies significantly. Urban private hospitals generally meet international standards, while rural public facilities may face resource constraints. The country has 1.50 beds per 1,000 people and 2.40 doctors per 1,000.