México Wants You. Healthy.
WHEN THE ARTS OF MEDICINE MET THE GODS OF COMMERCE, an unholy alchemy was made possible. Some view the public health as something to be maintained for the good of all, others cash in on pain and blood. And yet others boost tourism by healing the masses!
TIMES IS HARD in these here United States, especially if you have medical procedures or dental work needed but not a lot of cash. In a twisted anti-shape of humane intelligence, the US’s healthcare system is currently utterly profit-based which leaves one feeling, at these times, that there are a lot more of empowered people who do not care about your life and health than who do.
But maybe Mexicans do. Hey! Check it out! The local government in Mexico City is offering tourists free medical care “in case of accidents or disease.” Included is everything from emergency dental care to flu treatment.
NOTE: Certain Latinolicious parties who are citizens of the US but traveling to Mexico for health care should be very careful to have lots of documentation for a smooth return across the Border.
Posted in Palabras
How much coverage there is for tourists and whether it’s worth scheduling a vacation around a “planned” emergency is probably not the best way to get health care, but the affordability of medical care — and ease of access — is one reason a lot of us moved to Mexico by choice.
Although doctors and clinics will see you in an emergency (even make house calls!) there is a national health system (not perfect, but then, nothing in life is) that covers most workers, though the social security system (IMSS) and costs those (like myself) who are outside the regular employment channel for one reason or another about 2000 pesos ($180.00 US) a year.
Given the relative costs, it’s kind of silly to even bother with co-payments, etc. There’s a weird idea here that doctors should practice medicine, not run businesses. Most pharmacies have a clinic on the side, where a doctor’s visit runs about 20-25 pesos (about $2.00 US).
Yes, it is true that the more useful way to read this is a comment on health care approaches.
And those are some prices I can deal with!
Those of us in socal have long been aware of the benefits of hopping the border for various procedures done. I’d say dental is a hugely popular choice around here…
Yup, I was just telling someone this on FB the other day, some right wing libertarian type dude who was trying to say how bad service or healthcare was in MX. of course he’d never been there for any, but you know. he just KNEW.
Meanwhile, any Mexican citizen (or other foreigner) without American health insurance who is unlucky enough to have a medical or dental crisis on US soil will be charged the going, exorbitant rates for treatment.
I would not abuse the system in Mexico City by scheduling a holiday to take advantage of free medical or dental care, but it sure is nice to know that if I go there and get sick or have an accident, I won’t end up gajillions in debt.