Even with Obamacare, Americans Are Still Going to Mexico to get Healthcare

Regardless of whether you're in favor or against the Affordable Health Care Act, many Americans are signing up for it, but that hasn't stopped several of them to continue going to Mexico for health care.

Despite the increase of people under health coverage, many Americans, mostly from California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico continue to travel to Mexican cities along the border for health care. However, while those areas receive the bigger influx of patients, some Americans from as far as New York and Washington are flying to central Mexico to get more complex treatments, like surgery (both needed and cosmetic).

Steven Wallance, associate director of the UCLA Center, may have the explanation: "Even with insurance, it can sometimes be cheaper in Mexico." Although more Americans have health insurance now, they save it for emergencies and continue to go to Mexico for regular health care.

Other patients claim that the lower prices are not the only reason. Irma Montalvo, from California, signed up for insurance, but she still prefers to go to Mexico, 16 miles south of her home in Chula Vista. "I can't use my insurance outside of California, but seeing my doctor costs me only $15 dollars and I don't have to worry about deductibles. But most importantly, she makes me feel comfortable."

This experience reflects an aspect of Mexican health care that many Americans appreciate: doctors spending time with their patients and, in the opinion of some, making them feel like people.

"She (the doctor) listens to me," says Montalvo, "I come here feeling really bad and three days later, I am better."

Xochitl Castaneda, director of the health initiative of the Americas at U.C. Berkeley's School of Public Health, expresses it in another way. "Mexican clinics offer something not always found in the U.S., quality (of service) and warmth. When you are sick, you need medical support. You also need emotional support. That is something that Mexican physicians give."

Another cultural difference that Americans are often surprised of is that most Mexican doctors give their patients their personal numbers and they answer them.

But what do you think about the Affordable Health Care Act and the influx of American patients in Mexico? Tell us your opinion in the comments. Alternatively, you can read about how safe Mexico is here or about the experience of an American woman who decided to retire in Mexico here.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico, in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works. 

Top Destinations for Retiring Abroad

In a previous post, I wrote about how the top destinations for medical tourism in the world. Today I stumbled upon another article that ranks the top destinations for retirement.

The ranking was done by International Living, a site specialized in places and tips for people living and retiring abroad. The main factors taken into account for the ranking were real estate prices, cost of living, climate, entertainment, health care, retirement infrastructure and ease of cultural integration.

So, what are these havens for American retirees?

4.- Costa Rica

3.- Mexico

2.- Malasya

1.- Ecuador

Obviously, each of these countries has its pros and cons. Just because Ecuador is number one on the list, it doesn't mean that it's number on in your list. For example, people who don't want to deal with a different local language, will find Malasya a more convenient place to live. Mexico is much closer to the US than any of the other countries, but it's not as cheap as Ecuador. So, it depends entirely on your preferences and needs.

Financial matters are always a big factor. Living in these countries allow Americans to live very comfortably on $2,000US a month. Some spend much less than that, more because of their adaptation to the local culture than because they need to cut down costs.

Also, health care costs are becoming increasingly important in making Americans leave for greener pastures.

Almost 50% of Americans have less than $25,000 in savings at the time of their retirement, and only 45% of them have a pension or a 401k plan. And 33% of retirees receive 90% of their retirement income from social security benefits and this amount is around $15,000 a year. Obviously, for people who are uninsured or underinsured, this is not enough.

Many of these countries have foreign friendly private and public health care systems. For example, in Costa Rica, the cost of private medical insurance is around $100 a month. In Mexico, a foreign retiree can get into the Mexican Social Security system for $350 per year, and after two years, you get full coverage.

Obviously, there are other factors that can influence your decision on whether to spend your golden years abroad. It's not for everyone, that's for sure. But it's a good option for people who are looking for a change, a slower pace, and who like to have some adventure after leaving their jobs.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico, in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.