Mexico growing in popularity with expats from Europe

For decades, Mexico has been a number one destination for expats from the USA, but its low cost of living, friendly locals and established communities are now attracting would-be expats from European countries.

Once known simply as a haven for US retirees looking for good weather, cheap food and affordable healthcare, Mexico and its attractions are now spreading across the pond to Europe. Whether relocation is for work, retirement or the dream of starting a business, one thing’s for sure, Mexico’s excellent healthcare provisions are one of its major attractions.

It’s well known that the USA’s healthcare is some of the least affordable on the planet, but the private hospital charges for those who no longer trust Britain’s National Health Service are equally unaffordable, as is private health insurance for the majority. Discovering a country where quality healthcare at a reasonable price is offered to expats as well as nationals begins to be as unlikely as the discovery of the Holy Grail!

In a recent survey, Mexico’s healthcare provisions were rated in the top five out of all the counties included, with its costs as low as 50 per cent of those in the USA. The study also found that all medium to large cities have one or more top-quality medical facilities and, most importantly for expats, the vast majority of doctors speak English. Traditionally, medical doctors as well as dental practitioners have had at least some training in America, making them up to date on treatments, diagnostics and medicines.

The country has two affordable healthcare systems in place, one public and one private, with legal residents having access to both. The cost of using a public hospital averages around $330 to $400 a year or even less, with prescription drugs also far cheaper than in most Western countries. In addition, doctors still make house calls, to the amazement of expats who’re too young to remember house calls in their home countries. It’s also not unknown to receive a phone call from your doctor seeking a follow-up on his treatment. All told, if you’re considering Mexico as your permanent port of call, you could do far worse.