A Routine Visit to a Mexican Doctor—Total Cost: $13.50
In rural Yucatán, a quick doctor’s visit and meds cost less than lunch—and the quality? Excellent.
If I told you that we recently paid $3.50 for a doctor’s appointment and were in and out within 15 minutes, you’d likely not believe me. Plus, after the appointment, we bought the three indicated medications for less than $10. Yet, that was our experience in a small town in Mexico—and it is, in fact, quite normal.
Diane and I had a few errands to run, so we jumped in the Jeep and headed to an ATM machine (one of the two available) in the nearby small town of Temozon, 15 minutes away. We’ve lived in the nearby village of Ek’ Balam, in Mexico’s state of Yucatan, for nearly 10 years, having built our retirement home here.
Though small, Temozon is widely known and respected for its craftsmen, who manufacture beautiful furniture and cabinetry from Mexican cedar. Randomly, Temozon is also a regional center for smoked sausage and meats, produced in tiny smokehouses in the area and widely served in local restaurants.
“While you’re using the ATM, I’m going to run across the street and ask the doctor to take a look at this rash on my stomach.”
The doctor she was referring to was in an office adjoining one of the two pharmacies in town. Farmacia Similares has nearly 10,000 locations across Mexico and specializes in selling generic medications at greatly reduced prices. Most of their locations also offer medical consultations with a licensed physician for practically no fee. Diane walked across the street and was seen immediately.
After taking a brief medical history, asking the appropriate medical questions, and performing an examination, he wrote a couple of prescriptions, collected his fee of $3.50 (USD equivalent), and Diane was in and out in about 15 minutes. The total cost for both prescriptions was just under $10 USD.
The “prescription” wasn’t required. It was actually more of a note to ensure Diane received the correct medication. Except for narcotics and strong antibiotics, nearly all other medications are available over the counter—without prescriptions—and are literally pennies on the dollar compared to U.S. prices.
Mexico’s healthcare system is a blend of both public and private services. The public services are operated by a national system and are free or nearly free of charge, up to and including hospitalization. However, there may be delays in services, and nursing care in hospitals is often lacking.
Private services are readily available for regular medical care and hospitalization, but must be paid for either by insurance or in cash/credit card. Charges are often one-half to one-third the cost of fees in the United States, and the care is top quality.
ATM, pharmacy, and doctor’s visit—all completed in about 15 to 20 minutes—and we were off to historic Valladolid for lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken and a visit to the sprawling open market, Mercado Central, to stock up on fresh fruits, veggies, and homemade cheese. And, of course, Diane always finds a few more potted plants and some “adorable or really cute” something. While we were away, our housekeeper, Mari, had cleaned our house, done the laundry, and started preparing dinner.
Moving to another country is a big deal, and the initial transition is rarely without challenges. But if you’re up for an adventure, consider moving outside the United States. Do your research—begin with which countries offer residency visas that match your needs. Then… the rest is up to you.
Moving to another country will not create your perfect life, regardless of where you live. But for us, Mexico has provided an amazing cultural experience, packed with good friends and invaluable lessons. Our multicultural adventures have greatly enriched our lives beyond the possibilities available in the U.S.—all within our retirement budget.
Don’t allow fear to be the thief that steals the life you could have.
Want Access to Quality, Affordable Healthcare Overseas?
For many expats, one of the biggest surprises about life in Mexico is just how good—and affordable—the healthcare system is. From routine visits to specialist care, you’ll find modern clinics, English-speaking doctors, short wait times, and prices that are a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S. Learn more about Healthcare in Mexico here.
But it’s not just Mexico. Across the world, countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Panama are offering expats excellent healthcare for less—sometimes 70% to 90% less than what you’re used to paying back home.
If you’re curious about what’s available—and what’s possible—subscribe to International Living Magazine.