Costalegre Jalisco Mexico

How to Apply for I.M.S.S.
IMSS insurance is available to all foreigners residing in Mexico, with exclusions or limitations based on pre-existing illness as detailed below. For some reason, however, the insurance can only be applied for during certain times of the year: January, July, August, and most of February. You pay the inexpensive annual fee (approximately US$250 per year) in one lump sum at the time of application.

The application process may be daunting, so expect bureaucratic delays. If things go smoothly, you have lost nothing. To avoid any potential hassles, we recommend that you ask for an agent who will complete the legwork for you for about US$50–75.


Once approved, applicants are assigned a primary care physician who must certify the health of the individual via general examination. Your appointment also enters you into the IMSS database, which will enable you to receive care if you become ill in another part of the country. You will also be required to fill out a health questionnaire disclosing any pre-existing conditions. Your coverage will activate six to nine months after approval, but once accepted you will be covered for life, as long as you continue with your yearly premiums

To apply you will need:


Two photocopies of your current passport and immigration documentation
Copies of either your FM-T, FM-2 or FM-3 (tourist/expatriate visas)
Duplicate copies of your marriage license (if applicable)
Two copies of a most recent utility or telephone bill in your name or a renter’s lease agreement in your name
Three passport-type photographs

Exclusion Criteria and Insurance Limitations


As a foreigner applying for IMSS, you may not receive treatment for pre-existing illness for the term of your coverage. These exclusions do not include treatment for any other illness that is acquired during your stay in Mexico.


Pre-existing illness is defined as:


Malignant tumors (cancer)
Chronic degenerative disease such as that which is seen with long-standing diabetes, liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.), kidney disease (renal failure or renal insufficiency), heart disease (previous heart attack, arrhythmia, or valvular disease), lung disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, etc.), neurologic disease (multiple), cerebrovascular disease (stroke or TIA), peripheral vascular disease, and many others.
Drug or alcohol dependency
Psychiatric illness
HIV positive status or history of AIDS
History of traumatic or muscular injury that continues to require treatment

Further, you can not receive medical care benefits for the following conditions:


Benign breast tumors in the first six months after acceptance
Births in the first ten months after acceptance

In the first year after acceptance you also cannot receive the following surgical procedures:


Lithotripsy for kidney stones
Surgery for gynecologic conditions except for cancer
Surgery for vein disorders
Surgical procedures for the sinuses, nose, hemorrhoids, rectal fistulas, tonsils and adenoids, hernias (except for herniated spinal discs), and other operations that are also considered “elective,” or voluntary, rather than required

In the first two years after acceptance you cannot receive surgery for orthopedic conditions.

In addition, your IMSS insurance will not cover the following:

Aesthetic or plastic surgery, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, the surgical correction of astigmatism, lasik surgery or the equivalent, treatment of self-inflicted injury, preventive care, treatments for behavioral or psychiatric disturbances, dental care (except for extractions), or infertility treatments.

http://www.medtogo.com/apply-IMSS-Mexic ... urity.html

Sparks, where did you get this advice? It doesn't seem to reflect my experience with IMSS. I applied in May and renew in May every year. I have friends who pay in other months, so I question the enrollment periods you have stated. The price varies depending on age, but I have never paid over $2000p/year, which is well less than $250US. An agent? Hogwash! The clerks in manzanillo are extremely helpful in filling out the forms. Delays? Not that I can see, the entire process takes less than a couple of hours (including trips to the bank,etc) and you walk out of the office the same day with your booklet. Six-to-nine months to activate? What?? You can go in the same week and get your physical and start your coverage. No preventive care? I go in every year for a flu shot, they encourage complete vaccinations, offer pap tests, give tooth brushes, and even condoms! They insist on checking my blood sugar once a year,and always check my blood pressure and monitor my weight. No eye care? Yes there is, every few weeks they check vision. I could go on... So unless things have changed drastically in the past year, I don't think your information/advice is sound. I guess I'll confirm in May.

I found the link on a Chapala board. It looks to be advise to Canadians. Since I haven't considered IMSS yet I really don't know but it's nice to have multiple opinions (more realistic).

I haven't considered it because medical care is so cheap here ... and I share some of the sentiment below about adding weight to the system when I don't really need to