Giving Birth in Mexico as a Foreigner
Foreigners giving birth in Mexico can expect high-quality care at private hospitals and a lower cost than they would pay in countries like the US and Canada. When planning your birth experience in Mexico, you should choose a quality provider and provide the proper documents.
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Are you curious about the quality of care available in hospitals for expecting mothers? If you’re a foreigner living in Mexico and planning on expanding your family, this guide from Pacific Prime will share all the things you can expect while in the country.
We will share an overview of the healthcare system in Mexico and the things that foreigners will want to know while giving birth in the country. We will also discuss prenatal and postnatal care for new mothers. Keep reading to learn more!
What Foreigners Should Know About Giving Birth in Mexico
Foreigners should know the state of healthcare in Mexico, the cost, and cultural differences. Each of these factors is important as they can help guide your expectations for your birth experience while living abroad in Mexico.
The Healthcare System in Mexico
Mexico’s healthcare system is comprised of public and private hospitals and clinics. Maternity services are offered by both sectors for foreigners and locals. Private healthcare facilities in Mexico offer shorter wait times and higher standards of care than public facilities.
Healthcare is accessible to foreigners in Mexico through public health insurance programs like Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) and Seguro Popular, or private health insurance.
The quality of care offered by healthcare facilities in Mexico varies, with most hospitals and clinics in large cities offering quality, affordable care. Public clinics in rural areas may not be as well stocked or staffed and may have lower standards of care.
Cost of Giving Birth in Mexico
Generally, childbirth can cost around USD $1,500 to $5,00 in Mexico. The cost of giving birth in Mexico varies across location, doctor, insurance coverage, and the type of delivery. Cesarean sections are generally more expensive as well.
To compare, the cost of giving birth in the United States can be around USD $10,000. This makes Mexico a much more affordable choice, but to determine the specific cost of your birth you will need to check your insurance coverage terms and speak with your doctor.
Cultural Differences While Giving Birth in Mexico
There are some cultural differences surrounding childbirth in Mexico, such as a 40-day postpartum period that which mothers are expected to rest and recover. In contrast, the rest of the family takes care of her and any other chores.
Additionally, you may experience more holistic care during your prenatal or postnatal appointments with treatments like herbal teas and pregnancy massages. Midwives are common in Mexico and can make a valuable addition to your healthcare team.
The extent of cultural changes you may see in healthcare will also depend on the hospital or clinic. Private international hospitals are more likely to provide care that is similar to what you would have experienced back home.
How to Prepare for Birth in Mexico as a Foreigner
Foreigners can prepare for giving birth in Mexico by finding a reputable OBGYN and hospital to see for both prenatal care and childbirth. You can find recommendations for a hospital from local expats and friends, or even contact your local embassy to ask them for a list of recommended hospitals.
Additionally, prenatal care is an important part of preparation for childbirth, and you should ensure you are being seen regularly by your OBGYN while in Mexico.
Prenatal Care in Mexico
Foreigners can receive prenatal care in Mexico by visiting a public or private clinic or hospital that offers maternity services. A gynecologist, OBGYN, or certified nurse midwife will see you at every appointment and administer prenatal care.
Prenatal care consists mostly of tests and monitoring services to ensure the mother and baby are healthy. Prenatal care is given throughout the nine months of pregnancy and is generally done once a week to once a month, though high-risk pregnancies may have more frequent appointments.
The specifics of the kind of prenatal care a foreigner may receive in Mexico will depend on their health, their doctor, and the location. The most common prenatal care services are listed below:
- Physical Examination
- Regular Monitoring of Weight and Blood Pressure
- Urine and Blood Tests
- Measurement of Fetal Growth
- Monitoring Fetal Heartbeat
- Ultrasounds
- Glucose Screening for Gestational Diabetes
- Vaccines
Some specialized prenatal care can be available, depending on the location and the mother’s needs. Some mothers with certain healthcare conditions and high-risk pregnancies may need special monitoring or services.
What to Expect in Mexican Hospitals for Birth
Foreigners can expect private Mexican hospitals to offer quality care with multilingual staff and private rooms. Public hospitals in Mexico may not offer the same amenities, so most foreigners are encouraged to visit private hospitals. International hospitals are also an excellent choice.
A popular choice with foreigners living in or near Mexico City is Médica Sur Hospital. Médica Sur is a top-rated international hospital that offers comprehensive care to mothers and their new babies.
When visiting the hospital for your birth, you should have all the necessary paperwork with you like a note from your doctor, your passport or ID, insurance card, and any other information you may have about the prescriptions you’re taking. You will give this to the hospital staff when you’re first checking in.
After you have been checked into your room, your labor experience will vary depending on your unique situation. Whether you are having a more typical delivery or a cesarean section, your doctors and nurses will assist and support you through the stages of labor.
Postnatal Care for Foreigners in Mexico
Postnatal care (also known as postpartum care) is the care received from medical professionals after the mother has given birth. Mothers can receive care directly after their birth and also through their OBGYNs two to three weeks after birth.
At your appointment weeks after your birth, your doctor will perform a physical assessment to ensure any stitches or injuries you incurred from your birth are healing fine. They will also take your vitals and screen you for postpartum depression or anxiety.
Postnatal care plays an important part in the physical and mental health of the new mother and can help support new parents in their transition to parenthood.
How Foreigners Can Register a Birth in Mexico
You will need to register your child’s birth in Mexico by visiting a civil registry (registro civil) and providing the necessary documents. You don’t need to go immediately after your birth, but it’s recommended to go as soon as you are able.
In Mexico, foreign babies born in the country are eligible for dual citizenship, making them citizens of Mexico and their home country.
Unlike the US, Mexico will not supply you with your birth certificate in the hospital. Instead, your hospital will give you a form they have filled out that you are to take with you to the civil registry. You will also need two witnesses to come with you.
- The full list of documents required are:
- The form provided by the hospital
- IDs and current visas of both parents
- IDs of the two witnesses
- The mother’s birth certificate
- Marriage certificate if the parents are married
You will also need copies of all the above-mentioned documents. The officials at the civil registry will put the baby’s fingerprints on the correct document and issue an official birth certificate.
Afterward, you should notify your country’s embassy of the birth of your child so they can be recognized as a citizen of your home country. They will guide you on how to apply for your baby’s passport.
Maternity Insurance for Giving Birth in Mexico as a Foreigner
Maternity insurance can help cover the costs of giving birth in Mexico, and can especially be useful if there are complications that raise the costs. Top international insurance providers like Cigna and Allianz offer comprehensive maternity insurance for foreigners in Mexico.
Maternity insurance can help cover the costs of giving birth for typical labor and delivery, cesarean sections, and any complications that happen along the way. They also have the added bonus of covering prenatal and postnatal care.
Be aware that most maternity insurance benefits come with a waiting period of at least 18 months, so you will want to secure your plan before you are pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What documents are needed at the hospital when giving birth in Mexico?
Each hospital may have different policies, but you will generally need your passport or ID, a note from your doctor, any insurance information you have, and a list of any prescriptions you are taking.
Is giving birth more affordable in Mexico?
Giving birth in Mexico is more affordable than many countries, such as the US and Canada. Childbirth can cost around USD$1,500 to $5,00 in Mexico. The cost of giving birth in Mexico varies across location, doctor, insurance coverage, and the type of delivery.
Conclusion
By giving birth in Mexico, you could save money on your birth and qualify your newborn for dual citizenship. Private hospitals in large cities like Mexico and Cancun are known for their quality care and can offer new mothers a safe and supportive environment to welcome their little ones.
Interested in purchasing maternity insurance for Mexico? The insurance experts at Pacific Prime can help! We are an insurance brokerage that helps expats and foreigners across the world find insurance plans that fit their budgets and needs. We offer free and unbiased advice for all our clients.
Contact us online at our website to get started today. We can help you compare quotes from multiple insurance providers, or you could do the process on your own with our free quote tool.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our others on topics like How Much is an MRI in Mexico and Top 10 Reasons to Permanently Move to Mexico!
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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