# Medical tourism in Mexico: costs, hospitals & safety

> Informational only, not medical advice. Figures are sourced population data; outcome rates are population averages, not a personal prognosis. Source: CureMeridian (https://curemeridian.com/destinations/mx).

## Quick facts
- Procedures with sourced pricing: 14
- Typical savings vs home: around 66%
- Popular hospitals listed: 6
- English proficiency: Very Low

## Treatment cost in Mexico by procedure

| Procedure | Average cost | Typical range | Save up to |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | $6,500 | $5,000 to $8,000 | 76% |
| Dental Implants | $800 | $600 to $1,000 | 83% |
| Gastric Bypass | $6,500 | $5,000 to $8,000 | 76% |
| Gastric Sleeve | $5,250 | $4,000 to $6,500 | 74% |
| Knee Replacement | $10,500 | $8,000 to $13,000 | 67% |
| Hip Replacement | $12,000 | $9,000 to $15,000 | 68% |
| Shoulder Replacement | $4,100 | $3,100 to $5,300 | 67% |
| Dental Veneers | $350 | $250 to $450 | 61% |
| LASIK | $1,100 | $825 to $1,400 | 73% |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | $4,500 | $3,500 to $5,500 | 65% |
| Cataract Surgery | $1,500 | $1,100 to $2,000 | 73% |
| Hair Transplant | $5,100 | $3,800 to $6,600 | 49% |
| Liposuction | $3,000 | $2,000 to $4,000 | 23% |
| Rhinoplasty | $4,000 | $3,000 to $5,000 | 62% |

## Safety & recovery by procedure in Mexico

| Procedure | Success rate | Serious complication | Safe to fly after |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | 98% | 2% | ~7 days |
| Dental Implants | 95% | 2% | ~3 days |
| Gastric Bypass | 95% | 5% | ~42 days |
| Gastric Sleeve | 90% | 4% | ~35 days |
| Knee Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| Hip Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| Shoulder Replacement | 90% | 3% | ~10 days |
| Dental Veneers | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| LASIK | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | 95% | 5% | ~35 days |
| Cataract Surgery | 98% | 1% | ~2 days |
| Hair Transplant | 95% | 1% | ~7 days |
| Liposuction | 85% | 3% | ~21 days |
| Rhinoplasty | 90% | 2% | ~10 days |

Outcome rates are sourced population averages, not a personal prognosis.

## Safety & advisories
US travel advisory: Exercise Increased Caution.

## Visa & entry
- Visa: Visa Free (180 days)
- Main airport: MEX

## Popular hospitals in Mexico
- Hospital Angeles Pedregal, Mexico City, rated 3.3
- Hospital Angeles Universidad, Mexico City, rated 3.0
- Hospital Zambrano Hellion (TecSalud), Monterrey, rated 4.0
- Hospital Angeles Lomas, Mexico City, rated 3.8
- Codet Vision Institute, Tijuana, rated 4.9
- Obesity Control Center, Tijuana, rated 4.9

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the tap water safe to drink in Mexican medical tourism cities?
Tap water in Mexico is not safe for drinking, even in major cities like Tijuana, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. It is fine for showering and brushing teeth, but you should drink only bottled or purified water, which is inexpensive and available at every convenience store and hospital. Most private hospitals and recovery suites provide purified water to patients.

### What currency should I bring, and how should I pay for things in Mexico?
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the local currency. Use ATMs from major banks like Citibanamex or HSBC (avoid airport exchange kiosks, which have poor rates), and always choose to be charged in MXN rather than USD when a card terminal asks. Credit cards are widely accepted at private hospitals, restaurants, and pharmacies, but carry small-denomination peso bills for taxis and tips. Tipping 15% at restaurants is standard, and tips should be left in pesos.

### How do I get a SIM card or stay connected during my stay in Mexico?
Telcel has the widest coverage and is the most popular carrier. You can buy a prepaid SIM at OXXO convenience stores for around 250 MXN (roughly $14 USD), which is cheaper than airport kiosks. Movistar offers budget plans starting at around 50 MXN for 1 GB with unlimited calls. If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase and activate one before departure to avoid any setup delays on arrival.

### Are medical tourism cities in Mexico safe compared to the general US travel advisory?
The US advisory applies to Mexico as a whole, but medical tourism hubs like Monterrey, Merida, Guadalajara, and the hospital zones of Tijuana are generally considered safe for visitors. These cities have modern infrastructure, international hospitals, and well-patrolled commercial districts. Use the same common-sense precautions you would in any large city: stay in well-lit areas, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber or DiDi, and avoid isolated roads at night.

### Can I easily buy over-the-counter medications at pharmacies in Mexico?
Yes, Mexico has an extensive pharmacy network with chains like Farmacias del Ahorro and Farmacias Guadalajara found on nearly every major block. Many medications that require a prescription in the US are available over the counter, including common pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and stomach remedies, often at a fraction of US prices. Pharmacies in hospital districts frequently have staff who speak basic English, and your hospital coordinator can help with prescriptions if needed.

---
Source: CureMeridian, https://curemeridian.com/destinations/mx. Hospital rankings are calculated by our algorithm and are not paid placements.