For many expats and seasonal residents, one of the biggest questions about living in Mexico is what happens in a medical emergency. It often comes as a surprise that U.S. health insurance and Medicare Advantage plans can be used across border, if you go through the correct channels.
But there are resources designed specifically to help. One option you may want to look into is Lakeside Medical Group (LMG). For over 15 years, LMG has been helping American and Canadian residents access emergency and urgent care at a fraction of the cost they might expect.
✅ What Is Lakeside Medical Group?
Lakeside Medical Group is a managed healthcare program that partners with major hospitals—including Star Médica Hospital in Mérida—and allows you to use your existing Medicare Advantage, U.S. health insurance, or certain Canadian plans here in Mexico.
How it works:
- If your plan is eligible, you register (it’s free).
- You get access to a network of 27 hospitals and clinics across Mexico.
- Unlike standard policies, there are no deductibles, copays, or coinsurance, even if your original plan includes them.
Many expats have found this approach helps them avoid large, unexpected expenses if they ever need urgent care or hospitalization.
🏥 What Does It Cost?
Once you’re registered, the costs are very straightforward:
- Urgent office visit: about $100 pesos (~$6 USD)
- Emergency treatment or hospital stay: capped at $3,000 pesos (~$170 USD)
Note: The 3000 peso charge is not paid to the hospital but to LMG after the emergency is over. It is a charge for overnight stays, one night or 5 nights. It doesn’t matter how many nights. The charge remains the same. The hospital visit itself will not generate any out-of-pocket expenses or deductibles, etc.
It is “free”. The peso charge is paid directly as a copay to LMG after the emergency or urgent care visit is over!
This predictability is one of the reasons the program has become popular with retirees and part-time residents.
✨ How to Register
Before using any services, you must enroll to make sure your insurance plan qualifies. Enrollment is free, and the process is relatively simple.
If you’re interested in learning more or seeing whether your plan is compatible, you can contact Robert Ash, who helps new members understand the details:
📧 ash@lakemedicalgroup.com
🌟 Why It Could Be Worth Exploring
Here are a few reasons some expats consider this program:
- Avoiding the uncertainty of paying out-of-pocket for emergencies
- Having a network of hospitals across Mexico ready to accept their U.S. insurance
- Knowing exactly what costs to expect if something happens
Whether you’re here full-time or part of the year, it may be worth exploring your options ahead of time so you don’t have to make last-minute decisions in a stressful moment.
✅ Learn More
If you’d like to find out if your Medicare Advantage, travel insurance, or expat health plan is compatible, Lakeside Medical Group offers free consultations and enrollment.
👉 Email Robert Ash at ash@lakemedicalgroup.com to learn more or ask questions.
Also visit: https://www.lakemedicalgroup.com/
Having a plan in place can go a long way toward peace of mind—and help you feel prepared to enjoy life in Mexico.
