There are a lot of things to worry about when moving abroad, and a common concern will often be your health and well-being. If you are moving to Mexico, then you might have heard stories of people becoming ill through the water or being bitten by mosquitoes. This can make the move even more stressful, though.
Thankfully, there are effective ways to support your health and reduce your worries. This post outlines four of the best ways to keep yourself fit and healthy, including purchasing a health insurance policy and getting all relevant vaccinations. By preparing yourself adequately, this can allow you to focus on other aspects of the move once you are in Mexico.
Understand the Health Risks of Living in Mexico
There are health risks that you should be aware of when you move to Mexico. Although some of these risks are primarily related to chronic diseases, there are also potential risks from insect-borne and waterborne illnesses. Some of these are more common in specific regions, so it is important that you research what health risks are more likely in your chosen location.
Mosquito-borne diseases have become increasingly common in communities in Mexico. These diseases include chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. While Zika has been rapidly increasing after a worldwide outbreak in 2015, dengue is actually the fastest-growing mosquito-borne disease around the globe. It is possible to reduce the risk associated with these diseases by using high-quality insect repellent and wearing the right clothes to protect yourself from bites.
However, it is important to know that Mexico ranks quite well in healthcare quality and accessibility globally: it currently ranks at number 71 out of 167, according to Statista. This means that you can receive good treatment if you experience a health issue during your time as a resident of Mexico, although you will need to purchase health insurance before moving, as discussed in the next point.
Purchase a Suitable Health Insurance Policy
Although Mexico does have a national healthcare system that includes public and private options, you must obtain a suitable medical insurance policy. You cannot use US Medicare in Mexico. Arranging private healthcare arrangements is one of the simplest methods to ensure you can access the country’s healthcare system without overpaying for your treatment.
Choosing a policy for medical insurance in Mexico can guarantee you immediate care from the best treatment centers. Some of the most suitable insurance providers will offer telephone support that can include language translations if you are not treated by English-speaking healthcare professionals. The best health coverage will save you money when seeking treatment and acquiring pharmaceuticals.
There are numerous benefits to purchasing a relevant health insurance policy before moving to Mexico. Some policies will enable you to receive benefits like dental care, emergency treatment, and routine care. The coverage that you choose will depend on your own needs and the health risks that are common in Mexico.
Get the Necessary Vaccinations
While health insurance can protect your health when moving to Mexico, you should also be vaccinated as a preventative measure. This can be completed by visiting your doctor before your departure date to check that your health is adequately supported. You should opt for a doctor who specializes in travel medicine to guarantee you receive the required vaccines for Mexico.
An appointment for vaccinations should be made at least eight weeks before you head to Mexico. These vaccines will lower your risk of catching the common diseases in the country. Some of the recommended vaccinations when moving to Mexico include hepatitis A, rabies, tetanus, and typhoid. Your doctor might suggest other vaccines depending on the exact location you are heading to or your pre-existing health conditions.
You should keep proof of these vaccines on your person when entering the country. A list of any vaccinations you have had can be requested from your doctor.
Ensure You Drink and Eat Safely
As previously mentioned, waterborne illnesses can be quite common depending on the area of Mexico you are living in. This is also possible for food. Unsafe food and water can cause expats to experience diarrhea and food poisoning. You should be careful when living in the country to use tap water or eat food from street vendors.
The best way to avoid this from occurring is to drink bottled water and eat fully cooked foods. This will mean avoiding ice in their beverages and dining in restaurants that do not uphold good hygiene practices.
When you are moving to Mexico, there are a number of things to consider. One of the most important aspects of this will be protecting your health once you have moved. With the advice in this post, you will gain an understanding of how you can protect your health and well-being in Mexico.
