A huge proportion of the North American population either has arrived at or is approaching retirement age. Recently AARP named Puerto Vallarta the Number One place in the world for Americans to retire. If you missed it last month, here is the link again. There are many reasons Puerto Vallarta was chosen: proximity to US & Canada, quality of life, lower cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, and climate. But by far one of the most significant is the availability and quality of healthcare. This is a very real concern to us all as we move into our 50s, 60s and older. As a realtor speaking to potential future residents of Puerto Vallarta, I am asked over and over about the level of health care in very specific details.
As far as quality of care and level of expertise of the doctors, nurses and technicians here, just read the many letters to editors of our English newspapers, where you will find rave reviews of patient experiences. There are several first rate hospitals, all located no more than a 20 minute drive from downtown Vallarta, with easy access from Rivera Cuale, which is located in the heart of town. These hospitals feature state of the art equipment; ambulance service is staffed with professional EMTs as well.
Most amazing to visitors is that you can usually see a doctor the same day you call for an appointment, or if you need a specialist, no more than a day or two later. Most doctors here are bilingual and have done studies abroad in their specialty.
On a personal note, I recently had to experience this myself, a first in my life. I’ve always been super healthy and had never been to an emergency room nor had I been a patient in a hospital (except one quick and easy baby delivery). But it’s rainy season and things tend to get a bit slippery if not attended to on a regular basis. I hit a slippery spot on my home turf, and my feet went out. I ended up with a cleanly broken (in half) kneecap. Miraculously, I incurred no damage at all to the knee joint or cartilage.
I arrived at CMQ Premiere (our newest hospital) at 9PM to be met by Dr. Max Greig, a wonderful orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. I was put in a private room, and at 7a.m. the next morning I was in surgery. I spent the day drowsing, with no discomfort. Whenever I pushed the call button, a nurse was there literally within 60 seconds with a smile. They could not have been kinder or more attentive. I was released that night with a large knee immobilizer brace, a titanium wired kneecap, and a bunch of staples.
I think the most significant health news today in Mexico is about a very important movement that has begun right here in Jalisco by one of our full time residents. He was previously an aide to a US Senator before moving to Puerto Vallarta, where he owns and operates a small hotel. Being familiar with the ins and outs of legislation in Congress, he formed a group about two years ago to lobby the US Congress to do a pilot study with an eye to recognizing Medicare for Seniors in Mexico (where the largest population of North American expats in the world now live. His premise is that the US government could save up to 30% of medical costs to Medicare for people using the system in Mexico. To date he has lobbied more than 100 legislators. Click here to read more about this movement.
Vallarta just hosted a very well attended Global Medical Tourism Conference. Medical tourism has become a thriving business worldwide. And no place is more accessible to North America than Mexico.
Cosmetic surgery is a very popul ar elective, and much less costly here, and has attracted a large number of both women and men.
Dentistry also ranks very highly in Mexico, and the cost is significantly lower than up north, also with the very latest in techniques, from implants to zirconia crowns.
I have met countless people who have come to Mexico specifically for the significant savings and quality of care for cosmetic surgery or dental work, which are so much more affordable; for most people, these procedures are not covered by their medical insurance in Canada and the US.
Speaking of medical insurance, there are many specific policies for expats living abroad, and in many cases, a one year policy can cost what one might pay monthly up north for coverage. And reasonable deductibles, as well as endless options are available.
High quality healthcare in Puerto Vallarta is here to stay, as baby boomers age and continue to attract the best health practitioners to the area. That’s a major factor to add to the growing list of positive reasons to make a move to Puerto Vallarta for a great quality of life. On top of that, Rivera Cuale offers some of the finest and most convenient living conditions within the city and its great location encourages a healthful lifestyle.
Written by Estelle Eisen
I am a 20 year resident of Puerto Vallarta, and have been selling new condo properties here for six years. I was previously a licensed realtor in Washington, DC and Aspen, Colo. for many years. I am here to assist you in any way, and to answer any questions you may have on purchasing your new home at Rivera Cuale. Please contact me at estelle@riveracuale.com or 011-52-322-145-3727.
