Medical Insurance vs IMSS

[raquelita]

IMSS has three levels:

Family Practitioner in Cata - where you go for routine appts, specialist referrals and to receive prescriptions; pick up the meds at their pharmacy (usually generics, not all meds available)

Hospital #10 in Cantador - where you go for lab tests, X ray, EKGs etc; for appts with internal medicine or cardiologist, and to make the actual appointments with specialists or tests in Leon (for the documents which pay for your transportation there). As IMSS procedures can be bewildering at first, know that Vero at the kiosk nearest the door is there to help. Has an emergency department & some inpatient care.

Hospital #1 in Leon: About a 20 minute ride by public transport from the bus station.
Where the other specialists are, specialized tests too. Also related inpatient care.

IMSS specialists are well-qualified doctors who moonlight with IMSS in order to qualify for pensions.

Having said all this, you may also want to check out Seguro Popular, the option that doesn't cost anything. Located at the corner between Mercado Hidalgo and IMSS Cantador, with ties to the Hospital General (near the bus station) and specialized care in Leon. You cannot belong to both IMSS and Seguro Popular, have to choose, so ask around before you make the leap.

If you go the IMSS route, sign up in a month when you will regularly be in town as you always have to renew the same month.