Mexico – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Mexico?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) sit at the top of Mexico’s mortality statistics, with ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and kidney disease collectively responsible for the overwhelming majority of deaths. These chronic, lifestyle-related conditions represent the country’s most formidable ongoing public health challenge.

Data from 2024 published by Mexico’s national statistics body INEGI show that heart disease was responsible for 192,518 deaths, diabetes for 112,577, and malignant tumours for 95,108. These numbers reinforce just how thoroughly chronic conditions dominate the nation’s health profile.

The period between 2018 and 2022 saw hypertension among adults surge from 34.1% to 47.8%, while diabetes prevalence climbed from 14.4% to 18.3%, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Health. This swift deterioration in two closely intertwined conditions points to underlying structural problems related to diet, levels of physical activity, and the reach of preventive healthcare.

Acute respiratory infections are the single most frequently reported category of illness in Mexico, with approximately 16 million cases recorded in 2022. Urinary tract infections ranked second that year, accounting for 3.2 million cases. While these conditions are generally less life-threatening than chronic diseases, they place a heavy and sustained load on healthcare services.

Mexico’s rates of premature mortality are substantially higher than those seen in other Latin American countries, the United States, and Canada, with kidney disease mortality running as much as 12 times higher. Researchers link this striking disparity largely to the country’s elevated prevalence of diabetes and hypertension — both of which can cause progressive and severe kidney damage when inadequately managed.

Significant regional differences exist across the country. Urban centres like Mexico City tend to show higher rates of chronic lifestyle-related diseases, while parts of rural and southern Mexico face heavier burdens of infectious illness combined with restricted access to specialist services. Northern states, particularly Sonora, face a distinct problem with certain tick-borne diseases, which are discussed further below.

Is Mexico considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Life expectancy at birth in 2024 was 75.3 years — below the Americas regional average, though 2.7 years higher than the figure of 72.6 recorded in 2000. Although there has been genuine improvement over recent decades, Mexico continues to fall short of many of its regional neighbours and most high-income countries, where life expectancy typically falls between 80 and 84 years.

The World Health Organization defines healthy life expectancy as the average number of years a person can expect to live in good health. In Mexico, this figure stands at 59.5 years for men and 63.5 years for women, yielding a combined average of 61.4 years. The gap between overall life expectancy and healthy life expectancy implies that many Mexicans live out a meaningful portion of their later years burdened by chronic illness.

Mexico is an OECD member state, and its health indicators are routinely measured against those of other countries in that grouping — which is predominantly composed of high-income nations. Across most benchmarks, including life expectancy, rates of preventable death, and access to care, Mexico appears near the lower end of OECD rankings, reflecting a pattern of underinvestment in primary and preventive healthcare relative to comparable economies.

INEGI reported a 2.5% increase in total deaths in 2024, driven by heart disease, diabetes, and cancer — a trend that runs against the grain in many other OECD countries, where better chronic disease management and lifestyle interventions have helped stabilise or reduce mortality from these causes.

Those seeking the most up-to-date comparative figures should consult the WHO Mexico country profile, the Pan American Health Organization’s Health in the Americas country page for Mexico, and Mexico’s national statistics agency, INEGI, all of which are updated on a regular basis.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Mexico?

Mexico poses a distinct range of infectious disease and environmental risks that differ considerably from those familiar to people coming from temperate, higher-income countries. Arriving well-informed can have a real and lasting impact on your health and quality of life.

Vector-borne diseases are among the most significant concerns. Dengue fever, spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is endemic across wide areas of Mexico — especially coastal and tropical zones. Chikungunya and Zika virus are also present and share the same mosquito vector. The risk of malaria exists in certain rural, low-altitude areas, particularly in some southern states and along the Pacific coast, though it is generally negligible in cities and well-visited tourist areas.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial illness that has been expanding steadily across the Americas and constitutes a serious public health threat in northern Mexico, where nearly 10,000 cases have been documented over the past 15 years. The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii is transmitted through tick species that feed on stray dogs and then infect humans, with those living in poverty disproportionately affected. Expats settling in northern states such as Sonora should be especially alert to this risk.

Water and food safety is an important consideration throughout Mexico. Tap water is regarded as unsafe to drink in most parts of the country, and the majority of residents — including long-established expats — rely on bottled or filtered water. Traveller’s diarrhoea, arising from exposure to contaminated food or water, is highly prevalent among recent arrivals. As of 2022, Mexico recorded 20 new tuberculosis cases per 100,000 population. The estimated rate of new HIV infections in 2022 stood at 13.1 per 100,000 population.

Air quality poses a notable environmental health challenge, most acutely in Mexico City, which occupies a high-altitude basin ringed by mountains that trap pollutants and prevent their dispersal. People living with asthma, other respiratory conditions, or cardiovascular disease should be aware that air quality in the capital can deteriorate significantly, particularly during winter and spring months. Other major cities — including Guadalajara and Monterrey — also experience problematic air quality on high-pollution days.

Vaccinations: Most travel health authorities advise visitors and new residents to ensure routine vaccinations are current — including MMR, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, and varicella — and to add hepatitis A and typhoid immunisations for Mexico. Hepatitis B and rabies vaccines may be recommended depending on your specific circumstances and intended activities. Always consult your home country’s travel health authority for current advice — such as the UK’s Travel Health Pro or the US CDC travel page for Mexico — before relocating. Mexico’s Ministry of Health (Secretaría de Salud) publishes vaccination schedules and epidemiological guidance at gob.mx/salud.

Is smoking common in Mexico, and what are the laws around it?

Mexico has an estimated 14 million adult smokers. Among the population aged 20 and over, smoking prevalence is approximately 19%. Although rates have been trending downward overall, tobacco use remains a significant public health concern, particularly among men.

Roughly 16.4% of adults and 14.6% of young people smoke cigarettes in Mexico. Exposure to secondhand smoke has historically been widespread: around 17% of adults encounter it in their workplaces, and nearly 26% are exposed in restaurants and on public transport.

Mexico has taken substantial legislative strides in tobacco control in recent years. The first major step following Mexico’s ratification of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was the enactment of the General Tobacco Control Law in 2008. However, that legislation had notable weaknesses, permitting designated smoking areas within certain indoor public spaces.

On 17 February 2022, President López Obrador signed amendments to the General Law on Tobacco Control, making Mexico entirely smoke-free indoors. A further revision that came into force in January 2023 extended the smoke-free framework to open-air settings where people may congregate, including parks, beaches, and restaurant terraces. This makes Mexico one of the most restrictive countries in the Americas on tobacco policy — going further than many comparable nations that still allow outdoor smoking in some circumstances.

The 2022 amendments also mandate protection from secondhand smoke in all enclosed workplaces and public spaces, require large graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging, and impose a sweeping ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. In practice, enforcement levels can differ, particularly in smaller towns and rural communities, so expats may still encounter smoking in some settings. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are prohibited from sale in Mexico, though they are in widespread use and possession alone is not a criminal offence.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Mexico?

Obesity ranks among Mexico’s most urgent public health challenges and is a principal driver of the country’s elevated rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. The proportion of obese adults rose from 35.3% in 2018 to 36.9% in 2022, placing Mexico among the most affected nations globally — a rate broadly comparable to that of the United States and considerably above both OECD and worldwide averages.

Obesity is a major contributing factor to both hypertension and diabetes and affects more than one-third of the adult population. The convergence of these three conditions — frequently grouped under the term “metabolic syndrome” — creates a compounding burden on individuals and strains the health system as a whole.

Projections suggest that approximately 6.6 million children in Mexico may be living with obesity within the next decade. If these estimates prove accurate, Mexico will feature among the world’s top ten countries by number of obese children by 2030 — a prospect that has prompted urgent calls from public health organisations for stronger preventive measures targeting younger age groups.

A 2021 survey revealed that only 39.6% of Mexico’s population engaged in sports or physical activity during their leisure time — a share that had declined since 2013. Sedentary habits, combined with a diet increasingly shaped by ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and fast food, are widely identified by researchers as the central drivers of the obesity epidemic.

Mexico has responded with a series of public health measures, including a tax on sugary drinks introduced in 2014 and front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed food products introduced in 2020. Both measures have attracted international recognition as meaningful steps, although their effect on national obesity rates continues to be assessed. The traditional Mexican diet — built around legumes, vegetables, maize, and fresh produce — is genuinely nutritious, but it has been substantially displaced in many communities by cheaper processed alternatives.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Mexico?

Mental health is a markedly underfunded and socially stigmatised field within Mexico’s healthcare landscape. Cultural norms rooted in machismo, expectations of family privacy, and suspicion of psychiatric institutions frequently discourage people from seeking professional support. Those experiencing mental health difficulties are often more inclined to turn to family members, religious communities, or traditional healers before approaching the formal health system.

Women bear a growing share of chronic and mental health conditions in Mexico. INEGI recorded 42,308 diabetes-related deaths among women in 2024, and AXA Keralty data indicates that women account for 60% more depression diagnoses and 55% of psychiatric visits compared to men. Depression, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse are among the most frequently reported mental health conditions nationally.

Public mental health services exist but have a limited reach and uneven quality. The National Institute of Psychiatry (Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría “Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz”), based in Mexico City, is the principal public centre for research and treatment. Community mental health units (UNEMES-CISAME) have been established across various states, but provision is patchy, and in remote and rural regions, specialist mental health care is effectively out of reach. This stands in notable contrast to countries with well-resourced universal healthcare systems — particularly in Western Europe — where mental health services, however imperfect, are more systematically woven into primary care.

Private mental health care is far more accessible, especially in major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, and in popular expat destinations including Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende. Many private psychologists and psychiatrists in these cities are multilingual and experienced in working with international residents. Fees vary but are generally lower than those in many high-income countries, making private therapy financially viable for expats with adequate budgets or solid insurance coverage.

Expats adapting to life in an unfamiliar country face an elevated risk of mental health difficulties — including culture shock, social isolation, and depression — particularly during the early months. Building connections through expat community networks and confirming that your health insurance policy covers mental health treatment are important protective measures.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Mexico?

Arriving in Mexico from another country involves a period of physiological and social adjustment that carries genuine health implications. Understanding these risks in advance makes it much easier to take practical steps to protect yourself.

Altitude: Mexico City lies at approximately 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level, and several other cities — including Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and Puebla — are also situated at considerable elevation. Newcomers frequently experience altitude-related symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, breathlessness, and disrupted sleep during their first days or weeks. Those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions should discuss altitude acclimatisation with a physician before committing to a move to the highlands.

Dietary adjustment and gastrointestinal illness: Among the most common early health challenges for expats is the transition to a new food and water environment. Traveller’s diarrhoea — triggered by unfamiliar bacteria in local food and water — is extremely widespread among recent arrivals. Drinking bottled or filtered water (including for toothbrushing initially), avoiding raw or undercooked street food until your body has adjusted, and building up exposure gradually are all sensible precautions.

Sun and heat: Mexico’s tropical and subtropical regions can be intensely hot and bright, particularly in coastal states and the Yucatán Peninsula. Heat exhaustion, sunburn, and dehydration are common among those unaccustomed to the climate. Adequate sun protection, regular hydration, and deliberate acclimatisation are essential, especially during the first summer season.

Insurance and healthcare access: Unlike countries offering universal public healthcare, Mexico’s public health system — delivered mainly through IMSS and ISSSTE — is primarily tied to formal employment and social security contributions. Expats who are not in formal employment in Mexico should arrange comprehensive private health insurance before arriving. Many internationally oriented health insurance plans provide access to private hospitals and clinics, which typically deliver a higher standard of care and shorter waiting times than public facilities.

Practical steps for expats:

• Register with a local general practitioner or private clinic in your area as soon as you arrive
• Make sure all vaccinations are current before departure and consider any Mexico-specific immunisations (hepatitis A, typhoid)
• Obtain comprehensive health insurance that includes emergency evacuation and mental health cover
• Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications, as not all drugs available in your home country will be on sale in Mexico — or may be sold under different brand names
• Take mosquito-borne disease seriously, especially in coastal and tropical regions; use repellent and adopt appropriate preventive habits
• Monitor air quality forecasts in large cities if you have respiratory sensitivities

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Mexico?

Finding your way through an unfamiliar health system in a new language can feel overwhelming, but a number of well-established official and practical resources are available to help expats access accurate, current information.

Official Mexican health authorities:

• Secretaría de Salud (Mexico’s Ministry of Health) — the main official source for public health guidance, vaccination schedules, disease alerts, and health system information
• Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP) — the National Institute of Public Health, which produces research, epidemiological data, and national health surveys (Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición, ENSANUT)
• Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) — Mexico’s principal social security health insurer; expats in formal employment may be enrolled through their employer

International health organisations:

• World Health Organization — Mexico country page
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Mexico
• Health in the Americas — Mexico Profile (PAHO)

Travel health guidance for expats: Before relocating, consult your home country’s official travel health service — such as the US CDC Travelers’ Health page for Mexico, the UK’s Travel Health Pro, or your country’s equivalent — for vaccination recommendations, disease risk assessments, and any outbreak notifications relevant to the areas where you intend to live.

Health guidance, vaccination requirements, and disease risk assessments can shift rapidly. Always verify the most current information through official channels both before and after relocating, and make a habit of revisiting these resources periodically once you are settled in Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Mexico

Is the tap water safe to drink in Mexico?

No. In most parts of Mexico, tap water is not regarded as safe for drinking. The great majority of people living in the country — residents and expats alike — rely on bottled or filtered water for drinking and food preparation. Many newcomers also use filtered water for brushing their teeth, at least during an initial adjustment period. Tap-mounted filtration systems are widely available across Mexico and come at a reasonable cost.

Do I need vaccinations before moving to Mexico?

Most health authorities advise ensuring that routine vaccinations — including MMR, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, and varicella — are current, and that hepatitis A and typhoid immunisations are added specifically for Mexico. Hepatitis B and rabies vaccines may also be recommended, depending on your planned activities and place of residence. Check your home country’s official travel health authority for the most current guidance before departure, as recommendations can be revised over time.

How serious is diabetes as a health issue in Mexico?

Diabetes has escalated sharply as a health concern in Mexico: adult prevalence rose from 14.4% in 2018 to 18.3% in 2022. It is widely characterised as a national health crisis and stands as the second leading cause of death in the country. Expats who have diabetes should ensure they have a reliable supply of their medications and monitoring equipment, and should register with a local doctor promptly upon arrival.

Is dengue fever a real risk for expats in Mexico?

Yes — dengue is endemic across much of Mexico, particularly in coastal, tropical, and low-altitude areas, and outbreaks can be substantial. The risk is meaningfully lower in highland cities such as Mexico City. Applying insect repellent containing DEET, wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs at dawn and dusk, and using mosquito nets or window screens all help reduce exposure. A dengue vaccine is available; speak with your doctor about this before or shortly after relocating.

Can I smoke in restaurants and bars in Mexico?

Since 17 February 2022, Mexico has been a 100% smoke-free country indoors, with smoking banned in all enclosed public spaces, workplaces, restaurants, and bars. An additional update that came into effect in January 2023 brought outdoor public spaces — including parks, beaches, and restaurant terraces — under the same restrictions. These measures place Mexico among the most stringent countries in Latin America on tobacco legislation.

Are mental health services available in English or other languages in Mexico?

In the main expat destinations — among them Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and Los Cabos — it is possible to find private psychologists and psychiatrists who work in multiple languages. In smaller towns and rural regions, finding multilingual mental health professionals is considerably more difficult. Online therapy platforms that connect clients with bilingual therapists have expanded significantly in recent years and offer a practical alternative worth exploring.

What is altitude sickness and will it affect me in Mexico City?

Mexico City is situated at roughly 2,240 metres above sea level — high enough to produce noticeable symptoms in newcomers, including headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and disrupted sleep. These effects typically resolve within a few days to two weeks as the body acclimatises to the thinner air. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should seek medical advice before moving to a high-altitude city. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous physical activity in the first few days, and moderating alcohol consumption can all ease the adjustment.

Do I need private health insurance as an expat in Mexico?

For the vast majority of expats, private health insurance is strongly recommended. Mexico’s public healthcare system is primarily linked to formal employment and contributions to social security (IMSS), meaning that expats without formal employment in Mexico will generally have no automatic entitlement to public care. Private hospitals and clinics in major cities are capable of delivering high-quality treatment, but costs without insurance can be considerable. A good policy should cover emergency evacuation, inpatient and outpatient care, and mental health services.