US Retirees Find Flat-Rate Health Bargain in Mexico

Mexico might have a raging drug war and rampant corruption, USA Today reports—but it also has a health-care system that is the envy of many Americans. In fact, many retirees too young for Medicare are moving to Mexico to take advantage of the plan offered by the Mexican Social Security institute—which offers check-ups, X-rays, eye and dental care for a flat fee of $250 a year.

Official numbers aren’t available, but with 40,000-80,000 US retirees living in Mexico, the number of those on IMSS is likely in the thousands. “We knew that we couldn't retire without Medicare,” said a 61-year-old retiree with a 52-year-old wife. “We’re pretty much in Mexico now because we can’t afford health care in the States.” (More Mexico stories.)