MéxicoHealthFederalVerified on October 3, 2026
IMSS voluntary health insurance in Mexico for foreign residents
Seguro de Salud para la Familia provides voluntary IMSS medical coverage for people without social security, with an annual payment for each person. Foreign residents should confirm their documents and eligibility with IMSS before paying; medical restrictions and waiting periods apply.
Cost
Annual fee per person in Mexican pesos, effective March 1, 2026: ages 0–19, MXN 9,300; 20–29, MXN 11,550; 30–39, MXN 12,350; 40–49, MXN 14,350; 50–59, MXN 14,850; 60–69, MXN 20,600; 70–79, MXN 21,500; 80 and over, MXN 22,150. The application itself is free.
Time
Medical services start on the first day of the month after enrollment, subject to applicable waiting periods and exclusions.
Step by step
- 1
Read the enrollment conditions first.
Open the IMSS procedure and read «¿Qué información necesito conocer antes de realizar este trámite?» (What should I know before applying?). It describes restrictions for pre-existing conditions, waiting periods and treatments without coverage. Confirm your circumstances with IMSS before paying.
Read IMSS requirements (Spanish) ↗What you will see
Sections «¿Dónde puedo realizar este trámite?» (Where can I apply?), «¿Qué documentos necesito…?» (Required documents) and «¿Qué información necesito conocer…?» (What to know), with the «Cuotas Anuales 2026» table.
- 2
Prepare each person's details.
Have a CURP and Número de Seguridad Social (NSS, social security number) for each person to be insured, plus an email address. Provide the information for the medical questionnaire when applicable. For an office visit, bring the family holder's valid official identification and proof of address, each in original and one copy.
- 3
Choose the application channel.
For initial online enrollment, follow «Realiza tu trámite en línea aquí» (Apply online here) on the IMSS page. You can also go to the IMSS subdelegation for your home address, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you are a foreign resident, use that office to confirm which documents it accepts for your situation.
- 4
Check and pay the annual amount.
The application itself is free, but coverage is paid annually in advance for each person, according to age. Use the 2026 fees listed under Cost on this page (IMSS shows the same table in the section «¿Qué información necesito conocer antes de realizar este trámite?») and add the amounts for everyone enrolling. IMSS says it does not refund these payments, in full or in part, so check eligibility and disclose medical information accurately before payment.
- 5
Confirm when your coverage begins.
IMSS says medical services begin on the first day of the month after enrollment. This does not remove the waiting periods for certain conditions or the exclusions listed in the procedure. Check those restrictions before relying on coverage for a planned treatment.
Requirements
- The program is for people without social security; enrollment is subject to the published medical restrictions.
- CURP and NSS for each person enrolling, plus an email address.
- Information for the IMSS medical questionnaire when applicable.
- In person: the family holder's valid official identification and proof of address, each in original and one copy.
- An advance annual payment for each person, based on age.
Frequently asked questions
Does my Mexican residence card guarantee enrollment?
Do not assume that it does. IMSS describes the scheme as covering residents in Mexico, but the enrollment page does not specify which foreign residence categories or cards it accepts. Confirm your documents and medical eligibility at your subdelegation before paying.
Can a pre-existing condition prevent enrollment?
Yes. IMSS lists conditions that prevent enrollment, including malignant tumors, late complications of diabetes, chronic kidney failure and certain heart conditions, among others. This is not a complete list; read the full official list and disclose your medical history to IMSS.
Does it cover every treatment immediately?
No. IMSS provides medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and hospital services, but the procedure refers to waiting periods under article 83 and exclusions under article 84 of its affiliation regulation (RACERF). The first day of coverage is not a promise that every treatment is covered that day.
Is the price for the whole family?
No. The annual amount is charged for each person according to their age group. Add each person's fee to calculate the family's total.
Sources
- IMSS · Family health insurance enrollment and 2026 fees (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
- IMSS · Family health insurance 2026 fee table (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
- IMSS · Report 2023–2024, chapter VII, resident coverage (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
Information verified on October 3, 2026. Always check the official source before starting your procedure.