Medical tourism in Tijuana, Mexico, has long been popular for Americans seeking affordable healthcare. But for many Americans, what starts as a sporadic visit, turns into a reason to move to Mexico for good.

Medical Tourism in Mexico
Medical Tourism in Mexico

Many Americans opting for routine medical care in Tijuana, end up buying properties in the coastal town of Rosarito. Tijuana is located just south of the US-Mexico border and is easily accessible by road or air. The city has several top-rated private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services at a fraction of the cost of similar procedures in the United States. Rosarito is 30 minutes south of Tijuana, and is famous for its spectacular ocean views and seafood.

“Americans who live here see local doctors in Rosarito for routine checkups, and dentists for everything from cleanings to dental implants,” says Max Katz, President of Beachside Realty Group. “They pay a third of what they would in the US for medical and dental care.” Jonathan Harris, an American living in Rosarito, recently had a hip replacement in Tijuana for $12,000, including the hospital stay. “I was able to pick the doctor I wanted and ended up paying less than my deductible for my US insurance,” says Harris.

Here are some of the reasons that have driven the trend of Americans moving to Rosarito for medical care: