Does private health insurance in Mexico cover preexisting conditions?

When people start looking for private health insurance in Mexico, one of the first questions that comes up is:

Will they cover me even if I already have a preexisting condition?

The word preexisting seems simple enough, but in the world of insurance, it’s one of the most complicated—and honestly, one of the most frustrating—concepts to deal with.

In this guide, we’ll explain what “preexisting condition” really means, how the top insurers in Mexico handle them, and what options you have if you already have a medical condition before getting insured.

What is a preexisting condition—and why does it matter?

A preexisting condition is any illness, condition, or injury that existed before the start date of your health insurance policy.

It doesn’t matter if you were diagnosed, saw a doctor, or just had symptoms but never got checked out—if the insurer finds evidence that the condition started before the policy, they can classify it as preexisting and refuse to cover it.

And no, you don’t need to lie for this to happen. A simple mention in a medical record, an old prescription, or a doctor’s note is enough for the insurer to say:

“You already had this before. It’s not our responsibility.”

That’s why it’s so important to understand how each insurer deals with preexisting conditions—and what requirements they set in order to eventually cover them. Some companies may offer coverage after a waiting period, others will charge extra, and many will simply deny coverage altogether.

Quick comparison: Do Mexican insurers cover preexisting conditions?

Most insurers in Mexico can cover preexisting conditions—but not automatically. It all depends on how the insurer’s underwriting team evaluates your application.

The most important thing is to fully declare your condition from the start. From there, the insurer might:

• Accept it and cover it after a waiting period
• Accept it, but charge you extra (an “extraprima” or rate-up)
• Exclude it entirely
• Exclude it and still charge an extraprima for general risk
• Or just reject your application altogether

Here’s a detailed overview:

Insurance Company	Waiting Period	Conditions	Exclusions
Allianz	Variable, depending on endorsement	No medical expenses during waiting period. Re-evaluated upon request.	Undeclared conditions. If expenses occurred before waiting period.
Axa	2 years	No symptoms or expenses during this time. Must purchase additional “PRE” coverage. Coverage limit applies.	Undeclared conditions. If expenses occurred before the period. If PRE coverage is not purchased, nothing is covered.
Bupa Nacional	2 years	If no symptoms in the last 5 years, standard waiting period applies.	Undeclared conditions.
Bupa Global	2 years	Same as above — if symptom-free for 5 years, general waiting applies (as low as 30 days).	Undeclared conditions.
GNP	2 years	No symptoms or expenses in that time. Medical certification required.	Undeclared or recently active conditions.
MetLife	2 years	Requires written application and medical evaluation. Sum insured may be limited.	Recently active conditions.
Monterrey NYL	4 years	No symptoms or expenses for 3 years.	Undeclared or recently active conditions. Chronic diseases, cancer, diabetes, HIV, spine issues, etc.

Allianz: How preexisting conditions are handled

Allianz will cover preexisting conditions if:

• You fully declare them at the start,
• You comply with the waiting period defined in the Temporary Exclusion Endorsement, and
• You don’t have any symptoms or expenses during that time.

Once the wait is over, you can request reevaluation and inclusion in your policy. But any expense related to that condition during the wait can invalidate your eligibility.

Allianz has been named the #1 insurance brand worldwide for six consecutive years (Interbrand), reflecting its strong reputation and consistent reliability.

Axa: How the “PRE” coverage works

Axa does not automatically cover preexisting conditions—but they offer an optional add-on called “PRE.”

If you add PRE at the start and declare your condition properly, you may get coverage after 2 years with no symptoms, no treatments, and no medical expenses.

This PRE add-on has a coverage cap of $1,275,000 MXN.

If you skip this option, any preexisting condition is excluded.

Bupa National Plus: With or without symptoms

This plan makes a clear distinction:

• If declared and symptom-free for 5+ years, the condition is covered after the standard waiting period.
• If symptoms/treatment occurred within the last 5 years, it will be covered after 2 years of continuous coverage.
• If you don’t declare it, no coverage at all—and possible policy cancellation.

Bupa emphasizes full disclosure from the start, making the process more straightforward than many expect.

Bupa Global: Most comprehensive for international coverage

Applies to: Select, Premier, Elite, and Ultimate

These international plans are designed for those who want worldwide protection, including coverage in the U.S. and Europe.

Compared to others, Bupa Global is much more open to covering preexisting conditions—if fully disclosed from the beginning.

• If you’ve had no symptoms or expenses in the past 5 years, they’ll usually cover the condition after the standard wait.
• No specific exclusions must apply in your policy.
• Yes, these plans are expensive—but they’re also the most flexible and premium options if you already have medical history.

Want to compare global plans?
Check them here: > Global Health Insurance Plans

GNP: Conditional coverage with endorsements

GNP may cover preexisting conditions—but only if:

• You declare them during application
• They issue a custom endorsement outlining terms of coverage
• You go 2 years without symptoms or medical expenses

That said, GNP can still deny coverage, even if you’re transparent. They may exclude certain diseases or set terms that make the policy too expensive.

Understanding the endorsement terms from day one is essential.

MetLife: Strict process and reduced coverage limits

MetLife might cover preexisting conditions—but with many conditions:

If declared:

• 2-year waiting period
• After that, you must submit a medical report from a specialist
• If approved, coverage is added under standard deductible, coinsurance, and limits

If not declared:

• 5-year waiting period
• Still requires a medical report
• If approved, coverage will be limited to:
  • $350,000 MXN (5–9 years of tenure)
  • $700,000 MXN (10+ years of tenure)

If they reject your request, they’ll let you know in writing.

Summary: It’s possible—but long, expensive, and uncertain. And undeclared conditions will always be penalized with lower coverage.

Monterrey NYL: 4-year wait and tough exclusions

Seguros Monterrey is one of the strictest when it comes to preexisting conditions.

They only cover them if:

• You declare them at application
• You go 3 years without symptoms, treatment, or medical expenses
• Your condition is not on their exclusion list, which includes:
  • Cancer
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes or hypertension
  • Autoimmune or degenerative conditions
  • Spine, joint, liver, kidney, or nervous system issues

Even if you meet all conditions, if your illness is on their blacklist—it won’t be covered.

So… what’s the best insurer if you already have a preexisting condition?

It depends, but generally speaking:

If you already have a diagnosis, Bupa (either National Plus or Global) is usually the most flexible and realistic option.

• If you’ve been symptom-free for 5+ years: covered after standard wait (as low as 30 days)
• If you had symptoms or treatment: still possible after 2 years of continuous coverage (if declared)
• If you want international coverage: Bupa Global is your best bet

Both Bupa plans are known for clear, professional communication—even for applicants with complex health histories.

That’s why having professional guidance from day one is so important. At Donna, we’ll analyze your case honestly and tell you what’s truly possible—no BS.

Want a full comparison between all insurers?
Check our guide: > Best Health Insurance for Expats in Mexico 2025

FAQ – Preexisting Conditions in Mexican Health Insurance

What if I don’t declare a preexisting condition?

They might deny your claims, cancel your policy—or both. Even if it wasn’t intentional, any medical record counts as evidence.

How would they even know?

Through your medical history, prescriptions, lab reports… and especially via the Oficina de Intercambio de Información (OII) — a shared medical database between all major insurers in Mexico.

If you’ve ever had insurance, they can look up your previous claims and treatments.

Can I switch insurers and keep coverage?

Not with individual policies.

If you already have a preexisting condition, switching insurers usually means starting over: new waiting periods, new evaluation, and no guarantees.

Do previous C-sections or endometriosis count as preexisting?

Yes. Any gynecological or surgical history counts and must be declared.

Got questions about your case?

At Donna, we can help you find a plan that fits your medical history and future needs. Message us on WhatsApp or fill out this form — we’ll get back to you and help you secure the best possible health coverage in Mexico.