The Snowbird Guide to Puerto Vallarta
An estimated 20,000+ foreign residents live here full- or part-time, one of Mexico's largest expat communities. One of North America's top snowbird and expat destinations, blending old-town charm with world-class beaches and healthcare. Every winter, hundreds of Canadians and Americans spend 3–6 months in Puerto Vallarta — and almost all of them need better coverage than they assume.
Two Gaps That Catch Snowbirds
For Americans: Medicare provides zero coverage outside the United States. Your Medicare card is useless in any Mexican hospital. For Canadians: provincial plans reimburse emergencies abroad only up to Canadian fee levels (usually under 10% of a private Mexican hospital bill), and you must keep trips inside your province's annual absence limit to stay enrolled. Snowbirds need private travel medical insurance and disciplined day-counting.
Hospitals Serving Puerto Vallarta Snowbirds
- Hospital San Javier Marina
- CMQ Premiere
- Medasist Hospital
GeoBlue's direct-pay relationship with San Javier Marina is the most-used pairing in town.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Trawick and IMG offer acute-onset pre-existing condition benefits on short-term plans; GeoBlue expat plans underwrite conditions explicitly so you know where you stand. If you take regular medications, we recommend quoting early — an experienced broker saves real money here, at no cost to you.
Typical Costs
A 65-year-old on a four-month winter stay in Puerto Vallarta typically pays roughly $3–$8 per day for comprehensive travel medical — a fraction of any emergency room bill.
How We Match You
Tell us your dates, ages, home country, and any pre-existing conditions. We quote GeoBlue (BCBS Global Solutions), Trawick International, and IMG side by side — the same prices you would pay direct, plus free broker support throughout your coverage. You enroll directly with the carrier.
Other Coverage Types for Puerto Vallarta
Also available: Travel medical plans for Puerto Vallarta · Expat health plans for Puerto Vallarta · Snowbird & senior plans for Puerto Vallarta. Or browse all 30 Mexico destinations.
Recommended Guides for Puerto Vallarta Snowbirds & Seniors
The Ultimate Canadian Snowbird Insurance Guide (OHIP Rules) · Medicare Coverage Facts for Mexico · GeoBlue vs Trawick vs IMG: Carrier Comparison