Drowning in Medical Costs in the US? Try Hopping the Border

​Reader Question: We are thinking of crossing into Mexico to purchase prescription medications, no controls, by foot. I do not want to take our new truck over the border. Which crossing do you find the safest foot travel with pharmacies? With all that seems to be going on between our 2 countries right now, do you think it is even safe to go into Mexico?

Manny's Answer: I assume that you want a place close to the Mexican border to purchase medications. We've gone to Mexico to fill prescriptions plenty of times, even before we decided to expatriate. 

I also went to doctors several times in Mexico with great results, when I didn't want to spend (LITERALLY) thousands upon thousands of dollars for something routine, like a root canal. Dental work is very cheap down here, like $30 for a full cleaning and even fillings. 

You didn't say where you lived, but we did this in southern California. Going into Tijuana to buy prescriptions is a common thing for those who live in So Cal. The Texas border also has many places where you can hop over and get cheap prescriptions. 

We never took our car across the border, but there are people who do. We usually parked right near the border, there are plenty of parking lots that cater to medical tourists and shoppers. Then we would just walk across or take a bus. It was easy. Just go during the day, and don't take a purse or wallet that's easy to steal. Keep your ID and your money in a money belt or in your front pocket. Just be smart about it. 

We've never had a single problem down here, and saved thousands upon thousands of dollars over the years. Our kids also go to Mexican pediatricians (last office visit was less than $45, including medications). We don't even pay for American insurance anymore. 

Good luck!   

---