Anyone who has a CURP, meaning all Temporary and Permanent Residents, has healthcare. It is called Bienestar.

There is no fee. There is no sign-up. One needs a CURP page printout (not a MX state driver’s license or something showing your CURP number), recent utility bill in anyone’s name and a Temporary or Permanent Resident visa. A citizen would normally provide an INE / IFE card. There is no membership; there is no age limit. You simply attend to what was a Seguro Popular facility for health care with the documents I noted.​​ 

You may print out your CURP anytime.

Public healthcare varies widely. One program is not necessarily better than the other.

Doctors who work with these programs often have a private practice, so to suggest the doctors are of lesser calibre is not true. Doctors who work in private care or at public government facilities do so for low-cost housing assistance, pensions and in some cases to provide care to those who may not otherwise afford their expertise. For many foreigners it is best to have private insurance with. high deductible.

In addition, Mexico has launched a Universal Health Service plan. This integrates institutions like IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Bienestar into a single, unified network.

Key Aspects of the Universal Health Service Plan:

• Unified Access: Patients can receive care at any public facility, including IMSS, ISSSTE, IMSS-Bienestar, and Pemex services, regardless of their original affiliation.
• Implementation Stages: The plan began in 2026 with a credentialing process, starting with adults over 85. Full implementation is expected to be completed by 2030.
• Health ID Card: A new, nationwide National Health ID Card is being deployed to facilitate access, ensure proper identification, and facilitate a unified electronic medical record.
• Goal: To improve coordination, shorten wait times, and enhance the availability of medication by treating all public health providers as one integrated system.

Mexico’s Universal Health Service.

Enrolment is currently for those 85 and older.

You must be fluent in Spanish. You may be able to bring a translator to some things but not all. The bureaucracy is massive. It requires multiple appointments, usually to several different facilities and with long waits. You may have to line up at 3:30 am. In San Miguel, there are very few services available; hence, you need to travel to other cities. You will need someone who is registered as family member who is fluent in Spanish to be with you at all times if you have an emergency visit or are hospitalized.

The registration for the free medical services of IMSS-Bienestar is mainly done online through the Official IMSS-Bienestar Registration Platform or in person at their physical credentialing modules. This program is exclusively intended for people who do not have social security (such as regular IMSS, ISSSTE, or PEMEX).

Requirements Needed for Registration

Before starting the process, make sure to have the following digital or physical documents on hand:

• Valid Unique Population Registry Code (CURP).
• Valid Official ID (INE voter ID or passport OR residency card (temporal or permanente)).
• Recent Proof of Address and postal code.
• Active personal Email address.
• Recent Digital Photograph: Must be facing forward, with an uncovered face, white background, head straight, and without accessories like glasses, caps, or headbands.
• In case of registering minors, the Birth Certificate is required.

Options to Complete the Registration

1. Online Registration 
2. Access the portal: Go to the website Registro IMSS-Bienestar.   https://registro.imssbienestar.gob.mx/
3. CURP Verification: Enter your CURP so the system can verify that you are not affiliated with another health institution.
4. Contact Information: Enter your phone number and email address, where a verification code will be sent.
5. Form Filling: Complete the form with your address, postal code, and socioeconomic data.
6. File Upload: Upload the digital photograph of your face following the portal specifications.
7. Download Voucher: Upon successful completion, the system will generate a registration voucher. The platform will notify you when your physical ID card is ready.

2. In-Person Registration

If you prefer to complete the process in person or need assistance, locate your nearest service center using the online tool Ubica tu Módulo IMSS-Bienestar. Go to the chosen medical unit carrying your original physical documents (INE, CURP, proof of address, and birth certificate for minors) so the staff can complete your registration in the system.

Service and Support Channels

If you experience technical issues during registration, entered incorrect data, or have general questions, you can use the following official means of contact:but you must be fluent in Spanish.

• Call Center (CAT): 800 298 1150 (Hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00 hours).
• WhatsApp Support Line: 55 5320 0179.
• Email: contacto@imssbienestar.gob.mx.

In San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, the options to access free medical care and complete your in-person registration if you do not have social security are mainly divided by the level of care you need:

IMSS-Bienestar Hospitals and Specialty Centers

• Centro de Excelencia en Partería y Bienestar (IMSS-Bienestar): This is one of the newest units operated directly by the federal program. It is dedicated to maternal, neonatal, and reproductive health free of charge.

• Location: Colonia San Rafael, at the former facilities of the Center for Adolescents (CASA AC).
• Services: Low-risk pregnancy care, professional midwifery, traditional medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, and primary medical care.

• Hospital General de San Miguel de Allende “Dr. Felipe G. Dobarganes”: 

This functions as the second-level general hospital for the local population.

• Location: Av. 1º De Mayo N° 7, Fraccionamiento Ignacio Ramírez, C.P. 37748.
• Services: General medical care, core medical specialties, surgeries, and 24-hour emergency care.