The cost of a discectomy in Mexico typically ranges from $8,000 to $14,000. Prices can vary depending on the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the spinal issue, and whether the procedure is minimally invasive or open. In the United States, the average cost is $35,000 (per AANS). This means discectomy surgery in Mexico is about 69% less expensive than in the U.S.
Mexican hospitals usually include pre-op imaging (MRI or CT), surgeon and anesthesiologist fees, operating room use, hospital stay (1–2 days), medications, and follow-up visits. In the U.S., many of these services—like anesthesia, imaging, and post-op care—are often billed separately. Always confirm exactly what’s included in your quoted package at each clinic.
| Mexico | Turkey | Austria | |
| Discectomy | from $8,000 | from $5,000 | from $15,000 |
| Removal of herniated disc with preoperative diagnostic | from $8,500 | from $1,170 | from $20,000 |
| Herniated disc surgery | from $7,500 | from $6,492 | from $20,000 |
Discectomy in Mexico can offer significant cost savings, but it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower costs. Discectomy in Mexico typically costs $6,730–$14,190 versus $20,000+ in the US, offering 40–70% savings. | Safety concerns. Potential risks include infection rates of 2–4% and nerve injury, similar to US averages when performed by qualified surgeons. |
| Qualified surgeons. Surgeons are certified by the Mexican Council of Neurological Surgery, often with US or European training and 10+ years of experience. | Follow-up care. Post-surgical care may be challenging from abroad, but clinics offer telemedicine and detailed discharge plans. |
| Modern facilities. Hospitals use advanced equipment (e.g., Medtronic, Stryker), with ISO and JCI accreditations and COFEPRIS oversight. | Different regulatory standards. COFEPRIS standards differ from the FDA, but leading clinics meet international benchmarks and use FDA-approved prosthetics. |
| Inclusive packages. Many clinics include pre-op tests, hospital stay, medications, and round-trip transport in the quoted price. | Travel-related risks. Potential risks include long-distance travel after surgery and regional variations in recovery support, which can be mitigated by planning extra rest days. |
| Personal coordinator support. Bookimed’s medical coordinator helps compare clinics, request personalized quotes, and manage treatment logistics at no additional cost. |
It's crucial to thoroughly research clinics and verify surgeon credentials before making a decision. When performed by qualified specialists in accredited facilities, discectomy in Mexico can offer safe and cost-effective care for international patients.
The best Discectomy clinics in Mexico hold JCI and General Health Council accreditations, operating in cities like Mexicali, Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara. According to Bookimed’s ranking, the top clinics are Hospital de la Familia, Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine, and GDL High Specialty Neurosurgery . They stand out for board-certified neurosurgeons, over 20 years’ experience in neurology, and all-private patient rooms. When choosing a provider, look for General Health Council certification, neurosurgical specialization, and proven surgical outcomes, with cost-effective care. Always consult a qualified neurosurgeon before making a decision.
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Pre-operation
Day 3 - Discectomy
Day 4 to 7 - Post-operation
Week 1 to 2 - Rehabilitation
Week 3 to 4 - Recovery
Week 5 onwards
Note: The above schedule is a general guide. Each patient"s recovery process may vary based on individual health conditions.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
When considering Discectomy, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
This procedure involves removing the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve, alleviating pain and discomfort.
This procedure involves the surgical extraction of a herniated spinal disc, preceded by detailed diagnostic imaging to ensure precision.
Currency | Mexican peso (you also can pay for services in dollars) |
Best period for the trip | December-April |
Language | Spanish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
Visa | required for some countries |
Time difference with Europe | 7 hours |
Time difference with the USA | 1 hour |
Capital | Mexico City |
Medical tourism center | Mexico City |
Popular resorts | Central and Southern Mexico |
In Mexico, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
Visas for travel to Mexico require a number of documents. Lists of documents includes: