Questions we get asked.
Answered honestly
We believe informed patients make better decisions. If you don't find your question here, your Monarca coordinator will answer it — no pressure, no sales pitch.
FAQs
Is it safe to have surgery in Mexico?
Monarca’s surgeons are affiliated with hospitals that meet international quality standards. Our partner hospitals include JCI-accredited institutions, Mayo Clinic Care Network members, and facilities ranked among the top in Mexico by independent publications. Your procedure is performed inside a full-service hospital with ICU backup, specialist teams, and 24/7 emergency coverage. Certain minor outpatient procedures may be performed in ambulatory surgical centers located in the immediate vicinity of our partner hospitals, ensuring full emergency backup is always minutes away.
How do I know the surgeons are qualified?
All Monarca Clinic surgeons are board-certified by their respective Mexican specialty boards and hold verifiable credentials. Our surgeons completed competitive international training in the US or Europe and hold distinctions such as Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) — a designation that requires peer review of surgical outcomes. Every surgeon's full credentials and board certifications are published on their profile page.
What if something goes wrong during or after surgery?
Our surgeons are affiliated with full-service medical centers with ICU capacity, surgical intensivists, and specialist backup available around the clock. After you return home, your surgeon provides telehealth follow-up.
Will I be able to communicate with my care team in English?
Yes. All Monarca Clinic surgeons speak English and routinely treat US and Canadian patients. Our partner hospitals have bilingual staff and dedicated international patient services teams. You will never be without clear communication.Why is surgery so much less expensive in Mexico?
The cost difference is structural — not a difference in quality. Real estate, hospital overhead, facility fees, and anesthesia billing all cost a fraction of US equivalents in Mexico. Surgeon compensation is calibrated to the local economy, not the US billing system. The result: the same board-certified surgeon, in a comparable facility, performing the same procedure — at a fraction of the US cost.
What is included in the price?
Every quote includes: surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist fee, hospital facility and operating room fee, standard post-op medications during your stay, follow-up video consultations, and airport-hotel-hospital transfers. What is typically not included: international airfare, hotel accommodation, and pre-operative lab work — though we can arrange these with no additional service fees. You will receive a detailed, itemized quote before committing to anything.
Will my US health insurance cover any of this?
Most US health insurance plans do not cover elective procedures performed abroad. However, some self-funded employer plans and certain international health policies may provide partial reimbursement. Monarca Clinic provides itemized medical invoices and procedure documentation you can submit to your insurer. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly.
How do I pay? Is it secure?
All Monarca Clinic transactions are conducted in US dollars. We accept wire transfers and major credit cards. A deposit of 10% of the total procedure cost is required to book your procedure. Full payment is due before or on the day of surgery. Financing plans are also available. Complete, itemized receipts are provided for every transaction.
What is the first step?
Book a free initial call with a Monarca coordinator through our website. They will walk you through logistics and any pre-operative requirements. You will then be scheduled for a private video consultation with your surgeon ($50 fee), where you will discuss your goals, review your candidacy, and receive a personalized quote.
How far in advance do I need to plan?
Most patients schedule 4 to 8 weeks in advance. This allows time for pre-operative bloodwork, any required clearances, and travel planning. Some procedures can be scheduled in as few as 2 to 3 weeks for patients in good health.
How long will I need to stay in Mexico?
It depends on your procedure. Gastric sleeve typically requires 5 to 7 days. Gastric bypass, 7 to 10 days. Plastic surgery ranges from 3 days for minor procedures to 10 to 14 days for combined procedures like a Mommy Makeover. Your surgeon will specify the required stay during your consultation.
Do I need medical tests before I travel?
Yes. After your consultation, you will receive a pre-operative checklist which we will help you arrange in the US without a doctor's prescription.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. A companion adds comfort and practical support during recovery. Our partner hospitals accommodate one accompanying person in most patient rooms. Nearby hotels are excellent and reasonably priced.
Will Monarca help with travel logistics?
If you'd like us to, yes — at no extra cost. Airport, hotel, and hospital transfers are included. We can also coordinate airfare and accommodations with no additional service fees. Some patients prefer to arrange their own travel, and that works perfectly too.
What does recovery look like after I return home?
Your surgeon provides written post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure. All Monarca patients receive direct access to their care team via Whatsapp. We schedule at least one post-op video call after your return. For bariatric patients, we can connect you with a registered dietitian for ongoing nutritional support.
What if I have a complication after returning to the US?
Your surgeon provides telehealth follow-up as needed and can review your case with US providers if required. Your Monarca coordinator remains a point of contact throughout your recovery.
Can I fly after surgery?
Flight restrictions vary by procedure. Specific guidance is available on each procedure page. Your surgeon will provide personalized instructions during your consultation.
Is Monarca Clinic a hospital?
No. Monarca Clinic is a patient coordination and concierge service. We connect patients with vetted, board-certified surgeons operating affiliated with top-ranked hospitals. Surgery takes place inside the hospital, under fully credentialed medical teams. We manage the journey — before, during, and after.