When a Mexican or resident alien begins working under a contract with a company, he becomes entitled to social security. Social health care is provided through the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). Insurance premiums to IMSS for an employee are paid by his employer, for students — state. Unemployed citizens and residents of Mexico are able to obtain health insurance on their own through IMSS, and it is quite inexpensive.
You must have your Social Security Number (NSS) when applying to IMSS. This number indicates that you are part of the Mexican social security system, either as a worker, as an employer, or as an individual — this guarantees the right to all the benefits that this social security implies. NSS is estimated from 11 digits and is unique. Although the first 2 digits are associated with the IMSS unit number where you will be registering, your NSS will remain the same even if you later move to another state.
Most often, an NSS social security number is needed in the following cases:
- Identification of clients during any contact with IMSS, doctors and medical institutions of the system.
- Applying for a loan at Infonavit (Institute of National Housing Fund for Workers).
- For contributions made to Afore (pension fund administrator).
- To obtain personal discounts and benefits in various organizations.
If you are or have been working, you are likely already eligible for Social Security and already have an NSS number. If you change employer, it is important that a contract is concluded so that you can continue to benefit from social security rights. If you have never worked and are considering getting insurance through IMSS, you will first need to obtain a Social Security number. Once again, Mexican residents are also able to prepare social health insurance.
There are two ways to obtain an NSS social security number: online and in person at IMSS. We will tell you how to prepare NSS online, since this method is much easier and faster.
Open this onepage.
Step 1.Enter your unique population registration code (CURP) and email address (Correo electrónico). Then repeat the email address again (Confirma tu correo electrónico). Below in the small Captura field, enter the verification code — letters and numbers from the picture. Letters can be either lowercase or uppercase.
Click «Continue» (Continuar). A message will appear with a green background asking you to check your email. In the email you receive from IMSS, click on the only link in the text. You will be redirected to the next page.
Step 2.Enter your address — the one shown on your water or electricity bills. First enter the postal code (Codigo postal), then click on the Buscar button and then fill in the blank fields. All fields are required. If you do not have a house or apartment number, please indicate «s/n» (no number). Click «Continue» (Continuar).
Step 3.Your NSS number will appear on a green background: «Tu NSS es: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx». You don't have to rewrite it. Below in the table you will see links to 2 files: confirmation of receipt of the NSS number (Número de Seguridad Social) and a card with a social security number (Tarjeta de Número de Seguridad Social). You can send files to yourself by email, send them directly to a printer, or save them to your computer or phone.
Of the two files, only one will be useful to you, with the image of the IMSS card on which your NSS number is located. The file says that the card needs to be cut out from paper, but this is not necessary. Simply print the file and bring it on paper to IMSS when you apply for insurance or every time you visit doctors, pharmacies or medical institutions under IMSS insurance.
On the same page, after authorization accompanied by CURP and email address, you can re-receive a file with the NSS number if you suddenly lost it or your employer received the number for you.
We talked about applying for social health insurance in Mexico in thispublications.
