Having major medical expenses insurance is crucial for women, as it provides financial protection in case of facing serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, which are the leading causes of mortality in the female gender in Mexico, according to Inegi data. These insurances cover hospital expenses, surgical interventions, medications, among other services, helping to prevent economic crises arising from health problems.
Some women choose not to acquire health insurance due to lack of resources, variable income, or considering them expensive. According to the CNSF, women pay 42% more in major medical expenses insurance premiums than men. Moreover, by canceling such insurance when changing jobs or because they consider it costly, they face a potential increase in medical expenses throughout their lives.
One of the reasons for the cost disparity in insurance for women lies in maternity coverage, which significantly increases the policy price. Women of reproductive age, from 25 to 35 years, are the most affected by this increase, as insurers consider this stage crucial and of higher medical risks.
Recommendations such as undergoing regular medical check-ups for early detection of diseases, like cancer, are particularly relevant for women. Obtaining major medical expenses insurance becomes essential for those of reproductive age who do not have this employment benefit, given that they are more prone to developing serious illnesses.
The higher costs in health insurance for women are explained by factors such as the increased incidence of severe diseases, genetic and biological predisposition to costly conditions, as well as the greater life expectancy they have compared to men. Various aspects, such as age, clinical history, and types of coverage contracted, influence the rates of this insurance, leading women to face higher costs in their health coverage.
