Mexico Performs Below OECD Average in Key Health Metrics

Mexico performs above the OECD average in some health and risk-factor indicators but continues to face major challenges in access, quality, and health outcomes, according to the OECD’s Health at a Glance 2025. The report highlights progress in lower smoking and alcohol consumption rates but points to shorter life expectancy, higher preventable mortality, and limited healthcare coverage and infrastructure.

While Mexico has shown progress in certain areas, the study highlights that its life expectancy, at 75.5 years, is 5.6 years below the OECD average. Preventable mortality reached 243 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the OECD average of 145, and treatable mortality stood at 175 per 100,000, more than double the OECD figure. 

“By the end of 2030, Mexico could face a dramatic decrease in life expectancy,” says Héctor Valle, Executive President, FunSalud. “We are witnessing a concerning decline in life expectancy at birth.” 

Suicide rates in Mexico were lower than the OECD average, while daily smoking rates were also below average at 8.5% compared to 14.8%. Alcohol consumption in Mexico was 6.2 L per capita, versus 8.5 L in the OECD average. However, air pollution levels were higher, with exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reaching 14.4μg per cubic meter, compared to the OECD’s 11.2μg.

In terms of access and quality of care, Mexico outperformed the OECD average in one out of 10 indicators. About 78% of the population is covered by a basic set of healthcare services, but only 56% reported satisfaction with the availability of quality care, below the OECD average of 64%. 

Mexico's childhood vaccination rate for DTP is 78%, substantially lower than the OECD average of 95%. Similarly, breast cancer screening is low, at only 20% compared to 55% in other OECD countries. According to a recent INSP study, breast cancer screening coverage in Mexico has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels and falls significantly short of WHO recommendations.

Hospital admissions for conditions that could have been avoided through timely care were lower in Mexico, indicating potential strengths in primary care interventions. However, mortality within 30 days after acute myocardial infarction and stroke remained significantly higher than OECD averages, highlighting the need for improvements in emergency and specialized care.

Mexico’s spending on health remains considerably below OECD levels. The country allocates US$1,588 per capita to health, compared with the OECD average of US$5,967, representing 5.9% of GDP versus the OECD’s 9.3%. Mexico invests 3.6% of total health expenditure in prevention, roughly aligned with the OECD’s 3.4%.

Mexico’s proposed federal health budget for 2026 exceeds MX$2.45 trillion (US$136.1 billion), a 6.4% increase from 2025. However, according to analysts, the proposed 2026 budget increase for hospitals, institutes, and medicines would still remain below 2024 spending levels, limiting access to healthcare for people without social security.

The availability of health professionals and hospital infrastructure also lags behind. Mexico has 2.7 physicians and three nurses per 1,000 inhabitants, compared with 3.9 and 9.2, respectively, across the OECD. Hospital capacity stands at one bed per 1,000 inhabitants, less than one-fourth of the OECD average, and there are only 10 advanced imaging scanners per 1 million inhabitants, compared to 51 in OECD countries.

The OECD’s findings point to both challenges and opportunities for Mexico’s health sector. Strengthening access, expanding coverage, and improving the quality of care will be central to achieving better population health outcomes and aligning with international standards. The report suggests that enhancing investment in health resources, infrastructure, and preventive care will be key to narrowing the gap between Mexico and its OECD peers.