Mexico Launches Universal Health Service ID Card Registration
- Mexico is launching a registration process for a new Universal Health Service credential, a central component of a broader strategy to unify the country's public health infrastructure into...
- Secretary of Well-being Ariadna Montiel Reyes announced that the initial phase of the credentialing process will begin with adults aged 85 and older.
- The registration process is currently limited to the 24 federalized entities of the Republic that operate under the IMSS-Wellbeing program.
Mexico is launching a registration process for a new Universal Health Service credential, a central component of a broader strategy to unify the country’s public health infrastructure into a single network. The initiative aims to integrate various public health institutions to provide streamlined access to medical services for the entire population.
Secretary of Well-being Ariadna Montiel Reyes announced that the initial phase of the credentialing process will begin with adults aged 85 and older. This specific demographic can register for the health credential between April 13, 2026, and April 30, 2026.
The registration process is currently limited to the 24 federalized entities of the Republic that operate under the IMSS-Wellbeing program.
Integration of Public Health Institutions
The universal health system is designed to consolidate the resources, personnel, equipment, and infrastructure of several major public health entities. This include the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), IMSS-Wellbeing, and Pemex health services.
Undersecretary of Sectoral Integration and Development of the Ministry of Health, Eduardo Clark García Dobarganes, stated that the strategy intends to merge these separate institutions into a single network. This unification is intended to ensure that health services are accessible to all citizens regardless of their previous institutional affiliation.
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she is preparing to publish a decree to formally create the universal health system. This legal framework will facilitate the unification of the health systems managed by IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Wellbeing.
The Universal Health Credential
Beyond its function as a health access card, the universal health credential will serve as an official form of identification. President Sheinbaum specified that the credential will function as an official ID in addition to the National Electoral Institute (INE) credential, which remains the primary identification for adults in Mexico.
Given the characteristics it will have, this credential will be an official ID in addition to the INE’s official ID, and we will be able to use it for various services. It is an additional advantage we will have
President Claudia Sheinbaum
Officials estimate that once an application is submitted, the physical credential will be issued more than six weeks later.
Registration Requirements
Citizens eligible for registration during the initial window must provide specific documentation to complete the process. The required documents include:
- An official photo ID
- A birth certificate
- A certified Unique Population Registration Code (CURP)
- Proof of address
- For naturalized citizens, a naturalization card or certificate of Mexican nationality
The rollout of the system is intended to lead to open health care access at any public institution starting in 2027.