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Ross Brownridge

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #1 of 15 (1706 views)

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Health Insurance

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I am an OLD Canadian in good health. I am planning to move to the Lake Chapala area in May/03. My questions are
1. How do I contact a large reliable Mexican insurance company like "Grupo Nacional Provincial"
2. Do I take IMSS and private health insurance.
3. If there is a delay in effective date of insurance after arrival, How am I covered? Can I take issurance to cover the delay period, by signing the policy before arriving in Mexico.
4. How do I contact IMSS directly
5. I assume I need to take a nedical as I am 73<p>Again accurate information would be appreciated
Ross



Joel Ruiz

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 15 (1700 views)

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Health Insurance

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I am insurance broker that helps foreign residents specially in the Ajijic area since 1996, placing insurance with 3 of the major insurance companies in Mexico.<p>GNP grupo Nacional Provincial
NYL New York Life
ING Seguros Comercial<p>Please give me your email address so I can contact you.
Joel Ruiz
A NYLife's Master Club member Consultant


Uncle Donnie

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #3 of 15 (1698 views)

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you're welcome Ross,but...

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Jean actually did the research on the article I referred you to. Good luck on your auto registration situation.<p>Blue wrote an article about her experience in signing up for IMSS. Go to the Author Index to find it and read all about it. It's the perfect short course on dealing with the bureacracies down here (which are about like those everywhere else).<p><p><p><p><p>
: I am an OLD Canadian in good health. I am planning to move to the Lake Chapala area in May/03. My questions are
: 1. How do I contact a large reliable Mexican insurance company like "Grupo Nacional Provincial"
: 2. Do I take IMSS and private health insurance.
: 3. If there is a delay in effective date of insurance after arrival, How am I covered? Can I take issurance to cover the delay period, by signing the policy before arriving in Mexico.
: 4. How do I contact IMSS directly
: 5. I assume I need to take a nedical as I am 73<p>: Again accurate information would be appreciated
: Ross<p>


Ross C. Brownridge

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #4 of 15 (1690 views)

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Health Insurance

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To Jean, Scott, Ed, & Uncle Donnie:
Thanks a lot for your help.
Jean in my case apparently I cannot get OHIP after I leave for Mexico as I just became regisreded in June 2002. Previously I lived in Quebec for 40 years. I was born in Totonto and moved when I was 30. Thanks again
Ross


Scott

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #5 of 15 (1697 views)

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You mean I could have saved all that money?

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Does this mean I could have saved all that money I payed to Thomas Cook for health insurance? I had no idea OHIP would have covered me here in Mexico. I really wish I had known that beforehand. Thanks for sharing this info, it will be very useful to know this in the future. Though it begs the question why no travel agent ever let me in on this little secret.<p><p>: OHIP will cover you here for 2 years. You will have to go to the ministry in person and apply.<p>: For people traveling outside Canada, OHIP covers a set fee rate for emergency health services. Emergency health services are those given in connection with an acute, unexpected condition, illness, disease or injury that arises outside Canada and requires immediate treatment. Ambulance services are not covered. <p>: Check this site:<p>: http://www.gov.on.ca/health/english/pub/ohip/travel.html<p>: and <p>: Vacation/Other reason Up to two years in a lifetime <p>: http://www.gov.on.ca/health/english/pub/ohip/longer.html<p>: The only reason you might need supplemental insurance would be if Mexico charged more than what OHIP did. (Not Likely)<p>: Those two sites should get you started.<p>: As for IMSS - do get it as soon as you get here as they do not cover everything in the first two years. For instance, my broken arm that I had my first year here would not have been covered until my third year. A heart attack...that they would cover...but not a broken arm :)<p>: Also, IMSS will cover your prescriptions and basic dental.<p>: My mother was here for three months last year and had to have a cyst removed. OHIP covered everything except the meds.<p>: I am now told that IMSS will insure people here who are only on a tourist visa.<p>: When you get here and apply for IMSS it will take effect the 1st of the month after you apply. But you won't have to worry as OHIP will be covering you.<p>: Hope this helped<p><p>


Jean

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #6 of 15 (1700 views)

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Complete Coverage For Two Years

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OHIP will cover you here for 2 years. You will have to go to the ministry in person and apply.<p>For people traveling outside Canada, OHIP covers a set fee rate for emergency health services. Emergency health services are those given in connection with an acute, unexpected condition, illness, disease or injury that arises outside Canada and requires immediate treatment. Ambulance services are not covered. <p>Check this site:<p>http://www.gov.on.ca/health/english/pub/ohip/travel.html<p>and <p>Vacation/Other reason Up to two years in a lifetime <p>http://www.gov.on.ca/health/english/pub/ohip/longer.html<p>The only reason you might need supplemental insurance would be if Mexico charged more than what OHIP did. (Not Likely)<p>Those two sites should get you started.<p>As for IMSS - do get it as soon as you get here as they do not cover everything in the first two years. For instance, my broken arm that I had my first year here would not have been covered until my third year. A heart attack...that they would cover...but not a broken arm :)<p>Also, IMSS will cover your prescriptions and basic dental.<p>My mother was here for three months last year and had to have a cyst removed. OHIP covered everything except the meds.<p>I am now told that IMSS will insure people here who are only on a tourist visa.<p>When you get here and apply for IMSS it will take effect the 1st of the month after you apply. But you won't have to worry as OHIP will be covering you.<p>Hope this helped


Jean

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #7 of 15 (1689 views)

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You mean I could have saved all that money?

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Because the travel agent gets a commission and also because they have no idea the cost of medical treatment in different countries.<p>You can still get the two years but you would have to go back to Canada and apply. You "might" be able to do it by mail through someone in Ontario who can send mail for you in your name. It's worth a shot. Check out the websites for info on applying.<p><p>


Ed Kammin

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #8 of 15 (1689 views)

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Complete Coverage For Two Years

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: OHIP will cover you here for 2 years. You will have to go to the ministry in person and apply.<p>Jean, I do not think that Ross said in what province he lives. Are you sure the two years' absence that OHIP allows is true of other provincial health plans?


Delivery boy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #9 of 15 (1691 views)

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This is for you Jean.

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This has been waiting for your response, in the Ajijic/Lake Chapala Forum, Jean :<p>
In Reply to: Re: Here is the link posted by Jean on Septiembre 11, 2002 at 04:43:58:<p>Jean,<p>You seem to be constantly portraying a negative image about everything in Mexico (I am the first to admit that we have many things that have to be improved, but so does every other country in the world). Many times you do so without supporting your statements with evidence. It is only your personal belief or point of view, which lately has been wrong most of the time. I will be very specific to what I am pointing out:<p># 1
"You could be delayed for hours if not days as they check out your permit. Or they could just decide to turn you away. They do not need reason or logic. That does not exist here. They could also arrest you while they check you out."<p>Regarding this statement, every year many hunters from the US and Canada come to Mexico to hunt, and if they do everything properly, they have absolutely no problem at all. You even say that people could get arrested. Obviously you know nothing about coming to Mexico to hunt. I do, I am a hunter, and I have known many foreigners who come hunting here.
-------------------------<p>#2
"Your best bet is to probably leave the firearms at home and buy new ones here with a permit from the local police."<p>In Mexico the law allows every citizen to own up to three arms (what is prohibited, is to carry them) but you have to fulfill the following requirements: you cannot own any handgun of a caliber larger than 38. You cannot own automatic rifles, only semi-automatic hunting rifles and shotguns . You cannot own more than 50 shells or bullets for each arm. You have to register the arms before the SEDENA (Mexican Army), the police has nothing to do with permits or licenses regarding guns.
---------------<p>#3
"Even with that you could still have problems. God help you if someone gets shot down here where you live. As a gun permit holder you could become suspect and it's not like they have high technology to decide what gun it came from."<p>It is not true that every gun permit holder in Mexico could become a suspect when somebody gets shot where they live just for being a gun permit holder. You don't need high technology to determine what gun fired a certain bullet. It is a routine procedure at every police laboratory in Mexico since a long time ago.
------------------------<p>#4
"The whole thing if fraught with dangers for you, your family and your possessions."<p>Because of your lack of knowledge on the matter, you are just projecting your baseless fears. Tell that to an experienced hunter who has come to Mexico, and the least he will do is laugh.
-------------------<p>#5
"Then you have the hunting problem. You're going to go off in the country side and hunt and as neighbors hear gunshots, it's going to be a little unsettling. Expect a visit from the local police, who once again may accept your permit and then again may not."<p>Again lack of knowledge on the matter you are giving information and advise. In Mexico, as in every other coutry, hunting is regulated. You are given license to hunt only in certain areas (called UMAS) and certain animals. You don't go off in the country by yourself, you are in company of a guide from the UMA in which you are authorized to hunt. Every hunter knows that and never goes off by himself in somebody's property and with no authorization. The hunting areas are not close to populated areas, for obvious reasons.
-------------------<p>#6
"It's not like Canada, with trained police officers. You will be at the mercy of the local police and you will be seen as a gringo with money to help with their "police fund"."<p>Again, the "victim gringo" and the corrupt Mexican stereotype. Tell that to people who frequently come to Mexico to hunt.
---------------------<p>#7
"Personally, I would say, if you're a hunter, Mexico is not the place for you. I shudder to think of the different scenarios that could happen to you"<p>Lack of knowledge again, Mexico is one of the favorite places for hunters from all over the world, mostly Americans and Canadians. So, don't 'shudder', but become informed instead. Check the link below, for information regarding hunting in Mexico.
-------------<p>I really don't understand how can you be criticizing Lucy for misinforming people on these forums when you do exactly the same and even worse because you take every chance to portray a negative image of Mexico and Mexicans. There are many things that are wrong in this country and have to be corrected. But I know the difference between reality and misconception Jean. I respectfully ask you to admit that you are wrong in this case.<p>Respectfully<p>JB<p>


Jean

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #10 of 15 (1688 views)

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Complete Coverage For Two Years

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In the message above the one about health care Ross states:<p>I am not able to renew my Ontario Canada lisence plates<p>so I would deduce he is in Ontario. Wouldn't you??<p><p>


Just curios

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #11 of 15 (1686 views)

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This is for you, Delivery Boy

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Mabel
Don't you have anything more interesting to do? I'm tired of your negative viewpoint on everything regarding Mexico. You stated that you and your girlfriend didn't want to live in Mexico. Then, why waste your time, and ours, posting your criticism towards this wonderful country, which you don't like? Go away to other BB.


mabel

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #12 of 15 (1687 views)

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This is for you, Delivery Boy

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In those items you have mentioned which you think Jean
has exaggerated in a negative way:<p> I can tell you that our experiences have been much closer
to Jean's viewpoint than to the viewpoint you present.<p> We have yet to meet a policeman with the "professionalism"
that we expect in the US or Canada. Hang around the police
station in the square at Ajijic and you will see what I mean.<p> I don't know what training they have, but they give the
impression of being rednecks with dirty shirts and old weapons....
I certainly would not want one of them catching me with a
gun. Permit or not, I'd expect to be locked up in a cell married
to a large woman named Juanita who likes to party ---- not worth the risk.....<p> Even Jennifer Rose has cautioned that travelers should take
along a copy of the Ley Aduana in Spanish to show to the
constables since many of them are not aware of the law, much
less the recent changes.....in matters pertaining to vehicle permits.<p> Jean seems to advise people to err on the side of caution.<p> That is a VERY good idea.......<p> AND FURTHERMORE<p>
Your charge that Jean paints a negative picture of Mexico is
very biased. Jean is very outspoken on OTHERS that paint a negative
picture, and that is my primary criticism of her, ie , that she makes
the same criticism of others that you are making of HER......<p>For those items you have presented here, I think Jean is a realist....<p> Mabel


Ed Kammin

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #13 of 15 (1687 views)

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Complete Coverage For Two Years

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: In the message above the one about health care Ross states:<p>: I am not able to renew my Ontario Canada lisence plates<p>: so I would deduce he is in Ontario. Wouldn't you??<p>I would have, had I read the message to which you referred. But, since I know little about car registration (I just keep paying my fee to the MOT, year after year), but am somewhat up to date on health insurance, I didn't.


Juan

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #14 of 15 (1686 views)

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This is for you Jean, we are waiting for a response too

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: This has been waiting for your response, in the Ajijic/Lake Chapala Forum, Jean :<p>:
: In Reply to: Re: Here is the link posted by Jean on Septiembre 11, 2002 at 04:43:58:<p>: Jean,<p>: You seem to be constantly portraying a negative image about everything in Mexico (I am the first to admit that we have many things that have to be improved, but so does every other country in the world). Many times you do so without supporting your statements with evidence. It is only your personal belief or point of view, which lately has been wrong most of the time. I will be very specific to what I am pointing out:<p>: # 1
: "You could be delayed for hours if not days as they check out your permit. Or they could just decide to turn you away. They do not need reason or logic. That does not exist here. They could also arrest you while they check you out."<p>: Regarding this statement, every year many hunters from the US and Canada come to Mexico to hunt, and if they do everything properly, they have absolutely no problem at all. You even say that people could get arrested. Obviously you know nothing about coming to Mexico to hunt. I do, I am a hunter, and I have known many foreigners who come hunting here.
: -------------------------<p>: #2
: "Your best bet is to probably leave the firearms at home and buy new ones here with a permit from the local police."<p>: In Mexico the law allows every citizen to own up to three arms (what is prohibited, is to carry them) but you have to fulfill the following requirements: you cannot own any handgun of a caliber larger than 38. You cannot own automatic rifles, only semi-automatic hunting rifles and shotguns . You cannot own more than 50 shells or bullets for each arm. You have to register the arms before the SEDENA (Mexican Army), the police has nothing to do with permits or licenses regarding guns.
: ---------------<p>: #3
: "Even with that you could still have problems. God help you if someone gets shot down here where you live. As a gun permit holder you could become suspect and it's not like they have high technology to decide what gun it came from."<p>: It is not true that every gun permit holder in Mexico could become a suspect when somebody gets shot where they live just for being a gun permit holder. You don't need high technology to determine what gun fired a certain bullet. It is a routine procedure at every police laboratory in Mexico since a long time ago.
: ------------------------<p>: #4
: "The whole thing if fraught with dangers for you, your family and your possessions."<p>: Because of your lack of knowledge on the matter, you are just projecting your baseless fears. Tell that to an experienced hunter who has come to Mexico, and the least he will do is laugh.
: -------------------<p>: #5
: "Then you have the hunting problem. You're going to go off in the country side and hunt and as neighbors hear gunshots, it's going to be a little unsettling. Expect a visit from the local police, who once again may accept your permit and then again may not."<p>: Again lack of knowledge on the matter you are giving information and advise. In Mexico, as in every other coutry, hunting is regulated. You are given license to hunt only in certain areas (called UMAS) and certain animals. You don't go off in the country by yourself, you are in company of a guide from the UMA in which you are authorized to hunt. Every hunter knows that and never goes off by himself in somebody's property and with no authorization. The hunting areas are not close to populated areas, for obvious reasons.
: -------------------<p>: #6
: "It's not like Canada, with trained police officers. You will be at the mercy of the local police and you will be seen as a gringo with money to help with their "police fund"."<p>: Again, the "victim gringo" and the corrupt Mexican stereotype. Tell that to people who frequently come to Mexico to hunt.
: ---------------------<p>: #7
: "Personally, I would say, if you're a hunter, Mexico is not the place for you. I shudder to think of the different scenarios that could happen to you"<p>: Lack of knowledge again, Mexico is one of the favorite places for hunters from all over the world, mostly Americans and Canadians. So, don't 'shudder', but become informed instead. Check the link below, for information regarding hunting in Mexico.
: -------------<p>: I really don't understand how can you be criticizing Lucy for misinforming people on these forums when you do exactly the same and even worse because you take every chance to portray a negative image of Mexico and Mexicans. There are many things that are wrong in this country and have to be corrected. But I know the difference between reality and misconception Jean. I respectfully ask you to admit that you are wrong in this case.<p>: Respectfully<p>: JB<p>


Uncle Donnie

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #15 of 15 (1702 views)

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Health Insurance

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Ross, the closer I get to it, the younger 73 looks.<p>Re: IMSS; go to the home page of Mexconnect and on the left side you'll see a gray box labeled Site Search. Type in IMSS and you'll come up with several articles about the subject.<p>Re: Medical exam, certain conditions will be excluded or will have a waiting period.<p>Re: out of country sign-up, you can't do it by mail, you need to be here even if you use an expediter in this area. Others may have had differing experiences.<p>Re: Other insurance, use your Google search engine and look for "Medical Insurance in Mexico" or something similar. <p>Good luck.<p><p><p><p><p><p><p>: I am an OLD Canadian in good health. I am planning to move to the Lake Chapala area in May/03. My questions are
: 1. How do I contact a large reliable Mexican insurance company like "Grupo Nacional Provincial"
: 2. Do I take IMSS and private health insurance.
: 3. If there is a delay in effective date of insurance after arrival, How am I covered? Can I take issurance to cover the delay period, by signing the policy before arriving in Mexico.
: 4. How do I contact IMSS directly
: 5. I assume I need to take a nedical as I am 73<p>: Again accurate information would be appreciated
: Ross<p>
 
 
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