Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

Uncle Jack

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #1 of 5 (1943 views)

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IMSS insurance.....Good? Bad?

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After a year of lurking and posting here on the Mexconnect forums and a couple of trips to Ajijic, I think I know most of the rules and regulations about applying for IMSS for a couple age 60 and 65. The annual premiums of approx $500.00 seem like a real bargain.My question to you that have it is, does it work in real life? Are you satisfied with the delivery system? Are the doctors that you have dealt with competent? Do you get your meds without too much trouble? Are the IMSS facilities around Chapala adequate?Most of the people who we have talked to say that they use their regular doctors and pay out of pocket for most regular treatment and save IMSS for emergencies only.......any comments?UJ

Don

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 5 (1940 views)

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IMSS insurance.....Good? Bad?

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It is like health care all over the world, including the U.S. You will find competent and incompetent doctors everywhere. I have not used IMSS on a regular basis, even though a member. I have a private doctor and find him more competent than the one I had in the U.S. Friend of ours, U.S. citizens, have used IMSS for some operations and have had great success. They were sent to Guadalajara for the surgeries. You will find some outstanding IMSS doctors in the larger cities, Guadalajara, Mexico City, etc. You can be referred to those doctors, from your clinic, if your illness warrants the referral.

Rafael

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #3 of 5 (1937 views)

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IMSS insurance.....Good? Bad?

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My experience with IMSS is excellent. Being used to the Canadian System, I must say that I would rate SERVICE in Mexico superior. However, a must, you must be able to express yourself in Spanish, evenso many Doctors and employees try very hard to accommodate you in English.
The medicines are not always available when you need them, however I got around this problem by buying at FARMACIA SIMILARES the generic products when in need at very reasonable prices.

Jean

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #4 of 5 (1936 views)

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IMSS insurance.....Good? Bad?

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I had a really bad experience the one and only time I used them. Should I ever have to go again it will be to ask for a specialist.The doctor totally misdiagnosed something that should have been simple. I got told I had an upper respiratory infection, when I had colitis. Go figure!!BUT, this will not deter me from using them as I have heard many others say they are pleased. I think I just had one bad doctor and one bad experience. The meds he ordered for me were available and I had no problem that way.I use doctors in town for minor things and IMSS when I know we will be into blood test, xrays etc.If you are coming from Canada, particularly Ontario, check with your health care system to see how long they will cover you out of the country. OHIP in Ontario will cover you for two years, but you must apply for it up there in person.

Rafael

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #5 of 5 (1938 views)

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IMSS insurance.....Good? Bad?

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It is important to register once you are on IMSS. They will assign you a Doctor that will follow you. IMSS is doing something very important, Prevention! You will be followed monthly once you have started with your regular Doctor. If you do not like your Doctor ask for another, they will comply. The Doctora at No. 1 in Chapala is excellent and takes her time.
RAFAEL