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Joe

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Health Insurance

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Can anyone address the pros and cons of IMSS versus private health care in Mexico? How expensive is private health insurance in Mexico, in general, compared to the same in the U.S.? I have heard very favorable and very unfavorable things about IMSS. Is it true that you have to wait six months for it to become effective once you are enrolled? Can I enroll in it even though I am not a Mexican citizen? I would like to hear of people's personal experiences with IMSS. Thanks so much.

Rick in Maz

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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One person's experiences with IMSS (mine)

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I've been in the IMSS program for three years. There are definitely pros and cons to the system. The biggest "Pro" being the amount you pay for a year's coverage. But I wrote an article giving some of my suggestions and observations (good and bad) at www.mazinfo.com/infofiles/imss.htmIf you had additional questions, feel free to email me direct at rick@mazinfo.comRgds, Rick: Can anyone address the pros and cons of IMSS versus private health care in Mexico? How expensive is private health insurance in Mexico, in general, compared to the same in the U.S.? I have heard very favorable and very unfavorable things about IMSS. Is it true that you have to wait six months for it to become effective once you are enrolled? Can I enroll in it even though I am not a Mexican citizen? I would like to hear of people's personal experiences with IMSS. Thanks so much.

Jean

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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> How expensive is private health insurance in Mexico, in general,
> compared to the same in the U.S.? My IMSS cost $1900 pesos or roughly $190 US for the year and this included basic dental and covered prescriptions. I have looked at US Health insurance and it will cost approximately $150-$200 a month if I was to move to the US and that is with a high deductable.> I have heard very favorable and very unfavorable things about IMSS. Some people have had good experiences, especially if they are in the care of a specialist. The GP...well that can be another story. I use the local doctor for the minor things and pay out of my own pocket. My doctor charges $100 pesos for a visit.> Is it true that you have to wait six months for it to become
> effective once you are enrolled? No. You can enroll anytime and your coverage takes affect the 1st of the following month. There are some restrictions in the first two years.God help you if you break an arm like I did :)> Can I enroll in it even though I am not a Mexican citizen?Yes. They are also allowing tourists to register on a tourist Visa.If you come from Ontario, OHIP will cover you for two years here, but you must apply before you leave and in person. If from another part of Canada check with your Provincial Health Care.

Joel Ruiz

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Health Insurance

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I am a New York Life's insurance agent, helping foreign residents since 1996, please contact me so I can give you information on private health plans, I can tell you is that private health in Mexico is cheaper compared to the U.S. to enrolled and have your policy written and in-force may take from 5 to 15 days. You may enroll even you are not a Mexican citizen.: Can anyone address the pros and cons of IMSS versus private health care in Mexico? How expensive is private health insurance in Mexico, in general, compared to the same in the U.S.? I have heard very favorable and very unfavorable things about IMSS. Is it true that you have to wait six months for it to become effective once you are enrolled? Can I enroll in it even though I am not a Mexican citizen? I would like to hear of people's personal experiences with IMSS. Thanks so much.

Joe

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Jean:Thanks for the excellent info. I have one other question:Is the IMSS cost the same all over Mexico? In other words, would a 45 year old gringo pay the same in Monterrey as in Merida?Thanks again. Joe.: > How expensive is private health insurance in Mexico, in general,
: > compared to the same in the U.S.? : My IMSS cost $1900 pesos or roughly $190 US for the year and this included basic dental and covered prescriptions. I have looked at US Health insurance and it will cost approximately $150-$200 a month if I was to move to the US and that is with a high deductable.: > I have heard very favorable and very unfavorable things about IMSS. : Some people have had good experiences, especially if they are in the care of a specialist. The GP...well that can be another story. I use the local doctor for the minor things and pay out of my own pocket. My doctor charges $100 pesos for a visit.: > Is it true that you have to wait six months for it to become
: > effective once you are enrolled? : No. You can enroll anytime and your coverage takes affect the 1st of the following month. There are some restrictions in the first two years.: God help you if you break an arm like I did :): > Can I enroll in it even though I am not a Mexican citizen?: Yes. They are also allowing tourists to register on a tourist Visa.: If you come from Ontario, OHIP will cover you for two years here, but you must apply before you leave and in person. If from another part of Canada check with your Provincial Health Care.

Jean

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Yes your cost will be the same no matter where you live. Yours will probably be a bit less than mine as you are younger than me.You might also want to look at the article here at Mexconnect about what restrictions there are.

elcomputo

Apr 14, 2003, 9:49 PM

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Re: [Joel Ruiz] Health Insurance

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Hi. I have some questions about health insurance. As yours was an old posting, I don't know whether it will get to you or not. If you do get this, please reply, and I can ask my question.

Thanks, Martin