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FeelinGroovy

Aug 21, 2003, 2:27 PM

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International Health Insurance

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Does anyone have experience with International Health Insurance?

Or, alternatively, U.S. Medical Insurance that covers one while in Mexico?

I'm thinking of the 2 years wait for the IMSS coverage.

Thanks,
Libby

mexigrl

Aug 21, 2003, 6:21 PM

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Re: [Libby] International Health Insurance

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Hi Libby,

As far as I know most of the US based insurances will not cover you in Mexico (i.e. your HMO plans, indemnity, etc). There are general purpose trip insurance plans that will cover you for emergencies only for a specific amount of time. There are policies that have been put together for retirees in Chapala - maybe someone from there could assist.

Good luck

Mexigrl

jennifer rose

Aug 21, 2003, 6:34 PM

Post #3 of 8 (678 views)

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Re: [Libby] International Health Insurance

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There are any number of U.S. plans which provide coverage, even for non-emergency treatment, to policy holders who are on vacation abroad. It's not simply a matter of which company, but a matter of which contract the company offers.

AllNation http://www.allnation.com provides world-wide coverage. And another alternative is a Mexican insurance company such as Grupo Nacional Provincial http://www.gnp.com.mx/Clientes/homegnp.nsf which offers a contract for coverage within Mexico and abroad.

While there are many on these fora who tout IMSS, I would be hard put to reccomend it -- unless you're a real fan of managed care.

FeelinGroovy

Aug 22, 2003, 8:08 AM

Post #4 of 8 (640 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] International Health Insurance

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Thank you both. I will look into the ones you suggest as well as ING which I understand provides int'l health ins. I am retiring and moving to Lakeside in approx. 8-10 months so I'm looking for private (major medical) insurance as the COBRA option is rather expensive IMO.

Thanks again,
Libby

Kip

Aug 22, 2003, 8:32 AM

Post #5 of 8 (636 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] International Health Insurance

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Hi Jennifer,

We had thought about signing up for IMSS while we're down there in October. Could you give me the pros and cons of the situation?

Thanks,

Kip
kip

escandalosos

Jan 21, 2004, 11:20 PM

Post #6 of 8 (465 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] International Health Insurance

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i'm a bit unclear how international health insurance works in mexico. will the insurance be accepted in all health facilities, international hospitals only? is it based on reimbursement only? in reality, anyone who has had this insurance have any opinions/comments on how well (or not) it really works for emergencies?? sorry for the questions, i;ve been reading many websites that describe policies and coverage but i'mlooking for real info on how insurance actually works in mexico. i'm traveling with two small children, so i'm particularly concerned about them - esp w/ emergency care. thanks for any comments.

g

jennifer rose

Jan 21, 2004, 11:54 PM

Post #7 of 8 (461 views)

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Re: [escandalosos] International Health Insurance

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An insurance policy is a contract between the insured and the insurance company. Each contract differs. Read the contract. Familiarize yourself with insurance terms, and talk to an agent.

There's a broad range of terms in those contracts. Not all hospitals accept assignment of benefits. If you're contemplating a system down here comparable to that which you might've enjoyed back in the US, where you simply waltzed into a hospital, flipped the clerk your insurance card, and let the insurance company pay the hospital directly, think again. Some plans operate that way in conjunction with some hospitals, but it's an overstatement to expect that "all" hospitals are going to accept an assignment of benefits. Most won't.

More frequent is the situation where the patient or the family makes a deposit upon admittance to the facility, settling up (yes, that means paying the bill in full) upon discharge. And then submitting the claim to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Emergency care is yet another matter.

Esteban

Jan 22, 2004, 7:05 AM

Post #8 of 8 (444 views)

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Re: [escandalosos] International Health Insurance

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I sell Mexican Health Insurance for Grupo Inbursa and I think, if you are a resident of Mexico, it is afordable, MUCH better than IMSS and can even include, for not much more money, international emergency care. It is similar to US policies. However, don't ask me to explain every detail because LIKE policies in the US, there are many variables and many choices. If you are in the Mazatlan area, I'd be glad to talk details otherwise, find the nearest agent in your area and see for yourself. I think you'll be amazed at the price and the service.