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Elizabeth

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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I'm curious as to what most Canadians in Mexico do in terms of health insurance. Any recommendations?As well, do any of you still pay for the Medical Services plan for Canada? Or have you cancelled it? I already have a job lined up in Mexico and plan to stay for good, but would you recommend that I pay for a few months until I'm certain of that? My work will cover the payments for a month after I leave and then I will have to decide whether I want to cancel it or not. Usually I wouldn't pay so much concern, but I just had knee surgery 2 months ago and realized how important the plan really is.Thanks. Any information/links you can provide is appreciated.

Joel

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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I am a NYLife agent that helps foreign residents regarding to insurance specialized on health and life, I will send you information regarding medical insurance that most of Canadian and US expats are using here in Mexico.: Thanks. Any information/links you can provide is appreciated.

Ed Kammin

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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In Ontario, at least (I imagine the other provinces have similar rules), you can retain your health insurance as long a you have spent six months out of the last twelve in Ontario. As well, there is a once in a lifetime exception, whereby you can spend two years on vacation out of the province and still retain your health insurance. If you do not fit into these categories, I suppose you could hope that your absence would not be noticed, or just join the Mexican system (IMSS) and rely on that, plus private practitioners whose prices, I understand, are usually quite reasonable.Ontario health insurance (OHIP) will pay for out of country medical expenses up to the amounts paid for similar services in Ontario, which are, I would think sufficient to cover expenses covered in Mexico. You do, though, have to pay out of your own pocket, and then apply for reimbursement.

Elizabeth

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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Yes, I've taken a look at the websites and have found the same information that you have given me.I'm just interested in what people's experiences have been, and if they would recommend a particular insurance company to cover medical.Thanks. :)

Jim Bentein

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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In fact, most Canucks just take their chances - which is not a very clever way to deal with such an important matter. I've talked to Canadians who bought a house and moved lock, stock and barrel and then told me that, of course, IMSS, the Mexican national health insurance, would cover them here and in the U.S. and Canada. Good luck! The rub isn't the cost of health care here. You'll find it's generally very good and reasonably priced. The problem is, when you travel back to the U.S., Canada or elsewhere. I'm sure most Canadians have read horror stories about their fellow countrymen who had heart attacks or whatever in the States and got stuck with huge medical care bills afterward. There is a decent plan offered through the Lake Chapala Society in Chapala (where there are many Canuck and European expats). It's through New York Life, which you can actually contact directly (they have an office in Guadalajara). We have a plan through them that we like, which I thought was pricey until we started comparing. In addition, we have gotten them to move the premiums down substantially because we're taking a higher deductible.

sharon

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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Here is some great info on International Health Insurance for Expats, from any country, living in Mexico. This is worldwide coverage with many plans and deductibles, plus some with guaranteed approval. Underwritten by US insurance Companies too. For more info email you name and email address to: healthinsuranceforexpats@yahoo.com
: I'm curious as to what most Canadians in Mexico do in terms of health insurance. Any recommendations?: As well, do any of you still pay for the Medical Services plan for Canada? Or have you cancelled it? I already have a job lined up in Mexico and plan to stay for good, but would you recommend that I pay for a few months until I'm certain of that? My work will cover the payments for a month after I leave and then I will have to decide whether I want to cancel it or not. Usually I wouldn't pay so much concern, but I just had knee surgery 2 months ago and realized how important the plan really is.: Thanks. Any information/links you can provide is appreciated.

sharon

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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LJampole

Jul 2, 2003, 8:10 AM

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Re: [Jim Bentein] Medical Insurance for Canadians???

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I also had New York Life Health Insurance & was dropped along with the rest of the group. I am presently looking for a policy to replace it with similar coverage. I had the International policy. Am exploring other options but have not found anything equitable yet. Was wondering if you have replaced it & with whom. Thanks.