This was intended to be a straightforward article on driving to Nogales from Guadalajara and back, with information on tolls, distances, hotels, restaurants, etc. However, a young Chicano in a brand new truck changed all that on our return journey. Hence, the use of the word “accident” in the title of this piece. Our little escapade has been a salutary learning experience and perhaps I can pass on a few things we learned to people who might face similar difficulties some day.

I suppose when we Americans and Canadians set out on a long drive through Mexico, there’s always the fear in the back of our minds of what might happen if we have an accident. Added to the trauma of the accident itself, is the extra element of being in a foreign, and sometimes unpredictable country, and of not being fluent with the language.

Anyway, it happened to us on Highway 15 at 7.45 a.m. on September 23 heading south from Los Mochis towards Culiacán, on the west coast of Mexico. Hurricane Nora had passed close by the day before and the evidence was apparent in the muddy streets of Los Mochis and the flooded fields all around us. The evening before, when we checked into our usual stopping off place, Colinas Resort Motel, the building was in total darkness because of a power failure. So we drove into the town, where mud and water still lay about the streets. However, when we wakened the next morning, even though it was raining, there seemed no reason not to resume our journey. We had 500 miles to go and wanted an early start.

The other signs of the recent storm were the literally hundreds of pot holes in the surface of the toll road, some of them dangerously deep. They were enough to make us slow down and try to stay away from other traffic so we could negotiate the spaces between the holes more easily. Most other drivers were progressing in the same fashion. My wife was driving and there seemed to be no problem. I was doing a crossword puzzle. We had been away from our home in Mexico for almost seven weeks and this was the last day of our trip. Spirits were high. We couldn’t have been more relaxed.

About 100 kilometers south of Los Mochis the driver in front of us slowed down, because of another minefield of pot holes, and we slowed down, too. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a red truck appeared behind us, travelling fast, hitting our Dodge Caravan squarely in the rear. In those few seconds, a whole lot of things got abruptly changed.

No one was seriously hurt, although my wife had a bad cut on the back of her head which bled rather dramatically in the early stages. Both cars were badly damaged – ours much more than the truck that hit us. There was a lot of damage to the rear of our van. There was incredible turmoil inside the van.

Several things happened in the next few minutes as we all tried to get our heads around the brute fact of the accident and what we were supposed to do. My wife, Cecilia, who has a 30 year background in insurance, was concerned about two things: the cut on her head, which was bleeding freely, and calling an insurance adjustor from the list of adjustors which came with our insurance package. In addition, she was fighting a feeling that she was going to faint at any moment. It was then that a Mexican, who spoke English appeared, drove up and offered to take her for medical attention in Culiacán, which we didn’t realize was a good 100 kilometers down the road. His name was Rubén Arel. He was a resident of Los Mochis and he was going to pick up his wife at Culiacán airport. From the clínica Cecilia would be able to call the adjustor and tell him about the accident.

It seemed like a good idea at the time and Cecilia drove off with Rubén. In actuality, it wasn’t such a great thing to do. As a matter of fact, a policeman or a lawyer in a more uptight country than Mexico would call it “leaving the scene of an accident.” However, we weren’t thinking straight and that’s what she did.

When Rubén got to the first toll booth he told them of the accident and things happened fast. In no time at all there were two officers from the Policia Federal de Caminos, two toll road officials, two tow trucks and an insurance adjustor on the scene. Photos were taken. People started writing reports.

There were two young men in the truck that hit us. The driver and owner, Rubén Rodriguez, 28 years old, was a resident of Arvin, California. He was on his way to Michoacán. He was the only one on the scene who spoke good English and Spanish. He had just paid $23,000 for his shiny new red Ford F125 truck. Unfortunately, he had committed the stupid error of bringing it to Mexico without spending a little more money to buy Mexican auto insurance.

In very short order both vehicles were towed about 12 kilometers to the police pound in the nearby town of Guamuchil (pop. 75,000). The rain continued to pour.

In that first hour or two there was much to do. The inside of our van was a horrible mess. The tow truck had hitched it up at the rear end and, on the ride into town, the tow truck’s back wheels sprayed water and mud through our broken back window, soaking and soiling everything. It wasn’t only our stuff: we were carrying a few bags and suitcases for friends who had just cleaned out a storage locker in San Diego. Also, a lot of things were smashed or damaged. Plastic bottles of gooey items like sun-screen were ripped open. Packages of foodstuffs we had bought in California were torn apart. The impact of the accident had mixed everything together perfectly. Bits of broken glass were sprinkled throughout. The nice new computer I had bought was covered in wet mud. It was one of those moments when you’d just as soon be dead.

In between clean up chores I checked at the police station next door to see what was happening. It was there that I learned one important thing I never knew before. I’ve since found out that a whole lot of people aren’t aware of it and – and it’s well worth knowing. When you have an accident on a toll road in Mexico, you automatically have accident insurance. You buy it when you pay your toll. That at least explained why a toll road insurance adjustor arrived on the scene so quickly, taking pictures and making notes.

As I understand it, most – but not all – toll roads in Mexico have this insurance benefit through Commercial Mexicana. So far I haven’t been able to find out which ones do and which ones don’t. I suppose you could always ask when you pay your toll. And there’s a catch. You only qualify if you have insurance of your own in the first place. The benefit is that the toll road insurance takes care of the initial problems, like medical treatment, towing, and repairs. Then the two insurance companies – the toll road’s and yours – settle everything at a later date. This was some comfort, at least in the early going, because we weren’t sure how everything was going to work out.

There’s one other very tangible benefit to all of this: namely, the toll road company pays the deductible on the repairs. As the deductible in our case is U.S. $500, or about 725 Canadian pesos, that’s a considerable benefit.

Ironically, it was Rubén Rodriguez, the man who ran into us, who told me about the insurance. As a matter of fact, he was the only person I met in the early going who spoke English. The other thing he told me was that he wasn’t covered. First because he was clearly the one who hit us. Second, because he didn’t have insurance of his own. Needless to say, he wasn’t a happy camper.

Rubén was also the one who was translating our side of the story for the police and the insurance adjustor. Naturally I was uncomfortable with that. A more neutral party would have been preferable. After all, Rubén at one point was trying to say that we were stopped on the highway and he couldn’t avoid us. However, the two cops and the adjustor obviously weren’t buying it. After all we were travelling on a wide two-lane highway. And why on earth would we stop in the middle of a major highway? Rubén, in fact, got a pretty stern talking to from the police chief and the adjustor. One didn’t have to be a linguist to understand what they were saying. They were sympathetic to his personal plight, but he was on his own.

One of the problems in those first hours was that my wife had disappeared with all of the papers pertaining to our car. In her desire to call an insurance adjustor she had taken everything – permits, policies, licences, passports, visas. When we’re travelling we keep them all in the same plastic envelope and she had taken the whole package. This naturally presented a problem as policemen and insurance adjustors don’t do anything until they’ve filled out a raft of forms and inspected a lot of documents. Also, Cecilia was the driver. They wanted to talk to her and not to me. It was clear there would be no progress until Cecilia showed up – and no one knew where she was. Also, Rubén was a very worried man because if Cecilia had serious injuries it was going to add another bunch of complications to his life.

Sometime in the middle of that rather confused morning Cecilia finally phoned. I have no idea how she got the number. However, as everyone seemed to be equipped with mobile phones I imagine the link was made from the clínica where she was being treated. She had a few stitches in her head but she was okay. I told her where we were and she arrived a couple of hours later, driven by Rubén, the man who had taken her to Culiacán, and his wife, Patricia.

All the police and insurance procedures began at that point and Rubén and Patricia hung around long enough to make sure that there would be no problem for us. In all, Rubén devoted quite a few hours that day to Cecilia’s well being when he clearly didn’t have to. To us, it was yet another example of the kindness of Mexicans that we all run into from time to time. He even left us his address and phone number in Los Mochis, just in case we needed further help. One wonders how many American or Canadian drivers would offer that kind of assistance to a couple of Mexican drivers who had had an auto accident on the other side of the border.

Once the forms were filled out we were all free to go. We hired a local man to load up his truck with our belongings. We had 21 boxes and bags and suitcases, most of them wet and muddy and we went to the Motel York on the edge of town. Yes, that’s right – the Motel York, in Guamuchil. Everyone said it was the place to go and they were right. It’s at least a four-star establishment. There, despite our bodily aches and pains (which, surprisingly, were to continue for three more weeks) we spent the next forty eight hours cleaning and drying the contents of our bags and suitcases and running up a sizeable laundry bill.

The next day we found our insurance adjustor, the man Cecilia had gone looking for in the first place. To our surprise, he lived a mere five minute drive from the Motel York. His name was Hector and, although he didn’t speak English, he soon returned with an English-speaking friend – possibly the only English-speaking person in that town. When Hector took over, the toll road adjustor bowed out of the picture. Our car had already been taken to a body shop and we had estimates. We weren’t comfortable with them; they seemed low to us but we persuaded ourselves that labor charges are much less than in the U.S. In any event we didn’t seem to have a lot of choice. We had to go along with Hector’s recommendations.

It still took three days and nights in Guamuchil to get the whole thing settled – all at our expense. The repairs were estimated to take two or three weeks, depending on the availability of parts. Then there was nothing else to do except hire Hector to take us and our belongings in his truck to Culiacán, about 110 kilometers down the road.

Incidentally, the free road was in infinitely better condition than the toll road. There were no topes, no pot holes, no villages, and no trucks along the whole length of it. The residents of Guamuchil think people are crazy to actually pay to drive on the toll road, which is in disgraceful shape. Frankly, I hold the toll road company responsible for our accident. I know we gringos go on about the great toll roads in Mexico but maybe the libres aren’t always as bad as we all think.

Our initial plan was to rent a van in Culiacán and load it up and drive home and then leave the van at Guadalajara airport. Little did we know that what sounds easy in the U.S. or Canada isn’t so simple in Mexico. Before we could rent a vehicle we had to go through a character check, which involved Hertz phoning our friends in the Ajijic/Chapala area to find out if we really were who we said we were. Once that was completed, we were informed that the cost of picking up a van in Culiacán and leaving it in Guadalajara would be U.S. $350. That’s because they would have to send a man from Culiacán to Guadalajara to drive it back. In Mexico they just don’t exchange vehicles between offices the way we do further north. If we agreed to that, then there was the car rental, the gas, the tolls, the mileage. The total bill was heading up towards the Cdn. $1,000 mark at which point we decided to leave our belongings in our hotel and take a bus.

Fortunately, the management of the Tres Ríos Hotel in Culiacán agreed to look after our considerable collection of luggage, including the computer, while we went back to Ajijic. Weeks later, when we hired a friend to take us back there to collect it, everything was safe and sound.

During the first few weeks we were told that the repair shop in Guamuchil was waiting for a door to be delivered from the U.S. Mexican doors don’t fit Canadian and U.S. vehicles. However, the only way we ever got any report was by repeatedly phoning Guamuchil. A major source of frustration for us was that no one at either insurance company ever called us back to give us a report in the first two months of the accident. The lack of communication was total and complete. Even when someone would promise to phone us on a certain day or at a specific hour, we were never called, ever . We felt trapped between two insurance companies. In fact, our local insurance agent got quite testy when we even mentioned the subject to him. He said it was the other company’s responsibility.

My wife has years of experience handling insurance claims. As far as she was concerned, one’s agent is the first person anyone calls to get answers or action. Our man just didn’t seem to see it that way.

Eventually, however, after eight weeks – surprise! – we did finally get a call from our insurance company’s supervisor of adjustors in Leon to say that the company was getting frustrated with lack of progress in Guamuchil and had decided to bring the car to Guadalajara and have it repaired there in a much more professional shop. However, again, it still took another two weeks of waiting and phoning to confirm that this had even been done. In fact, we were so mistrustful of everyone by this time that we went into Guadalajara to see the car for ourselves. That turned out to be a very depressing experience.

My wife had a good cry when she saw the car in Guadalajara. Not only was it absolutely stripped to the metal throughout the interior, but a lot of things were missing. We had been told to take everything we could when we left it. We didn’t imagine that included the back seat, the carpets, or all the mirrors, which were all gone. Also missing was a rack that held the towing bar, which had been welded under the rear of the van. Somebody had been determined. The insurance company’s reassuring response was that the car would be restored to the way it was before the accident. I think we can be excused for finding that hard to believe.

# # #

Well, it took another five weeks before we returned from a trip to Mexico City and found a message waiting for us – come and pick up the car.

That essentially is the end of the story. To our surprise, we were delighted with the repairs to the vehicle. Our back seat had even been found although we never did retrieve the rack for the tow bar. We decided not to make a fuss about that. The gas tank had been sucked dry. Somebody had obviously been around with strong lips and a long rubber tube.

More serious, however, was that our sideview mirrors were also missing. We refused to sign the insurance release until they were replaced. After all, who but a crazy person would drive in Guadalajara without mirrors? Ignacio, the very personable manager of the repair shop, phoned our insurance company and got their agreement to pay for the mirrors and Ignacio took us to buy some. That turned out to be an extremely interesting experience. He drove our car and we thought we were going to a Dodge dealer. Instead, we ended up on Calle Los Angeles in Guadalajara, a neighborhood crammed with hundreds of small auto parts shops. In fact, it’s the place where all stolen and used car parts end up.

If one day, you find that someone has removed your headlights and rear lights and antenna and hub caps and anything else detachable, you go and buy them back on Calle Los Angeles. A friend whose Chevy Blazer was very efficiently stripped of everything removable did exactly that. You can buy anything there for a car, including under-the-hood computers.

As a matter of fact, even while you’re there, waiting for service, you can lose parts of your car. While we were waiting we saw the club being lifted from a 1997 Grand Marquis whose owner had driven into a shop to have his stolen headlights replaced.

“What’s the point of taking a club and not having the key?” I asked.

“It’s no big problem,” Ignacio said. “It will just slow him up for a little while, till he makes one.”

On that street, you drive along slowly and there are lots of teenagers who eyeball every car that goes by and see what’s missing from it and then call you over to give you their price for replacing the item. We weren’t there a minute before we had four of these kids running around looking for mirrors for our Dodge Caravan. They could only find one and a deal was struck for 200 pesos, which Ignacio paid. Finding the second mirror took another hour and another 250 pesos. Then we were on our way, with our two “hot” mirrors installed.

So, after 15 long weeks, we have our vehicle back and I guess we’ve learned a thing or two from the whole experience. The most important thing is to keep a sense of perspective about it. It all could have been much, much worse. We were rather impressed with all the people we came in contact with…..the police, the adjustors and other individuals who helped us on the day of the accident. We may fear having an accident – and quite rightly so – but there are professional people out there to help you and the system works.

The insurance worked, too. Everything was paid for and the car was restored to its original condition. According to Ignacio, the total repair cost was around 15,000 pesos. In addition, the deductible was paid, as well as the cost of hauling the car from Guamuchil on a flat bed truck to Guadalajara – a long day’s journey. We were very angry at times with almost everyone we had to deal with because of lack of communication and lack of trust, but in the end we have to admit that our insurance did the right thing. Their decision to take the car away from the repair shop in Guamuchil was correct. The job was probably beyond that shop’s capabilities.

I think, oddly enough, that we’ll both be a little more confident about driving in Mexico in future. It’s as though we faced one of our worst fears and found it isn’t that bad. However, if we set out on a long journey, I believe we might take a look at the list of insurance adjustors in the various towns we expect to pass through each day, just so we can get in touch with them faster. In our panic, we were looking for an adjustor in Culiacán, 110 kilometers away, without realizing there was one in Guamuchil, 12 kilometers away.

Another thing I would advise is to take a few photographs of the exterior and interior of your car, just in case you have to prove someday that it did have this or that feature. We had a lot of worries and concerns about parts that we thought were missing. Some photos could save a lot of argument.

Also, I think we might ask at the various toll booths if there’s insurance on that particular road, although I don’t know what we’ll do if there isn’t.

Apart from that – burn a candle or two and pray that it never happens to you.

The post Surviving a highway accident in Mexico appeared first on MexConnect.

Updated September 16, 2013

It is advisable to have international health insurance while traveling or living as an expatriate. Having an international health plan gives a person, family or group a variety of choices when it comes to health care. For example, a person covered by such a plan can choose a private hospital or any approved physician for their care.

For persons living between countries, an international insurance plan may cover them in both countries and even worldwide. They can choose policy limits that can cover them for medical expenses up to $50,000 USD, with options for coverage for as much as $8,000,000 USD in medical benefits. Some plans have no limits.

However, not having appropriate international health coverage might expose one or one’s family to a significant financial liability and impede appropriate care.

Some things to consider:

• Many traditional domestic insurance plans won’t cover a person outside his or her home country.
• Usually Mexico auto insurance plans offer limited medical benefits of $2,000 USD per person, or less.
• Medicare doesn’t cover outside of the USA. (Please see remarks regarding the new USA Affordable Care Act / Refoms at the end of this article.)
• A medically necessary air ambulance can cost $30,000 USD or more. Companies that offer only air ambulance insurance might have a 90-day waiting period for pre-existing medical conditions.
• International health insurance plans allow multi-country flexibility for full benefits coverage. Canadians and Americans can stay outside their home country for much longer periods.

Short Term International Health Plans

These insurance plans can cover a person for up to three years outside their home country. If a person lives outside his or her home country permanently or for the majority of the year, see International Major Medical Plans below.

International Major Medical Plans

These insurance plans can cover a person for a lifetime if he or she is living in Latin America and visit their home country. Policies are renewable. These plans and the short-term plans cover costs of hospital and doctors, medicine, local and air ambulance, reunion of family members, and offer 24-hour-a-day, seven days a week support. There are more benefits than what is mentioned here.

Life Insurance and Annuities — How they can work for your benefit

Life insurance (permanent and term) policies are available at discounted rates

Permanent life policies may build cash value, which earns interest tax-free. Later in life, these cash values may be used to pay for such things as assisted living expenses or basic living expenses. Taking a portion of your savings (nest-egg) to purchase a fixed annuity can be useful to provide a steady income at a safe guaranteed rate of return, over a period of time. Often these give you a rate of return better than some banks (CDs for example) and can provide an income to be used for living and medical expenses.

Insurers offering Fixed-Annuities to Americans will sometimes allow a foreign citizen to purchase these instruments.

Visit International Insurance-Seguros agency for more information.

Here are some plans and a detailed description of coverage, as applies to expatriates, visitors and retirees heading to Mexico.

Preventative Healthcare Benefits

Preventative examinations can detect a medical condition in the early stages before it grows and gains momentum.

Traditional domestic US health insurance plans may have wellness (health checkup) benefits but the member usually cannot take advantage of these wellness benefits in Mexico.

International medical insurance carriers usually have limited dollar amounts, which can be used for routine health checkup exams. Wellness benefits of a US domestic health insurer usually means a higher premium, as often is the case with employer group insurance plans.

Medicare and Medicaid covered individuals could benefit from an international medical insurance policy since these government health plans do not cover Mexico or outside of the United States. See the Social Security Administration website.

Chronic Treatment for Current Medical Conditions

US citizens over age 65

If a person is Medicare/Medicaid eligible or totally uninsured, he or she might need to pay out of pocket for their medical treatments in Mexico. Some also purchase a medical air evacuation policy. Most medical air evacuation policies have a 90 day waiting period on pre-existing medical conditions before the person is covered. Some individuals buy this whether they are visiting or staying long term. The one risk with medical air evacuation policies is that most do not cover medical expenses. Some people are convinced that if they become seriously ill, they will buy a plane ticket and return to the US to seek medical treatment. But the reality is that a commercial aircraft might not allow an ill person to board, due to medical risk.These planes are not equipped or staffed like an air ambulance.

There is a significant financial risk here should one become seriously ill or have an accident. Mexico’s private hospitals have been known to require payment for medical services rendered before allowing a foreigner to leave the hospital, unless the patient’s insurer will issue a guarantee of payment letter. For some, these medical bills can be significant. A two week private hospital stay in some major cities could approach or far exceed $30,000 USD! It is rare for any US domestic insurer to issue a guarantee of payment letter to a private medical facility in Mexico unless a contractual arrangement exists. This is often referred to by the term “In-Network.” International health insurance plans often have In-Network arrangements to protect the insured patient, the medical facility and the insurer from hospital over-billing.

Rates at most Mexican private hospitals have been incrementally increasing over the last several years, especially in areas where expatriates and visitors abound. It’s a good idea to also consider a Lifestyle Improvement Program designed by a professional.

There are short-term international medical policies such as the IMG Patriot Insurance plan or the Atlas Insurance plan. There are no medical questions, and these plans cover sudden, unexpected and unforeseen medical expenses outside of the person’s home country of citizenship. These policies are ideal for visitors staying a few weeks or months, students and professionals.

The policies are renewable from as little as 5 days for up to 36 months, and deductibles vary from $0, $100, $250, $500 and all the way up to a deductible of $2,500 USD. The range of coverage amount is $50,000 to $1,000,000 USD.

Generally, there are limits to coverage of pre-existing medical conditions. For details, visit www.globalmedicalplans.com

International major medical plans are available from IHI Danmark, an insurer who is part of the BUPA Group of companies (British United Provident Association).

IHI Danmark’s suite of plans allows a person to apply up to a maximum age of 74.

If the applicant has a minor pre-existing medical condition, he or she might be accepted with a premium load and a brief waiting period on the medical condition; this decision is made by a medical risk underwriter. There are no lifetime limits on these plans, and no exclusions for hazardous sports or activities of any kind. The IHI Superior Plan has the best benefits I’ve ever seen on any health plan, anywhere. It is zero deductible, and virtually everything medical-, dental- and vision-related is covered at 100%. These plans are for private hospitals. To learn more about these plans, please contact us.

IMG offers the Global Major Medical Plan. It has a worldwide option and covers up to $5 million USD, and includes coverage in the US, Mexico and Canada. They also offer a lower-premium option to cover Latin America that excludes the US and Canada.

You can apply up to a maximum age of 74. Ask us about this.

If an applicant has a minor pre-existing medical condition, he or she might be accepted, and there are guidelines. Health check (wellness) benefits are included.

The Mexican Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS — the government’s social medical program — will not cover chronic treatments for new applicants with resident visas.

U.S. citizens under age 65

Usually people in this age class hold a U.S. domestic health policy or have COBRA benefits from a former employer or via the working spouse. When traveling or moving to Mexico, they may maintain their existing policies and some return to the States for chronic treatments. Or they may pay their own medical expenses in Mexico out-of-pocket — if the medicines are available. If the medicines are available, they are usually afordable.

People considered uninsurable and without medical benefits might purchase a medical air evacuation policy. Most medical air evacuation policies have a 90 waiting period on pre-existing medical conditions. After the 90 day waiting period, the air medical evacuation company may cover the condition, but you can check with us.

Americans who are uninsurable are sometimes afraid to move away from the United States for fear of being unable to secure medical coverage. However, some uninsurable persons — with major medical conditions — have decided the benefits of living in Canadian-American expatriate communities in Mexico outweigh the risks, and move to Mexico anyway.

There are short-term international medical policies such as the Atlas plan from IMG Patriot plan with no medical questions.. As mentioned earlier, these plans cover sudden, unexpected and unforeseen medical expenses outside of the person’s home country of citizenship. These policies are renewable from as little as 5 days for up to 36 months, and vary in deductible from $0 to $2,500 USD. If you buy three or more months of coverage, you are covered for a brief incidental trip back to your home country. The range of coverage runs from $50,000 to $1,000,000 USD. Generally there are limits of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Chronic treatments are not covered.

There are international major medical plans from insurer IHI Danmark, part of the BUPA Group of companies (British United Provident Association).

IHI Danmark’s suite of plans allows a person to apply up to a maximum age of 74. If the applicant has a minor pre-existing medical condition, he or she might be accepted with a small premium load and a brief waiting period on the medical condition. This decision is made by a medical risk underwriter.This decision is made by a medical risk underwriter. There are no lifetime limits on these plans, and no exclusions for hazardous sports or activities of any kind.

The IHI Superior plan has the best benefits I’ve ever seen on any health plan, anywhere. There is no deductible, and virtually everything medical, dental and vision-related is covered at 100%. These plans are for private hospitals. More about these plans can be found by contacting the author.

IHG has the Global Medical plans. It has a worldwide option, coverage up to $8 million USD, and includes full major medical plus medical air evacuation benefits in the US, Mexico and Canada. It also has a lower-premium option to cover only Latin America that excludes the US and Canada.

You can apply up to a maximum age of 74. Contact us if you are 75 or older.

If an applicant has a minor pre-existing medical condition, he or she might be accepted with a premium load and a waiting period on that medical condition.

Health check (wellness) benefits for the Citizen Secure plan are not subject to a deductible. A lifestyle improvement program should be considered.

The Mexican Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS — the government’s social medical program — will not cover chronic treatments for new applicants with resident visas.

Unexpected, Unforeseen Illness or Injury

If a person is eligible for Medicare eligible, he or she might pay out-of-pocket for their unexpected, unforeseen illness or injury in Mexico. Some purchase a medical air evacuation policy.

There are short-term international medical policies such as the Atlas plan, mentioned previously. For more information, visit www.globalmedicalplans.com.

There are international major medical plans from insurer IHI Danmark, part of the BUPA Group of companies (British United Provident Association), as well as from HCC Medical Insurance Services, as mentioned previously, for those living in Mexico. For more information, please contact the author.

The Mexican Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS — the government’s social medical program — can administer emergency treatment to visitors, just as private medical facilities can. The quality of care can be limited in remote areas.

Catastrophic Medical Event

Some purchase a medical air evacuation policy in case they should suffer a catastrophic medical event. Most medical air evacuation policies have a 90 waiting period on pre-existing medical conditions, and the plans usually include repatriation of remains in the event of death. The risk with medical air evacuation-only policies is that they usually provide no medical coverage benefits.

There are short-term international medical policies such as the plan, mentioned previously. Catastrophic medical events are covered, per the policy limits. These plans usually include medical air evacuation benefits.

There are international major medical plans from insurer IHI Danmark, BUPA and IMG, as mentioned previously, for those living in Mexico. These plans, too, usually include medical air evacuation benefits.

The Mexican Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS — the government’s social medical program — can administer emergency treatment to visitors, as can private medical facilities. The quality of care can be limited in remote areas.

Employer International Group Medical Plans

International group medical insurance plans can range in size from two employees and beyond, with no size limit. Coverage is extended to Canadian, US or Mexican citizens. These plans can be custom designed with ease, based on the employer’s needs. Rates are usually lower than with domestic US group plans.

There are group medical plans that offer coverage regardless of medical conditions of the employees. Other such plans can be implemented where rates are based on the average age of the employees and disclosed medical conditions (if any). Deductibles can range from $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000. Coverage is worldwide and includes Latin America, with the option of the US and Canada.

To save on premiums, a plan can be implemented to cover worldwide but exclude the US and Canada. Benefits include hospitalization, outpatient surgery, treatments, medicines and medical air-evacuation. The spread of medical risk among a pool of employees can possibly result in lower premiums and more flexibility, insuring employees who might have medical conditions.

Long Term Care Insurance

There are insurers offering long term care benefits that can be used to pay expenses in Mexico for someone who is chronically ill. Benefits are paid when the person cannot perform at least four of the six “Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)” without assistance. A physician must certify that the person meets these requirements.

Life Insurance

Why do you need life insurance? Its main purpose is to provide cash tax free to your family or business partners when you die. The payout — the “death benefit” — is an important financial resource. It can help pay the mortgage, run the household, and ensure that your dependents aren’t burdened with debt. These proceeds could mean that they won’t have to sell assets, homes, or rob retirement plans to pay outstanding bills or taxes. What’s more, there is usually no federal income tax on life insurance benefits.

Benefits from an international policy will be paid in US dollars. With Latin America-based policies, the insurer would buy dollars to pay the death benefit or pay it in local currency.

Life Insurance is a tool to protect partners who are in business together. Policies can be a place where one can borrow money. There are optional critical illness policies, disability income riders and long term care benefits that can supplement a life insurance policy.

Disability Income Protection

Usually this is an option to protect your income or paycheck, should you become ill and are unable to work.

Note about healthcare reform affecting those living in the US and citizens living outside the USA

The USA Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for transforming the Affordable Care Act — signed into law March of 2010 — into regulation form. (Some refer to this as Obamacare.) These mandates will affect those who have health insurance from a USA based carrier.

The most dramatic changes will occur in January 2014 and include Healthcare Exchanges, coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, pediatric dental care, maternity coverage, and some mandates that are opposed by religious organizations. These mandates will add to the cost of premiums.

Some insurance plans will change dramatically. We mention this because many people have this type of plan and spend a majority of time outside the USA. There are exceptions, such as plans by International Health Insurers, travel plans and short term plans which do not have to comply because they are not covering people living in the USA; they cover expatriates and local nationals living outside the US. It may be an advantage to be on an international insurance plan with multi-country coverage.

It is not anticipated that the Affordable Care Act will have much of an effect on those who may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other such government plans.

On a separate note, you should consider a Lifestyle Improvement Program. Why? There are efforts underway at institutions such as University of Arizona to train forward-thinking practitioners in the way of Integrative Medicine, transforming the ways of conventional medicine and helping practitioners become health partners with the patient. The partnership helps the patient become aware that lifestyle changes are necessary to improve health, and that partnerships help the patient improve his or her own health through techniques. Some call this adaptation of a prevention lifestyle. It is very well documented that 75 percent of chronic illness is lifestyle-related, so you and those close to youshould consider a lifestyle improvement program.

Please write us with your comments. Our contact information is listed below.

For more information on health insurance for retirement in Mexico, contact Tony Hamrick of Seguros Insurance.

Published or Updated on: May 30, 2010 by Tony Hamrick © 2009

The post International insurance plans for foreigners in Mexico appeared first on MexConnect.

Tourists can obtain car permits at the border and also beforehand by applying at consulates on online.

Driving in Mexico is a wonderful way to see the country. Let MexConnect help you plan and enjoy your trip.

Crossing the border by car

• Banjercito Site for information about, and applying for (on-line) Temporary Importation of vehicles.
• Requirements and Procedures for Getting your Car Across the Border
• Entry of Private Vehicles into Mexico

Navigating Mexican highways and byways

Be alert when driving in Mexico. Review the Spanish language roadsigns before you take the wheel, and plan your driving routes in advance. Here are some helpful tips and information.

• Driving in Mexico  (A short practical guide.)
• Mexico’s road signs what they mean
• Different traffic whistles in Mexico mean different things
• Fear of driving in Mexico quickly healed
• Driving in Mexico — A personal perspective
• Mexican Driver’s Ed — A Monterrey perspective

Mechanical problems?

Mexico has excellent mechanics as well as dealership garages in the cities. But the parts of a car and the procedures have Spanish names. What should you expect should you have a mechanical problem while on the road in Mexico?

• A Mexican travel tool kit from the Sierra Madre Mechanic
• Mechanics in Mexico – A personal perspective
• Christmas Angels: You are never alone on the road!

Accidents: What you need to know

Unfortunately, accidents can happen everywhere. It’s wise to be aware of the laws in Mexico and what to do should you suffer a fender bender or something more serious.

• Surviving an accident in Mexico

Insurance

Did you know that federal law now requires liability insurance? Legal insurance is always a good idea when driving in Mexico. Find out what’s needed to protect yourself and others.

• Purchasing insurance for Mexico

Driving Routes

Mexconnect readers share their personal experience with these travelogues.

• The Baja Highway from Top to Bottom
• For Snowbirds and Other Highwaymen – Western routes to Jalisco
• Laredo to Lake Chapala – Incremental & Cumulative Itineraries
• Guadalajara to Oaxaca (for those on their way down further)
• Guadalajara to Laredo and Back (another way down (and back)

The post Driving in Mexico: Requirements, safety, routes appeared first on MexConnect.

Hospitals

Hospitals in Mexico range from small town clinics to third level government hospitals with prestigious research departments and cutting edge technology. The same can be said for private hospitals. In general, we have have found care here to be excellent and, in some ways, more humane than it is north of the border.

• • Private care The editor’s first experience with private hospitals was in 1978. Appendicitis necessitated a trip to Guadalajara’s Mexico-American hospital, where emergency surgery was followed by wonderful care.I discovered that private hospitals did not accept insurance policies from north-of-the border and required a patient to pay upon release. Sometimes this is still the case. They do, however, facilitate the paperwork for the patient’s reimbursement.More and more, private hospitals are accepting insurance policies for payment, but it is essential to ask at the time of admission or beforehand, if possible.Hospitals expect a family member or friend to stay in the room with you, and a couch or cot is provided.Many Mexican physicians do post-graduate training in Europe, the US or Canada and are fluent in English. Nursing staff tends to be less fluent in English. A dictionary tucked under the pillow isn’t a bad idea.
    • My Three Nights in a Mexican Hospital

• Government-run hospitals (IMSS etc)
  • A personal response to the documentary Sicko: an open letter to film director Michael Moore – “I’ve discovered Mexico’s health care system to be professional, caring and very affordable.”
  • Know the Law in Mexico: Medical Coverage and Hospitals
  • IMSS – Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social

  Doctors

  While no one enjoys going to the doctor, it’s good to know there are extremely competent professionals on hand when a medical need arises. Most hospitals have a list of specialists with practice privileges. So do the consulates. That’s a good place to begin.

  Dentists

  Expert dental work can be much less expensive in Mexico than it is elsewhere. Many of our readers make appointments for crowns, bridges, dentures and non-emergency periodontal surgery before coming down.

  • Have Crown, Will travel – A dental vacation
  • Just South of the Medical Border

  Elective procedures / Medical tourism

  Medical tourism is growing in popularity, and procedures performed by highly skilled professionals can cost from 1/4 to 1/2 what they do in other first world countries. Cosmetic surgery, operations to correct obesity, hip and knee replacements and Lasik eye surgery are only a few of the procedures opted for in Mexico. Of course, cosmetic surgery prices and all other procedures vary per factors involved.

  Robert H. Page MD and Curtis P. Page MD, authors of travel health guidebooks, assist in coordinating elective procedures in Mexico. So does International Surgeons of the Americas (ISA Surgical).

  Health insurance

  While Medicare will not cover health care in Mexico, a number of private insurance policies cover emergencies for people traveling in Mexico. International insurance is available, as are policies underwritten by Mexican insurance companies.

  • International Insurance Plans for Foreigners in Mexico
  • Insurance in Mexico…A Variety of Options

  Healthy living and travelling

  Mexico’s mild climate makes it easy to get outside and exercise almost every day. In addition, the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables are a wonderful substitute for processed foods. It’s important to make healthy choices.

  • Traveling with Heart Disease
  • Sunburn and Sun Safety
  • Water Safety

  Alternative treatment

  Holistic medicine, Reiki, homeopathic therapy and other alternative treatments are widely accepted and available in Mexico.

  • Temazcal
  • Villas Buenaventura Cosalá Resort and Health Spa
  • Massage Exchange with a Traditional Maya Massage Therapist
    

  Resources

  • ISA Surgical links patients to world class surgeons in Mexico
  • MedToGo: Mexico Health and Safety Travel Guide, 2nd Edition – By Robert H. Page MD and Curtis P. Page MD
  • Yucatan Healthy Traveler’s Handbook – By Robert H. Page MD and Curtis P. Page MD
  • AA – Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Mexico in English
  • International Insurance Plans for Foreigners in Mexico
  • Purchasing Insurance for Mexico
  • I’ve discovered Mexico’s health care system to be professional, caring and very affordable.
  • IMSS: The Hard Way – Personal Experience
  • Taking the “Waters” in Mexico

  Published or Updated on: October 24, 2012 by Mexconnect Staff © 2012

The post Living healthy in Mexico: Insurance, health care and Mexico’s medical tourism – a resource page appeared first on MexConnect.

This article includes a very important update regarding the 2013 change to Mexico Liability Laws.

For more than 25 years I have had the opportunity to help people properly protect their vehicles south of the border. Over time, I’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions. It is ironic that most of us purchase our insurance coverages in the US with great care, yet use a lesser standard of care when purchasing coverages for Mexico.

When purchasing any type of insurance for Mexico, buyers should analyze a number of issues including:

1. Do I need to purchase coverage from a Mexican Insurer?
2. What are the differences between a US and Mexico Insurance policy?
3. What type of insurance do I need, and at what limits?
4. Are the US Broker and Mexican Insurer they represent reputable and in sound financial condition?

Why do I need to purchase coverage from a Mexican insurer?

Mexico law mandates that only insurance companies which are licensed and admitted in Mexico can provide “civil liability” coverage that is recognized by the judicial system of Mexico. Although a few US insurance companies will extend physical damage coverage (collision, comprehensive) on your auto or RV while you are driving in Mexico, they cannot and do not provide Mexican liability.

What are the differences between US and Mexican coverages, and what type of insurance and what limits do I need?

There are some tremendous coverage differences between US and Mexican insurance policies, and far too many “minor” differences to list here. Following are some of the major differences outlined by type of insurance.

Liability Insurance

Liability in Mexico (liability coverage is a part of all homeowners, auto, commercial property policies, etc.) is determined by Civil Law, and is based on limits defined by Mexican Statute. Depending on your view of things, this is either a brilliant system or an antiquated one. I like it. Claims for pain and suffering and emotional distress are virtually unheard of and claims for Property Damage to Others and Bodily Injury to Others are settled on an “actual loss” basis, guided by Statute.

In 2013, the potential damage limits for a negligent accident causing a fatality have increased substantially.

In the past — prior to 2013 — the liability damages imposed on an at fault driver who caused a negligent fatality in Mexico were capped at 750 days multiplied by the local Mexico Minimum Wage (approximately $ 50,000 total damages in most Mexican States). Effective immediately, that limit has been increased by the Mexican Government to 5,000 days multiplied by the local Mexico minimum wage (up to approximately $ 300,000 US Dollars total damages, depending on the Mexican State).

WE NOW RECOMMEND THAT ALL OUR CUSTOMERS PURCHASE A MINIMUM OF $300,000 in LIABILITY LMITS, AND SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE $500,000 LIMIT!

What happens if I have a current policy in force with limits of $ 50,000 or $ 100,000?

Each of our main underwriters, ABA Seguros, ACE Seguros, and GNP Seguros have agreed to honor the $ 300,000 Death Liability Limit on all currently in force policies until expiration. So you do not have to do anything if you purchased your existing policy on or before February 4, 2013 and it is still in force

Keep in mind that the liability insurance you purchase from a Mexican Insurer will not respond to claims or suits brought against you in the United States or Canada for an “incident” which occured in Mexico. All liability claims under a Mexican Insurance policy must be brought and adjudicated in Mexico for coverage to respond.

If you have any questions about this new law please feel free to contact us today at 888-467-4639. We cannot stress enough the importance of understanding these new liability limits and the need for higher limits when purchasing Mexico Auto Insurance in the future.

Automobile Insurance

Automobile insurance rates, coverages, limits and deductibles vary greatly among Mexican companies. Some important items to look for are:

Does the insurer offer adequate liability limits, or does the policy reduce the amount payable by using split limits?

Split limits reduce the amount available for “Property Damage to others.” We advise all our customers to purchase at least $ 300,000 US Combined Single Limit liability coverage. Beware split limits of $40/80/40 USD, for example.

Does the insurer automatically include Legal Aid and Travel Assistance?

These “additional” coverages should be included in every policy. They will help you tremendously in the event of an accident. Without them, you could be on your own racking up legal bills and huge headaches until your liability has been determined.

What are the Physical Damage coverages and deductibles?

Mexico insurance policies provide collision coverage, and theft coverage, much like in the USA and Canada. Some offer fixed deductibles, which are much better than percentage of the vehicle deductibles. Some offer partial theft and vandalism, some exclude this coverage. For a detailed list of coverages, please obtain a quote on mexpro.com.

The policy is written on a “named perils” basis, which includes coverage for Collision, certain Meteorological Events, Total Theft, Fire, and other perils.

Deductibles are generally a percentage of the value of the insured vehicle although special endorsements offering fixed deductibles are available through the mexpro website

Is the US broker reputable?

Thousands of U.S. insurance agents and brokers offer insurance for Mexico. Logically, a great number of these agents are located close to the border. Some of the important distinctions to keep in mind when choosing an agent or broker are:

1. 1. Does the agent or broker use online systems to issue these policies, so that the data is immediately available via the web to Authorities in Mexico?

1. 1. Does the agent have experience in the Mexico market and does the agent have experience in the US market? It is important that the agent you work with has a vast knowledge of the difference between US and Mexico insurance and can counsel you regarding the potential gaps in coverage among these policies. Purchasers of insurance for Mexico should have confidence that they will receive professional, knowledgeable service when they need the coverage to respond or in the event of a coverage dispute. Check with your USA agent to see if they offer Mexico Insurance. Your USA agent or broker can issue a MexPro policy for you via www.mexicoinsuranceonline.com.

1. Most reputable insurance agents carry Errors and Omissions insurance to protect themselves, and their customers, when legitimate mistakes are made. Ask your agent if he or she carries Errors and Omissions insurance; it will protect both you and your agent in the event of a coverage dispute.

Is the Mexican insurance company reputable?

As the global economic environment continues in a state of uncertainty, it may be more important than ever to purchase insurance for Mexico from a financially strong insurer. No matter how reputable your agent or broker, if they are placing your insurance with a troubled insurer you could be in for some unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim. There are more than 50 insurance companies in Mexico; like in the US, some are better than others.

Although some US insurers have purchased ownership interests in Mexican Companies, these Mexican companies operate independently of the US parent company. Consumers in the US or Canada would never buy insurance from a company that is not A-rated, yet many in Mexico unknowingly buy from unrated or vulnerable insurers who do not carry an A- rating. To check if an insurer in Mexico is A-rated, or has an A-rated parent, visit www.ambest.com.

Ask your agent about the size and financial strength of the Insurance companies they use; in the event of further economic problems and/or the devaluation of the peso coupled with a few natural disasters such as a hurricane or flood, how will the insurer fare? (For a list of Mexico insurers ranked by written premium, please feel free to call our office at 1-888-INS-4-MEX.)

As you can see from this brief summary, insurance in Mexico is just as complex as it is in the US. Although all types of insurance are available in Mexico, coverages, terms and conditions vary greatly among insurers. For a free, no obligation coverage analysis and quotation for either Personal or Commercial insurance in Mexico, please contact Mexico Insurance Professionals at 1-888-INS-4-MEX or email us via our website at www.mexpro.com.

The post Purchasing insurance for Mexico appeared first on MexConnect.

Insurance can seem quite complicated. What is best for you and why? If you’re spending time in Mexico, can you take your medical policy with you? Or should you purchase travel insurance? Are there other alternatives?

It all depends…

What is admitted health insurance?

In the insurance industry, “admitted” means “licensed, registered and permitted to sell policies.”

Almost all insurance policies are admitted policies. This means companies are licensed and registered in the place where they sell policies. For example, if you buy car insurance for a Mexican car, you would have to buy it from a Mexican car insurer. You couldn’t buy it from an American provider.

Almost all health insurance policies are admitted as well. In Mexico you could buy one from a local broker.

50 separate companies

In the U.S., insurers are admitted in every state, which is why Blue Cross — for example — is separately incorporated in almost all states. Every state has laws prohibiting non-admitted outside insurers from selling to their residents. Indeed, for insurance purposes, the U.S. is like 50 separate countries. To prevent other state regulators from fining them, U.S. medical insurers have rules limiting your coverage if you are not resident in that home state for six months a year. In this way, they can argue to other state regulators that they are not insuring people in other states and avoid million-dollar fines and regulatory scrutiny.

So there are barriers to portability of insurance policies caused by regulation and sovereignty. This can be avoided in the case of a car, since you can import the car and license it in the new country, or sell the one car and buy a new one if you move.

For health insurance, when you live in two jurisdictions like Mexico and the U.S.A., or live in one and want to return for medical treatment to the other, things become difficult. A Mexican policy would not let you return to the U.S. for treatment and forces you to buy travel insurance when on a trip home. The catch is you generally can’t buy travel insurance to travel in your home country! However U.S. domestic policies restrict your time in other jurisdictions, have residency requirements or limit the benefits abroad, and are expensive!

Is travel coverage the solution?

Travel insurance

Let’s define travel cover: Travel insurance is usually for short intervals but I have seen some policies from Australia that can remain in effect for up to three years.

Travel insurance covers accidents and emergencies only, and won’t cover urgent or elective medical problems. Travel insurers expect you to end your trip and return home for elective or urgent treatment, and some policies require you to return immediately once a diagnosis is made. For example, if you were diagnosed with cancer while on a travel policy, you might urgently need to commence treatment, but winding up your affairs before returning home to begin treatment might not be a case of life or death.

Travel insurance is not renewable. If you have a serious medical problem, your coverage will end at the policy’s expiration date or when you return home. The underlying assumption behind travel cover is that you have proper medical insurance at home and can return to it in the event of an urgent or elective medical condition.

Medical insurance

Medical insurance covers everything travel insurance covers plus urgent and elective medical treatment. Importantly, it is guaranteed renewable if you are in the midst of a course of treatment at renewal time. If you have international medical insurance, you don’t need travel insurance unless you are traveling outside your area of coverage.

For U.S residents, because insurance is governed at the state level, policies have provisions limiting cover if you are outside your state for more than six months. Companies assume you are in another state. They don’t seem to consider that you might be living out of the country! In fact, they might cancel your policy if they learn you are resident out of your home state for more than six months.

If you are resident outside your home state for only 6 months or less, then travel cover will do, so long as you maintain your policy back home.

Canadians who reside outside Canada for 183 days annually and satisfy a few other conditions can live tax free. But they cannot remain on their provincial medical plan back home, and it takes three months to enroll again after returning permanently to Canada. Until you are back on the roster, you could pay thousands of dollars per day for a hospital bed in Canada.

Canadian hospitals charge U.S. prices to non-resident Canadians and foreigners. So if you are still paying Canadian taxes and a resident, you can buy a “snowbird” travel policy. If you are not, then you need medical insurance.

The British case is similar, in that a few years ago the National Health Service changed the rules regarding residency. If you are not “ordinarily resident” in the U.K., then you’re not entitled to free NHS treatment. And you’re going to pay high prices unless you have expat medical cover.

An alternative

You can also consider an international non-admitted health insurance policy. These policies are not only are cheaper than a domestic U.S. policy, but also really international and allow you to live outside the country.

There are about 30 products on the market, most of them British, but there are about five specialty U.S. providers.

The big names like Blue Cross and Aetna are exclusively interested only in group plans for American employee groups abroad.

The U.S. industry for individuals got its start insuring tens of thousands of missionaries, and there are good inexpensive solutions allowing you full cover in Mexico (or anywhere you want) and return access for treatment to U.S. hospitals.

For these insurance providers, you must have a residential address outside the U.S., and you must live outside of the U.S.A. for six months per year cumulatively. So you can have international portable health insurance and the best of both worlds.

The post Travel and expat medical insurance in Mexico appeared first on MexConnect.

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