Monthly Archives: July 2012

What’s the difference between Travel Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, and Medical Evacuation?

In most cases, each product contains some of the functions of the other product(s).

For example, many Travel Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance plans contain provisions that might seem to over lap. Both generally (but not always) provide emergency transportation, via ground ambulance, and some cases Air Ambulance. The difference between these and an actual Air Ambulance Service is that the previous mentioned plans usually guarantee transportation to the “nearest” medical facility (hospital/clinic) while the Air Ambulance guarantees transportation to the nearest medical facility, and then back home to your “Home Hospital” in the country where you are from. Huge difference! (Note: Most Air Ambulance services are not insurance, and thus not guaranteed! In addition, service is not available worldwide but many provide service in all of North America, including Mexico, as well as the Caribbean)

Travel Insurance generally insures your financial investment in your trip. Such as the cost of lost luggage, cancelled flights, or the non-refundable loss of tour costs associated with a cancellation due to an acute onset of a medical condition, injury or death, but it may not cover costs of medical attention needed abroad.

Travel Medical Insurance covers costs of needed medical attention when traveling abroad. Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside of the U.S. Medicare and Medicaid is also not provided or accepted outside of the U.S. This coverage is generally available by the day, week, month or year, and is usually (dependent upon age) very reasonable in costs from about $3.00 USD$ a day, and less if 30 days or more is purchased.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

Will my U.S. Health Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, and Medical Evacuation cover me in Mexico?

The following was taken from the Dept. of State regarding some of the medical risks and payment for services of foreign travel.

“Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000.

The Dept of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policies apply over seas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health care costs outside of the U.S. unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for Medical services outside the U.S

If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.”

For a few dollars a day, you can protect yourself from any unforeseen medical expenses. Go to our web site below, and click on the caduceus for the very best international health and accident plans.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

Does your U.S. Auto Insurance cover you in Mexico?

YES, and NO. It depends upon the scenario encountered. For example…

It depends entirely upon what type of coverage you have and what State your policy is issued.

For instance, in the State of Texas, which obviously borders Mexico, there is what is commonly referred to as a “Border Endorsement” to your Texas Auto Policy.

This particular endorsement, however has some serious restrictions and limits.

Currently, the Texas Dept of Insurance provides some very limited information as to what your Texas Auto policy will cover. Everything, and I mean everything written in this publication does not address whether your policy will or not cover you in Mexico. It is ambiguous at best, and misleading in some respects.

Read below:
*Driving in Other States, Canada, and Mexico
A Texas automobile insurance policy usually meets the financial responsibility requirements of other U.S. states and Canada. Mexico, however, does not recognize U.S. auto liability policies.

Mexican authorities can hold drivers criminally and financially responsible for any auto accidents they cause. If you’re in an accident that results in an injury, police may detain you until they determine who is at fault. You will have to show that you either have insurance recognized by the Mexican government or the financial ability to pay any judgment against you.

Some U.S. companies provide a free endorsement extending your policy’s coverage to infrequent trips of up to 10 days and as far as 25 miles into Mexico. You can buy coverage for longer stays, but it is usually valid only within 25 miles of the border. In addition, these endorsements might not meet Mexican legal requirements.

You may be able to buy a Mexico “tourist” endorsement for your U.S. policy. This endorsement extends your liability coverage to pay costs exceeding a Mexican liability policy’s limits. It covers trips of any distance and any length of time. Ask your agent which endorsements your insurance company offers.

The aforementioned was taken directly from the Texas Dept of Insurance Web Site for Auto Publications.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

What can happen when you do not have Mexico Auto insurance

Whether you can purchase your Liability coverage through your Texas auto policy to cover you in Mexico is a moot point.

It clearly states that Mexico does NOT recognize U.S Auto Liability policies. Subsequently, it doesn’t matter whether you have the Endorsement or not. Why the Texas Dept of Insurance even prints this disclosure is beyond me…

I recently had a person call my office to seek our help and assistance in respect to an accident he had while recently in Cd. Juarez. I had previously insured this gentleman with a Mexico Tourist Auto policy, but unfortunately he was under the impression that his Texas Auto Policy would suffice. Yes, he did have the Border Endorsement as described in the Texas Dept of Insurance (TDI) publication, however when he presented it to the authorities at the scene of the accident they told him “ call your adjuster or agent and have them arrive to make immediate restitution ($) to the 3rd party” (the person whom he collided).

That’s right, immediate, because according to their law, Mexico only recognizes two things when property damage or medical costs are attributed to the offender. This was on a late Thursday afternoon. And when he called he was desperate. Having neither a Mexican Tourist Auto policy, nor the money needed to pay the 3rd party (approximately $ 1,500 USD$)

With my experience and contacts developed over the years, I did what I could to help him. Unfortunately, insurance offices were closed. He had to visit the Juarez Hilton for the night.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR E mail us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

If I have Mexico Insurance, does it keep me out of jail

Yes, and No! Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance is NOT a “get out of jail free” card, in light of most peoples impressions. Many insurance agents neglect or flat leave out that possibility, even after purchasing their Mexico insurance.

In Mexico, a car accident is or can be considered a criminal offense, and not a civil offense as is common in the U.S. and Canada. If you injure someone, and they end up in the hospital, (even yourself, as ridiculous as that sounds) then that is generally when the authorities get involved. Granted, their involvement is also determined by the seriousness of the injuries to everyone involved.

Consequently, if injuries are serious, or even fatal, then there is the likelihood you will end up before a Magistrate (a Judge) who determines the Mexican courts course of action. Many Mexico Tourist Auto policies provide for Legal Representation (as ours does) and the payment of Bail Bonds just for this reason.

It is very, very, rare for someone to be held in jail if they posses a valid Mexico Tourist Auto policy, OR enough US currency to address the payment for all fines, medical care etc. After all, the Mexican Gov’t, especially now, wants to encourage as much travel in Mexico as possible, especially to the well known tourist destinations. Putting tourists in jail for minor traffic accidents will not help their cause.

Lack of authorized Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, fatalities, severe injuries, and drinking and driving are but a very few of the ways you can make your way to a Mexican jail. In many respects, much like the U.S.

Check out our site at www.mxici.com . If you have any questions feel free to E Mail us at ici@mxici.com . Or simply call us at 1-800-434-3966. We appreciate your business.

Beware, some common sense rules about traveling in Mexico

Having insured thousands of vehicles used to travel Mexico, we are used to receiving travel information from the Mexican Insurance companies we represent, as well as the experiences of those we insure.

Recently, we felt led to share some of these travel tips. One, for example, is to avoid, if possible, from stopping or frequenting “Convenience Stores” in Mexico. We have examples of people being approached and robbed or having their vehicle stolen by those hanging out at these stores. They are waiting for those that either look like they have $$$, or who own a vehicle worthy of being stolen, or both.

This obviously does not happen at every Convenience Store, but it appears to be an easy way to approach people traveling with U.S. plates, and to take advantage of them.

Another piece of advice is not to travel into Mexico with a darker color (blue or black) SUV or pick up truck. These seem to be the preferred choice of the cartels and obviously more likely to get stolen. In addition, dark tinted windows are also preferred, for obvious reasons. So stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Citizens from all over the world still frequent, and travel Mexico by car, plane, and boat.

If you find this type of info helpful, please visit us at www.mxici.com for all of your Auto and Health & Accident insurance in Mexico and throughout the world. You may also wish to E Mail us at ici@mxici.com , or you can call us at 1-800-434-3966 for further assistance. We appreciate your business.

Register at U.S. Embassy or Consulate when traveling to Mexico!

U.S. citizens traveling in Mexico are urged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through their website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

This is a common practice and important so the Embassy or Consulate can contact you in respect to any advisories, advice, or emergency.

This is something that is advised when traveling to any country outside the U.S.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at
1-800-434-3966 OR E mail us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

Crime in Mexico: If deadly Mazatlan is out, how about Cancun?

Tourism to Cancun is down, so is travel cost to this gem in the Caribbean!

Article: Chris Owen March 28, 2011

It is an ongoing debate about Mazatlan, Mexico. Justified or not, tourism is down. Land vacations tour operators are being cautious more than ever. Cruise lines refuse to stop due to real or perceived security issues (stabbings, drug lord bombings, no bingo). But those who live there say it is safe. Now, Cancun, Mexico, former poster-city for organized crime is saying “Hey, give US a look why don’t ya?” as if the focus has shifted and they are in the clear now.

Trying to hang on to it’s self-proclaimed “No. 1 vacation destination in the Caribbean” title, Cancun is beefing up security reports USA Today.

“The safest people here are the tourists,” Erandeni Abundis of the Cancun Convention Camp; Visitors Bureau “We depend on tourism. We couldn’t afford to lose it.” Proactive Cancun has beefed up their web site too with clear, easy to find information and believable video content.

Indeed, tourism is a major factor in Mexico’s economy. Cancun alone boasts 5.9 million international visitors last year, up over 400,000 from 2009. But with tourism numbers down, rather than whining about it like Mazatlan has, Cancun is taking clear steps to send a message of safety.

Tourists can now dial 911 for an emergency rather than a confusing local number, uniformed customs officers with assault rifles stand watch over visitors at the airport and a dozen highly-visible “tourist advisors” greet visitors, directing them to approved airport transportation.

Still, news of crime in Mexico, attacks on tourists and just general worldwide unrest in the travel sector has tour operators and tourism officials working overtime to set the record straight.

Funjet vacations flew hundreds of travel agents in to see first-hand the situation on the ground hoping to beef up bookings which should be strong right now. According to Funjet, “traffic to Mexico is challenged.”

While colleges are on break, the beach is not packed. Hotel occupancy at 71% this week is down from a traditional 80+% at this time of the year reports the Cancun Hotel Association.

The up side of all this is that prices in Cancun are better than ever.

One major travel agency in Cancun laments: “every time this comes…less tourism and it causes Cancun to die slowly.” reports 630ched.com adding “So, if you’re dreaming of a spring break on the Mexican Caribbean but lack “mucho dinero”, you might want to cash in on Cancun’s misfortune.”

Many have too. In defiance of a Texas Department of Safety warning to stay out of Mexico on Spring Break, college students are flocking to Cancun, the closest Mexico destination to the border with few problems reported.

“We haven’t been beheaded,” Archer, a 26-year-old dental assistant, says with a grin. “We’ve had no problems. People need to chill out.”

For the finest in International Insurance products, specializing in Mexico, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR E mail us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business! We are your Int’l Health Insurance and Mexico Tourist Auto specialists!

Mexico Official: Resorts Far From Violence

By Rafael Romo, CNN Senior Latin American Affairs Editor

Posted: 11:25 am MDT April 27, 2011Updated: 10:12 pm MDT April 27, 2011

(CNN) — A recent wave of violence caused by turf wars between rival drug cartels and security forces in Mexico has kept many American and international tourists away from the United States’ neighbor to the south.
Recently, the U.S. State Department broaded its travel warning for Mexico, singling out 11 states and warning Americans not to drive at nighttime.
But a top Mexican tourism official says the country’s major tourists spots are “perfectly safe.”
Mexico Tourism Board’s Chief Operating Officer Rodolfo Lopez Negrete recently visited the United States to promote Mexican destinations.

In an interview with CNN, he said he is confident that more tourists will visit Mexico this year.

CNN: How much was tourism affected by the violence last year?

Rodolfo Lopez Negrete: 2010 was a very good year for Mexico. We considered it to be a rebound year. (More than) 22 million tourists visited Mexico last year.

CNN: I was recently in Acapulco and I noticed that a lot of the hotels that normally this time of the year receive spring breakers, mainly from the United States, are completely empty. So, some of the things that you’re telling me do not correspond to the reality I saw there.

Lopez: We’re working on a transformation program for Acapulco to rehabilitate Costera Miguel Aleman [the avenue that runs along the bay] which is one of the landmarks of Acapulco. We’re working on additional air connectivity out of the U.S. market and international points of origin.

CNN: But Mr. Lopez, the main problem in Acapulco is not necessarily infrastructure, but the violence. What are the Mexican government and the Tourism Board doing to solve this problem?

Lopez: Mexico is a very large country. When you take into account the distance between Ciudad Juarez [the most violent city in Mexico] and Cancun, you’re talking about 1,400 miles of distance. Puerto Vallarta is 1,000 miles away and Los Cabos about 1,600 miles away. That is equivalent to the distance between New York and Houston or New York and Dallas.

CNN: But the fact still remains that violence is a serious problem in Mexico. Wouldn’t you agree?

Lopez: Yes we agree, and we understand the fact that these episodes have created a certain level of perception that is undesirable, but these have occurred in very specific pockets of the country.

CNN: Your office says that 22.4 million travelers visited Mexico last year. What is the expectation for this year?

Lopez: We have a plan that we have put together until the year 2018. Mexico would like to become one of the most popular destinations in the world. And although we already rank among the top 10 in the world, we would like to escalate that number. For 2011 our goal is to increase our business from 22.4 to 26 million tourists.

CNN: Are Americans still visiting Mexico?

Lopez: Seventy-five percent of the total number of last year’s 22.4 million visitors originated in North America. The U.S. remains the number one market, followed by Canada.

CNN: What about those traveling specifically by air?

Lopez: Out of the 10 million tourists that we get by air into the different Mexican destinations, the United States generates 6.5 million of those 10 million.

CNN: What do you say to people abroad who watch news about the violence and have concerns about traveling to Mexico?

Lopez: We would like to tell the untold story. Although we have experienced violence, it has been concentrated in very specific parts of the country. The major tourism destinations are perfectly safe, whether you talk about sun-and-beach resorts or inland destinations.

CNN: What about risks for those traveling into Mexico by land?

Lopez: We have 50 million border crossings per year. When you take that into account, the ratio or the number of people that have suffered from violence is really minimal.

CNN: Has affordability been affected by the recent wave of violence?

Lopez: Mexico is a very diversified country. We believe that the combination of the fantastic sun-and-beach resorts coupled with the wonderful cultural wealth that we offer make it a very attractive destination for summer travel.

From a value perspective, the quality of the tourism options in Mexico over the last 10 years has improved dramatically.

If you compare that with the price that we’re charging right now, it makes it a very attractive proposition for travel.

By Gary Dickey, President Insurance Consultants International

Most of the Acapulco traffic, to be fair, is now a primary destination for the Mexican Citizen/traveler. Not the North American traveler, who apparently still prefers Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Penasco, and both Baja Norte (North) and Baja Sur (South). That is probably one of the reasons as to why their was little to no Spring Break visitors to Acapulco.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at
1-800-434-3966 OR E mail us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

Fast Pass Automobile Border Crossing Available for frequent Mexico travelers

Now over 1 million members signed up for the “SENTRI, FAST, NEXUS and Global Entry Program under the Trusted Travelers Programs, according to U.S. Customs.

This program literally allows frequent travelers to Mexico, generally Students, Maquiladora Employees, and those who visit relatives or businesses regularly, to circumvent the normal transit times of an hour to three hours it normally takes to cross from Mexico back to the U.S. in their vehicle.

There are numerous advantages, as well as disadvantages to this program.

Primarily, you must apply, and pay for the privilege to acquire this “Fast Pass” as it is normally called. Background checks are performed, and if you qualify there are some realistically easy rules to follow. However, if you happen to break any of these rules, consequences are swift and sometimes severe. Failure to notify the U.S. Customs Agents what, if anything, you are bringing back from Mexico can quickly remove your privilege of literally saving hundreds of hours annually from your commute. Additionally, fines usually accompany those who break the rules. Most of the times, it seems to be those who cannot resist the temptation of bringing to the U.S. cheap produce like avocados, tomatoes, poultry, well you get the idea.

Cost for this permit runs higher on the Mexican side than the U.S. (generally $ 122.25 per person in U.S., about 2 times more in Mexico) Though I can’t understand “Why”, since the wait time is always from Mexico to the U.S. Maybe because of the loss of revenue generated by the collected tolls at these same bridges or ports?

Each person in the vehicle must posses this permit. Again, well worth it if you can afford it, especially if you cross the border frequently.

Here is a link to the U.S. site that allows you into the SENTRI Program.

http://search.cbp.gov/query.html?tx0=Sentri+program&ty0=w&op0=%2B&fl0=&tx1=%2Fcgov%2Ftravel%2F&op1=%2B&fl1=url%3A&ty1=w

Click on the SENTRI text. Go to the appropriate area of interest from there.

If that fails, go to: www.cbp.gov/ Follow instructions, remembering key word SENTRI.

If this is helpful, please allow us an opportunity for your Mexico Tourist Auto, and Int’l Health & Accident business. You can reach us, Insurance Consultants International, at (915) 591-8279 OR 800-434-3966, OR write us at ici@mxici.com. Our Web Site is www.mxici.com. Feel free to a call us at normal business hours, M.T. 8:30 to 5:30 M-F.

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