What happens when a Mexican Citizen can’t pay a medical bill from U.S.

My understanding, and this was derived from a niece of a friend of a friend who works in a major hospital on the border of the U.S. and Mexico.

They are unable to physically hold you (like in Mexico) for non payment of your medical bill. You can go as you please. However, and this is a big however, they might provide your personal information (not your medical information as this would be in violation with HIPPA) to the U.S. Consulate via a bill collection agency for example.

What can they do? They can withhold your Tourist Visa renewal, that’s what can happen.

If you are already a Mexican citizen, you already know that you do not want to encounter this scenario as time is not on your side. It is on the side of the medical provider, and the U.S. Department that handles the issuance of foreign visitors Visa’s.

The best course of action, is simple. If you do not have medical insurance that will cover you in the U.S., or you don’t have any medical insurance at all, then look into an International Health and Accident program or plan. They are easy to understand, inexpensive, and possibly a safety net if you find yourself in the position of having to visit an out of country hospital while visiting in the U.S.

The same or similar criteria occurs if you are stopped in Texas for example, and you do not have a car insurance policy that covers you in Texas. Either of these circumstances are easy to address.

There is an affordable, 3rd party liability auto policy that can be written by the day, week, month or year, much like the International Health and Accident program mentioned above.

If you have any questions about either, please feel free to contact us via Email, or phone at 001-915-591-8279 if you are in Mexico. OR, if you are already in the U.S. and need to ask us anything about International travel between the Americas, then give us a call at (915) 591-8279.

We also have information regarding this same scenario, except reverse. For those traveling into Mexico from the U.S. of Canada, in their personal car, or have need of International Health & Accident coverage for anywhere outside of the U.S. give or a call (#’s above) or Email us at ici@mxici.com

We would be delighted to answer your questions, comments or concerns.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Mexico Travel Warning

Here we go again. Unfortunately for the brave and awesome people of Mexico, they are once again the pawns in a relentless tug of war between warring idiots, or errr… factions. (Not gonna really describe them as I wish, and oughta)

Shamefully, on them, they only hurt the country they supposedly love as another Travel Warning has been issued by the U.S. gov’t. It seemed like things were really quieting down, at least from the news sources on the border, and as far as those whose cars we are grateful to insure.

For more information, please feel free to click on the link for the exact instructions that are being used for our neighbors to the South. Click below:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

Apparently, 150,000 people a day cross from the U.S. to Mexico, and this makes news.

It is our duty, and responsibility to inform our many friends as to what is happening in Mexico, regardless of what it might be. News such as this, changes in entry or exiting information, the good, bad, and the ugly. Fortunately for the vast majority of travelers to Mexico, they will experience the very best in culture, climate, food and attractions. Let’s hope one day everyone, including the citizenry of this beautiful country, will experience a day without the organized lawlessness that a few bring to all.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

U.S. Ex Pats taxes in Mexico

I honestly had no idea there was so much, and so little about U.S. Ex Pats and their taxable consequences both to the U.S. and to the country they now live.

I found a wonderful article, and author, who appears to have fulfilled quite a niche as far as Mexico is concerned.

They basically cover questions such as bank accounts, Mexican Customs, and sales tax, or IVA (16%) as it is called in Mexico. No wonder so many Mexican citizens “flee” to the border cities of the U.S. (El Paso, Laredo, Brownsville, etc.) to shop.

The Frontera (frontier or border) use to impose a 11% tax, now the country has implemented a level sales tax rate of 16% sales tax. WOW, remarkably high! There is possibly 5-7 million people who live on the Mexico/U.S. border and who knows how many have a Tourist Visa to avoid this tax by shopping in the U.S.?

The name of the article that contains great information about the Mexican Tax code as well as other important and timely information is “New 2014 Tax Laws for Mexico that Affect Expats and Foreigners”.

IRS Tax Issues for Americans Living and Working Abroad in Mexico – Master Article

You can find more information about the above at:
YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.© Steven M. Fry

Hope this might help you if you are considering moving to Mexico.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Warning, February time change to Cancun visitors!

Heads up!

The State of Quintana Roo, the home of the famously gorgeous Cancun is changing their Time Zone from its current Central to Eastern Time Zone as of February 1st, 2015. Prepare to spring ahead.

In addition, the unique, and somewhat frightening, Chichen Itza (where the pyramids touch the sky, and you guard your heart from those who lust after it!) Tulum is also part of the deal.

Plan ahead and make sure your travel agent gives you enough time to catch the shuttle to the airport.

More sun, more fun. The clear, warm waters of Cancun are calling. Just be sure to change your watch…

We enjoy posting these tidbits for you, and hope that you too enjoy them. If you have any feedback, we would love to see it. If it is interesting, or provides help or service to those who are traveling South of the Border, we will certainly consider them.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Seguros para U.S.A.

¿Viaja a los Estados Unidos Americanos (U.S.A.) en su vehículo para esta navidad?

Tal vez planea visitar a Ruidoso, Nuevo México, o San Antonio, o tal vez hasta Houston, Austin o Dallas. No importa a donde viaja en la union Americana. Si viaja a California, Arizona, Nuevo Mexico, o Nevada, los requisitos de Seguros son los mismos. Usted debe obtener una póliza para U.S.A. prévio a cruzar la frontera.

Cuando ingresa a los Estados Unidos, es importante recordar que es sujeto a las mismas leyes de tránsito que todos los Americanos. Aunque sea de la República Mexicana, no se le otorga mas indulgencia que la que reciben los Americanos cuando viajan a México y rompen una ley de tránsito. Paisanos y Americanos sin conocimiento, podrían ser lo suficiente valientes y pagar la “mordida” en México, pero bajo ninguna circunstancia usted debe intentar hacer eso en los Estados Unidos. Esto lo meterá en problemas mucho muy sérias.

En Texas por ejemplo, las leyes de tránsito y las multas por romperlas, son diferente a las del resto de país. Aquí le damos una lista de pocas de las leyes y las multas correspondientes si lo agarran rompiendo alguna. DWI traduce a conduciendo ebrio y es un cargo MUY serio.

$100 USD$: Conduciendo sin licensia de manejo
$250 USD$: Conduciendo sin seguro
$1,000 USD$: DWI
$1,500 USD$: 2 o mas ofensas de DWI
$2,000 USD$: Convicto de DWI con nivel de alcol de o arriba de .16

Si es acusado de DWI, se quedará grabado en sus antecedentes hasta 7 años. Hasta podría prevenirle adquirir o renovar su mica de residencia, si la tuviese.

Lo ovio es obedecer las leyes de tránsito. Usted es un huesped en este país, y hací como los Americanos debemos respetar y obedecer las leyes de tránsito cuando viajamos a México, también usted cuando viaja en la union Americana.

La compra de un seguro para USA es rápido y sencillo. Se puede adquirir por día, semana, mes o anual. Esta cobertura es suscrita y administrada por una compañía aseguradora Americana, legalmente registrada y autorizada.

No se deje engañar por personas anunciando, vendiendo o mercadiando pólizas para USA en los puentes o puertos internacionales. Algunas no valen ni el papel que le presentan como póliza. Puede pensar que compró un seguro válido, que lo cubre en Estados Unidos, y luego descubrir lo contrario al momento de un accidente. ¡ Esto puede resultar muy costoso!

Nosotros le podemos proveer productos de seguros por medio de compañías aseguradoras legalmente registradas y autorizadas en los Estados Unidos. Visite nuestro sitio www.mxici.com o haga clic aquí, para su compra rápida y sencilla de una póliza para USA.

Programa Paisano 2014

Programa Paisano

Programa Paisano

Le recomendamos que visite el sitio www.paisano.gob.mx. Contiene mucha información importante y útil. De acuerdo con el sitio, el programa Bienvenido Paisano de invierno 2014 comenzó el 1 de Noviembre. Si piensa vacacionar en México esta temporada de invierno sería bueno que conozca lo que le ofrece este programa. Este programa se inicio en la decada del ochenta y fue realizado por Ejecutivo Federal para prevenir y eliminar los maltratos y abusos por parte de las autoridades federales contra los Mexicanos “connacionales” cuando viajan a México. Se estableció para garantizar a los connacionales sus derechos y brindarle seguridad.

El Programa Paisano cuenta con oficinas en todos los estados Mexicanos y tiene módulos ubicados en los principales puntos de entrada a México. Ahora también cuenta con representaciones en los Consulados de Chicago, Illinois, Los Angeles, California y Houston, Texas. En estas oficinas o módulos, usted puede obtener el Guia Paisano. Es un libro, gratuito, con información tremendamente útil para personas que ingresan y salen de la Republica Mexicana, ya sea por carretera, aire o mar. También contiene números telefónicos importantes como son el número para presenter quejas 011 52 (55) 2000 3000. Si se le presenta la oportunidad de pasar por las oficinas o módulos del programa Paisano, vale la pena parar y solicitar la Guía Paisano.
Toll Road
Programa Paisano ya cuenta con una aplicación para su smartphone o tablet, que le podrá dar consejos para su viaje a México, para descargar la aplicación acorde a su equipo, de clic sobre el link que corresponda: Android, iPhone, iPad.
Going home
Para todos los hijos nativos de México que regresan a visitar su casa, es importante que usted esté enterado de algunos cambios recientes en las leyes mexicanas. Por ejemplo, ahora se requiere que usted tenga un seguro de responsabilidad civil en su vehículo, al igual que en los EE.UU., el costo es muy razonable, realmente barato. Sólo asegúrese de que usted lo compre de una empresa de seguros autorizada con licencia legal, como a las que ICI Insurance Agency representa. Haga clic aquí, y si es necesario, vaya a la versión en español, en la parte superior derecha de nuestro sitio web, y eche un vistazo a las opciones de cobertura que usted puede poseer.

No hay nada como la paz mental, no importa a qué país usted esté viajando.

Si usted necesita más información, llame a nuestra oficina, ICI Insurance Agency, a los números de teléfonos: 915-591-8279 y nuestra linea lada gratis 800-434-3966. También nos puede visitar en nuestro sitio www.mxici.com para obtener su propia póliza.

Best Value in Mexico Insurance

Like the commercial says, “if we all saved as much as such and such insurance. we would have saved a bucket of money”, blah blah blah.

When it comes to Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, it means way more than just saving money. There is or can be tremendous value in your policy.

You see, Mexico treats a collision, bodily injury, differently than in the U.S. Even if it is your own injury and you are not at fault, they handle it under the rule and laws of their own sovereign country.

Additionally, Mexico does not recognize your U.S. auto insurance! I don’t care what anyone says, they don’t or they do not have to. If you wish to pay the Piper (mordida, the bite, bribe, etc.) wink, wink, go for it. Technically, they only recognize insurance as underwritten by a Mexican insurance company. Um, because of all of the ambulance chasing abogados (attorneys) out there, do not take the paying a bribe seriously. Just a joke…

What would you appreciate more? Let’s say you are visiting friends, relatives, or just cruising through Mexico to get to your favorite tourist destination or street vending taco stand. Would you be better off by not purchasing a Mexico Tourist Auto policy prior to your trip down Mexico way? OR, would you just count on the coverage as promised by your local insurance agent, you know, the Mexico Endorsement to your personal auto policy? Who you gonna call if (something) hits the fan? No it’s not your U.S. insurance agent, cause there is nothing he can do. In Mexico, they address car claims, injuries or property damage right there on the spot…and typically right away. How about being able to contact the Claims Center of your Mexico Tourist Auto insurance company? You better hope so, especially if you find yourself in something more than a fender bender.

Here is where the service of your Mexico claims center of your Mexico Tourist Auto insurance comes in. Some Mexico insurance companies don’t answer that call right away. Some might not answer at all. Yet there are some who take pride in themselves, their products, and service. Guess what? They are not all priced the same, and they certainly do not all provide the same service.

That is where a good Mexico insurance company comes in. Though the companies we represent are certainly competitive, they are more than that. They each make a commitment to provide the best service in their industry. That doesn’t mean you will have an Adjustor at your vehicle within 30 minutes, or even an hour. The Adjustors are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are also on call for their native, auto insurance customers as well. Think of it, if you are in Mexico City on a Friday afternoon and have an accident, you will find out that Mexico City is huge, and that you are not the only one to be involved in an accident at any given time. Not an excuse, reality.

The absolute best thing you can do in respect to vehicle travel in Mexico is to familiarize yourself with your policies Claims Instructions, and then follow them. It really is quite simple. If you have difficulty with providing your location to a Claims Center, then ask someone. Common sense, right?

We enjoy posting these tidbits for you, and hope that you too enjoy them. If you have any feedback, we would love to see it. If it is interesting, or provides help or service to those who are traveling South of the Border, we will certainly consider them.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Mexico Auto Insurance is now Mandatory

Well it’s finally happened.

I have been involved in the promotion of Mexico as a Tour Operator, as well as the special niche of the international insurance industry, specializing in Mexico, since 1989.

In all those years I have heard and witnessed numerous people harping about how it is Mexican law that you posses insurance for your vehicle when in Mexico. I also have heard, till this day, that your U.S. auto insurance covers you in Mexico. OR, that your U.S. insurance covers you in Mexico if you have a Mexican Endorsement on your U.S. auto policy. Horse hooey (in case any children are reading)

1. Mexico does NOT recognize your U.S. auto insurance
2. Mexico does NOT recognize your States auto insurance Mexico Endorsement
3. Mexico has, in the past, required its citizens to posses auto insurance. Then I have also heard (still tracking it down) that it is up to the individual states as to what their auto insurance policy is.

In respect to these 3 scenarios, allow me. Those have been the oldest selling points, and facts, about our niche in this market. Mexico does NOT recognize your U.S. or States auto insurance policies or Mexico Endorsements. Plan and simple.

Now, it has come to my attention, that the Mexican Federal Gov’t has enacted into law the requirement of at least 3rd party liability insurance on all vehicles being operated on bridges or while using Federal roads. That might make you feel good prior to your trip to the beach, or to visit friends or relatives, about the necessity of every vehicle you encounter having to posses liability insurance. Again, horse hooey.

They are going to be just like every state in the U.S. They will require it, but they will be unable to enforce it, until someone without insurance is involved in an accident. Then, like the U.S., they will be able to enforce the new law. Don’t depend upon someone else, and their fiscal responsibility to do the right thing by purchasing auto insurance. Citizens of Mexico, by and large, do not earn a comparable amount of dinero ($) as we are generally accustomed in the U.S. Consequently, many auto owners do not have the means to purchase the required liability coverage.

You are best served by purchasing a Mexico Tourist Auto policy that also contains Uninsured Motorist coverage. That is similar, maybe identical, to some U.S. insurers. If you are involved in an accident, and you are not at fault, and the other party is responsible, then your Uninsured Motorist coverage will address that.

In addition to possibility, there is another, possibly even more frightening scenario. What happens if you experience a medical emergency? How are you covered? Again, many insurers will not extend their coverage into a foreign country. Medicare, Medicaid, and many HMO’s or PPO’s do not as well. Even if they did, many foreign medical providers (doctors & hospitals) will not accept foreign insurance. We had a example of this a couple of years ago. A U.S. citizen, a passenger in a U.S. owned and registered vehicle, was involved in a major accident, on a Mexican Toll Road. He was thrown from the vehicle. The Mexican insurer paid up to the limits of the medical payments, and like U.S. insurers, said we’re done. We’ve met our obligation, and the rest is up to the insured.

Unfortunately, the insured (passenger) did not have monies to satisfy his debt to both hospital and physicians. The consequence to this not so unique picture, was that a family member had to pay the remainder of the balance owed. It was to the hospital only, and the amount was in excess of $40,000 USD$

There is a solution! Regardless of where you travel, what country, you can protect yourself and your wallet by purchasing an International Health and Accident Plan. Go to our Home Page, and click on the medical caduceus(looks like angel wings with a snake wrapped around it). Plans include, individuals, families, and groups. It is very economical and for most costs less than a soda a day!

Tell us what you think of our blog. Let us know. That is why we do this. To help and assist all of our friends, and family with their International insurance needs. Thank you for your business!

Have a wonderful time, and remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Green Angels, Angels of Mercy

Hello to all fun loving adventurers to Mexico!

Included today maybe the most valuable item yet in our blog, information on the Green Angels, sponsored by the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico.

For tourists experiencing a mechanical breakdown, these guys and the services they provide may well be better than a Spring Break fiesta. They do not charge for their service, only parts, and any oil or gas needed to get you on your way. They advertise bilingual mechanics, but you may run into the one, or two, or however many, that may not be bilingual, at least in English! Nonetheless, when these guys show up, you will be glad they did. Oh, before I forget, tips are welcomed, though not mandatory. Don’t be a cheap tourist…

Enjoy a brief video of an actual Green Angel patrol extending their hand to a tourist experiencing a break down. We have all been there, but it is amazingly different when it is in another country. Probably more so, when breaking down in the Republic of Mexico! The video is about 6:00 + minutes, and you can basically skip to about the 1:45 mark to see the Green Angels do their thing.

Below is a link to the service area map for the Green Angels. In addition, you can also visit other programs for info from the Secretary of Tourism in Mexico.

service map

If you are still starved for more Angel info, click here for further information on the history and work they perform.

more info

Have a wonderful time, and remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business

Will my Arizona personal auto policy provide coverage if I drive my vehicle into Mexico?

As with most if not all border States to Mexico, each instructs you to at least purchase 3rd party liability (that is $ for the other guy if you are at fault in an accident) from a valid Mexico insurance company. FYI, they are not all the same. For the State of Arizona, the following is published for the benefit of their citizenry who wish to drive their Arizona registered vehicle into Mexico. A very valid reason as one of the most popular destinations in Mexico is just across their border…Puerto Penasco, or Rocky Point as it is commonly known.

Will my Arizona personal auto policy provide coverage if I drive my vehicle into Mexico?

“Mexican law requires that you purchase separate liability coverage from a Mexican insurer before operating your vehicle in Mexico. Your Arizona personal auto policy may provide some limited coverage on a limited basis (within 25-50 miles of the Mexican border), but this coverage does not meet the insurance requirements of the Republic of Mexico. Failure to purchase proper Mexican liability insurance may result in many hours in a Mexican jail or a heavy fine if you are involved in an accident while operating your vehicle in Mexico.”

Obviously, the answer is, YES, Mexico does require 3rd party liability from a recognized Mexican insurance company, and no, your personal auto insurance written in Arizona is not recognized in the country of Mexico. For a few dollars a day, you can purchase not only the liability insurance, but one that also comes with a large number of other covered items and benefits, such as Travel Assistance, Legal Assistance, Towing, Medical Payments, etc… All are determined by their insurance companies “Terms & Conditions”.

So don’t wait. Go and enjoy all the good things our neighbors to the South can offer. Fine dining, and not so fine dining. 4 star hotels and no star hotels. Beautiful beaches and, well, you get the picture. Lest we forget, ALL for very little dinero!

For all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business