Tag Archives: International health insurance

Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point

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It’s Labor Day 2012!

What shall we do!

Let’s go to Rocky Point, a.k.a. Puerto Peñasco!

Just 65 miles South of the Arizona border with Northern Mexico, lies a beautiful fishing village bordering the Sea of Cortez in the gorgeous Sonoran Desert.

It is a wildly popular tourist destination for years. A peaceful place, with quiet pristine beaches, safe harbors, and tons of sport fishing and diving.

Rocky Point has experienced boom or bust mentality for nearly one hundred years. Initially settled in the early 1920’s it has experienced the ebb and tide of tourism and industry up till today, where once again it is experiencing a renaissance of interest.

This once tranquil are of desert next to the Sea of Cortez now hums with beautiful hotels, restaurants, camping and water sports of all kinds as well as night life of all kinds… It remains a jewel of Mexico, easy on the eyes and the pocketbook. Even more enticing, it is easy to get to.

The closest sea water (beach) for most of the Southwestern part of the U.S., it has become very popular with the residents of Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, especially for families and college students. Traveling requirements to get there are simple, as the Mexican Gov’t has made this a “Free Zone”.

You will need:

Your valid Drivers License
Passport or Tourist Card (for everyone in the car, this is required for return to the U.S.)
If you stay in Sonoyta North to Arizona, you do NOT need a Vehicle Permit
Mexico Tourist Auto Policy

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 to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

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

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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?

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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?

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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?

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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!

How do I obtain a Vehicle Permit for Mexico.

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1. First, you must provide an original Vehicle Title or Registered Receipt.

2. If your vehicle is being financed, leased, rented, or is a company car, you must provide a notarized “Letter of Permission” from the owner (Lien Holder) on their respective companies letterhead. Most institutions are well aware of what is needed. If not, let us know and we will provide further details.

3. You must provide a VALID Drivers License with photo of applicant. Note: they do NOT accept Mexican Drivers Licenses. Must be foreign to Mexico.

4. Pay a “Importation Fee” of $ 48.84 USD. The fee can be purchased, at same price, at Mexican Consulate, Online, or while crossing at border.

We recommend you purchase your Vehicle Permit on the link below. The English tab is on the upper right side of their site.

www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/

This will save you time, and help you to become an informed traveler.

5. A “Guarantee Deposit” for the return of the vehicle to the US, will be applied to all vehicles. The amount of the guarantee will be determined by the year of the vehicle.

The guarantee will be refunded upon cancellation of the permit at Banjercito offices, prior to the expiration date of the permit. The refund will be made in the same form as the deposit was made, i.e. Credit Card, or Debit Card. HINT: Do not allow the Card you used to purchase the “Permit” expire, as it could hinder you from receiving your refund! After all, this is bureaucracy at its best!

a. 2007 – newer $400.00 USD$

b. 2001 – 2006 $300.00 USD$

c. 2000 – older $200.00 USD$

6. If the vehicle is not returned to the US prior to the expiration date of
the permit or the permit is not cancelled upon exiting Mexico, the guarantee deposit will be forfeited.

NOTE: NO VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT IS NECESSARY TO DRIVE IN THE ENTIRE BAJA PENINSULA OR ROCKY POINT.

We recommend you begin the registration process through the Banjercito link from 10-14 days prior to your departure. Happy travels!

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!

Is there any way to avoid long waiting times at U.S. International Ports? YES, the Ready Lane Pass!

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YES, there is!

There are a number of ways to circumvent the long lines at the U.S. Port of Entry’s. However, most of them are practical only if you travel regularly, especially to and from Mexico.

There is the SENTRI Pass, which is discussed in a previous post to this Blog. That pass is primarily used by those who frequently (generally weekly or daily) cross the U.S. / Mexico border, and is designed to allow you to spend the least amount of time commuting. After all, at most of the busier, larger ports, it is not unusual to spend 1-2 + hours waiting to re-enter the U.S. FYI, these procedures are only applicable for travel from Mexico to the U.S. and not from travel southbound to Mexico.

Recently, another way to save time at these Ports is to use what is called the “Ready Lane” pass. The “Ready Lane” is a dedicated primary vehicle lane for travelers entering the U.S. at land border ports of entry. Not as fast as the SENTRI Pass, but a lot faster than the normal lanes.

Please click on the following links which will provide you with an enormous amount of information as to all of the available programs. I prefer the information contained in the 1st link as being most helpful, but the 2nd one has some other content that might assist you with your Mexico travels.

http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/rfid/RFID_FAQ.html

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1211/~/ready-lane-document-requirements

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.

THANK YOU for your business! Insuring the World since 1989!