by Tom Hamrick
It is advisable to have international health insurance while traveling or living as an expatriate in Mexico. 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.
If a person is living between countries, an international insurance plan may cover them in both countries and even worldwide, for a choice of policy limits that range from $50,000 USD to as much as $8,000,000 USD.
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 are limited to $2,000 USD per person, or less.
- Medicare doesn’t cover outside of the U.S.A.
- 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.
