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promobabe ,

There are links under handy tools at the top of the page that you can try. Also there are members who live in those areas who may be able to advise based on their experience.  goodgrief has general experience with the country/ state provided  insurance here so you could message him. Mike G lives in SMA as does drC who is a dentist who volunteers with the poor. ( that's not his precise sign in ID, but he has posted a number of times recently)..

I just pay cash, its much cheaper than the U.S. and I am very healthy so I can't provide much personal experience  help.

Travellight....
Thanks for the heads up on using the forum links.  I totally agree, I'd use cash for simple medical things. I'm talking about a catastrophic medical policy in case of major illness or accident, or if I needed to be airlifted back to the States.

I would talk to the members I suggested. They live in those areas or have direct experience . Mexico has insurance systems for residents.

On a personal note, I  would never dream of being air lifted to the states. The medical care is good here, so I would go to one of the main hospitals here. Many of the doctors here are quite well trained, and speak at least 2 languages.  The doctor who cared for my family member spoke three, and he was open to discussing treatment plans.

Travellight:
Yes I keep hearing how excellent the medical care is in major cities in Mexico. It's one of the reasons I'm interested in moving there. "Airlifted to the US" is an extreme scenario. While I travel, I just want catastrophic coverage so a catastrophic event doesn't wipe me out financially. Anything less than that and I'd pay out of pocket.

Yes Barb, You are correct, as emergency air ambulance transports can range from $20,000 to $50,000 USD, or more depending on where you want to go, and traditional insurance policies can exclude or tie you up with conditions or exclusions, and if covered, usually forcing you to pay first, file a claim later, and hope for the best. I have an excellent service I use and promote. If you connect with me here on expat.com, I'd be happy to email you the info, as this site will not allow me to post the link.

I've had the same experience living in Guatemala.  In Guatemala City (not so much in the backwoods), all physicians are US trained and speak fluent English.  And yes, they care!  The doctors walk you to your lab and other tests, the office visits cost peanuts.  One time I had a semi-emergency and showed up at my neurologist's office on a day he wasn't working.  Other doctors in that building saw me, and after I had explained the circumstances, they called the neurologist at home.  He came immediately.  Try that with a US doctor! If I ever needed serious surgery, I think I'd go to Guatemala in a heartbeat. 
I had a nasty fall while I was there.  I still feel the consequences today, and that was 18 years ago.  But the major damage was done because I lived somewhat outside of "civilization" the way we know it, and it took 26 hours to get me to a private hospital.  Don't EVER go to a public hospital in Guatemala.

Could you please email me the info?  We're heading for San Miguel in May, and I want to have all bases covered.  ***

@SteveandMarty.

For reasons of security please do not post any contact details here on the open forum. Use the message system to exchange details.

Stumpy, I can't figure out how to do that.  Could you please help me out?  Marty

Here are some tips on finding a good agent / broker:

1. Make sure the agent / broker represents a variety of International, Expat and Mexican health insurance companies.
2. Find a bilingual / bicultural agent. Knowing how to communicate in both languages is a necessity!
3. Make sure they provide support after the sale - 
--for example: help with claims, doctor referrals, paper work.
4. Ask about how many clients they have, where, and how long they have been in business.
5. Ask for referrals - emails of clients to reach out to.

Most people think that a local agent is best.

In my experience, all of the above criteria weigh more than the fact that the agent is local.

Hope this helps!

Feel free to message me for more information.

Melanie