Health Insurance for those 70 or older

On another thread someone asked if there was medial insurance available for people living here who are 70 and older. I asked my insurance agent, Edgar Cedeno, and he said yes, BUT. Only if the person is in good health can they buy health insurance if they are over 70. He has insurers who will provide insurance.

So if you have a heart condition, stents, or other serious problems the answer will be no. But it is available to those who are healthy.

we are canadians and want to travel back to canada for small visit.
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE WE CAN GET TRAVEL INSURANCE TO GO ACROSS THE USA??? fran

Go to www.carp.ca and follow the links under travel ins.

I have called them...they say we have to start our insurance from location
in Canada. if we are presently in Mexico, which we are...they will not
insure. stupid rule, but same with other insurance companies.
any other suggestions thanks fran

Hi:

Fairly new to this site and about to move to Ajijic area from VA. Question on health insurance. I am interested in obtaining global health insurance to cover living full time in Mexico, as well as month visit back to US and possible European travel. I am 58.

That said, my question is for anyone with experience regarding IMG - Global Medical Insurance through Copperstate Insurance? Their website is ajomexicaninsurance.com. Their rates seem reasonable, particularly for the Silver plan.

Would appreciate hearing any comments on it !

Thanks.

REALLY IT IS ***TRAVEL INSURANCE****
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW ONE OBTAINS TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR TRAVELLING FROM MEXICO TO CANADA? fran

I don't know anything about travel insurance but you could ask Edgar who comes to Lake Chapala Society every Tues. and Thurs from 11:30am to 2pm. He is an insurance agent and handles all types of insurance.

Actually, in looking at their website, they say it is for people living in foreign countries, not just traveling there. In fact, it permits you to choose two types of premiums, one for coverage in other countries and another to include coverage for travel back to the U.S. or Canada. Check it out:

https://www.imglobal.com//travelinsurance/plan_info/GMIP3/index.cfm?hideproducer=0&CFID=2787701&CFTOKEN=a0d86fa6e753f945-0B0E846F-2264-F52B-AA3AF2819AA0F69B

Although it says travel insurance, couldn't you use this as your normal health insurance the way they describe the benefits?

Also, how much are private health care insurance premiums in Mexico?

This IMG is talking about an annual premium of less than $2,000 USD for a person about 60 with a $500 deductible and a few other co-insurance features, depending on the type of benefit. This would include coverage back in US and Canada while traveling, not for going there for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment.

Hey Bob:

Under the IMG Silver Plan ( $500) deductible, excluding US and Canada coverage saves you about 25%. According to my calculations for you and your wife's ages, it would be about $3,081 vs. $2,318.
I guess you have to measure if/when you go back to US/Canada. I would go back about one month per year, so the 25% might be worth the peace of mind. Otherwise, what do you suggest-- a separate travel policy for that one month? Might be something to consider.

Thanks.

Bob, There was some chat on Chapala.com about them and I think there are a few lakesiders who buy it. I don't know if anyone has had a claim paid. That is the real test of an insurance policy. But given your ages I would shop around lakeside also. That doesn't look like a deal given what I was paying at that age and my deductible was lower and coves "emergency" treatment in the US.

The most important aspect of buying health insurance here is to talk to people who have had claims. You can see from Jim and Deb's experience you really need a good agent and find out an insurers track record of paying claims. It also helps to know what to do to see that your claim is paid - like going to an in network hospital for emergencies and getting prior approval for non emergency procedures. That is where the good agent comes in - explains what you need to do.

Thanks. Do you happen to have an email address for Edgar, since I would like to purchase health insurance for Mexico prior to arriving if possible?