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$300 a year, that's dirt cheap. How old do you have to be to qualify for IMSS?
Having only IMSS isn't a situation you'll want to find yourself in. Maintaining private healthcare insurance will be something I think you should do. Also, IMSS does and will probably continue to deny service/coverage for pre-existing conditions ... or impose some sort of period before you can be treated for some problems. Government-affiliated clinics/hospitals ... generally, and on average ... are probably something you'd find unacceptable at home, and not encouraged when visited in Mexico. The Lake Chapala communities are indeed nice places to live. Not trouble-free, but, on balance, good and the close proximity to Guadalajara is a huge plus.
There are many retired foreigners who only have IMSS and they are very happy with the care they receive. It does not cover some preexisting conditions immediately but after 3 years everything is covered.
It is helpful if one is in an IMSS hospital and he does not speak Spanish, that he have someone who can translate.
Most medical is so inexpensive like tests and doctor visits that most of us pay out of pocket. I have one doctor I like and she charges $40 pesos a visit. That's about $3 US Dollars. Blood work and other tests are so cheap it's better to pay out of pocket. A private insurance plan can cost thousands a year, close to what it is in the U.S., so one saves money paying for general medical care and keep IMSS for expensive care like operations.
I am seriously considering making the move to Rosarito Beach, after spending much time at the Rosarito Beach Hotel since 1964. It's not far to the border, the VA Hospital is in La Jolla and I live on a SSDI and VA Disability pension (100% service connected disability).
I have Mexican Nationals acquaintances that I know down there as well as a gent named Ed Jones. He is a retiree from San Diego and I met him prior to the filming of the Titanic. At that time, Ed conducted the Karioki at the Beach Comber bar (Rosarito beach Hotel) and later moved his karioki to the Las Rocas hotel.
My interest is to get input from Expats that live there (I haven't found Ed Jones recently, but bring him up in the event that someone knows him so I can reconnect). I want to rent or lease to begin with and want an idea as to the cost of utilities per month, telephone, internet and cable connectivity, resident auto insurance, how do I cost effectively stay insured to drive in the US.
These are a few questions, but I would like to befriend a trusting Expat soul to set me straight on the whole thought process and execution of this change of residence, how to handle banking, what cash (pesos, dollars, if both how much of each to have on hand) to carry and how to pay local and US bills.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I am a Marine, past lottery Executive, live in Carlsbad, CA, I am very healthy 62, recently single (over one year), hetro, want to eventually find a female life partner.
I am sorry if I seem homophobic, but I have been through Hill Crest. That's not my life style, but it's OK for them.
I appreciate any advise and cautions (we can't carry down there like in the Philippines).
Best regards,
Tom
(thmcarlsbad)
Last edited by thmcarlsbad; 04-22-2012 at 05:41 PM..
Reason: Clarity & some spelling
Tom, I'm a retired vet south of Rosarito in my own home 16yrs.
Va hospitral is in La Jolla north of San Diego for any medical needs.
As for banking, I use Wells Fargo right in San Ysidro along with a close by ATM up the street close to a lge mkt.
You can pay any bills online...saves crossing the border to the P.O.
Utilities here are CHEAP compared to the US.
Electricity for two months cost me around 900 Pesos.
Sky TV with many English channels/movies is 502 pesos.
Phone (land) is 373 pesos basic for me as I do not talk that much plus Internet connection included.
Trucked in 500 gal of water every 5 weeks $20.
Trash is picked up every week w/o any bills.
Car ins for Mexico will vary depending one.
what yr car you have.
As for what currency to use....a matter of choice. ATM dispenses Pesos for a small local fee along with a fee by your bank...still cheaper the paying for gas and time at the border.
I did cross the border 2-3 times a month but since the construction at the border only cross once a month. Pay my CC bills via online banking .saves me a headache.
Two large grocery chain stores plus Walmart and the prices will be a bit higher then SD but taking into consideration of gas prices and the border time wait...still a good deal.
As for mail, there is a local company that uses the P.O. in San Ysidro and picks up mail for a yearly fee at their box charging about $170 last number I heard. They cross about 3 times a week.
Forget about getting US mail down here...been there and done that when living in Mexico City.
Gas at Pemes is 40 Pesos a gal. /Peso exchange rate will fluctuate a wee bit 12.20 to 12.50 for a US dollar....depending on weekends or US holidays for Tourists.
Hope these wee bits of info help.
14,000 Americans living in the Roaarito area can't be wrong.
IN my opinion anybody who buys property in a foreign country with out living there,knowing the language or having family ties is a fool.
Good comments, and ones which I agree with.
Moving abroad probably isn't the right thing to do for most who consider it. it takes a special breed of person to pull-up roots, leave family and friends and enter a culture about which they know little and likely don't speak or understand the language well. Those types crash and burn rather quickly. The survivors have either prepared themselves well beforehand or are just plain lucky.
Rent before you buy should be the rule to follow. Live in a community, neighborhood for at least 6 months (preferably a year) before buying there. Acquire, by whatever means, the best information and legal advice you can afford. Then ... enjoy the new life!
$300 a year, that's dirt cheap. How old do you have to be to qualify for IMSS?
Having only IMSS isn't a situation you'll want to find yourself in. Maintaining private healthcare insurance will be something I think you should do. Also, IMSS does and will probably continue to deny service/coverage for pre-existing conditions ... or impose some sort of period before you can be treated for some problems. Government-affiliated clinics/hospitals ... generally, and on average ... are probably something you'd find unacceptable at home, and not encouraged when visited in Mexico. The Lake Chapala communities are indeed nice places to live. Not trouble-free, but, on balance, good and the close proximity to Guadalajara is a huge plus.
Employers usually pay for IMSS for employees and their families. That means any age is covered. There is not a preexisting clause for employees covered by IMSS.
The only time there is a preexisting clause, and not all conditions are permanently banned, is the voluntary membership where a person signs up for IMSS for himself and it is not provided by an employer. IMSS Insurance Terms & Conditions : Mexico Living
Age 60 and over the annual fee is about $300 USD.
Fees in pesos: Health Care
Quote:
Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, IMSS, is the Mexican social security system. Among other things, it includes an extensive, country-wide HMO-type health care system offering free out-patient clinics, hospitals, and drugs. Membership is automatic and free for employees of covered businesses (which is most companies). It is available for very low annual fees to everybody else including foreigners holding an FM2 or FM3 visa. The cost depends on age.
IMSS fees for 2011 (pesos):
0-18 $1,3209
20-39 $1,543.70
40-60 $2,307.10
60+ $3,472
Fees usually go up in February of each year
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