kleinm
4/2/2017 21:52 EST
as if moving is't stressful enough plus a foreign country in my case Mexico/Central america.the variables that i'm experiencing is making my head spin for me either getting health insurance or living in mexico/any of the central american countries , their a ocean of endless choices, banking,residence ,which rules apply to which country and of course your country of origin, age, preexisting medical conditions, it's making me feel defeited and i have't been able to make a single choice without trying to compare the differences which seem impossible to calculate because i'm getting a different answer to the same question by trained professional's in that industry that are paid to know the answers Thanking you all in advance for reading this any info/direction would be a god send Thanks
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triciadmn
4/3/2017 00:14 EST
relax, take a deep breath. sounds like you're suffering from paralysis of analysis. look for a forest and stop counting trees?why do you want to emigrate.
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stillkicking
4/3/2017 01:49 EST
What kind of information are you looking for? It sounds like you may be better off staying where you are for the time being.
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giershift43
4/3/2017 07:33 EST
There is a lot to moving and choices. Break it down into parts and make a list.
If you try to solve it all at once you will overwhelm yourself.
Also make a list of why you want to move, pros and cons.
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peggyjune
4/3/2017 09:33 EST
I am going thru a similar process, I would say, take a trip to an area you are interested in, research in advance and then = "follow your heart". Many ways to do this, I am in the process of looking/re-visiting Playa del Carman. I traveled to Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras. Everyplace has its + and -. . Have fun with this! It takes courage, and willing to learn new ways of life.
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dwwhiteside
4/4/2017 12:57 EST
I don't know if this will help but i will gladly offer you my two cents worth.
I have been living in Mexico since 2013 and have not purchased health insurance. There are two separate government sponsored / subsidized health programs and I have heard of expats availing themselves of both. There are private insurers as well. However, the costs for most healthcare services in Mexico are such that I simply pay out of pocket when I see a doctor. I also have some savings that I keep in reserve "just in case." All in all, unless you have an existing, chronic condition that requires frequent care, I would suggest you take a wait and see attitude toward health insurance.
Regarding banking, some expats immediately open a local bank account and others, who have been here for years, still have only a U.S. bank account. For the most part, unless you need to have ready access to relatively large sums of money (i.e. several thousand U.S. dollars), the best advice seems to be to keep your money in a U.S. bank and use an ATM for cash when needed and a credit / debit card for daily purchases.
Two things to mention here. First, you may want to find a bank that does not charge you fees for ATM withdrawals in Mexico. Several expats have mentioned a Charles Schwabb account. I have my account with Ally Bank. They let me make ATM withdrawals in Mexico with no fees and even reimburse the fees the local ATM charges me.
The second thing to consider about banking is maintaining a U.S. address. I have a U.S. mailing address through a UPS Store in Texas. But, many others use the home address of a close relative or friend. Either way, if you can maintain at least the appearance of a U.S. address, it could simplify banking and some other issues as well.
For the most part, I would say just don't overthink this. Take a few exploratory trips to places you think you might like. Get some first hand knowledge of the place, the people, the climate, etc. and then make a choice based on how you feel about the place. However, rent for a while before you purchase a home. This way, if you find after a few months that you're not entirely happy with your choice, you can up and move with few consequences.
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richmcintyre
4/4/2017 17:41 EST
kleinm: If you want me to respond, you are going to have to learn all about punctuation and spell check. That was horrid.
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bluewater1
4/4/2017 20:20 EST
There are helpful threads on health insurance and what the average expat doesn't need it for on Playa.info. Also posts on the general area if interested in the Yucatán. We built a home and will be retiring next year
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bluewater1
4/4/2017 20:31 EST
Charles Schwabb offers a brokerage account with zero ATM fees and we're opening an account for that reason. We will still have a bank account in Playa to be able to wire funds to (many items are payable only by wire or cash) and because we get preferred rates on currency exchanges. And of course you need to consider the visa options. The temporary resident visa expires after 4 years so the permanent visa is the answer, but you have to drive a Mexican-plated car.
So there is a lot to think about, but the key is to take time to go through each one and don't stress. We got a lot of help here and on other forums.
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stillkicking
4/5/2017 02:02 EST
re: not having health insurance. I just came across the saddest and most depressing blog by an elderly woman who had to spend $12,000 usd out of her own pocket due to a medical emergency stay in a Chapala area hospital. Something to think about.
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bluewater1
4/5/2017 06:35 EST
Not sure what the blog was about, but obviously with no health insurance or funds set aside major medical events can certainly drain your savings.
There is a wealth of information on health insurance and the quality of medical services in Mexico, specifically the Playa Del Carmen area in my case. Most expats buy insurance for major medical (hospital, surgeries, etc) and pay cash for doctor visits, labs, x-rays, and meds because prices are so low. Others we know in amexico and in the US choose not to not buy ins and have a fund to cover major events. You can't enjoy retirement without one or the other.
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giershift43
4/5/2017 08:03 EST
My question is what specifically was the treatment and how much would it have cost in the States? Even with insurance there are huge copays and deductibles today. Before I retired I had a $5000 deductible before insurance paid. Medicare only pays 80% of usual and customary. An ambulance ride after insurance was $300. And I have 2 health insurances, prior to being eligible for Medicare.
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Gypsyforlife
4/5/2017 11:56 EST
Please whT do I have to do to be wcanceled from receiving this forum. I have delegated and delegated numerous times and I'm still receiving it. Will someone please send me the contact to cancel.
Thank you.
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MonicaRixPaxson
4/5/2017 17:43 EST
I remember feeling that way before coming to Mexico eight years ago. It was like trying to swim in a sea of chaos! I am almost reluctant to suggest anything for fear of contributing to overload, but I will tell you this: It gets better! You sort things out one step at a time. Take it slowly. I think that reading is better than talking to people (less confusing, less mere opinion, and more genuine information) and there are good books. I like to think I've written one of those (about medical care and insurance), but perhaps some of the readers here will suggest others. God bless you and trust that there actually is a better life ahead.
Best wishes,
Monica Rix Paxson, researcher and author of The English Speaker’s Guide to Medical Care in Mexico
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