West Coast Global Insurance Services

Many individuals and families move to our neighbor to the south for many reasons, including great weather, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, lower living costs, and — of course — more affordable healthcare. Unfortunately, many expatriates in Mexico have learned that, while healthcare is relatively less expensive in Mexico, a catastrophic event can nonetheless cripple your financial condition if you are not covered properly while traveling or living in Mexico. The Healthcare System in Mexico: An Overview The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) is Mexico's federal government healthcare program — and it is pretty similar to Medicare and Medicaid. IMSS runs its own healthcare facilities, and its doctors are highly trained specialists with private practices. However, using IMSS as the health plan for you or your family also means coping with a few challenges. These includes long lines and wait times, the unavailability of specialists during off-hours or on holidays, th...

  You are not alone if you are considering buying a condo or a townhouse in Mexico. These types of homes are becoming increasingly popular as more American expats seek to escape the upkeep required to own and maintain a large traditional Mexican house. However, condos and townhouses in Mexico must be insured like any other home. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between the two home types and the types of insurance required for each. Understanding the Differences Between a Condo and a Townhouse Condos and townhouses typically have distinct appearances. Condos are often built in a single structure — the layout resembles an apartment complex. On the other hand, townhouses look like traditional houses. They are often multi-story buildings that share an outer wall with a neighboring townhouse. Depending on the layout out of the town home, you may have neighbors living above or below you. Another critical distinction between a condo and a townhouse is ownershi...

  Mexico homeowners insurance protects your home and personal belongings from financial losses. Learn the fundamentals of Mexico homeowners insurance and what it covers. What is it? Property insurance in Mexico consists of coverages that provide financial support in repairing or replacing your home and valuables should they get damaged by specific perils (unforeseen disasters or perils). It may also cover medical bills for persons injured on your property, as well as the cost of damage to someone else's property. What does it cost? The cost of Mexico property insurance is determined by a number of factors, including the coverages you select, the characteristics of your property, and the value of your personal effects. There may also be additional fees for optional coverages or higher coverage limits. A good insurance, such as West Coast Global Insurance, can help answer your insurance questions so you can make the best financial decisions for your most valuable assets. ...

  Even if you are a veteran expat, the process of relocating to Mexico is not without its challenges. Here are five things you must know before moving to Mexico from the United States. 1. Residency is easy. In contrast to many other popular expat destinations, Mexico makes it easy for Americans to get residency status. The application process is straightforward, and there is no need to travel to Mexico to initiate it. Other than being employed in Mexico, economic solvency, a regular income for self-employed individuals, or a retirement pension for those who have retired, the Mexican government does not require you to prove much. 2. You still file US tax returns. US citizens hold the misperception that they are exempt from paying taxes if they live in a foreign country. However, even if they are permanent residents of Mexico, US citizens are still required to file US tax returns. There is a tax benefit for digital nomads, though — the foreign earned income exclusion may free...

 Healthcare for US citizens in Mexico is offered through the private system, but you can enroll in the IMSS employment-based health program if you move to Mexico for work. Access to public health care is cheap in Mexico, but its main drawback is that demand often exceeds supply, resulting in overcrowded facilities. The private system also has more modern hospitals and private outpatient clinics than the federal healthcare system, and most private doctors speak Fluent English because they were trained in the United States or Canada. If your employer does not provide healthcare coverage as part of your benefits and you can afford private health insurance while living in Mexico , you should consider protecting your health with a higher level of protection since it allows you to choose the level of medical treatment you receive and how and when it is provided. In Mexico, private hospitals and specialty clinics have noticeably shorter wait times and better infrastructure than public h...