Job Discussion Forums

[Betty Rubble]

I am wondering what other Americans do for health insurance while working in Mexico. My contract does not cover health insurance (there is a small reimbursement of 2500 pesos to contribute to your health care arrangements). However, I seem to remember reading somewhere on here that when one has an FM3 they are automatically enrolled in the national health care system. Is that true? Is that enough coverage in the event of an emergency? Do people get traveler's insurance for the whole year? If so, how/ where do you get an affordable plan?

I am also reviewing my contract before signing it, and I noticed that it is not written anywhere that my housing will be covered by the school. Should I worry about this? I have also worked in Korea, where everything was stipulated in the contract, down to exactly how much furniture would be in my apartment, the process to go through if I was to break my contract, etc. That contract was about ten pages long. This one is two pages. Are things in general just more relaxed in Mexico? How much of a stickler should I be regarding the contract's specificity?

Thanks for the tips!

[amaranto]

Both public and private health insurance exist in Mexico. Until you have an FM3, you will have to pay for your health expenses out of your own pocket. The cost of a doctor's visit varies depending on the doctor. If the $2500 is provided to you on a monthly basis, then you should be fine for most standard ailments.

According to the Federal Labor Law, employers are required to register themselves and their employees with the government social security agency (IMSS). Dues are paid via withholding every month, and cover job-related risks, general illnesses and maternity, disability, old age and life, unemployment at an advanced age, nurseries, and social benefits.

Once your employer has registered you with IMSS, you will have to set up a schedule with your local clinic in which you can see a doctor in case you're sick.

Some jobs provide employees with private health insurance, though I doubt you will get that as a teacher.

In my opinion, if your school has agreed to provide you with housing, then that should be stipulated in a contract (in a housing clause). If this is not included in the employment contract, then their commitment must be present in writing in a separate contract. Otherwise, they are not obligated to provide you with housing.

I don't know what kind of school you will be working for, but if it's a language school, be careful. You don't want any more stress down the road than absolutely necessary.

[Samantha]

Does the contract mention anything about your FM3 work permit?

[Betty Rubble]

It's not a language school. It's an elementary school. They only hire licensed teachers, and they sent me their whole human resources packet, so I am feeling as though they are pretty trustworthy, and it seems like a great school. However, I still want to be sure. Korea left me slightly gun-shy!
I asked them to change the contract to include the housing, and to include the work visa details. Thank you both for the tips- any other suggestions you can think of would be appreciated!

[awest]

I got a little health coverage from the following website: www.medicavrim.com. It's not a lot but if your tight for money it could help and it's really not that expensive.