Getting insurance in Mexico shouldn’t feel like buying a Rolex from a guy in a back alley. But for many expats, unfortunately, it does. The agent sounds charming, sends you a generic PDF that looks like it was made in Microsoft Paint, promises you’re “fully covered,” and vanishes when you need help the most.
Or worse: they call you every year to upgrade your plan… but when you file a claim, they say “oh, that’s not covered.”
Before you sign anything—or share your personal info or financials—use this checklist. It’s like a trust exam. If they fail, walk away.
1. Do They Have a Valid Insurance License in Mexico?
All agents in Mexico are required to have an official license (called a cédula) issued by the CNSF — the National Insurance and Bonding Commission.
To check:
- Go to this official site: https://agentesajustadores.cnsf.gob.mx
- Enter the agent’s full name (or license number, if they provided it)
- Confirm:
- Their license is valid
- What kind of insurance they’re certified to sell (health, life, auto, etc.)
⚠️ If they don’t show up or it says “provisional,” that’s a red flag.
Types of Licenses (Cédulas)
| Type | What they can sell | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional | Trainees, not fully certified yet | Beginner |
| A1 | Health and life insurance | Basic |
| A2 | Auto and home insurance | Basic |
| A (Full) | A1 + A2 | Standard |
| B1 | Group life and health insurance | Advanced |
| B2 | Corporate property, fleets, boats, helicopters, etc. | Advanced |
| B (Full) | B1 + B2 | Professional |
| C | High-risk (vessels, stadiums, etc.) | Specialist |
| F / G / M | Niche sectors (livestock, bails, etc.) | Niche |
If they can’t show you their license, don’t show them your wallet.
2. Are They Exclusive or Independent?
There are two types of agents:
- Exclusive agents work for one insurance company only.
- Independent (multi-company) agents can offer quotes from several companies and help you compare.
🚩 If an agent is exclusive but tells you “this is the best (or only) option,” be cautious.
A good agent is transparent. They’ll explain the pros and cons of your tailored plan — even if that means recommending you don’t buy anything right now.
But if you’re the type who prefers to compare before talking to anyone, we got you covered:
> Best Health Insurance for Expats in Mexico 2025 Guide
3. Do They Listen or Just Try to Sell?
This one’s easy.
Ask yourself:
- Did they ask about your health history, income, lifestyle, or residency status?
- Or did they jump straight into “This is our best deal! It ends today!”
Any agent pushing you to buy something fast is thinking about their commission—not your protection.
4. Can They Explain Your Plan Without Buzzwords?
If your agent starts talking like a lawyer or throws insurance jargon at you, that’s a problem.
Ask them something like:
“If I get surgery in the U.S. while living in Mexico, is that covered?”
A good answer will sound like:
- “It depends on the plan”
- “Some have international coverage or urgent care abroad”
- “Let me show you where it says that in the contract”
A bad answer?
- “Yes, of course, everything’s covered!” — with zero proof.
- “No, that’s not included” — without checking.
Still confused about what’s covered abroad and what isn’t?
Read our full guide > Expat Health Insurance in Mexico: Should You Get Global or Local Coverage?
5. Do They Have a Privacy Notice?
Even if your agent works with big insurers like Allianz, Bupa, or Axa, they must have their own privacy policy—especially if they’re collecting your passport, medical records, phone, or email.
It should be easy to find (on their site or email signature).
If it’s missing, how can you be sure your data won’t end up with some shady telemarketer selling funeral plans?
6. Do They Have Real Reviews?
Open Google and search their name:
“John Smith insurance agent Mexico”
«Daniel Robles Donna insurance Mexico» 😏
What to look for:
- Google Reviews (real ones, not just from their aunt and college roommate)
- Reddit posts or expat forums
- LinkedIn activity
- Complaints on CNSF or CONDUSEF (Mexican consumer protection agency)
And yes—you should Google me too.
I don’t have a lot of Google reviews. But I use my full name, I’m not hiding behind a brand, and you’ll find me answering questions on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram. That transparency matters.
7. Do They Disappear After the Sale?
A good agent doesn’t ghost you.
Ask yourself:
- Will they help if I need to file a claim?
- Will they check in before my renewal?
- Do they walk me through how to set up my client portal?
If they work for a call center or some faceless aggregator site, they’ll likely vanish once you pay.
8. Ask These Uncomfortable Questions (Seriously)
If they get defensive when you ask these, imagine how they’ll react when you really need help.
Questions to ask:
- Do you have a valid license? Can I see it?
- Do you carry liability insurance in case of mistakes?
- How many clients are you currently helping?
- What happens if I can’t reach you later?
- Has one of your clients ever had a claim denied? What did you do?
🎯 A real professional will answer clearly. A sketchy one will dodge or get offended.
9. Where to Report a Bad Agent?
If something feels off or you’ve already had a bad experience:
- CNSF – To verify licenses or report misconduct
- CONDUSEF – If the issue involves the insurance company itself
- Reddit / Forums – To get help from others or share your experience
- A lawyer – If it escalates to legal action
Final Thoughts
At Donna, we believe a great insurance advisor is like a great doctor: they know their stuff, explain it clearly, and don’t disappear when you need them most.
Avoid agents who use vague phrases like:
- “You’re going to love this policy”
- “It’s the best thing you can do for your family”
Instead, look for someone who gives you real data, clear reasons, and honest answers—even if they don’t close the sale today.
Want to work with someone who stays around before, during, and after the sale? Message me directly on WhatsApp or fill out this form.
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