It's one of the headliner sponsors of TalkBaja. Look at the top of the page.
It's being touted there as a Mexico version of AAA which is far from accurate. The service seemingly opens contact channels with providers, but has
nothing to do with predetermined assistance.
Lots of questions to be answered with this.stiladam - 11-30-2016 at 10:23 AM
I was checking that out and it's interesting, especially the lengthy list of services.
Ron of Talk Baja on FB page was saying that he had a very good experience needing a tow and used them.
I would like to know the vetting process for all of the service providers and the availability in remote areas.
The price seems fair enough. If I was a full timer I would definitely consider giving this a go.
I remember JR (SkiBaja - RIP) wanted to start a something like this but more of a search and rescue service. Too bad he didn't live to see it come to
fruition.
We get requests all the time from companies wanting to advertise over in our TalkBaja group and up until now (with the exception of BajaBound) I have
turned them all down. Before accepting them as sponsors I first subscribed to the service. Only after verifying for myself that is truly is the
Mexican version of AAA and a lot more did I agree. They really do provide an amazing service and it works throughout all of Mexico.
Many of you have asked me if the service is in fact real and how they can provide the advertised assistance plan for $9.99/mo? The answer is a
strategic partnership with Telemedic:
Telemedic is a leader in the industry with 20 years of experience and national clients in many corporate sectors. They offer the best assistance
service in Mexico and provides the backbone to the service plan offered by Simplehelp.
By negotiating based on a potentially large, new client base, SimpleHelp was able to achieve a very reasonable monthly price for Expats and Tourists
alike to have access to the service package now included with the SimpleHelp Plan and much more than just roadside assistance, including:
• Medical Assistance
• Home Assistance
• Auto Assistance
• Legal Assistance
• Travel Assistance
Bottom line is that I am using SimpleHelp and if I didn't believe it was a valuable service to expats and tourists down here in Mexico, I wouldn't
bother to add my name to it - the annual sponsorship money they pay to TalkBaja is simply not enough to warrant me sticking my neck out. I firmly
believe in and support their service.
The best news of all is that you don't even have to take my word for it - they offer a 100% money back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied.
Safe travels...
BajaGringo - 12-1-2016 at 04:16 PM
Here are the terms and exclusions:
SimpleHelp Terms of Use
By purchasing and using SimpleHelp, you agree to the following terms. TM-ASSISTANCE will provide to SimplePay (SimpleHelp) Users the following
services, which will be in effect for a monthly or annual term. Services will apply only in Mexico.
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Simple Concierge LLC. DBA SimplePay and SimpleHelp from now on SIMPLEHELP offers the following assistance plan “THE PLAN” to the customer from now on,
THE USER. The PLAN is provided by TM-ASSISTANCE to the USER. SIMPLEHELP is a distributor of TM-ASSISTANCE. The totality of the services outlined below
are provided and supplied by TM-ASSISTANCE and and which will have a monthly or annual duration, depending on the plan hired. All services may be used
throughout the Mexican Republic.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
1. Bilingual Telephonic Medical Assistance
TM-ASSISTANCE will contact user with licensed physicians, whom will provide telephonic information, advice and guidance, in English and Spanish
language, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through the designated telephone number, regarding information related to: medications and their side
effects, lab exams interpretation, counseling about family planning, sexual education, vaccinations, self-medication prevention, smoking, alcoholism
and drug dependence, first aid information and the processing of a clinical record for each person using the service. In accordance with the good
practices of medicine, the licensed physician will not prescribe any kind of medications or remedies over the phone. A doctor's visit is required for
any drug prescriptions.
This service is unlimited in events during the term of service.
2. Emergency Ground Ambulance Dispatch
In case of medical emergency resulting from serious illness or accident (which will be determined by TM-ASSISTANCE’s medical committee) User may
request the dispatch of a ground ambulance for transportation to the nearest hospital. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This
service is limited to 2 (two) events per year at no cost, and additional events may be provided at preferential rates, at user’s expense, during the
term of the services. The cost for additional events must be paid by user directly to the service provider.
For the purposes of this document, medical emergency is understood as a imminently life-threatening critical situation in which the patient’s life is
in danger because of the importance or severity of the medical condition, where immediate action is required.
TM-ASSISTANCE shall not be liable for any complications that may arise with the medical transportation or its results.
3. Emergency Air Ambulance Dispatch
In case of medical emergency resulting from serious illness or accident (which will be determined by TM-ASSISTANCE’s medical committee) User may
request the dispatch of an air ambulance for transportation to the nearest hospital. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This
service will be provided at preferential rates, at user’s expense, during the term of the services. The cost must be paid by user directly to the
service provider.
For the purposes of this document, medical emergency is understood as a imminently life-threatening critical situation in which the patient’s life is
in danger because of the importance or severity of the medical condition, where immediate action is required.
TM-ASSISTANCE shall not be liable for any complications that may arise with the medical transportation or its results.
4. Physician House Visitation
At User’s request, in case of emergency resulting from an accident or illness, TM-ASSISTANCE will coordinate the visitation of a general physician to
the user’s home. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This service is limited to 2 (two) events per year at no cost, and additional
events may be provided at preferential rates, at user’s expense, during the term of the services. The cost for additional events must be paid by user
directly to the physician.
5. Dental Services
TM-ASSISTANCE will provide User unlimited access, during the term of the services, to its dental care network in Mexico which includes preferential
prices for dentist consultation, dental laboratories and discounts in dental prosthesis work, along with more than 168 dental procedures at
preferential cost, which must be paid by user directly to the provider. Service includes two complimentary check-ups with per year with TM-ASSISTANCE
dental care providers, which consist of: Diagnostic or preventive consultation with x-rays and prophylaxis at no cost.
This service is unlimited in events during the term of service. All expenses incurred shall be paid by the user.
6. Optical Services
The user will have access to TM-ASSISTANCE optical providers’ network in Mexico that offers a free eye exam per year, access to discounts on frames
and lenses and an optical program with preferential prices with two attractive options to choose: Delta and Gamma.
- Delta Plan: Access to frames, lenses and cases through a copayment of $570.00 - Gama Plan: Access to frames, lenses and cases through a copayment of
$920.00 - Up to 40% discounts on brand frames and lenses
Optical Services Exclusions
The visual plan will not cover the following:
- Any cosmetics Lenses, in any of their presentations. -Solutions, Liquids and special cases. -Medications - Any Service provided outside the Mexican
territory. -Any Additional treatment on clear Single Vision CR-39 lenses -Any Additional treatment of bifocal lenses. -Any Product or services that
are not described in the service description. -The Discounts do not apply to current optical promotions. -Accessories of any kind. -Any Service
performed by others that are not participants of the Network. -Restrictions may apply.
This service is unlimited in events during the term of service. All expenses incurred shall be paid by the user.
7. Medical Specialists Network
At user’s request, TM-ASSISTANCE will provide references to basic medical specialties doctors in Mexico (gynecology, traumatology, cardiology,
gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, among others), who will attend the patient at preferential costs.
This service is unlimited in events during the term of service. All expenses incurred shall be paid by the user.
8. Medical Discounts
User will have access to TM-ASSISTANCE network of discounts in medical providers, pharmacies, clinics, laboratories and hospitals, urgent care
facilities, doctors and nurses in Mexico who will provide preferential prices and/or discounts of up to 30%.
This service is unlimited in events during the term of service. All expenses incurred shall be paid by the user.
Under any circumstance the phone physicians will issue prescriptions or recommend any medications or treatments. Prescriptions will only be issued
during a house visitation, which will be carried out by a legally authorized doctor.
In towns where due to its geographical or economic situation ambulance services or in-house doctor’s visitations are not available, TM-ASSISTANCE will
do its best to dispatch the service from the nearest town where the services are available.
Air ambulance dispatches and foreign transfers will be programmed and previously quoted for user´s authorization regarding its cost.
Any telephone medical assistance request that contravenes good practice of medicine.
The expenses incurred in medical care are the sole responsibility of the User and in no way the medical assistance service may be considered as
medical insurance.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
1. Roadside Services
In case of emergency, at User’s request, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a service provider for battery power supply, replacement of tire, gasoline supply or
locksmith services, with the following specifications:
- Replacement of tire: In case the vehicle has a flat tire, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a provider to replace the damaged tire with user’s spare tire or
inflate the flat tire, if possible. (Limited to replacement only) TM-ASSISTANCE will not provide spare tires or repair the damaged ones). If the tire
has safety studs, User must present the master dice as to provide the service. The service applies only for vehicles that are suitable for tire
replacement on public roads.
- Battery services: In case the vehicle’s battery is left without power, preventing its movement, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a provider to supply power
with a booster battery and allow the vehicle to continue moving on its own to the nearest car shop or garage to be repaired. TM-ASSISTANCE will not be
liable for damages caused as a result of faults in the electrical installations of the vehicle. (TM-ASSISTANCE will not provide or lend booster
batteries). The service applies only for vehicles that are suitable for power supply on public roads.
- Gasoline supply: In case the vehicle runs out of gas by some oversight, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a provider to supply up to 5 (five) liters of
gasoline, at no cost for the User.
- Locksmith service: In case of loss or theft of the car keys, or if keys are locked inside User’s vehicle, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a locksmith to
restore the correct opening and operation of the lock, as long as the vehicle does not have computerized doors. The service do not applies for lock
replacements, key duplicates or additional services. Does not apply for opening glove compartments or steering wheel locks)
Roadside services are limited to 3 (three) events of each service per year, at no cost, and additional events may be provided at preferential rates,
at user’s expense, during the term of the services. The cost for additional events must be paid by user directly to the service provider.
2. Towing Service
When the user’s vehicle cannot be started for circulation as a consequence of a mechanical malfunction, TM-ASSISTANCE will coordinate for the vehicle
to be towed to a car shop or service center of User’s choice by authorized towing service, with a 50 kilometers limit.
This service is limited to 2 (two) events per year at no cost, and additional events may be provided at preferential rates, at user’s expense, during
the term of the services. The cost for additional events must be paid by user directly to the service provider.
Roadside and Towing Services Exclusions:
The following vehicles are expressly excluded for the roadside and towing services: vehicles in excess of 3.5 tons, vehicles used for public cargo or
persons transportation, either federal or local; public busses, trailers, tractors, or vehicles of dual wheel class; rental cars.
Intentional crashes as well as participation of the vehicle in criminal acts.
Maintenance, revisions to the vehicle, major repairs and restoration or assembly of parts previously disassembled by the user or a third party.
Lack of gasoline or oil, discharged or damaged batteries and flat tires or lack of air do not entitle user to the towing service.
The towing service does not include rescue maneuvers (garages, parking lots, locked wheels, among others) or removing the vehicle stuck in potholes or
gorges.
The towing service is excluded for cars with injured people on it or cargo.
TM-ASSISTANCE will not cover expenses related to highway stalls, maneuvers, flags or wait time.
If the roadside or towing service arrives to the place requested by user and the service is no longer required, user must cover the cost of the
service anyway.
For the purposes of this document mechanical malfunction is understood as a mechanical damage that causes immobility of the car, without falling in
the event of a disaster (not caused by an accident).
HOME ASSISTANCE
At User’s request, in urgent cases that compromise the security of the house and its inhabitants, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a provider in the following
fields of expertise:
1. Plumbing: At user’s request, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a provider to repair broken pipes, valves or other water fixtures in the user´s home, as long
as the condition of the broken installation allows the repair and only if there is no provision of the authority that prohibits the repair.
2. Locksmith. At user´s request, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a provider to restore the correct opening and operation of the door lock, when the lock is
damaged preventing access to the house, because of a failure or as a consequence of attempt of robbery, as long as the house does not have
computerized doors.
3. Glassworks. In case of breakage of glass, glass doors or windows that are part of the exterior of the user´s house (only exterior glass, understood
as windows or glass doors that are part of the facade of the house and not inside the house) as a result of an accidental situation, TM-ASSISTANCE
will send a provider for the replacement of the broken glass or crystal.
4. Electricity. At user’s request, TM-ASSISTANCE will send a provider to restore the power supply, when no electric current is available in any or all
phases of the electricity system inside the house as a result of failure or malfunction of the electrical installations of the same, as long as the
electrical installations allow the repair and only if there is no provision of the authority that prohibits the repair.
The above benefits are limited to a maximum of $ 2,000.00 (Two thousand pesos 00/100 MN) per event. The home assistance service is limited to 2 (two)
events per year of each of the above services at no cost, including materials and labor.
General Conditions Home Assistance:
a. Home Assistance service will be provided only if requested by the User. b. Home Assistance service will be provided only if the user is owner,
co-owner or lessee of the affected house, or demonstrate with tax receipt, utility bill, voter registration card or bank statement that the property
is its fiscal and legal domicile on the understanding that the service applies only to domestic homes, expressly excluding all commercial premises,
workshops, offices and any premises that are not used as domestic homes. c. Home Assistance service will be provided only if the user is physically
present during the requested repairs or expressly authorizes in writing another person to receive and pay the provider and to accept the finished
work. d. Home Assistance service will be provided only in cases of emergency, which for purposes of this document is defined as an accidental and
fortuitous situation that impairs the property, preventing its everyday use and jeopardizing the security of the house and its inhabitants.
• Home Assistance Exclusions
1. Plumbing: Unclog toilet, storm drains, strainers, drains, repair water pumps, repairing damage from leaks or damp, whether because of breakage of
pipes or other water installations, repair or replacement of sanitary equipment, boilers, heaters, radiators, air conditioners and, in general, any
appliance connected to water pipes.
2. Electricity: Repair of lamps, bulbs, fluorescent tubes, ballasts, switches, plugs or electric pumps and repair damages of heating appliances,
household items and, in general, repair of any equipment operating with power supply.
3. Locksmith: Glove compartments, drawers, closets, safety boxes and similar objects; electric locks.
4. In general, any plumbing, electrical, glasswork and locksmith services, which do not require immediate attention and are aesthetic improvements or
ornaments.
5. Any damages and contingencies caused intentionally by the user as well as those originated from acts of war, revolution, rebellion, sedition,
mutiny, riot and other popular events that alter Estate security (vandalism) and when access to housing is prevented by order or acts of authority, as
in cases of earthquake, volcanic eruption, flood and other natural or direct consequence of these phenomena.
HOME MAINTENANCE
Repair of walls or surfaces as a result of an electrical service or plumbing at a preferential price.
- Carpentry: repairs, expansion, maintenance or remodeling whether or not emergency. A technician will be sent to quote service.
- Masonry: covering of opening slots and holes caused in order to find water pipes, drains, or electrical installations; repairs, patching, etc.
This service is unlimited in events during the term of service. All expenses incurred shall be paid by user directly to the service provider.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
1. Telephonic Legal Assistance At user´s request, TM-ASSISTANCE’s lawyers will provide unlimited telephonic legal advice, during the term of service,
with multidisciplinary assistance in the following areas of law: commercial, criminal, civil and family law. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365
days a year and is unlimited in events during the term of service.
2. Repatriation In case of death of the User outside his place of permanent residence, TM-ASSISTANCE will coordinate, at the request of the user’s
relatives, the repatriation of the body from the Mexican Republic to the place of residence of the User with preferential cost, which shall be covered
by the user’s family.
General conditions to start the provision of Repatriation Services:
Services may be provided only upon delivery of the Death Certificate issued by the hospital institution or government authority (forensic doctor).
In order to request the service, the relatives of the deceased must provide the following information:
- Name of deceased - Location of the deceased: city or town and state. - Place of final destination: city or town and state. - Approximate weight. -
Name and telephone number of the deceased relatives or a person having sufficient authority to consent the procedure to perform the Services. - Cause
of death - Final disposition of the remains in the destination. - Name and address of the funeral home. - Name, telephone and address of the relative
to whom the body of the deceased will be delivered.
Repatriation General Exclusions
If for any reason the user is considered to be under arrest or detained by any authority. If the schedules of airports and / or physical or
meteorological conditions do not allow for a safe transportation. The user does not have identification. Impossibility of transfer due to biological,
infectious or toxicological risk. There is no guarantee regarding transfer times and means of transportation.
Transfer of a relative in case of illness or accident of the User
If the user suffers a serious accident or sudden illness, determined as such by the attending physician, and as a consequence must be hospitalized for
more than 5 days in Mexico, TM-ASSISTANCE will manage and cover the necessary expenses to transfer one of the user’s relatives to the place where the
health care is being provided. This service is limited up to a maximum amount of $6,000.00 (Six Thousand Pesos 00/100) and is limited to one event per
year during the term of the services.
ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCES
1. Veterinary Telephonic Assistance
Telephonic assistance for veterinarian references, coordination of appointments on animal pensions, animal training, lodging, vaccination programs,
shelters, sterilization, rehabilitation and orthopedics, contact with animal protective services, guide dogs, spa, location chips placement, special
events facilities and ads in networking for locating missing pets.
This service is unlimited in events during the term of service. All expenses incurred shall be paid by the user.
2. “Ahorra Mas” Discount Network
The user will have access to TM-ASSISTANCE discount network “AHORRA MAS”, which consists of more than 2,000 affiliated stores nationwide, in the
following areas: Restaurants, Entertainment, Health and Beauty, among others. The affiliated stores, discounts and benefits are identified in TM
-ASSISTANCE web page, ranging from 10% to 50% discounts.
This benefit is unlimited in events during the term of service. No reimbursements will apply. If the coupon is not accepted at the store or location,
the user must immediately contact TM-ASSISTANCE at the following number: 018000300236
1. For the services to apply the event must be reported by telephone to TM-ASSISTANCE in a timely manner during the term of the Services. 2. To use
the service the User must first contact TM-ASSISTANCE, who will coordinate and manage the entire event. If the user arranges the event on its own, the
service coverage is no longer applicable. 3. Services shall apply at user’s request or through a family member or responsible person in case of the
user is not capable to communicate. 4. In cases of force majeure the service may be affected, in which case TM-ASSISTANCE will make its best effort to
provide the service in the best possible conditions. 5. The preferential costs referred to in this document are subject to change without notice and
may vary depending on the state of the Mexican Republic where the user is located. 6. TM-ASSISTANCE will not be responsible for the service provision
in the following cases: • When the User fails to identify as an active user. • When the User fails to provide accurate and timely information, which
by its nature does not allow addressing the issue properly, or if the User incurs in false statements. • When the user fails to fulfill any of the
obligations contained in these general conditions.
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS
• All those contemplated in these terms and conditions. • When a crime is committed as a consequence of an intentional action of the User. • Any
service request that contravenes the law or if an authority restrictions forbids for the service to be provided. • No reimbursements of any expense
shall apply. • Services are excluded from the following situations: - Any Assistance Situations that arise directly or indirectly from: strikes, war,
invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), rebellion, revolution, civil war, insurrection, terrorism, uprisings,
pronouncements, popular movements, radioactivity or any other case of force majeure. - Any kind of medical, pharmacist or hospital expense. -
Self-harm or participation of the User in intentional criminal acts, suicide or illnesses and injuries resulting from attempted suicide, even if
committed in a state of mental imbalance. - Accident occurred while user is intoxicated or under the use of drugs and / or stimulants according to the
determination of the respective authority. - If the User is intentionally involved in brawls, strikes and popular riots.
There seems to be some overlap here with BEMCC, which I've subscribed to in the past but never had to call in an emergency. I'm wondering if SimpleHelp would make BEMCC redundant, or is
it worthwhile subscribing to both?
Binational Emergency Committee
Comite Binacional de Emergencias
United States/Mexico www.binationalemergency.org
There seems to be some overlap here with BEMCC, which I've subscribed to in the past but never had to call in an emergency. I'm wondering if SimpleHelp would make BEMCC redundant, or is
it worthwhile subscribing to both?
I looked at the BEMCC plan you referred to and I am not exactly sure as to what all it includes except for help in coordinating an emergency
evacuation from Mexico. Do they also pay for the transportation costs? If so, is that only by ground or does it include air transport and how far???
The SimpleHelp program is different as it is not an evacuation service but does offer you a wide range of services - not just medical - all through
bilingual operator assistance. You can read my post above which lists all the different services and coverages available.
I have been using it and it really is quite remarkable as to the the extent of services available - much more than simple roadside assistance.
