Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) is a unique opportunity for young people aged 18 to 28 to gain international work experience while discovering a new country. If you’ve chosen Mexico for your assignment, it’s essential to prepare your project well, particularly with regard to your expatriate insurance in Mexico.
Indeed, taking out the right health insurance is crucial to guaranteeing your safety and well-being throughout your stay. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about VIE in Mexico, from administrative formalities to health insurance, so that you can enjoy this experience with peace of mind.
Profile of applicants for a VIE in Mexico
Mexico is a prime location for VIE assignments. French companies based there are mainly looking for profiles in the following fields:
- Business Development: These profiles are responsible for developing new markets, identifying business opportunities and forging local partnerships.
- Technical sales representatives: Technical sales representatives combine technical and commercial skills to promote complex products or services.
- Engineering : Companies are looking for specialized engineers, particularly in sectors such as automotive, energy and construction.
- Marketing and communications: Although less common, this field is sometimes sought after to adapt communications strategies to Mexico’s cultural specificities, manage advertising campaigns or oversee brand visibility in a booming market.
These profiles are essential for developing large-scale projects in the country, particularly in key sectors such as automotive, industry and technology.
All European nationals aged between 18 and 28 can apply for a VIE in Mexico. The length of the assignment varies between 6 and 24 months, and monthly compensation has been around €2,196 since July 2003. However, before embarking on this adventure, make sure you have adequate health cover to protect you against medical risks on the spot, as Mondassur can offer.
How do I find a VIE assignment in Mexico?
To land a VIE assignment in Mexico, there are several avenues open to you. First of all, it’s important to send unsolicited applications to French companies in Mexico. You can consult the list of member companies of the Chambre Franco-Mexicaine de Commerce et d’Industrie (CFMCI), or canvass SMEs likely to have an export project to Mexico. The Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in your region can also provide useful information on companies with plans to set up in Mexico.
For practical information and the steps to follow, the Centre d’Information sur le Volontariat International (CIVI) website offers a wealth of information. You can also find out about opportunities directly from the HR departments of VIE partner companies.
Conditions for applying for a VIE visa for Mexico
To qualify for a VIE assignment in Mexico, you must meet certain criteria and provide a number of documents.
Conditions of eligibility
To be eligible for a VIE assignment in Mexico, you must meet certain well-defined criteria, guaranteeing your ability to represent a French company abroad. Here are the main requirements:
- Between the ages of 18 and 28
- Be of French or European nationality and in good standing with your country’s national service authorities
- Enjoy your civil rights
- A clean criminal record
Documents required for application
To put together your application for a VIE in Mexico, you need to gather a series of essential documents. Here is a detailed list of the documents you need to provide:
- A duly completed form
- A passport valid for at least one month after the date of exit from Mexican territory
- One passport photo (32 mm x 26 mm to 39 mm x 31 mm)
- Certificate from Business France
- Letter of commitment to a Volontariat International en Entreprise, signed and stamped
- Attestation from the host company in Mexico indicating the period, activities to be carried out and remuneration arrangements
- Copy of Mexican company’s RFC (Registre Fédéral des Contribuables)
- Visa fees (can be paid in cash)
How to choose health insurance for your VIE in Mexico?
Once your VIE assignment has been confirmed, it’s crucial to take out health insurance in Mexico. Mexico’s healthcare system is constantly improving, but there are still major disparities between the public and private sectors. Appropriate health cover will enable you to cope with unforeseen medical circumstances and benefit from the best care, particularly in private establishments, which are often better equipped and more accessible.
Sanitary conditions to be taken into account
When you leave on a VIE assignment in Mexico, it’s vital to check the country’s health conditions and take out repatriation insurance. This coverage will ensure that you are taken care of if you need urgent care, particularly if the medical situation in Mexico requires repatriation to your home country for specialized treatment.
Access to care and treatment
Your health insurance should cover not only your medical expenses on site, but also your access to private and public health care. In the event of hospitalization, expatriate insurance will cover all medical expenses, from routine treatment to emergency care.
A good health insurance policy for a VIE in Mexico should also include coverage for international medical expenses, for your travels or stays in other countries, which is often essential for young people on assignment abroad.
Legal protection and assistance
Another essential aspect of good health cover is legal assistance services. In the event of a dispute with a medical facility, or if you need to assert your rights as an expatriate, insurance with legal assistance is a valuable asset.
A good health insurance policy for a VIE in Mexico should also include coverage for international medical expenses, for your travels or stays in other countries, which is often essential for young people on assignment abroad.
Finding accommodation during your VIE assignment in Mexico
Once you’ve taken out expatriate insurance in Mexico, it’s time to think about your accommodation. You have several options:
- Company HR department: Some companies offer housing assistance, with contacts or partnerships with housing for expatriates or former VIEs.
- VIE groups: Joining a WhatsApp group or a platform dedicated to VIEs in Mexico will enable you to exchange housing tips and receive practical advice from other expats.
- Specialized services: Numerous sites offer free services to help you find accommodation, whether it’s shared flats or rentals in neighborhoods popular with young expats.
Insurance: The key to your successful experience in Mexico
A VIE in Mexico is a great opportunity to develop your international career while discovering a fascinating country, as Pascal, a young French expatriate in Mexico, explains. However, for this adventure to be a complete success, you need to take into account a number of essential elements, such as your health insurance in Mexico. By taking out appropriate coverage, you can ensure a worry-free experience, well protected against health risks and unforeseen medical circumstances. Don’t forget that, although Mexico is an exciting country, it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected, so you can make the most of your assignment.
For more information on the best health insurance for expatriates, don’t hesitate to consult Mondassur, your international health insurance expert.
