Tier One Interview: Melissa Lopez

This month, our CEO, Jay Judas, speaks with Melissa Lopez, Managing Partner at Insurance Advisors Global Partners. They dive into Melissa’s unique journey from international healthcare to high-net-worth insurance, the critical role of international private medical insurance, building a business with her husband, and why global families need more than just life insurance to protect their futures. Oh, and you’ll also find out where to order a modified amatriciana you didn’t know you needed. Read on to learn more!

JAY:  For much of my international career in the high-net-worth international life insurance market, I would often run into representatives either distributing kidnap and ransom insurance or marketing international private medical insurance (“IPMI”) plans.  In my view, these medical plans are a perfect complementary product to life insurance for affluent, international clients.  Today, I am so happy to be speaking with someone who proves that point every day.  Melissa, tell me about Insurance Advisors Global Partners and your role with the company.

MELISSA: Thank you so much for the kind introduction—I'm truly honored by your words. At Insurance Advisors Global Partners, we recognize that the world knows no boundaries or barriers, and this should be reflected in the insurance and protection products we offer. In today’s interconnected global community, everyone - regardless of their background, culture, or circumstances - deserves access to world-class planning and coverage in a strong currency. We take great pride in delivering unparalleled, comprehensive insurance solutions to clients across the globe.

Our expertise transcends geographical boundaries, allowing us to support clients no matter where they live or what their nationality may be. Our portfolio includes a wide range of tailored insurance and reinsurance solutions, ensuring that our clients and their loved ones have complete peace of mind, knowing they are safeguarded by the highest level of protection available.

In my role, I lead client strategy and partner development, collaborating closely with families, advisors, and carriers to ensure that our solutions are tailored to meet each client’s unique global lifestyle and needs. It’s an exciting and dynamic space, and I’m deeply passionate about bridging the gap between traditional IPMI and life insurance approaches while meeting the evolving demands of an international clientele.

JAY: Your knowledge of healthcare did not start with the life and health insurance industry, did it?  After college, you had another role with experiences that afforded you the opportunity to learn about medical care for international clients.  Take me back even further and share with me a little bit about where you grew up and the path you took to where you are today in the industry.

MELISSA: That’s right I did not start out in the life and health business.  After graduating with an emphasis in Healthcare Services Administration and International Relations, I began my career representing a state-of-the-art nuclear medicine and molecular imaging facility. In my role as the Executive Director, my responsibilities included working directly with IPMI carriers and international clients that needed these advanced radiological services.

Since the institution had a targeted emphasis on Cardiology and Oncology, I was able to acquire vast knowledge and experience not only on the medical and technical aspects of the operation but also on the business development and service facet in its entirety. Through consistent growth in the market, my strategy then included not only representing the clinic with international organizations, carriers and conferences but also branching out to assisting hospitals in Latin America and the Caribbean in how to acquire this innovative technology locally, including the acquisition of imaging devices, radiologic pharmaceuticals and logistics while providing them assistance in the whole process of buildout and implementation.

Having built this foundation in my career, I was then presented with the opportunity to hold a role as the Executive Director of a highly reputable Cardiology practice and that position expanded my experience in the medical world and further enhanced my relationship with IPMI carriers. This ultimately led me to a dedicated role within the insurance industry. 

Having an established healthcare and international background, I found my passion in creating solutions with international medical coverage. Being born and raised in Miami, Florida has given me a distinct advantage, providing direct access to some of the largest IPMI companies headquartered here, as well as a gateway to the international market, with Miami serving as a business hub to Latin America and the Caribbean.

After meeting and falling in love with my husband, Cesar - who has become not only my life partner but also my business partner - it felt natural to join forces and carry forward the legacy his grandfather began in 1975. As a third-generation insurance advisor with a lifelong focus on financial services and risk management, Cesar brought a wealth of knowledge and tradition to the table. Together, we saw an opportunity to merge our strengths, complement each other's skills, and expand our reach globally. What started as a shared vision quickly became a powerful partnership, built on mutual respect, trust, and the understanding that where one of us is strong, the other brings support. In business as in life, we prove every day that "teamwork makes the dream work" — and together, we are building something greater than either of us could have alone. We are very blessed!

JAY:  Early on in my international career, I was privileged to get to work with your father-in-law and it puts a smile on my face to see you and Caesar following in his footsteps.   I think our readers would like to know more about what an IPMI plan is, how it works and who should consider purchasing one?

MELISSA: International private medical insurance plans offer comprehensive global health coverage, providing clients with access to top-quality medical care worldwide. Anyone living outside of the U.S. should strongly consider an IPMI plan, as it delivers flexible, robust benefits and ensures access to the best healthcare no matter where life takes them.

JAY:  When Pete and I move to Mexico in a couple of years, should we purchase an IPMI plan?   Would it help us there?

MELISSA: Absolutely!  When you and Pete make the move, having global protection will be essential. An IPMI plan will give you both access to the best medical care in Mexico and this differs from most local plans that restrict you to specific networks and clinics.  With an IPMI plan, you will have the flexibility to seek treatment anywhere in the world. Local plans tend to have not only limited provider networks but also lower benefit caps. Everyone deserves the best health coverage, no matter where you choose to live. Especially friends of mine, like you and Pete!

JAY:  If I am in a country with socialized medicine, would a IPMI plan be useful?  Countries like Canada and Spain come to mind.

MELISSA: Yes, great question. While socialized medicine certainly provides broad access to healthcare, it often comes with serious drawbacks and significant challenges. In several countries with socialized medicine, accessing specialized car such as oncological screenings can often come with significant delays. Patients may face long wait times, sometimes spanning months, before they are able to secure an appointment. This can create a barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially impacting patient outcomes.

During my time in the diagnostic field, I saw firsthand how the healthcare system's wait times impacted patients, particularly those from Canada. Many sought our services because they faced the uncertainty of a potential cancer diagnosis and couldn’t afford to wait months for critical tests like PET/CT scans. The emotional and physical toll of such delays is profound. With IPMI coverage, clients are empowered to access quicker, more flexible care - whether locally or abroad - ensuring they receive the timely medical attention they need without unnecessary waiting. This not only alleviates anxiety but can significantly improve outcomes by facilitating earlier intervention.

JAY:  Earlier this year, Pete and I got together with you and your husband, Cesar, in Mexico City for drinks.   You spoke of your love for what you do and what you have learned through doing it.  What is so rewarding about your career?

MELISSA: There is a profound sense of fulfillment in knowing that our work truly changes lives. We don’t just work in this profession, we live it, fueled by a passion to give back, to protect families, preserve their assets, and safeguard their health, while delivering a caliber of service that few industries can match. That, more than any accolade or achievement, is the greatest reward.

Every time we have the privilege of seeing the insurance promise fulfilled - whether it's ensuring a claim is paid, coordinating an air ambulance, or stepping in during a medical emergency - we are reminded why we chose this path. These moments, when our work becomes a lifeline for someone in need, reaffirm our purpose and drive us to raise the bar even higher.

Insurance Advisors Global Partners and LISG Meet Up in Mexico City

JAY:  As a successful woman who owns her own business in the high-net-worth life and health industry and who can handle every role in that business, including working with direct clients, working with your network of thousands of agents, processing business, securing relationships with carriers and vendors and advocating for underwriting and claims decisions, what advice can you offer that might attract more women to this field?

MELISSA:  As a woman who has built a career and business in the high-net-worth life and health industry, my message to women considering this field is powerful: we need you!

Trust in your unique strengths and believe in your ability to master every aspect of this business. Your perspective, resilience, and determination are exactly what this industry needs to thrive. You have the potential not only to succeed, but to lead, and your contributions will make a lasting impact. Don’t hesitate - your place here is not just important; it’s essential. This industry offers an incredible opportunity for women to lead, to build relationships based on trust and expertise, and to create lasting impact for clients and partners alike.

Success here is not just about selling a product. It’s about becoming a true advocate for your clients, mastering complex negotiations, and commanding respect from carriers, vendors, and agents. Women naturally bring empathy, attention to detail, and perseverance - all qualities that are crucial for excelling in this space.

I would also encourage women to be fearless about learning and questioning every aspect of the business, from underwriting to claims management to building strategic networks. The more you understand, the more empowered you are. And in a relationship-driven industry like ours, confidence paired with knowledge is a game-changer. Don’t be afraid!

Finally, know that this is a career where you can build something of your own: a business, a reputation, and a legacy - all while helping protect the futures of the families and individuals you serve. It's not just a career; it’s a calling, and one that women are uniquely equipped to thrive in.

JAY:  Outside of work, how do you spend your time?

MELISSA: Time spent with my family and loved ones is always too short! We’re passionate boaters, and for me, the ocean truly breathes life into the soul. As the 1957 bolero perfectly says, “En el mar, la vida es más sabrosa” - and it couldn’t be truer. When I’m not traveling for work or at the office, you’ll find me cherishing time with family and friends, especially if we’re out on the water.

JAY:  What a great interview!  Thank you, Melissa.   You have reached our famous restaurant question, and I know you have prepared for it.  Without naming a steakhouse or a steak dish, tell me about some restaurants I need to visit and what I should order when I’m there.

MELISSA: Thank you, Jay, for your time.  I truly enjoyed this interview!  There are so many great spots to choose from, but if I had to pick, it would definitely be Caffe Abbracci in Coral Gables. It’s an iconic Italian restaurant that’s a must-visit, with an incredible variety of dishes that never disappoint. My personal favorite? The Lopez Special — a modified amatriciana that Cesar and I created. It's made with your choice of pasta, a twist on the classic with pancetta, shallots, and a creamy a la vodka sauce. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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Since its inception, Life Insurance Strategies Group has solely focused on the individual high net worth life insurance market. We do not sell products. This allows us to offer unbiased, pragmatic advice. Visit us at www.lifeinsurancestrategiesgroup.com.