Post: #1

I checked the other healthcare threads and didn't really see anything on Westerners getting coverage abroad while traveling or living in a 2nd or 3rd world country. So am just wondering what people do for healthcare coverage when they travel to Eastern Europe or wherever, even for short periods.

I was covered in Moscow by my employer and used a private hospital (which was pretty good) but now that I will soon lose my coverage I'm not sure what to do. I most likely will end up coming back to the States for awhile and am also wondering if there is some kind of global plan that guys have used in the past (i.e. for coverage in the US and abroad - off the cuff I'd assume it would be exorbitantly expensive with big deductibles, but not sure).

I saw a couple things online but they seemed to be more in the line of catastrophic coverage for accidents as opposed to just coverage for going to a doctor for a checkup, cold, flu etc.

Post: #2

get full comp travel insurance - it's cheap at around $300 a year, but only use it for big ticket emergencies. Everything else, just pay as you go.

Post: #3

If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

Post: #4

^^ Started - Bumrumgrad Intl Hospital is where it's at. Full English speaking staff, great service, food court, and attentive care. @ a fraction of the cost.

Post: #5

(12-31-2013 01:20 AM)2014 Wrote:  get full comp travel insurance - it's cheap at around $300 a year, but only use it for big ticket emergencies. Everything else, just pay as you go.

Is there a particular insurance company that you recommend? I am looking for catastrophic coverage with a high deductible.

This is a good thread. I have been seeking out a company myself, but I would like to find companies recommended by full-time expats who have filed claims without experiencing any problems.

There can be a big difference between companies that offer basic travel insurance (for a few months or less) and those that offer full health care packages to permanent expats. Some companies offer one or the other. Some companies offer both. I am mainly interested in the second category -- for full-time expats.

I have a bookmarks folder where I have collected a list of companies, but I would like a referral from someone who is satisfied with a company -- especially if they successfully collected on a claim without any fuss.

Post: #6

(12-30-2013 11:04 PM)Akula Wrote:  I most likely will end up coming back to the States for awhile and am also wondering if there is some kind of global plan that guys have used in the past (i.e. for coverage in the US and abroad - off the cuff I'd assume it would be exorbitantly expensive with big deductibles, but not sure).

One of the problems that you will encounter is that most expat health insurance companies will not cover you in the U.S. They will only cover you while living overseas. Most expat insurance is quite reasonable compared to prices in the U.S. I just need to find a reliable company.

Post: #7

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

So can you just use them for a checkup or for more serious stuff?

Is there anything like "prior conditions" that hospitals abroad won't treat you for like there is/was in the US? (It is/was a ridiculous concept, which you could usually just lie about to get covered, but basically in the US most insurance policies would not cover you for 'previous conditions' in the past).

Say I wanted to just get a physical, STD test ( ) and maybe a prostate exam/PSA test? Would that cost me hundreds or something more reasonable?

NOTE: If you are over 40 you should absolutely be getting a PSA blood test annually to screen for prostate cancer. No exceptions as prostate cancer can pop up fast.

Post: #8

Can anyone recommend any plans/companies for health insurance while abroad?

Post: #9

(12-31-2013 11:10 PM)Akula Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

NOTE: If you are over 40 you should absolutely be getting a PSA blood test annually to screen for prostate cancer. No exceptions as prostate cancer can pop up fast.

They guy who invented the PSA test has said at times he wish he never had.

http://www.healthbeatblog.com/2010/03/th...-good-new/

Post: #10

Hey Akula,

Here's the site. I don't think they can refuse checking you out for pre-existing conditions. Family paid for my treatment last time, but it's fairly cheap (moreso than in the US...was last there in 2010).

http://www.bumrungrad.com/

Post: #11

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

I had an emergency late night problem in Thailand. In the US 12,000 bucks. Thailand $50.

Best medical service I've ever had.

Post: #12

(01-26-2014 09:52 PM)rastignac Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

I had an emergency late night problem in Thailand. In the US 12,000 bucks. Thailand $50.

Best medical service I've ever had.

Amazing but true. If you walk into any US emergency room you're probably out $2-3K immediately if you don't have any coverage, and even then I'm sure a few hundred even if you do. Heaven forbid if you end up having something major.

I'm sure if you asked the average American (or my mom for that matter) they would be like "OMG Thailand get out of there and back to the US as soon as you can for the best care in the world!!" Little do they know...but was it really the best service you've had? How were the conditions at the hospital and did you specifically ask for a certain one?

I'm in the EU now but still uncovered...will wing it but doing some work on this...I'm charging stuff on my Visa card which has some 'emergency coverage' and I'm assuming that the Czechs won't rob me blind if I get in a bind, but will do a little more research (word of mouth & online I guess) and report back.

Post: #13

A few points:

- If you're not planning on living in the US, just buy single-trip travel+medical insurance when you visit.

- to get a residency permit in some countries (particularly in Central/Eastern Europe), you will sometimes need to have an insurance policy from a local company. Check that out first.

- If you just want an idea of the various service levels and how much they cost, try these:
http://www.axapppinternational.com
http://www.bupa-intl.com
http://www.allianzworldwidecare.com

- Once you have a rough idea of what you're looking for, these guys can help you get a good deal: http://www.medibroker.com


Personally, I only have a plan for emergencies and major surgery/treatments. Remember that health insurance is a financial product. If you don't have a cash-flow problem, it's cheaper to pay for your regular doctor's visits, eye care, physio, etc. yourself.

Post: #14

For the Czech Republic: http://www.alexio.cz/health_insurance/ne...ublic.html

Post: #15

(01-27-2014 01:50 AM)Akula Wrote:  

(01-26-2014 09:52 PM)rastignac Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

I had an emergency late night problem in Thailand. In the US 12,000 bucks. Thailand $50.

Best medical service I've ever had.

Amazing but true. If you walk into any US emergency room you're probably out $2-3K immediately if you don't have any coverage, and even then I'm sure a few hundred even if you do. Heaven forbid if you end up having something major.

I'm sure if you asked the average American (or my mom for that matter) they would be like "OMG Thailand get out of there and back to the US as soon as you can for the best care in the world!!" Little do they know...but was it really the best service you've had? How were the conditions at the hospital and did you specifically ask for a certain one?

I'm in the EU now but still uncovered...will wing it but doing some work on this...I'm charging stuff on my Visa card which has some 'emergency coverage' and I'm assuming that the Czechs won't rob me blind if I get in a bind, but will do a little more research (word of mouth & online I guess) and report back.

Yes. Service was great. This is why.

I spoke no Thai. Everyone the spoke English. It was the "expensive" international hospital that a lot of expats use.

Admittance process was swift. A few forms and I was entered in their system and I had an official card as a hospital customer and a record in their computer systems. They explained everything as we went. Why they needed certain information, etc.

The wait was 15 minutes but there were fairly major incidents. There was a large screen TV playing European football (soccer). Kept me occupied.

Equipment was fairly modern. Doctor seemed to be Indian. Spoke great English. Explained what he thought it was and why. Set up a few tests to confirm it. Prescribed antibiotics and pain killers. Suggested ways to follow up in the US and alternately what they could do there. I left with print outs of all my records and his email if I wanted to follow up with him while I was in Thailand. Suggested traditional remedies I might want to try.

Processing the paperwork on exit. Again very easy. They took my Amex and I was out of there. 2 hours and I was quickly feeling better.

50 bucks. Kidney stone attack. I would definitely return if I needed surgery.

Post: #16

i tried to get my yellow fever shot in America before i left to go to South America. there was a free day at the health dept but i missed it, but they offered to do it for $100. i didn't do it and got one in Argentina. i was sent to about 3 different hospitals in Salta, Argentina and it took the whole day, but they gave me one free of charge. my only medical experience abroad.

Post: #17

Can somebody recommend a good travel emergency/health insurance policy for US citizens/residents who spend less than a month per year traveling overseas? In Europe (for European citizens), you can find similar kind of insurance for around $50/year. It includes emergency health care, transportation as well as lost luggage, cancellation protection, etc. Haven't found anything similar in the US.

Post: #18

(01-26-2014 09:52 PM)rastignac Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

I had an emergency late night problem in Thailand. In the US 12,000 bucks. Thailand $50.

Best medical service I've ever had.

It's when I read stuff like this that I am thankful for the NHS!

Post: #19

(01-29-2014 07:09 AM)Teedub Wrote:  

(01-26-2014 09:52 PM)rastignac Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

I had an emergency late night problem in Thailand. In the US 12,000 bucks. Thailand $50.

Best medical service I've ever had.

It's when I read stuff like this that I am thankful for the NHS!

I have received good health care in foreign countries, too. But saying that it costs $12,000 for an emergency room visit in the U.S. is quite a stretch. What he means is that it would cost quite a bit if you did not have health insurance, if it was a serious medical issue.

If you did have health insurance, it would cost a few hundred dollars (the amount of the deductible), not $12,000.

I broke a toe last year in the U.S. and I was in a medical clinic for a few hours. It cost less than $300 for everything, including multiple X-rays. It probably would have cost less than $100 in SA or SEA, without insurance.

I do agree that emergency rooms are expensive in the U.S., which is why you should always go to a local health clinic whenever possible. You can save a few thousand dollars -- for your insurance company.

Post: #20

(01-29-2014 01:37 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(01-29-2014 07:09 AM)Teedub Wrote:  

(01-26-2014 09:52 PM)rastignac Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

I had an emergency late night problem in Thailand. In the US 12,000 bucks. Thailand $50.

Best medical service I've ever had.

It's when I read stuff like this that I am thankful for the NHS!

I have received good health care in foreign countries, too. But saying that it costs $12,000 for an emergency room visit in the U.S. is quite a stretch. What he means is that it would cost quite a bit if you did not have health insurance, if it was a serious medical issue.

If you did have health insurance, it would cost a few hundred dollars (the amount of the deductible), not $12,000.

I broke a toe last year in the U.S. and I was in a medical clinic for a few hours. It cost less than $300 for everything, including multiple X-rays. It probably would have cost less than $100 in SA or SEA, without insurance.

I do agree that emergency rooms are expensive in the U.S., which is why you should always go to a local health clinic whenever possible. You can save a few thousand dollars -- for your insurance company.

Well. I had no insurance. It was cancelled because of Obamacare. $12,000 might not be right. That was 2009. It is probably more now.

The Case of the $12,000 Kidney Stone

http://content.time.com/time/politics/ar...93,00.html

Post: #21

(01-29-2014 02:01 PM)rastignac Wrote:  

(01-29-2014 01:37 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(01-29-2014 07:09 AM)Teedub Wrote:  

(01-26-2014 09:52 PM)rastignac Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:54 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  If you're in Bangkok take advantage of their World Class Hospitals for a fraction of the cost (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tou...n_Thailand

I had an emergency late night problem in Thailand. In the US 12,000 bucks. Thailand $50.

Best medical service I've ever had.

It's when I read stuff like this that I am thankful for the NHS!

I have received good health care in foreign countries, too. But saying that it costs $12,000 for an emergency room visit in the U.S. is quite a stretch. What he means is that it would cost quite a bit if you did not have health insurance, if it was a serious medical issue.

If you did have health insurance, it would cost a few hundred dollars (the amount of the deductible), not $12,000.

I broke a toe last year in the U.S. and I was in a medical clinic for a few hours. It cost less than $300 for everything, including multiple X-rays. It probably would have cost less than $100 in SA or SEA, without insurance.

I do agree that emergency rooms are expensive in the U.S., which is why you should always go to a local health clinic whenever possible. You can save a few thousand dollars -- for your insurance company.

Well. I had no insurance. $12,000 might not be right. That was 2009. It is probably more now.

The Case of the $12,000 Kidney Stone

http://content.time.com/time/politics/ar...93,00.html

Interesting, I am reviewing a potential ex-pat job contract in MENA. I am American. It reads free international medical coverage for you and your family, "excluding the United States". Gotta love it.

Post: #22

(01-29-2014 02:01 PM)rastignac Wrote:  Well. I had no insurance. It was cancelled because of Obamacare. $12,000 might not be right. That was 2009. It is probably more now.

Your insurance was cancelled in 2009 because of Obamacare?