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yally04 · Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 4

I've been looking online for health insurance that will cover me while I'm in Paris, but most policies have absurd exceptions and restrictions. For example, they usually don't cover any skiing, biking, etc., and most will not cover any injury that occured under the influence of alcohol or drugs (this is ridiculous: imagine you just left a parisian restaurant where you shared a bottle of wine. Then you get hit by a taxi).

So has anyone found decent private health coverage? Has anyone had to make a claim? How difficult was it? Is the insurance worth anything more than peace of mind? How do you know that they are a real insurance company (e.g. companies with web sites could be nothing more than that)? Are there any comparison sites?

Please assume that public coverage is not an option, because for me it's not.

Thanks.

p.s. yes, I'm still in the states. San Francisco in fact.

jr1965 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 175

Yally,

I'm not sure if you're from the States, but if you are, have a look at this website: http://www.insurancetogo.com . I've heard that they are decent (though I haven't used their services myself). The company is based in Novato, California (a city just north of San Francisco), and from what I hear, the brokers are quite helpful.

Hope this helps!

jr1965 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 175

Duh...I just saw the line at the end of your original post about being in SF area.

yally04 · Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 4

No worries, I just added that after you replied the first time. I checked out that site and they still have the onerous alcohol restriction. I'm no lush but I don't want to have to worry about having a glass of wine or two. Is there anything that doesn't have silly restrictions? I could understand something about binge drinking or alcoholism, but this goes too far. Of course, it certainly gives them a good way to deny a claim.

CharlesTESOL · Joined: 06 Jul 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Barcelona, Spain

I know here in Spain people can get health insurance from local companies for a pretty reasonable price. I did it and have known others who have gotten policies from other companies. Perhaps there are Fench companies you could try. In Spain they are listed in the Paginas Amarillas under COMPA�IAS DE SEGUROS, so, try something like COMPAGNIES D'ASSURANCES in the Pages Jaunes. Good luck,

yally04 · Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 4

The problem is that I'm technically supposed to have insurance before I can get my visa. I've looked at some French insurance companies but the coverage can be expensive and it is appears to be intended to supplement the French social security system.

Decent international health insurance companies. Anyone know of any?

CharlesTESOL · Joined: 06 Jul 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Barcelona, Spain

Try this one: IMG International Medical Group, www.imglobal.com

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

I just came across these guys and they seem pretty decent. I will check them out on my next trip to Beijing:

www.globalhealth.cn

They have special rates for teachers.

yally04 · Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 4

Those teacher deals are pretty sweet! Sadly I'll be in France. I'll get in touch with these people but I don't think they have coverage there.

longtimeteach · Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 107

tefl.com has a link to health coverage for traveling teachers:
http://www.tefl.com/home/link_top.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tefl.com%2Fhome%2Finsure%2F&title=International+Health+Insurance