Job Discussion Forums

[ddarko34]

hey quick question. being that living abroad may not give you the best coverage through your employer, do any of you americans opt to get traveling insurance back in the states that keeps you insured while you're running amuck overseas?

i hear so many sketchy stories about not being insured and finding out the hard way and i'm trying to avoid that ugly situation.

if any of you do have med insurance that'll cover your journeys, what kind/where/how much does it cost? thx

[tedkarma]

Any kind of American insurance - and most expat packages are ridiculously expensive.

I found a UK based policy that I have carried for years now - and they have paid faithfully in places like Taiwan, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia etc.

I agree with you - employer provided insurance often scuks - and/or provides limited choices. My I am really sick, or my wife - I want to go and find the best doctor and best care I can get.

My policy limits the amount of care - or how long - I can be in the USA - but since I only go home every few years - it doesn't matter. Might not work for you, but find the e-mail address and a few other expat insurance type links for this issue at: http://phuketdelight.com/medical.htm on the bottom third of the page.

Cost - Depends on your chosen coverage of course, but I pay about US$1200 a year - but that's for two of us - covers us anywhere in the world (except USA - or can do USA for a small surcharge) - up to about US$200,000 (policy is in UK pounds). That amount is PLENTY for us in Thailand where excellent health care is about 1/10 to 1/4th the cost of USA care.

[spiral78]

You might also look into USAA. It's based in Texas, and primarily covers U.S. servicepeople and their families, but they also offer insurance to citizens living abroad long-term. It's under USAA.com.

[spiral78]

Sorry, meant to say 'civilian citizens'

[tedkarma]

I checked USAA and they want you to be one of the following (from their website):

Separated from the military
Retired from the military
Married to someone actively serving in the military (Active, National Guard, Reserve, pre-commissioning)
Adult child of a USAA member
A spouse or former spouse of a USAA member

I have a good deal with my insurance - but am always looking to see if I can find a better one!

[spiral78]

I am 'none of the above' but have had insurance with USAA for years. Maybe they've discontinued their civilian programs?! Sorry for the useless info, if so.

[tedkarma]

No Spiral, I think I may have misrepresented them.

I went back and looked again - after your last note and they also say,
"If none of the options above are appropriate for you or your spouse contact us."

So, in fact it may still be an option.

My apologies! I don't want anyone (or even me) to rule out any options.

Anyone new has success with them - let's hear about it. Insurance is a necessary evil. Best to get the best price and coverage possible.

[31]

[tedkarma]

I have excellent international coverage. Hope you do.

[31]

Us Turkey Teflers got no money for international coverage nor do our employers pay our social security.

[tedkarma]

31,

You should do a thread on teaching in Turkey. I thought seriously about it once - as a base to explore Europe but ended up in Thailand.

It may be kind of a hidden treasure of the TEFL world. At least for those who might wish to do some European travel but aren't able to work in the EU. Though it sounds like the wages are modest.

Enjoy!

[31]

``It may be kind of a hidden treasure of the TEFL world.``

No, are there any?