Job Discussion Forums

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I am not sure if this topic has been covered before, but can anyone recommend a travel medical insurance company? If they have a family rate, that would be a real bonus. The ones here in Japan are a real rip off especially if you are going to be gone for any length of time.

Thanks

Aramas · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 3:19 pm Post subject:

The cheapest I've found that actually offers real medical cover is http://www.worldnomads.com/index.aspx . I've actually found one at twice the price that, on reading the fine print, provides no medical cover at all - just a 24 hour medical advisory hotline and evacuation.

They're Australian so are probably more accountable than some of the Asian ones. Their family policy covers two adults and up to eight dependent children. I hope you haven't been that busy Smile

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

8 kids, wow, still have a ways to go fortunately. Thanks, I'll have a look.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Too bad, I don't qualify since I am a resident of Japan.

Any other companies?

jr1965 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 175

Gordon,

You might try this company: http://www.insurancetogo.com/

They're actually insurance brokers, but you can email them with your situation and they can help you by providing a variety of different options based on your needs/budget.

I used them last year in Aug when I travled outside of Spain for about 6 weeks. They set me up with an insurance company that time and budget-wise worked for me.

One caution (I think the other poster mentioned this, and I said it on another board):

Before you buy the traveler's insurance, call someone in customer support (at whichever company you're thinking of going with) and ask them if you (or your kids) will be covered if _____________ happens.

Make sure you ask:

--What's covered?
--Which doctors/hospitals can I go to?
--How will my coverage be processed?
--Will I have to pay anything out of pocket when I go to the
doctor/hospital/clinic?

I'm suggesting you ask these questions before buying b/c I actually ended up having to use my travelers insurance last summer, only to find out that there were ALL KINDS of restrictions I knew nothing about. Sad

Good luck!

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Thanks a lot. I will look into them and good tips too.

Fatcat · Joined: 17 Mar 2005 Posts: 92 Location: Athens, Georgia

try this one too...

www.health-insurance-4-tefl-tesl-instructors.com

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:50 am Post subject:

How long are you traveling for?

I use a great company - regardless of my employer's coverage.

Description at:

http://tefldaddy.com/Health_Medical_issues.htm

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Thanks Ted.
I don't qualify for either of the plans on your web site, I will keep looking. I will be away for almost a month in Vietnam.