Job Discussion Forums

rosie1973 · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Chicago

Does anyone have any recommendations for health insurance while abroad? I'm 30 yrs old and in good health, but I like to feel safe. Are there any exceptional ones out there? I'll be in Spain (hopefully not returning).

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

When I moved back in 1998, I initially bought a travel insurance package to cover me for the first six months, and renewed it once for a twelve month period. Once you're established where you want to be, you can take a little time to find out what the options are.
If your plans are relatively set, it might be worthwhile to skip the travel insurance "bridge" but it's usually easier to research when you're there.

One caveat - probably you've already countered this issue as you say you plan to stay in Spain, but if you're going to Spain on just your U.S. passport, you'll need to be 100% sure that you're not in any violation of living/working laws in Spain that could invalidate a health claim on your insurance. If you have an accident or something, and your travel insurance carrier finds out you are living or working (if you're injured somehow enroute to work, for example) they have some legal grounds to refuse coverage.

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

Yes, getting a travel insurance policy at first and than a local policy after you arrive is a good approach. Travel insurance often costs a bit. A policy from a local company is usually quite reasonable. Local insurance companies can be found under COMPA�IA DE SEGUROS in Spain�s Yellow Pages at

http://www.paginas-amarillas.es/home.html.