Job Discussion Forums

tortuga · Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 51

It's not directly related to ESL, but to living abroad. Has anyone used World Nomads for insurance abroad? They're an Australian company (I'm from the US) The rates are very reasonable, and the policy seems the cover what's appropriate. Any bad experiences with them out there? Better suggestions?

Thanks.

sqwerl · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Buenos Aires

I would jsut get OSDE here.
It is compareable in prices to all the travel insurances, but better.
I think it costs me 111 pesos, or roughly $38 a month for a bunch of stuff.
I have gone to the hospital three times, twice in an ambulance when I was here ... without paying a dime except for my premium.
Doctors come to your house and everything if you need.

Travel insurnace seems more sketchy and it is on reimbursement bases, and I understand some places make you pay upfront before anything is done.

I was hesitant to get OSDE before I came, but I am glad I did.

tortuga · Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 51

Oops, I forgot to mention I might not stay in Argentina. I expect to be there at least a month to get certified, but I might then go to Peru, Bolivia, etc. I don't have a set plan yet. The World Nomads plan I saw online would cover everywhere except Canada and Japan, and would be USD$192 for 3 months (and I could extend it further).

vivaBarca · Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 3:48 pm Post subject:

How do you go about getting this OSDE plan? What exactly is it?

snielz · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 165 Location: Buenos Aires

I recommend insurance here also.

I just got a plan, I think the company is Galleno (or maybe that is the plan- I could look it up if needed). It is more expensive, $169 pesos, but completely covers me for everything except a few exotic surgeries (like LASIK). This company has cheaper plans (about the same as Sqwerl�s) but I got this one because it gives me coverage outside of the country for up to two months also. So, when I take the obligatory trip across the river to Uruguay and step off the boat and twist my ankle, tearing three tendos and wrenching the bone from the socket, I will be able go to the doctor. And when I go back to the US for Christmas and spend more than a day or two, they offer coverage there.

This is what I recommend.

rebblum · Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 9:50 pm Post subject:

Tortuga- I got a 3 month plan from www.imglobal.com for $144 that is extendible (it's called Expatriot Plus). My parents' travel agent recommended it. I haven't had to use it, but I thought the info might be helpful for ya!

Cheers, Rebecca

sqwerl · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Buenos Aires

OSDE is I think the main private medical coverage provider in argentina.
You get access to the private hospitals and don't have to wait in the waiting room for 3 hours after you are in bad condition like you would in the public (as I have been told).

Here is their Web site ... http://www.osde.com.ar/Osde_Binario/

I signed up with a lady at my school, it was really easy. If you are over 25, it might be little more costly for a month. I imagine they have offices all over the city (they had one about 1/2 mile away from me) so I would recommend you just walk in and tell them you want insurance. It is a lot easier than doing it online or over the phone.

It actually covers me outside of Argentina too, as I understand. I can go to Blovia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brasil, and Chile.

REDLEY · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 4:55 pm Post subject: OSDE

OSDE is a private medical insurance, its the best one and the most expensive. I pay AR$ 155 a month. (I am 28yo but if you are younger is cheaper) It covers everything, including very good private hospitals.

You get 40% off when buying medications at most pharmacies.

Its a real burden to use public hospitals (you have to wait 3 hs in line, its a mess).

As far as I know, if you want international coverage (uruguay, brazil, etc.) you must pay a surplus.

Saludos.

Malyson1 · Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 8

A question about getting prescriptions:

Do these local plans that people have mentioned here cover a prescription that I bring from my doctor at home? Specifically, I'm wondering about filling my prescription for anti-depressants. Currently, I'm paying out of my pocket for it because I don't have medical through my work and it is very expensive. So... I'm wondering if I can get my doctor to write the prescription here and then fill it every month once I have coverage in Argentina. Does anyone have experience with this? Will I be better off getting all the medication now and bringing it with me?

REDLEY · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:45 pm Post subject:

The local plan of OSDE covers prescriptions that are issued by argentine doctors and that are purchased in argentine farmacies (to buy medicins that are local or imported).

So when you arrive to argentina, once you have your OSDE card, you will have to appoint a doctor meeting and explain him that in the US you were using "prozac" for example. He will analyze whether he believes you should use that drug or not (bring a certificate from your US doctor, It will help him get convinced that you are not lying) and eventually he will prescribe you the same medication...if that drug or brand is not available in Argentina, he will have to prescribe something similar.

If you are afraid that your medication is not available in Argentina, check first with the laboratory manufacturer of the medicine if its available or not. If it is not available, then...perhaps you shoulf buy it in the US and bring it here.

SUerte!