Job Discussion Forums

woof · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Indiana

As an American Baby Boomer the issue of health insurance is very important to me. How does a person get health insurance while teaching ESL abroad below the university level? Does it come with the job in any country? Is there a company that insures people who are away from the US for 6 months to several years?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 5:10 pm Post subject:

Do a good google search, and you'll find ALOT of companies dedicated to exactly what you're looking for.

Here in Latin America, the best EFL jobs offer health insurance (we do!), but the majority see you as sort of an independent contractor, with no benefits.

If health insurance is important to you, then look into it well in advance. If you get your own policy before you go, then you'll want to make sure you'll be earning enough to pay for it. If not, you'll want to make sure to line up the kind of job that provides it.

Regards,
Justin

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

o.P. - I'm sure this is not your case at all, but it's worth repeating for others who may be attracted by the title of this thread.
Be sure that you are living/working LEGALLY or your travel insurance isn't going to pay anyway.....as some numbers of North Americans working illegally in the EU could attest!!

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:00 pm Post subject:

Very true, Spiral. But I'll add this. As long as you're legally allowed to be in the country, your insurance company is not the IRS. I'm not advising working illegally, but hypothetically, if you're allowed to be in the country, they won't know if you're working at all, legally or otherwise.

Justin

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 10:26 pm Post subject:

Medical is a big issue - and most companies offer either sadly incomplete/insufficient coverage - or way overdone coverage (Med-evaced pregnancies, etc) for absolutely frightening prices.

I've been using WT Batten for about seven years - just the right compromise of price/coverage. They have a policy designed just for teachers called the "International Teacher's Portfolio" - strange name, but has worked well for my wife and me in four countries.

Find their contact info at the bottom of:

http://tefldaddy.com/Health_Medical_issues.htm

They don't have a webpage, but can/do email everything.

EDIT: I have to add that I think that most employers offer really lousy coverage. Note also that usually their coverage will NOT cover you outside the country where you work. So, when you are traveling . . .