Different Kind of Healthcare Insurance Questions - Crewing

[Gadagirl]

While contemplating the upcoming year, and the possibility of crewing on a delivery, I was wondering how to cover myself for health insurance. I have a regular insurance policy through my employment but when I leave my state of residence I become "Out of Network".

Do I take out a travelers insurance policy? What if the delivery is within the united states, will a travel policy still cover that? Would a travel policy be advisable if it were in international waters or to a foreign country? Would the cost be covered by the paid captain or owner if I were a volunteer crew? How do captains and owner's deal with that issue? I'm assuming that if I were paid crew the cost of such would fall under my operating expenses. Do captains and boat owners like to see proof of health insurance coverage before taking on crew?

[rebel heart]

As a part time delivery captain, I've never asked anyone about their health insurance. For the tiny amount of time spent out of the country (getting boats up from Mexico) I don't mind taking the risk. Long term international coverage is a separate discussion. On the plus side medical insurance is about 1/7th the cost everywhere compared to the United States. That is essentially the root problem in our whole health care problem: the costs are just astronomical.

It's not really a question or topic that comes up, that I've noticed. You're on your own. The only thing a captain should know (and should ask) is if you have any conditions relevant to the task at hand, and any medications you're bringing.

You can pick up short term international insurance dirt cheap. As far as being out of state, that depends entirely on your insurance plan.

[sck5]

medical evacuation insurance is very cheap. It will take you back to the US if there is any major emergency. Minor stuff is WAY cheaper to deal with anywhere in the world than the US. It is likely that even things like broken arms and legs would be cheaper overseas than your deductible at home unless you have a way more gold plated insurance policy than I do. It simply isn't necessary to pay inflated US prices for medical care when perfectly adequate care is available at way less cost elsewhere. My wife was in St. Vincent last month and had a very dangerous eye infection. The specialist saw her the same day, prescribed medicine, and did a follow up the next day. Cost - $100. No way you will get away as cheaply as that in the US. And without any paperwork to deal with.