Health Care in USA for Cruisers

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by Aussiesuede

There are companies which offer short term plans for travelers, but they are generally of the "catastrophic coverage" variety with $500- $7000 deductables. Here is a link to such a company. I did an online quote out of curiosity for someone in your age range. Catastrophic coverage with a $500 deductible was $490/month and with a $2500 deductible you could lower the premium to $250/month. HCC Medical Insurance Services: https://www.mnui.com/short-term-medi...eferid=9800100

As a consultant, I'm in independant contractor status in the US and choose not to pay the exorbitant premiums for healthcare during the half of the year I'm in the US. The high cost of Healthcare is one of the reasons I chose to purchase a condo in Seattle, so that I could be reasonably close to healthcare in Vancouver should the need arise. 2 years ago I broke my ankle whilst skiing in Montana. After the ski patrol got me to the bottom of the hill, I told them I was ok - even though I was in excruciating pain. Not knowing the extent of my injury, I still preferenced having my buddy load me up into the back of the SUV and drive me north across the border to Saskatchewan for treatment. My total cost for that incident, including surgery for ligament repair and the ensuing physical therapy, was a sum total of $347. It could have easily cost me $20,000 had I elected to be treated in Montana and followed up with physical therapy in Washington.

So you might want to give thought to purchasing a refundable plane ticket to Canada to keep handy during your time cruising the US. It's simply not a place you want to chance getting caught up in their mess of a healthcare system. It's an easy path to bankruptcy. Healthcare bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US. Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies - CNN

I'M SHOCKED!!! Wow i'll go with the all covering Aussie worldwide insurance for $1600:00 per year for both of us....... That's disgraceful that such a country should be so screwed!!!! Thanks for the enlightenment.

[downunder]

great information Aussiesuede thanks

[perchance]

Don't forget if you have a preexisting condition all bets are off.

[JimWitt]

One of the most important things health insurance get you is a pre negotiated price that is usually less than half the walk in rate. Even with a high deductabe you get thier rate. You can work with many independant (some human you can talk to) agents to negotiate a plan that fits your needs.

[Cheechako]

At 64 and 60 years old, we pay near $900 a month and it's $2500 deductible! Welcome to America! "Government by the Corporations for the Corporations!"

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

At 64 and 60 years old, we pay near $900 a month and it's $2500 deductible! Welcome to America! "Government by the Corporations for the Corporations!"

Jeepers. Your health premium is over 10k a year !!!!
Moral. Do not get sick in the US. What processes the US to let that system develop.

Dave

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Jeepers. Your health premium is over 10k a year !!!!
Moral. Do not get sick in the US. What processes the US to let that system develop.

Dave

Oh, dont worry about getting sick here, just go to the emergency room... they have to treat you.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Lagoon4us

We are Australian and will commence cruising USA and Caribbean in January 2012, What medical coverage do you suggest to cover us both aged 59 and healthy non-smokers? Cheers and thanks.

I don't think it matters much that you're healthy and non-smokers unless you're looking for long-term insurance. But you'd better get something, because as a country we just don't care. If I were you, I'd talk to an international travel agent. They deal with this all the time.

I fell in Scotland and received a concussion. I had health insurance but there was not even any place for me to pay.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Aussiesuede

Yes. Some Americans monthly premiums approach your annual premium. Be VERY aware of the deductibles for any transient policy you consider. A hospital visit for something as simple as a broken leg can easily cost you Twice your annual healthcare premium in Aus. And each entity usually bills you separately. That means separate bills from the ambulance agency, hospital, attending doctor & radiologist. In the for profit healthcare world, your illness or injury turns you into an ATM machine.

Are you kidding? A broken leg would probably be around $20K.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Lagoon4us

Lol us aussies pay around 2% of our wage into medicare and Everything is covered, if you want faster service and a saucer under your teacup whilst in hospital u can opt for private cover thats tax deductible. No one dies here wanting care and no one pays those amounts youv'e mentioned! Cheers

It amazes me that Australia has figured it out; Great Britain has figured it out; even some third world countries have figured it out; but we Americans are so stupid that we can't figure out health care.

Right now our politicians aren't very good at playing nicely in the sandbox!

[goboatingnow]

Why. Do you need to pay for accident treatment. Is that not provided by the hospital. I can understand needing insurance for elective stuff. Surely if you'll ill you get treatment.

Dave

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by xymotic

Lol, well, APPARENTLY dirt bikes are dangerous. Who knew?

Go figger!

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by webejammin

Just a simple DR clinic visit for a flue viris cost me $120.00 cash up front before seeing the DR and the perscription cost $30.00 for 3 weeks of antibotics. I am feeling better but not about the cost.

Wow. A local grocery chain (Publix) gives out most antibiotics and the most common prescription for high blood pressure for FREE.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by perchance

Don't forget if you have a preexisting condition all bets are off.

Being 59 is an automatic "pre-existing condition" in the US. They WILL find SOMETHING.

I think this is a valuable conversation for people considering cruising in other countries.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

Being 59 is an automatic "pre-existing condition" in the US. They WILL find SOMETHING.

I think this is a valuable conversation for people considering cruising in other countries.

Yes the vast majority of countries will treat your medical emergency without first doing a wallet biopsy

Dave