Published Costs of Cruising

[wolfenzee]

I have Dupuytren's contracture (a condition that causes the tendons in the hand to contract). My Dr. suggested I wait until I get to Panama to have them worked on, not just because it would be less expensive (it would cost less than the co-pay would cost here, if my insurance company were to even cover it)...but more importantly the quality of the treatment could not be found where I live.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by avb3

First of all, I need to remind members that this can not and will not become a political discussion. There are other forums for that.

As a Canadian, who grew up with the universal healthcare system, I understand that there are other options other than the current one that exists in the USA. In short, Canada spends 1/3 less as a percentage of GDP on healthcare, life expectancy is longer, and most taxes are arguably lower (depending on which province or state one resides in).

I had the misfortune of spending 3.5 months, most of it in an intensive care situation 8 years ago. I did not pay anything out of pocket other than an ambulance bill of $185, and certainly I am no in danger of getting cut off of insurance or having my premiums increase. In fact, in our province we no longer pay premiums, although we used to pay about $52 for a single if I remember correctly.

I got first rate care at a world class facility with acknowledged world class specialists. I had my choice of doctors and specialists, and there was no wait time when I needed critical care.

There are different healthcare systems throughout the world. Most involve some type of universal coverage that is not dependent on private insurers or private hospitals. Most of those systems (as in Canada) rely on private practitioners who run their own clinics, hire their own staff, and use privately owned and run labs to do the tests.

The major difference to the USA is who they send their bill too.

As in the USA, Canada does have some challenges with its healthcare system, as do most others. It may not be perfect, but virtually all Canadians feel that their system is one of the institutions that are sacrosanct, and do not want to see it changed to a privately insured one. BTW, prescriptions or dental work is not covered, and there is private insurance available for those areas.

Again, please do not make this a political discussion, but understand that there are different systems that exist that provide care as good as or even better than in the USA. None of them are perfect.

Although this may have sounded political to some, that was not the intent. It was simply to point out the benefits of a more expensive solution. If you want to live in the Hamptons or on a 60 foot catamaran you need to pay more. Few would deny that this is preferable than living in a slum or living on a 21 foot garbage scow.

I'm sure that if money were no problem people would choose to cruise comfortably on a 60 foot cat and more (not all) would do so. Same with healthcare.

For those that can comfortably afford insurance as part of the cost of cruising it's a no-brainer.

In any case, you end up paying the same, either through taxes or through bills.

[sailorboy1]

Far as the thread the point is that you have to consider health care costs in your cruising plans.

I had always know that to be able to go cruising while less old, that I would need to get out of the country. That was all based on my being healthy to start with, but now I'm a heart attack survivor and I have not yet really thought about how this factors in.

On the other hand, before I ever even considered learning to sail I had pretty much come to the decision that I had to get out of the USA once retired due to medical costs.

Would be a great article for some sailing magazine "Health Care Cost Friendly Countries for Cruisers". It more likely is already somewhere on a retirement site etc.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Don L

Far as the thread the point is that you have to consider health care costs in your cruising plans.

Exactly the point. I'm looking at retirement, full time cruising and fixed income in a few years and health care costs might be my largest expense.

Originally Posted by Don L

I had always know that to be able to go cruising while less old, that I would need to get out of the country. That was all based on my being healthy to start with, but now I'm a heart attack survivor and I have not yet really thought about how this factors in.

On the other hand, before I ever even considered learning to sail I had pretty much come to the decision that I had to get out of the USA once retired due to medical costs.

Would be a great article for some sailing magazine "Health Care Cost Friendly Countries for Cruisers". It more likely is already somewhere on a retirement site etc.

Out of the country for lower health care is looking bigger and bigger. There was a thread on the forum a few months ago about the costs the costs of health insurance in and out of the US. I recall a mention of insurance policies that cover one outside the US for a fraction of what it costs for insurance inside the US.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by zboss

Although this may have sounded political to some, that was not the intent.

I recognize that it was not your intent, nor did it drift towards it. I was more concerned that there was a perception that I as a moderator had injected myself into the discussion, that it meant the limits of the discussion were more open. I am constrained by the same rules as any other member.

It was simply to point out the benefits of a more expensive solution.

I was trying to point out that the more expensive solution is not necessarily the better one. That applies to healthcare, cars and sailboats alike.

In any case, you end up paying the same, either through taxes or through bills.

I'm not so sure that is the case. When there are multiple layers of corporations involved in a system, the requirement to make a return on investment to shareholders does raise costs to the end user. Private does not always mean more efficient, just as public does not always mean best.

Regardless, healthcare costs as it relates to cruising is a legitimate question. I know I pay more for out of country health insurance costs when I am in the USA as opposed to elsewhere.

[midnightmail]

I kept detailed records of all expenditures while I was out cruising, single handed, for 9 years. I can provide you with my data if you let me know what specifically you want.

[NorthPacific]

It is not described as "The Health Care Industry" for nothing! When 50% of every $ goes into "other areas" rather than providing medical care then yes it is going to be expensive.

The terrifying part for me is the " scrutiny that each claim is put under in the attempt to prove non compliance with the terms of the contract". Far from a service mentality! I hope I make the right choice when I leave this summer.

[wolfenzee]

As far as the cost of a boat, my spell check insists on telling me "multihull" is wrong and gives "multimillion" as an option (close enough). You can get a boat a lot nicer than a garbage scow for not much money....as long as you don't feel you need the latest greatest fanciest factory new boat that shows up the guy in the slip next to you....you only need to impress yourself.

[reynishl]

This link has probably already been posted but here it is anyway...
The Cost of Cruising ~ SV Estrellita 5.10b

[teneicm]

Originally Posted by Livia

Also, is everyone taking their meds around here? No posting if you forget

Hee.

Adding ours to the list. Right now it's just initial boat costs but will be adding ongoing costs each month.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by wolfenzee

it is impossible to give an accurate amount for cruising costs because of the many variables involved...but one might be able to make a list of what one should expect to have to spend money on.

I think that idea has some merit in it (possibly with average percentages between broad categories?).........anyone already done it?

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by wolfenzee

....you only need to impress yourself.

Some of us cruise with more than just ourselves on board and need a boat that pleases our partner too.