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Old 02-15-2006, 01:45 AM   #1
Gary Lee
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Default Health insurance.

Hi,

I'm about to go on a long (year +) crewing trip and I'm having difficulty getting the right kind of health insurance.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

I'm based in the UK.

Thanks in advance.
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Old 02-16-2006, 12:26 PM   #2
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Well, I'd love any ideas as well. I'm based in the Washington state. The best I've come up with is a high deductible major medical policy from Regence BlueShield and I'll just be left to my own devices to get back to the US if something happens. I have to fudge a bit on that, though, because with only a mailing address in Washington I don't know for certain that I meet their residency requirements anymore.
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Old 02-16-2006, 03:28 PM   #3
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Closest I found is a "backpackers" policy, which I just got in on age.

But, soon as I mentioned I was going to be an active crew member they wouldn't cover me
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Old 02-17-2006, 03:48 PM   #4
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I have emergency evacuation and health insurance through IAPA. First I had to join IAPA (International Airline Passengers Association) which has certain benefits and is not too expensive. It, the insurance, costs about US $40 per month.

IAPA can be found at www.iapa.com

Cheers

Stephen

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Old 02-18-2006, 04:21 PM   #5
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It is likely that away from the U.S. you will find much cheaper medical treatment. Some coutries have free medical care for all those needing it, local and traveller are treated equally. The treatment is from good to excellent and referral to a hospital that may be needed for ongoing care is usually available on 'local' prices. I cruise and have no medical insurance. I have been treated at a few places for minor ailments, cuts, etc and can honestly say that my treatment each time was excellent with a total cost to date of under $10 Australian.

There is no point in not telling the insurance company the true situation when applying for insurance because when you need a payout you simply won't get it. The reality is that most injuries are sticking plaster jobs. Maybe other cruisers will agree, I have a small 'kitty' for medical expenses and self insure myself.

Regards

Peter
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Old 03-11-2006, 03:57 AM   #6
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What I worry about is what would happen if I broke my leg and needed to be in hospital for 2 months. But I suppose no country would chuck me out on the street if I couldn't pay.
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Old 10-16-2006, 11:22 PM   #7
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If you travel in the EU the E11 form will cover you for hospital treatment. If you go further afield you'll need to self insure - I'm not sure a broken leg would guarantee free service.

CHeers

JOHN
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Old 02-09-2007, 02:29 PM   #8
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I think you will find you will have to show insurances papers for boat and health on entry to EU countrys
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Old 02-23-2007, 12:15 AM   #9
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We have had health insurance all the time we've been cruising.

The first year we had Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and when I needed x-rays and stitches in the Bahamas, BC/BS did not reimburse me for my expenses.

We finally found International Health Insurance/danmark. www.ihi.com

When I had cancer, it covered astonishing expenses, and once you have been accepted for the insurance you can't be cancelled. They do not accept applications from US residents (we were not residing in the US so it was not a problem for us, though most of my cancer treatment was in the US), but you can be a US citizen, provided you reside outside the US.

IHI premiums are based upon age and size of deductible, and there are various plans. You can get a quote on line from them, www.ihi.com

They usually will not quote to those living and based in the US. A US citizen living elsewhere is no problem, however.

Sample premiums (I only have a 2005 booklet, so will be higher):

Age: 40-49 - Ann. prem. $3,939 w/ $500 ded., $2,083 w/ $2,000 deductible, $1,632 w/ $5,000 ded.

Age: 50-59 - Annual premium $5,523 w/ $500 deductible, $3,065 w/ $2,000 deductible, $2,391 with $5,000 deductible.

Age: 60-64 - Annual premium $7,575 w/ $500 deductible, $4,118 w/ $2,000 ded., $3,365 w/ $5,000 ded.

There are maximums paid for various categories such as surgeons, hospital rooms, whatever. Peter's thyroid surgery in Australia was completely covered by IHI. The ridiculously high hospital room rates charged in New York were not, as were most other hospital/medical fees.

I've been quite happy with them.
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Old 03-01-2007, 01:27 AM   #10
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Jeanne,

Thanks for the reference.

Clarification please. Are the 2005 rates you posted for each individual or for a family plan covering husband and wife?

Jeff
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Old 03-01-2007, 08:13 PM   #11
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That's for an individual. check on line for more and more current quotes.
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Old 10-09-2007, 01:26 PM   #12
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Just came across this place http://www.travelinsure.com/index.htm?32701 they were one of Jason Lewis's circumnav sponsors http://www.expedition360.com/

Reading on their page they are underwritten by Lloyd's which I understand is reputable.... and they do cover US persons residing in the US planning to travel abroad.
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Old 10-09-2007, 09:08 PM   #13
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Hopefully this might be of help.

Back in the early nineties, I tasked a number of the large marine insurance brokers with finding me the best Individual worldwide health coverage for my crew. (They were all vying for an opportunity to insure a new USD40mil Feadship).

The problem I saw with crew working on Super yachts was that they were only covered under the Ship's liability coverage that was meant for work related injuries. If they developed an illness or were hurt on vacation then repatriation was the extent of the Shipowner's liability, leaving the crew exposed to huge Medical costs.

The majority of the brokers recommended; International Medical Group www.imglobal.com (Look under Global Medical Insurance)

I have used IMG since 94 as an optional benefit to crew for that type of personal exposure, where we shared costs. It has been hugely popular with our senior crew who now have a medical plan that they can take with them (if they resign) and many other big yachts have followed suit.

Our experience with them has been very good. For example, a crewmember developed a heart viral condition while we were in YAP (FSM) of all places. Basically his heart muscles turned to mush. In critical condition in Guam, we repatriated him to Miami under our ship's insurance and then IMG took over and promptly paid all of his huge hospital bills over the next year while he was under specialist care. The good news is that he survived and eventually returned to work having nothing but praise for IMG who were even ready to pay for his Medical evacuation from Guam, was it not for our other liability coverage.

They have earned my loyalty and if you look at their Global premium options and online services and support, you can see that they are geared for the International traveller at a reasonable cost.



Stay Well!



Now if only Ship's Insurance companies and brokerage houses (like Lloyds) were as reputable!
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