Health/Medical Insurance
 

Hi Everyone,

We moved here in November, and originally took out a 6 month extended travel policy to cover us, which is now due to expire.

We need to get Health/Medical insurance, but are unsure wether to get An American policy or a ex pats policy. Is there any difference??

Can anyone recommend either type or offer advice.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

Hello and welcome to BE:)
do you not get health cover with your job?

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

Hi right back at ya,

Sorry should have given you more info.

We are E2 visa holders and as such had to buy a business to get here. Hence why we now have our own flower shop.

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

I'm sure someone will be able to give you some info :)

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

Well your travel insurance would have been invalidated if you had a claim so that was pointless...

Some companies may not take you on until you have been here
sometime ....
As your in Fl . try www.thefloridaforums.com ...for local advice ..

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

Hi Ray,

Why would it be invalidated?

We came out here on a 6 month flight ticket with a valid return flight, and so the cover is valid as i see it.
If we choose to stay after that, then thats our choice, and hence why we now need cover.

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

Your intent was not to return ..you have a visa ..it was not a vacation ...
You should know Insurance companies main business is getting out of paying
especially US bills .....

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

Totally concur Ray. the travel Insurance company would have seen the intent and would not have paid out. Imagine if you'd got sick at work or something... Ouch.. Big problem. SInce you didn't need any serious treatment, you lucked out.

Anyway, try Blue Cross Blue Sheild if they are in your area. Especially if you had BUPA in the UK - they worked together when I moved here 11 years ago. Not sure if it's still the case but it made it so easy.

I'd just shop around. Contact your local small business bureau / group where you are. They would have dealt with this before and may know companies who've got special deals. you could go the "company" route or "self employed". Also try you local "british" club if you have one, like the BABG here in Atlanta.

Let us know when you find. I'm running a small 35 man company right now and we have to shop around every single year as the premiums change as frequently as that !!

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

You probably know that health insurance in the US is expensive but for people who are self-employed, it's even more expensive (than those who have health insurance through an employer).

As well as suggestions already given in this thread, please check past threads in this forum for similar threads. Suggestions have been given there too.

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

The "expats policies' I have seen are not very good. They cap out very limited at around $50,000/100,000 or so. A regular US policy would be more like $1 or $2 million.
Also if you have a big health issue the expat policies work more like travel insurance - they just want to medivac you back home and let the NHS take care of you.

My hubby and I have individual policies with the RegenceBlueCrossBlueShield for our state.

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

Your business (which, I know, is your own) can probably get medical insurance for its employees (i.e. you). You should contact some insurance agents and say "we have a small business and we want to offer insurance to our employees--what can you do for us?"

I mention this because your business can deduct the cost of insurance as an expense, whereas you paying out of pocket would not be able to (I believe). That would lower the cost right off the bat (i.e. would you rather the company pay and you have $500 less income, or $500 income, that is taxed at 33%, and then buy insurance with the remainder?).

Second, because it is a business trying to get insurance, and not some 'tom dick or harry' you might get a better rate (as they figure you are offering it to multiple people).

Are you currently using a payroll processor for your business, like paychex or ADP (which is probably the best $50 a month you'll ever spend). Those services also have insurance plans available at pretty competitive rates for small businesses.

I should also note a lot of those travel policies really leave a lot to be desired. Some even say "if cancer, you fly home" (well, not in so many words but basically).

If you are here for the long haul, better get some good insurance.

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

All the ones I have seen clearly state that you need to be UK Resident.

Re: Health/Medical Insurance
 

search the big one's -

http://www.cigna.com/

http://www.aetna.com/docfind/index.html

http://www.bcbs.com/