Medical Q
 

Hi,

For folks going on an L1 and getting medical scheme through employer, does the amount you have to pay depend on history, weight etc, or is it what in the UK would be termed non-underwritten?

Also, how much should I expect to pay for routine monthly meds? How can I find costs of particular drugs?

Many thanks.

Re: Medical Q
 

Assuming that your health insurance will be provided under what is known as a "group plan" (which is the normal case for anything but a very small company) enrollment is normally automatic and everyone pays the same.

That having been said, the costs and benefits of these plans vary immensely so there is no way of telling you exactly what will be covered or what anything will cost - for that you will have to look (very carefully!) at the specific details for your particular plan (or plans - some employers give you a choice of several different plans). Your employer should be able to give you this information and the plan should also have a web site that you can consult.

Also check when your coverage actually becomes effective - if you are lucky it will be on your date of hire in the US, but it is possible that it will not kick in for 30 or perhaps even 90 days - I personally have never seen that, but there are people here on BE who swear that it can and does happen so check that out carefully and, if necessary, make alternative arrangements for any interim period.

There is a wiki article on health insurance that you should probably read.

Re: Medical Q
 

We cover some of the basics in the WIKI. You might want to take a look at that and see if you have any other questions.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Health_Insurance

Re: Medical Q
 

Will also depend on what insurance you have...as a rough guide, can be anything from $10-50 a month for generic or brand, but really, can be much more. Some generics you can get for $4 at Target/Walmart etc.

Just have to ask the insurance what they'll cover.