International Medical Group for travel insurance.
Thank you, such a nondescript acronym.
Hello Alan - it is my understanding IMG also offers long term medical coverage worldwide (not only travel insurance) for those who spend 6 months abroad.
So what would you do, if you're not under Medicare, you'd drop whatever personal insurance you have and get one of these travel international policies for the months you're abroad?
Problem is it's not so easy to go in and out of insurance coverage in this country with issues about preexisting conditions and so forth. If you're grandfathered into a policy and you develop a chronic condition, you don't want to drop the policy for the times when you're out of the country.
So what would you do, if you're not under Medicare, you'd drop whatever personal insurance you have and get one of these travel international policies for the months you're abroad?
Problem is it's not so easy to go in and out of insurance coverage in this country with issues about preexisting conditions and so forth. If you're grandfathered into a policy and you develop a chronic condition, you don't want to drop the policy for the times when you're out of the country.
When we lived in the UK last year for 7 months I'm sure we could have bought much cheaper insurance, but there was no way I was going to risk dropping my US insurance during that period.
Looks good to me.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens must reside abroad or plan to leave the U.S. on their effective date and plan to reside abroad for at least six of the next 12 months.
Renewal of Coverage: You must continue to meet the eligibility requirements outlined above in order to renew.
So what would you do, if you're not under Medicare, you'd drop whatever personal insurance you have and get one of these travel international policies for the months you're abroad?
Problem is it's not so easy to go in and out of insurance coverage in this country with issues about preexisting conditions and so forth. If you're grandfathered into a policy and you develop a chronic condition, you don't want to drop the policy for the times when you're out of the country.
It does, but it's non-HIPPA and it looks like you're ineligible for coverage or renewal if you're in the U.S. for more than six months per year. So it's probably not a good option for someone who expects to, or even might, return to the U.S.
I know I worry about developing a condition that makes me uninsurable outside my state. I'd like the option to live wherever I want, not where my health insurance policy is. I can't imagine putting myself in the postion where I couldnt return home to the U.S. if I wanted.
What kind of policy and with which company did you get this evacuation coverage?
Typically, medical evacuation is with travel insurance policies.
It does, but it's non-HIPPA and it looks like you're ineligible for coverage or renewal if you're in the U.S. for more than six months per year. So it's probably not a good option for someone who expects to, or even might, return to the U.S.
I know I worry about developing a condition that makes me uninsurable outside my state. I'd like the option to live wherever I want, not where my health insurance policy is. I can't imagine putting myself in the postion where I couldnt return home to the U.S. if I wanted.
I got the plan from this place: On Call International - Emergency Medical and Travel Assistance
They call it travel assistance, not travel insurance. I do not know if that is just wording or if there is some legal difference.
I believe it is for trips of 90 days and less, not for long term life as an ex-pat. It is just evacuation insurance, nothing for medical care, lost luggage, cancellation refunds, terrorist attacks, changes in romatic partners, etc.
Why wouldn't this coverage be appropriate for someone who wishes to return to the US full time at say age 60 or 65?
Sorry, just trying to understand your comments.
I agree with this. The thought of being seriously ill, in another country, and not being able to come "home", is a total freak-out for me. I'm okay with dealing with acute situations (I think), but I keep remembering that girl on the Mototaxi Junket who wound up with an emergency appendectomy in Pisco (a fairly small city south of Lima, Peru). You think she didn't want to get home ASAP after that? Whew!I'd never say this insurance isn't appropriate for anyone. There are plenty of people who this might just work fine for. But for U.S. citizens the eligibility and rewewal requirements should be carefully considered and disclosed.
With this insurance, if I develop an expensive chronic medical condition, I'm effectively prevented from permanently returning to the US without losing my health insurance. That's a big deal. At least it is to me.
It might be less of a problem for someone a couple years away from Medicare eligibility. I'm 25 years away, and quite likely more. But even if I were 55, I think I'd want to preserve the option of coming back home if I choose.
People change their minds and situations change, sometimes surprisingly quickly. A younger me never dreamed I'd be living the life I am now. I have no idea what I'll be doing five or ten years down the road. The last thing I want to do is make a choice that potentially limits those future options. That doesn't mean this insurance isn't right for anyone. It's just not right for me.
When living abroad, you're probably going to make acquaintance with a couple lawyers and learn about their healthcare system in the first few months. Not too much different than the states. Then find a GP who can help you through the process of the possibility of a major problem.
We did Rue Cler for 2 nights, then (after my bucket list trip to Normandy) returned to Marais for a condo with another couple for a week. It was VRBO and worked fine: owned by a couple from Irleand and totally remodelled about 5 years ago.We were looking for a shorter period like ~2 weeks but the best deals seemed to be for 4 adults in an apartment. So maybe best for 2 compatible couples. I think occasionally a new listing will pop up and be grabbed if it's really a good price.
We would up just staying in a hotel in the Rue Cler for 115 Euros/night.
With this insurance, if I develop an expensive chronic medical condition, I'm effectively prevented from permanently returning to the US without losing my health insurance. That's a big deal. At least it is to me.
Hello Gone4Good. I understand your concern, but please could you let me know what about IMG worldwide coverage (e.g. US included) makes you believe that if you develop an expensive chronic medical condition, you are effectively prevented from permanently returning to the the US ? There is no discontinuity of coverage as far as I am aware (as long as you continue to pay your annual premiums).
Eligibility: U.S. citizens must reside abroad or plan to leave the U.S. on their effective date and plan to reside abroad for at least six of the next 12 months.
Renewal of Coverage: You must continue to meet the eligibility requirements outlined above in order to renew.
You're only eligible for coverage and for renewal of coverage if you spend six months or more out of the US every year. That pretty much prevents you from permanently returning to the US and keeping your IMG insurance. That is true regardless of whether you're sick or healthy, but is obviously a bigger issue if you're sick.
Sorry I was not clear. Someone in his/her 40s could theoretically travel 6 months a year until the age of 65, pay annual his/her IMG premiums for coverage (i.e. to cover diabetes type 2 treatment for example starting in his/her 50s) and return to the US permanently when Medicare starts. Correct ?
Yes, of course they could.