Working overseas, health insurance advice?

[tarkovsky]

hi everyone,

always read great advice here. looks like i'm getting a job overseas in asia. i'm excited to finally get a chance to taste thailand and all else asia has to offer.

i'll probably be working more than the 2 months ohip covers you for. if i like it, maybe i'll be there years. the idea of getting an asian health plan doesn't do it for me. i'd feel safer going with a north american one like blue cross that seems to cover everything and anything.

anyone with experience? is blue cross the best way to go?

 

[A-ROD]

I have had problems with different insurance while out of the country.
My advice... get a new visa card! Use it only if you have a medical emergency and they won't accept whatever insurance you have at the time.

 

[canucklehead]

I have had problems with different insurance while out of the country.
My advice... get a new visa card! Use it only if you have a medical emergency and they won't accept whatever insurance you have at the time.

100 % accurate!!! Have an open Amex or MasterCard ....

 

[fasner]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I have used the annual travel insurance offered by Blue Cross for the past seven years. Just remember to call for authorization if/when anything happens that requires a consultation with a doctor.

As well, it would be wise to sign up for a free membership at:

http://www.iamat.org/

They will send you a rather larger packet of very useful materials. The guide listing English speaking doctors around the world (that will charge you a flat rate) is quite useful for those non-emergency checkups. Not that a hobbyist would ever need a doctor in Thailand...

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Lady Kyla]

Overseas Health Coverage

Good site to check out, as listed above. Important to get the proper "credit card coverage" and there are plans with foreign companies for their employees that cover you better than OHIP does.

Make sure you also keep you OHIP card up to date, because if you return and they know you have been out of the country for extended times it might leave you not covered here in Ontario for up to 3 months, until your coverage kicks in again if your card expired.

I would make sure you renew now or make sure you return before your card expires.

Emergency care in most major cities like Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong is as good as here. However, extended care in Thailand, Indonesia and some other countries puts you at risk unless you have a support network with your employer.

Make sure you buy the insurance, as it is not worth the risk to be caught in a foreign country without it. Check all the exceptions and I would even have "medivac" coverage to get you back home if there are some special circumstances.

Well you are there...does not hurt though to check out some great dentist where you can get "crowns"for half the cost that you would pay in Canada. Bangkok has excellent hosipitals and a big Western retirement community from Europe and Australia.

Hmmm...you can also get homecare...with massage for less than $15.00 a day and probably cheaper if you go on a monthly plan. Your nurse might even be persuaded to bring "student nurses" to check your happy organs.

 

[shawnbg]

Like EOTD says, you should talk to your employer. If the job is a legitimate one this should be your employers responsibility. At the very minimum, they should at least be able to tell you the available options and cover part of the expenses. I lived abroad for two separate years in the last nine working for two different companies and both times my employer took care of my Health Insurance.

 

[tarkovsky]

gee whiz,

thanks a million everyone. seriously, this is the BEST MESSAGE BOARD--EVAH!

i knew i'd get great advice.

cheers