Health Insurance
 

I have searched the Hubb several times but can't seem to find the answer or any help with my query so thought I would ask. We are going to be travelling through Europe and Africa for several years in a Unimog and I am trying to find suitable medical cover.

I keep finding that either policies don't fly you home (UK) if reqired or only allow trips of short duration ie 45 days. The annual policies seem to allow a maximum of 18 months and no longer. We are after a policy that covers medical assistance in the country we are in but flys you home if that is needed.

The only company I have found with suitable cover is 'Heathcare International'. These guys seem to cover all we need and are more an ex-pat type of cover, however, when I phoned them they said they cover the person and not the vehicle/sport/occupation so would cover us in a lorry in Africa and I specifically asked about motorbikes as we may well hire some along the way. They cover private hospitals in both country of injury and also in the UK if repatriated which is more than all the other policies I have researched. They are quoting £583 per annum for the 2 of us so it isn't that expensive either.

My question is: has anyone else had any dealings with this company? I can't find them mentioned on the Hubb which I find strange as they would cover anyone including bikers and this is a fairly rare thing!

Any answers would be very welcome as I need to set up insurance within the next month!

Kate

Repatriation - medjet assist
 

I haven't heard of the company you mention.
I used MedJet Assit (medjetassistance.com) to repatriate me from Peru to UK after a crash.
Its $US350 for a 'family' for 1 year, and $1450 for 5 years.
They don't provide for the foreign or homeland medical / travel insurance but will collect you from any hospital worldwide and return you home with a nurse as needed.
I think it needs to be combined with an insurance that will cover the other costs.

Bruce.

Don't know if this helps...
 

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nsurance-33151

It seems that it is repatriation insurance that you seek. How long do you want cover for?

Allianz
 

Hi,
My Girlfriend is using Allianz for when we travel. It costs about 1700 USD a year, but has extensive coverage, includes repatriation and in certain situations will cover sending a family member to you if you cannot be transported. Also includes 24/7 medical phone assistance as well as emergency assistance.
Search the web for Allianz travel insurance don't have the link handy.

Thanks for your replies.

Touring Africa and Bruce - can you tell me please if these policies are available to UK residents. You both mention figures in $.

Bruce, you obviously used them after your crash - how did you find them? Did you have any problems?

Stretcher Monkey - thanks for the link, I have already been through this and found that most of it is not relevant to our trip as we are going to be away for 3 years or possibly longer. A lot of annual policies only cover you for 45 days in any one trip! I am interested in the 'overlanding' policy mentioned but it seems to be for 1 year only. The 2 year policy specifically excludes 'overlanding' under their extreme sports!!!!

Thanks again... this really is a mine field!

Kate,
On the face of it Healthcare International looks good for the extended travel, it is the first I have seen which enables you to renew after a year and is ongoing.

Their cost for insurance including travel to USA are steep and I think the basic annual policy is around £1400 for two.
We are looking for cover for only one year and it has to cover travel by motorcycle in the Americas and the best I have found is with Direct Travel, they have different levels but a basic health insurance less cash and baggage is £280 each for 12 month trip. Not sure about your need to renew every year. I have been using them for single and multi trip policies, the one time I used them the service was good.

Direct Travel Insurance - Great Value Holiday Insurance and Annual Cover

Steve

MIssion Impossible!!!
 

I'm looking for cover for a 3 year RTW trip for me and the wife on our bike... No luck as yet but I'll keep trying.................................
Just rang Direct Travel .. They will renew after 12 months but you need to be back in the UK .. Another crossed off the list.
Waiting to hear back from Healthcare International. I will post the reply back here when I get it.

HealthCare International
 

Just had a reply from HCI .. Covers riding a bike of 1200cc, renewable on the road and very reasonable cost.

==> World Nomads - Keep Travelling Safely

They will not cover UK residents on big bikes, so only an option if you only occasionally rent small bikes. Policies can be renewed on the road. I'm about to get my third year.