Have you read the policy conditions thoroughly?

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Tony
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probably not!! because they won't be covered for the reasons I gave above

Incidentally, we have just had a case rejected by the insurers for someone who is seriously ill in Asia. they decided to extend their holiday so bought a new policy online. However, the policy requires that you must be in the UK at the time of taking it out, they weren't, they were already in country, so the insurance is invalid and they are faced with the possibility of having to pay themselves for an air ambulance that will cost in the region £70000, not including the medical expenses they have already racked up in hospital.

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1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014

Perhaps the real beauty/raison d'etre of the HUBB is best portrayed by Moggy 1968. Here we have an insider willing to share his experiences and expertise in the field of international medical care coverage.

This is what the HUBB offers overlanders, not only in terms of medical care, but in virtually every aspect of overlanding by all means of transportation.

There always exists a percentage of any population who, on a downward spiral continually make decisions that hasten their demise. These are the poor souls who neglect to even consider purchasing insurances, have no concern for those who they trample on their fast track to the bottom.

No matter what logic or common sense dictates, those who impose unnecessary risks upon themselves and others might never be stopped, until reality itself stops them.

All those who post here like moggy 1968 are survivors and want to help others survive. We should listen. We should certainly use this valuable and free of charge resource. People usually pay for the same advice moggy 1968 shares freely for no other reason than to help others survive.

I have always advocated insurance for overlanders and have sorted out a relatively inexpensive medical plan that covers "motorcycles" on or off road, but not while being in a structured competitive event.

We, (Elisa - from Spain and I from USA) are permanent residents of Argentina, and therefore purchased a local plan offered for expats via one of the numerous expat organizations here. Unlike U S policies there is no upper age limit or limit on amount paid, and no deductibles. I am well over the 65 year old cut off and enjoy full coverage for about $175.00 US/month. Elisa pays much less as she is younger. A book of the company's own hospitals and accepted doctors etc is provided and since we purchased the high end coverage includes the best specialists in the the country. Our medical care has been exemplary - including yearly physicals etc etc and limited dental. Prescriptions are paid on a percentage basis - about 80% is covered.

Our policies cover us outside of Argentina for a period of two months with a $50,000 dollar limit on care and a repatriation clause that gets us back to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the event of life threatening injury or illness and once we cross the border into Argentina, our regular policy picks up all medical expenses as described above.

Since we travel to Spain every couple years, I also purchased, prior to turning 65, an expat policy similar to what I have in Argentina from a company in Spain. This policy covers me outside of Spain for three months with repatriation to Spain included. My cost is about $250.00 US /month and Elisa has a less expensive policy offered to Spanish citizens.

So, we are covered on the two continents we travel to frequently and limit our visits to the United States, where we own a ranch, to two months if we depart from Argentina and three months if we depart from Spain.

We were on the road for the full year 2014, so our Argentine company sold us a "travel policy" good for a year with multiple discounts based on our expat coverage with the same company and I paid about $600.00 US
for the year and Elisa paid $400.00 US. This policy, as the other two policies covered injury, illness, limited dental and riding motorcycles.

There could be a catch. If you or I was operating the motorcycle or vehicle illegally - without a drivers license valid in country of accident without 3rd party insurance, expired registration or plates, illegal or even questionable title transfer etc your insurance could be declared null and void - just read the small print on literally every medical insurance policy.

As for the United States, although spending the most on healthcare, is now ranked #37 by the World Health Organization when compared worldwide, Spain is ranked #7 and Argentina #75.... but with access to the finest care available in Argentina, the U S is the last place I would like to return to for medical care. Medical malpractice in the U S is the third leading cause of death.

During the past ten years all of my medical has been excellent and paid for by the local insurance companies covering me as a expat in Argentina and Spain. And when Elisa fractured three toes in southern Colombia - she slipped on a muddy trail, all expenses were quickly reimbursed once we returned to Buenos Aires.

Comments and questions welcome

Eat, Drink and buy insurance

xfiltrate

Fantastic thread and great information.

US citizen here pondering longer term travel as well - and highly agree with the sentiment of carrying insurance full time. We do indeed spend the most on med care here - at least in terms of %GDP - without carrying the best care necessarily. I know folks who are struggling through medical crisis (s) WITH insurance - and they are still being slowly depreciated financially. Not headed in a good direction.

I'm after travel medical/repatriation/emergency evac as well and have only begun my investigations. One that's renewable and works in concert (transition) with purchased policies in the states. Figuring out who covers what and when is a real chore, and only starting to become clear.

I'll be paying attention to this thread for sure!

Thanks for the kind words

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1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014