[dckiwi]

In the U.S. we have to provide proof that we have received "continuous coverage" of healthcare or we become ineligible for certain treatment and it is a huge hassle. Has anyone had experience returning to the U.S. after a few years in NZ and providing proof of health care coverage while abroad? Thanks!

[tigerlily]

I should think you'd be fine if you bought private insurance in NZ, then they could just write a letter saying how long you've been covered. If it was just the state system, I imagine this would be a HUGE uphill battle. Employer provided coverage might work, or just go to work for the Feds, their insurance has to cover everything.

[suzer]

Hmmm, it shouldn't be hard to show continuous coverage if you were on the state system, as you simply have to show that you were not without (health) coverage. If you go a day without, though, you are at square one and will not be able to get any pre-existing conditions covered for 18 months.

[txbarb]

We were just discussing this dilemma.

We are self-employed and had a devil of a time just getting coverage, and at a decent rate. Not that we've ever used it! We have a catastrophic policy with Blue Cross, so I guess I hope we never have to use it. Anyway, we were talking about just keeping it, in the event we ever come back and want to have coverage. It's approx $250 per month - isn't that the height of ridiculousness - that we would pay $3000/yr just for the privilege of being able to have coverage in the event we come back to US and need it.

[phatsharpie]

Double check your policy - many of them have residency requirements. That is if you move out of your coverage area (the area your monthly fee is based on) for certain amount of time, the policy becomes null.

-Brian