[coyotewildwomen]

Hi,

Do any of you carry supplemental medical insurance? If so, with whom and at what cost?

I have heard it is advisable to have it, otherwise you can wait a long time to get treatment that is considered non-essential. I blew out my knee a few years ago, and from what I have heard, I would have still been on crutches waiting for surgery! :wah

Do you know if this insurance will cover you abroad?I will also do some research and report back.

Thanks in advance,

W

[sarahw]

Ian managed to get PPP Health Insurance who he was with in the UK to do a Worldwide policy - we explained the circumstances - as noone would have taken on his pre-existing condition where he had spine surgery a couple of years back and may need more in the future.

With regards to me - I'm going to take out some insurance here but haven't had the chance to have a look yet. When we spoke to a few people here they told us that they had policies for themselves & their kids.

[RoadRunner]

Are these supplemental health policies provided (for a fee?) through your employer?

Or do you just buy it on your own as an individual?

[sarahw]

As an individual - not many employers offer healthcare benefits here (or pensions!)

[Wannaway]

You won't find many employers offering benefits like pensions and life assurance in the UK as the Companies here have to pay tax on them. They have the same waiting list problems here as with the NHS so recommend insurance. There are loads of insurance companies here so it's worth ringing around a few to compare cover and costs.

[Wannaway]

Also meant to say that some of the larger employers will have what is effectively a group scheme that employees can join but the employee pays the cost. Worth asking. You will pay lower fees that way.