[Mrs Pony]

I've been reading all the posts about people paying for all the medicals... They all seem to be in the UK which I'm assuming that you have Universal Medical care there(correct me if I'm wrong)...only because the advise seems to be to shop around for prices ...

Here in the States we pay for our own medical usually though our employers. When we go to the Dr. we pay only a co-pay which is 'X' amount per visit and our medical insurance pays for the rest.

My questions is... Are we just going to pay our co-pay amount or is it something that will NOT be covered by insurance and we will have to pay out of pocket to have them done?

[Mels]

Hi Mrs Pony,
In the UK we have the NHS which is meant to be free healthcare for everyone (paid by taxes). You may also have private health insurance for which you pay a premium monthly/yearly. Any health costs will then be paid for by the insurance company, not necessarily totally though. Medicals like insurance and emigrating are not covered by the NHS at all. This is why we say shop aound as there are some considerable differences is charges across the country.

HTH

Mels

[EmigratingNZ]

Hi Mrs Pony

I am not sure whether the same rule applies in the US but here in the UK the NZIS stipulates which doctors/radiographers you can go to for your medical/x-rays. You may already be aware of this but thought I would mention it just incase you try and book in with someone that isn't on the list of Panel Doctors.

Good luck!

[migratory birds]

I didn't pay a penny out-of-pocket for either of our medicals in two different clinics (one adult family practise and one paediatrics) - not for the exams, labs, radiography, time it took for docs to fill out the EXTENSIVE forms. (BTW, we're in the Great Lakes region/US side)

Now onto the cats...where every penny of hundreds of dollars for vet clearance will be out-of-pocket! Not to mention transport and quarentine. But that's a different thread.

[Nathan]

....we will have to pay out of pocket to have them done?

We paid ours out of pocket, despite having 'excellent' insurance through our employers. All of it.

[Leanne]

In regards to the comment about going to someone on the list of panel doctors - in Canada I could go to any doctor, and I believe that rule is the same in the US (I think).

[Kiwi-In-Texas]

There are no panel doctors for New Zealand Immigration in USA. My husband had his medical at Texas Tech Family Medicine and even with a slight reduction for paying cash it was still very dear.



Suzanne.

[BkyMonster]

I just had mine today (just went to my regular doctor) and we paid co-pay only.
Check with your insurance. Many allow one comprehensive physical every 4 years or something similar.

[calixfornia]

We didn't have insurance, and it cost about $700+ altogether for 2 people. $100 for our x-rays, $100 for the office visits, and $500 for our blood work. What a rip off. So worse case scenario, that may be what you're looking at.

And yes, any doctor will do.

For those who have to pay cash: shop around for x-rays (and maybe even blood tests too). We went to the local prompt-med clinic and asked what they would cost. The girl was kind enough to tell me they get their results through the x-ray place in the city, and if we went through them it would be 50% cheaper. So it doesn't hurt to ask!!

[migratory birds]

Check with your insurance. Many allow one comprehensive physical every 4 years or something similar.

Becky's right. Approach it as an annual physical with the full range of labs you're entitled to on an annual basis. Most HMOs/insurers are really cutting their costs by cutting our access to labs paring it down to just bare bones.

I wouldn't suggest going too far with inquiries with the insurance company - don't tell them you're wanting a comprehensive physical so you can emigrate to NZ. Just ask what your policy covers with regard to physical, labs, etc. The chest XR is not standard of care for an annual unless you're at risk for TB or if your lupus puts you at risk for lung disease. The urinalysis should be standard for an annual.

Hopefully you haven't had an annual for nearly a year and are due, just in time, for one.

[BkyMonster]

Ah yes. I was told to call it a 'Physical with extra paperwork'. Hope that helps.

[Nathan]

Mine would have been paid for under my old plan, as I was allowed annual phyiscails. The new and improved plan only cover every other year, and without xrays.

[mgf]

Paid out of pocket for ours as well. A lot not covered by the insurance.

[Mrs Pony]

Thanks for all the help! I'll have to call our Insurance and see what they say. OH hates the Dr so I know he hasn't had a physical ... I have normal Dr visits with the Lupus but I don't think that I have either.