[Oregonkiwi]

hi all,
we will have a gap of almost 2 months between losing coverage when my husband quits his job (and we leave Oregon), and flying to NZ. We'll be driving and camping (with a toddler) a lot during this time so I don't want to run the risk of having an accident while uninsured.
Cobra is way too expensive, and travel insurance (at least the policies we can afford) won't cover a one-way trip of this length. I found a lot of websites (eg, consumerbenefits.net) that do short term insurance, which seems to be our best bet.
Just wondering what other people in this situation have done?

[khhill]

Hi OregonKiwi!

For a two month timeframe, you can play the cobra timing game. Please double check, as this is from memory but:

Your employer has 30 days to send you all of the Cobra paperwork whether you choose to elect it or not. You then have 60 days to let them know whether you accept it or not. If something happens during those 90 days, as long as you haven't sent the paperwork back with the "NO" box checked, then you have not lost coverage and you just pay the cobra premium at that time.

For my 2 cents: It gives you peace of mind, without hitting the checkbook. If something happens that you do need to activitate the cobra at that time, the coverage from your employer is probably more comprehensive than the travel programs (and you don't have to pay unless you use it).

[Oregonkiwi]

I will definitely look into that. Thanks!

[montana]

If COBRA doesn't work out for you I did short term insurance all through school. I never had to use it but it did give me peace of mind. Generally I paid anywhere from $250-300 per 6 months depending on deductible, etc. The policies I had only covered catastrophic accidents - no prescriptions or visits but I also always carried a high deductible. I have had Fortis, Assurant and Blue Cross. I was the least happy with Blue Cross (bad customer service). Good luck!