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Topic: Health Insurance in the UK?  (Read 984 times)

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Health Insurance in the UK?
« on: May 06, 2006, 07:23:31 AM »
Hi All,

I started working in London about 2 months ago.  I quit my job in the US 3 months ago and during my transition, I didn't receive my COBRA package and forgot to sign up for COBRA benefits.  Now it is past 60 days and I am no longer eligible for COBRA benefits through my previous employer.  My new employer here does not offer health benefits since I am a contractor.  Technicallly I am self-employed so I need to sign up for health benefits on my own and pay out of my own pocket.

Does anyone know any programs where I can get my health benefits from doctors / dentists back in the states, but go to a London doctor / dentist in case of emergency?  I go back to the states 1-2x per month and I'd rather go to my doctors/dentists I have there since I know them and they know me.

I used to use UnitedHealthCare for Medical Insurance and Delta Dental for Dental Insurance.  Does anyone know how I could potentially use something that mirrors their benefits?

I would rather not depend on the NHS and have private insurance as well...

Thanks in advance!


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Re: Health Insurance in the UK?
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2006, 10:21:00 AM »
From my research, it seems that US medical insurance cannot be used outside the USA without prior approval (usually only given for extreme emergencies, if then). This is definetly true of Bluecross. Calling your provider is the only way to confirm this, and since this is likely to be a very infrequently asked question, make sure you are getting an informed and correct answer.

Nor would your england-based insurance likely pay for care in the USA. You sort of have to pick. You can get generic Travel-health insurance to fill the gaps. The Lonely Planet Thorn Tree web page has a health branch where the pro's and cons of these insurance packages are regularlly debated. It's more geared towards breaking your leg while climbing mount everest then getting your teeth cleaned, on average. Only a very few travel policies offer coverage in the USA, due to the high cost of treatment there.

Of the main insurers over here, I chose BUPA. By USA standards, health insurance over here is a bargain, particularly if you choose a high deductable policy.



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