Getting Insurance when you get back to the U.S.

this has probably been covered but i couldn't find it.  so is it easy to get health insurance once you come back to the US? like is the NHS considered to be continuous coverage?

Sorry, i have no idea because i never intend to return to the US.
But just wanted to mention that the NHS isnt 'insurance', so i dont know how that would fit in with 'continuous coverage'.

Might want to ask in repatriation, there might be people there that have experienced this.

Are you say heading back to the US permently or just for a short period of time.  If the short period of time then travel insurance is your best bet.

like is the NHS considered to be continuous coverage?

ABsolutely not.  If you are not relocating permanently, you will need travel insurance for medical coverage during your visit.  If you are relocating permanently, there are some places that offer medical insurance for the self employed and people who do not have insurance thru their job.  I used to buy it thru Kaiser Permanente.

well good thing i asked.  i am moving to london for at least 6 months through BUNAC. if i love it like i think i will (and if i have enough cash) i'm going to apply to grad schools in the uk and possibly never leave. but in case i do have to come back after 6 months i want to make sure i can get insurance.  so if i get travel insurance for the 6 months i should be good to go for health insurance back in the U.S.? if you guys don't really know i'll check over at repatriation. thanks!!

well good thing i asked.  i am moving to london for at least 6 months through BUNAC. if i love it like i think i will (and if i have enough cash) i'm going to apply to grad schools in the uk and possibly never leave. but in case i do have to come back after 6 months i want to make sure i can get insurance.  so if i get travel insurance for the 6 months i should be good to go for health insurance back in the U.S.? if you guys don't really know i'll check over at repatriation. thanks!!

no, you only get travel insurance to cover you for the time you will be in the US, whilst you are in the UK and working, you can use the NHS.

Just so you know, I am in London on BUNAC currently, and we were specifically advised that we are only entitled to the NHS for emergency care, despite the fact that we are working and making NI contributions. I don't know the reason for this, but it says it several times throughout our documents and they also push for you to buy travel insurance before arriving in the UK should a medical problem arise that continued after emergency care stopped.

Just so you know, I am in London on BUNAC currently, and we were specifically advised that we are only entitled to the NHS for emergency care, despite the fact that we are working and making NI contributions. I don't know the reason for this, but it says it several times throughout our documents and they also push for you to buy travel insurance before arriving in the UK should a medical problem arise that continued after emergency care stopped.

oh ok thanks.  have you gone to a GP since you've been there? did you get BUNAC's travel insurance or did you get it from somewhere else? i guess if i only end up living there for 6 months i can get by without a dermatologist though. 

No I haven't registered with a GP, but I did see a private doctor last year briefly when I was studying abroad. And luckily my medical insurance from the US still covers me when I am here for care, so didn't need to buy travel insurance, either.

However, BUNAC's insurance is done through the same place where my (mandatory) insurance for the study abroad programme was administered, and it was a good deal if I recall. About $300 for the 6 months?

Just so you know, I am in London on BUNAC currently, and we were specifically advised that we are only entitled to the NHS for emergency care, despite the fact that we are working and making NI contributions. I don't know the reason for this, but it says it several times throughout our documents and they also push for you to buy travel insurance before arriving in the UK should a medical problem arise that continued after emergency care stopped.

I think this is because you're only allowed to stay in the country for six months.  I ran into the same issue when I studied abroad for a semester in 2005 - we were specifically told that since we were going to be in the country for 6 months or less that we were not eligible for the NHS...I had travel insurance through my US university, and could also get medical care at my uni's surgery (but ONLY my uni's surgery.)

Just remember to check that whatever travel insurance you get will cover you when back in the US until you get regular health insurance. STA does one that covers Americans travelling in the states and abroad.

Just so you know, I am in London on BUNAC currently, and we were specifically advised that we are only entitled to the NHS for emergency care, despite the fact that we are working and making NI contributions. I don't know the reason for this, but it says it several times throughout our documents and they also push for you to buy travel insurance before arriving in the UK should a medical problem arise that continued after emergency care stopped.

It may be b/c the length of your stay is so short, you are allowed to claim back the contributions you make to taxes/NI whilst you are working here.  Of course, then you will need to pay Uncle Sam out of that sum.

Not sure, but I know people who've come here on BUNAC who've done just that.

so if i get travel insurance for the 6 months i should be good to go for health insurance back in the U.S.? if you guys

Most, if not all travel insurances will only cover you for emergancys only. If you intend to travel with the intention of seeking medical treatment or advice, your claim won't be valid

I think this is because you're only allowed to stay in the country for six months.  I ran into the same issue when I studied abroad for a semester in 2005 - we were specifically told that since we were going to be in the country for 6 months or less that we were not eligible for the NHS...I had travel insurance through my US university, and could also get medical care at my uni's surgery (but ONLY my uni's surgery.)

Correct, NHS is only for those that are settled in the UK.  BUNACs, 6 month study programmes and visitor visas are not considered "settled".