Expatriate Forums in Uruguay

Scandic Yacht for sale

ubai1982 — Sat May 09, 2009 11:23 pm

Author: ubai1982

Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 11:23 pm

Name of model: XGYACHT580
Craft design category: B
Mass of the craft in the light craft condition: 23900kgs
Maximum recommended load: 3260kg
Mass of the craft in the fully loaded condition: 26740kgs
Vessel type: Motor Boats with Fly Bridge
Designer: Italian design
Model: Scandic Classic 58
Year constructed: 2007-2008
No. of engines: 2
Hull material: Glass Fiber
Hull type: Deep-V
Max length: 19.10M
Length overall: 17.60M
Length between perpendiculars: 15.28M
Beam: 4.50M
Width: 4.5M
Depth: 2.30m
Draft: 0.90m
Displacement: 26.74T
Length at waterline: 15.28m
Generator: 20kW
Tank capacity:
Fuel: 2500L (1250L X 2)
Fresh water: 500L
Holding tank: 500L
Main engine VOLVO PENTA
Type: D9-575
Number of engines: 2×575HP
Rating power: F575HP/423kW
Rating rotate speed: F2600r/min
Cylinder: F6
Exhaust: F9.4L
Compress: F17.4:1
Consume: F212g/kW.h
Main engine starting: 24V
Dry weight: F1075kg
Gear box deceleration rate: F2.05:1
Outline size (length*width*height):F1710~858~970mm
Maximum number of persons: 10

for more information
call +971505211343 or ubai1982@ hotmail. com

The price only 850,000 euro

Uruguay 2008 Crime & Safety Report Unfavorable..

ChuckStur — Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:21 pm

Author: ChuckStur

Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:21 pm

I'm retiring in 2009 or 2010 and considering Uruguay as a retirment home for me and my wife. Everything I had read about Uruguay seemed very favorable until reading the "Uruguay 2008 Crime & Safety Report" (posted below). The Report did not speak favorable of the Uruguay's crime rate and I would appreciate any comments from Expats that can speak from their experience of living in Uruguay and their opinion concerning the crime.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation In Montevideo, petty street crimes like pick-pocketing, purse snatching, confrontational robbery in secluded areas, and theft from parked automobiles are common. Thieves prey on targets of opportunity such as tourists openly carrying valuables, motorists stopped at lights with bags visible on car seats, and parked unattended vehicles. Thieves migrate toward tourist spots such as the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), Avenida 18 de Julio (18 July Avenue), Plaza Independencia (Independence Plaza) and the Mercado del Puerto (Port Market). There are no “off-limits” areas of Montevideo, but in addition to areas frequented by tourists, disadvantaged neighborhoods suffer from higher crime rates. Fortunately, street crime is usually non-violent. However, the potential for violence exists if victims resist. Visitors who are aware of their surroundings, exploring during daylight hours, and not openly displaying cash or other valuables will minimize their exposure to street crime. There have been several armed robberies of restaurants in the Pocitos neighborhood of Montevideo. These have occurred on weekends late at night (between 1–3 a.m.). The Regional Security Officer advises that you try to use taxis whenever possible. Call a cab service for pick-up at your hotel/residence, and do the same from the restaurant/shop to return, thus minimizing your exposure on the street looking for a cab.

Residential burglaries are a significant problem in the Carrasco and Pocitos areas, where most affluent families and resident foreign diplomats reside. Most incidents involve burglaries of homes while the occupants are away, both during the day and at night. Burglars often ring the bell to see if anyone is at home. If there is no answer, they will let themselves in. During the summer months, from December to March, beach resorts such as Punta del Este attract affluent tourists - mostly wealthy Uruguayans, Argentines and Brazilians. During this period, petty street crimes and residential burglaries, similar to the types that occur in Montevideo, follow the wealthy to Punta del Este. Only a consistent layered defense will deter these thieves. Precautions include; a private security patrol, a centrally monitored alarm, barred windows with tightly spaced cross-members, high perimeter fences, choosing a home that does not have adjacent vacant lots/parks, owning dogs, attempting always to have someone at home, sufficient exterior lighting at night, etc.

Political Violence
Uruguay is a stable democratic republic. While there is considerable anti-American sentiment in some circles, this sentiment rarely takes violent form. There are some political protests that tend to target the U.S. Embassy, but political violence has been minimal in recent years. However, during the visit of President Bush in March 2007, there was one violent protest in the downtown area that involved vandalism (using incendiary devices, rocks and paint bombs) against American and foreign businesses, along with anti-American and anti-capitalist graffiti on sidewalks and buildings. Some demonstrators have attacked police, police vehicles and even police precincts, but violence is rare and usually brief. During the March 2007 protest demonstrators trashed an American-owned restaurant. The week prior to the visit a U.S.-affiliated bank ATM was damaged by a small explosive device that detonated between 3 - 4 a.m. This was likely a form of political protest. Two areas prone to demonstrations are Plaza Independencia and Avenida 18 de Julio.

Due to Uruguay’s close proximity to the tri-border region (Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil), plausible illicit financial support activities related to terrorism are a concern in the country. However, as of April 2007, there were no credible reports of direct terrorist threats against American interests in Uruguay. Uruguay’s northern border with Brazil is very porous.

Post-specific Concerns For various socio-economic reasons the crime rate continues to be high. Several embassy homes have experienced attempted and successful break-ins. Single-family homes are more prone to burglary attempts than apartments.

Police Response Uruguayan National Police Officers are well-trained but poorly paid. As a result, many are forced to work second jobs to supplement their income. While on duty, they may appear tired or indifferent. Their poor salaries contribute to morale problems and the potential for petty corruption. A related problem is a shortage of significant resources, funding, and technical knowledge needed to counter crime effectively. A larger problem is that when police catch criminals, the courts often release them. Many crimes are committed by adolescents, who are then released from jail within 24 hours unless they have committed a violent crime.

Police response time to emergencies is inconsistent and depends on the location of the emergency, its severity, and the proximity of the nearest police patrol car. The new 911 emergency system has improved response time significantly, but resource constraints mean there are not always enough police on duty to respond quickly. Once on the scene of an incident, police are generally polite and helpful, but often they cannot do much more than take a report. Most police officers, particularly those assigned to patrol duty, speak only Spanish. Tourist police officers may speak limited English.

American Real Estate Show Coming to Uruguay!

Sara_inLA — Sat Apr 12, 2008 1:26 am

Author: Sara_inLA

Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 1:26 am

House Hunters is coming to Uruguay!

My name is Sara and I am a producer on a television show HOUSE HUNTERS, which airs in the United States (and throughout the world) on the Home and Garden Television Network (HGTV). HOUSE HUNTERS, currently in its 8th year, is a 1/2 hour documentary style television program that follows a home buyer as a real estate agent helps them search for a home and make a purchase.

We are now doing an international version and we are looking for home buyers who would like to participate. If you are buying a property in Uruguay and you're interested in learning more about participating in the show, please feel free to contact me at: sara_allison@pietown.tv by responding with your name and the best way to contact you.

Best of luck with your move!

Property & residency issues

johnnyjava — Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:31 pm

Author: johnnyjava

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:31 pm

Hi Margret,

I may be moving to Montevideo with my wife and two children early in 2008. I'm looking for a rental property in a good safe area close to an English speaking international school (British or American is fine).

Where would you recommend? (Carassco?). I can't find much on the web except for investment / properties for sale.

As I speak zero Spanish, I'm a little concerned as to how I'm going to communicate with the locals. How much English is spoken there? I fully intend to learn Spanish as quickly as I can.

Many thanks,

David

HOUSING IN URUGUAY / URUGUAY HOUSING GUIDE

Uruguay Info — Tue Dec 05, 2006 7:21 am

Author: Uruguay Info

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 7:21 am

HOUSING IN URUGUAY

Expat areas

Montevideo is the primary Expat location within Uruguay. The most exclusive beach resort for day outings or holidays is Punta del Este, just an hour and a half drive from Montevideo.

Housing

In general, expatriates live in the suburbs of Montevideo. Apartments are the primary option for single transferees in the Pocitos area. Families with children tend to live in the suburbs to be close to the international schools, namely in the Carrasco neighbourhood.

Cost of housing

Housing in Montevideo can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 800-1000 for a small apartment in the city to US$ 2000-3000 for a house in the suburbs. The local currency is the Uruguayan Peso.

LIVING IN URUGUAY / URUGUAY LIFESTYLE

Uruguay Info — Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:50 am

Author: Uruguay Info

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:50 am

LIVING IN URUGUAY

Life in Uruguay may pass in a safe, peaceful and pleasant manner. The country offers better security than most locations in Latin America and Central America . There are no racial, religious or other conflicts and public meetings are generally peaceful.

Vehicle circulation is relatively fluid even in urban centres. Commuting time to working sites is short. Cities have spacious green areas and because of the continuity of the winds and the lack of pollutant industries, there is hardly any environmental pollution.

Uruguay ranks 6th in the world in the Environmental Sustainability Index, elaborated by the World Economic Forum together with the Universities of Yale and Columbia.

A mild climate, the lack of environmental pollution, the extent of the sanitation, potable water and medical care networks afford a healthy environment for the population.

Being a small country, distances to leisure locations such as parks, forests, countryside and sea, river or lakeshores beaches, are quite short. The national sport is soccer, which captures the interest of the majority of the population at all social levels. There are numerous private clubs with excellent sport fields, particularly remarkable golf courses. Montevideo and other main cities offer important cultural activities comprising a range of theater, movies and musical shows.

The Uruguayan market offers consumer goods from many origins and high quality, at international prices.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN URUGUAY / URUGUAY SCHOOL GUIDE

Uruguay Info — Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:47 am

Author: Uruguay Info

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:47 am

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN URUGUAY

British School
Máximo Tajes 6400,
esq. Havre,
11500, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 2 600 8958
Fax: +598 2 601 6338
Website: www.british.edu.uy

Colegio Aleman Montevideo
Avenue Dr F Soca 1356,
11300, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 2 278 4381
Fax: +598 2 278 1738

Colegio Stella Maris
Maximo Tajes 7357/ 7359,
11500, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 2 600 0702

Escuela Integral Hebreo Uruguaya
Jose Benito Lamas 2835,
11300, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 2 708 1712

Lycee Francais de Montevideo
Avenida 18 de Julio 1772,
Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 249 7338
Fax: +598 249 1540

St Brendan's School
Avenida Gral Rivera 2314,
11200, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 2 409 4939
Website: www.stbrendan.edu.uy

St. Clare's College
California y los Médanos,
20000, Punta del Este,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 4 2490200
Website: www.stclares.edu.uy

St Patrick's College
Camino Gigantes 2735,
12100, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: +598 2 601 3474
Fax: +598 2 601 6538
Website: www.stpatrick.edu.uy

Uruguayan American School
Saldun de Rodriguez 2375,
11500, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: 598 2 600 7681
Fax: 598 2 606 1935
Email: ddeuel@uas.edu.uy
Website: www.uas.edu.uy

Woodlands School
Avenida Cooper 2271,
11500, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Phone: 598 2 600 3443

HEALTHCARE IN URUGUAY / URUGUAY HOSPITAL GUIDE

Uruguay Info — Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:28 am

Author: Uruguay Info

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:28 am

HEALTHCARE IN URUGUAY

GENERAL

Uruguay is the smallest of the South American republics with an estimated population of 3.3mn and an annual growth of 0.7%. Nearly 50% of the population live in the capital Montevideo.

Unofficially the country is frequently referred to as "Little Switzerland", due to its political stability and favourable banking laws, which attract a considerable inflow of funds from wealthy individuals in neighbouring countries - notably Brazil and Argentina.

Uruguay's economy is characterised by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, relatively equal income distribution and high levels of social spending. Standards of living are among the highest in Latin America, with average per capita income of USD 6,348 in 1999.

Despite a strong domestic economy, its small size and geographic location make it susceptible to economic downturns in its larger Mercosur neighbours, Brazil and Argentina.

From 1992 to 1998, Uruguay's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged 4.2% per year. In 1999 real GDP contracted by 3.2% and although a recovery was forecast for 2000, this did not occur and GDP fell by 1.5% due mainly to higher oil prices, higher interest rates, a drought, and an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

IMF forecasts for 2001 and 2002 suggest growth rates of 2% and 2.7% although this was prior to the crisis in the Argentinian economy, which arose in March 2001.

Social Security

The social security programme in Uruguay is based on the principal of universality and as such embraces all the population. The underlying accepted cultural fact is the general understanding that the active members of the population should contribute towards and care for the inactive members of the population.

This programme encompasses family care, disability, unemployment, old age pensions and survivors. The two-tier system is made up of the underlying governmental social security programme with its universal reach managed by the BPS (Banco de Prevision Social), and a separate section consisting of individual pensions savings accounts held and managed by private entities known as AFAP (Administradoras de Fondos de Ahorro Previsional). This arrangement has worked extremely well in the five years that it has been operational.

The employee healthcare contribution of 3% per month will go towards his/her healthcare coverage provided by an approved provider or mutual referred to elsewhere in this report. By this mandatory payment the employee is strongly encouraged to enrol with one of the many mutual healthcare facilities or lose the 3% contribution. Additionally the employer has to pay an additional affiliation charge.

Contributions are made on a pay-as-you-go basis. In additions to retirement pensions, the basic social security contributions also finance sickness and maternity benefits, unemployment and family allowances. All payments are made to the social security system, which then channels payment to the private pension fund managers and healthcare providers.

The general public accept that the relatively high contributions levels are necessary in order to achieve the level of benefit desired.

Private Healthcare

Mutual associations and private medical schemes handle private healthcare in Uruguay. Over 50% of the population enjoy some form of privately managed healthcare.

Mutual associations, known locally as Instituciones de Asistencia Medica (IAMCs), had their origins in the diverse groups of immigrants that flocked to the country in the late 19th century and during the first 50 years of the 20th century. Initially the associations were formed to provide the immigrant population with a social and economic outlet, but as the need arose the associations commenced providing basic medical attention and developed into the current major private healthcare system.

There are three types of IAMCs, which are private non-profit organisations that provide services through prepaid health insurance.

* Mutual assistance associations, which are based on the principles of co-operation and use a system of mutual insurance to provide medical care to their members.

* Professional co-operatives providing medical care to their members and associates, in which the respective professionals contribute corporate capital.

* Health services created and financed by private companies or quasi-governmental entities to provide non-profit medical care to personnel and family members.

The institutions compete with each other and whilst the state exercises some legal and technical control over them, they have a high degree of autonomy. Some 35 IAMCs are physicians' co-operatives located in the country's interior and affiliated with each other through an association called the Medical Federation of the Interior.

Workers in private companies subscribe to a compulsory IAMC health plan through the Banco de Prevision Social (BPS). The BPS affiliates them with the IAMC of their choice and provides total health coverage. In the event of unemployment, the health insurance plan covers the period in which the worker is covered by unemployment insurance, up to six months.

Price adjustments to monthly contributions and other pricing issues need to be cleared by the health authorities before they can be implemented. Current monthly contributions average approximately USD 60 per person for broad medical/hospital treatment. This is financed by employer/ employee contributions to the BPS, currently 5% and 3% of salary respectively, which the BPS transfers to the appropriate IAMC, plus an affiliation charge levied on the employer.

It is estimated that the private health sector, consisting of the IAMCs and the private sanatoriums, has some 3,500 beds for the hospitalisation of acute patients throughout the country. The IAMCs administer a total of 2,800 beds, 1800 of which are in Montevideo. The private sanatoriums - 5 in Montevideo and 34 in the interior - have some 700 beds.

Out-patient services offered by the mutual associations normally require a small payment each time the person makes use of the service, in order to discourage unnecessary usage. However in recent years concerns have arisen as to the financial stability of some of the IAMCs and at least six were due to be wound up or merged with other companies at the time of writing.

At the moment the government is carrying out an in depth review of the IAMC system, with a view to completely reforming the sector. The government has negotiated a USD 75 m loan with the Interamerican Development Bank for this purpose. Notwithstanding the proposed reform, it seems unlikely that the insurance sector will be involved.

Individual Private Medical Insurance

There is a very small individual private medical insurance market in Uruguay, due to the predominant role played by the IAMC companies. In the circumstances private medical insurance has not prospered, although coverage is available for specific travel purposes and some insurers are offering daily hospital cash benefits as a complement to the IAMCx.

Group Private Medical Schemes

On the whole, individuals make their own arrangements for private medical cover, in many cases as a continuation of that which the individual enjoyed as a child through his/her family mutual association cover. Some employers are known to enrol their employees in such organisations.

Whilst medical inflation is evident, little co-operation would seem to take place in practice to control expenses amongst hospitals, doctors and pharmacists. The government nevertheless intervene to keep a close watch on the mutual associations and their pricing practices as a way of keeping related healthcare costs down.

Some companies, principally multinationals, provide group healthcare insurance to their employees, principally to supplement the coverage offered by IAMCs, e.g. covering overseas treatment.

The individual companies, unlike the mutual associations, which are closely supervised by the government, freely price insurance company-provided medical insurance.

The government owned Banco de Seguros del Estado (BSE) and Real Uruguaya de Seguros are believed to be the principal insurance company providers for cover when required. Other companies are developing complementary products, but their potential is limited.

In respect of reinsurance, there is negligible reinsurance needed at present.

Insurance company medical insurance is not sold to any great extent with the exception of travel related cover. Brokers as well as agents are involved in the sale of medical cover.

Expatriate cover

Expatriates legally resident in the country are entitled to the same benefits as a local national, although two years' residence is required to qualify for unemployment benefits. In addition to meeting the basic criteria of age, years of contribution and service, expatriates must prove they have a minimum 10 years continued residence in the country in order to be entitled to, for example, a disability pension. A minimum 15 years of continued residence is required to qualify for an old age pension benefit.

Foreign employees working in the free-trade zones are able to opt out of the social security system. Also, foreign employees from countries having social security treaties with Uruguay may be exempt from local contributions.

DIRECTORY OF HOSPITALS & CLINICS

Comero (Co-op Med Rocha)
Calle 33 Y Eliseo Marsol
Rocha
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 472 8785

Hospital Britanico
Avenida Italia 2420
Montevideo
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 2 47 10 20
Fax: + 598 2 47 40 80

Hospital Evangelico
Bvar Batlle y Ordonez 2759
Montevideo
11600
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 2 487 23 19
Fax: + 598 2 487 23 34

Hospital Italiano
Boulevard Artigas 1632
Montevideo
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 2 47 97 17
Fax: + 598 2 47 06 51

Sanatorio Americano
Isabelino Bosch 2466
Montevideo
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 2 708 6041
Fax: + 598 2 709 4231

Sanatorio Cantegril
Avada Roosevelt y Parade 13
Punta del Este
Maldonado
20000
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 42 489 151
Fax: + 598 42 487 998

Sanatorio Impasa
Av Luis Alberto de Herrera 2275
Montevideo
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 2 47 10 16
Fax: + 598 2 81 27 18

Sanatorio Larghero
Boulevard Artigas 2080
Montevideo
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 2 487 2875

Sanatorio Mautone
Avda. Roosevelt y Camacho
Punta del Este
Maldonado
20100
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 42 28 558/25 353
Fax: + 598 42 31 243

Sanatorio Orameco
Alberto Mendez 170
Colonia
Uruguay
Tel: + 598 522 2057

Relocating--a couple of questions

Mommasheart — Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:18 am

Author: Mommasheart

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:18 am

Hi! My husband and I as well as our five children will be relocating to Fray Bentos, Uruguay in January 2007. I found information on bringing our dogs into the country, but what are the laws like for keeping pets there?

Medical Insurance & Health Insurance Guide

admin — Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:31 am

Author: admin

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:31 am

Expatriate Insurance, Medical & Health Insurance Guide

For new ex-patriots, leaving our Countries to be based in a developing country, perhaps for some years, it is often a shock to discover that medical treatment of a reasonable quality is just not available, or very expensive, in their new location. Conditions can differ vastly from Baku to Beijing to the Bahamas. Many documented case histories sadly indicate the devastating experience both mentally, physically and financially of falling seriously ill when overseas, can become. Private Medical Insurance when abroad is like a parachute when flying. You may not need one but it better be there, as you and your family would may not survive without one. e.g.: Being evacuated from the Gobi desert, following a car accident resulting in broken bones, coupled to a suspected fractured skull is not an easy matter at any time.

The medical insurance plans you may need are readily available through a worldwide network of specialist Brokers, Independent Financial Advisors, or via the Plan Insurers themselves, who advertise extensively through magazines and expatriate media. Several specialist independent Brokers now have their own websites, offering multiple choices of health insurance plans. The taking of independent advice is always recommended, in order that you not only buy the right plan, but pay premiums appropriate to your new country area. Do not buy a plan without studying the policy wording carefully, particularly underwriting conditions, benefits, etc. If in doubt, ask and then complete all application forms fully, to the best of your ability.

The Premium/Benefit Trade Off

Too frequently, a potential customer or new client will look to lowest price or premium cost comparisons, before really considering the specific benefits and area of cover they may actually need. The ex-patriot client should carefully review benefits of cover offered, check out any limits to that cover and any exclusions made by the insurer. Some plans are cheaper for a reason. Often they include large voluntary deductibles on any claim you might make in future and may severely cap the benefits received under the plan. Cover limits can vary from ?50,000 total cover to as much as ?5,000,000 total cover. Any major operation in the USA or perhaps an organ transplant can soon eat up a " capped cover" plan. Exclusions to the policy should also be read carefully and advice taken from an independent Advisor. Our motto is for clients to "define their needs" first, particular Area of cover they need, then their annual healthcare insurance budget. Then, they should look to premium comparisons, last of all.

Many new entrant expatriate Insurers are taking a much easier line on HIV and AIDS issues as well as offering chronic conditions cover, if such conditions develop during the plan lifetime. Post September 11th 2001, many expatriates are now considering the purchase of income replacement insurance, term life and kidnap insurance, or travel insurance, in addition to their Health Insurance Plans.

Underwriting Terms of Plans

For the individual expatriate or family there are usually only two ways to take out international medical insurance. By means of a "moratorium" application or a "full underwriting" application. It is important to understand this rather jargonised phrases as claims can be rejected if you have inappropriate underwriting. A moratorium plan means that any "pre existing" condition, for which you have had treatment, advice or consultation upon during the last 2,3 or even 5 years in some cases, will be EXCLUDED from cover. Should you then not have any treatment, advice or consultations for such conditions for a further two years, your insurer may add that condition to your policy. Full underwriting applications mean that all medical history questions have to be completed (not needed on a moratorium plan) and that most insurers may then exclude any particular stated condition, which they feel will lead to claims upon them. Full underwriting schemes are a little more complex as sometimes confirmation and clarification letters may be needed from your Doctor in order to have a specific condition covered under your new plan, or for that insurer to offer cover at all (E.g.; HIV or AIDS conditions cover or other long-term endemic/chronic conditions.)

For larger groups of expatriates and large corporate plans, Insurers will frequently offer cover on a "Medical History Disregarded" basis, meaning that a new plan member might even be in hospital for a triple bypass, but still have that condition included in the total corporate plan. Clearly with larger numbers of people in a plan, insurers are prepared to take higher risks and offer lower premiums. Company plans can have premiums some 15% to even 40% less than individual plans, due to the larger numbers of employees and higher annual premium overall, charged by that Insurer.

Vital Questions for the Insurance Provider

1. Does the plan allow for cooling off periods, cancellation and then repayment of premium in full?

2. Does the plan offer "Moratorium or is it "Full underwriting" and do I need to have a medical examination before joining.

3. Does the new Insurer offer a 24 hour help line, 7 days a week, available from anywhere in the World (free phone)? Most Insurers now offer this facility

4. Are my pre-existing conditions excluded when joining and if so, for how long are such conditions excluded?

5. Or all and any Nationalities accepted or are there restrictions applying to local nationals? Some Insurers will only take expatriates abroad and not local nationals into an overseas plan (e.g.: - They may cover six British Nationals in Zambia, not the 100 Zambian local national employees)

6. Does the plan allow you to continue cover unbroken through your lifetime? In most cases insurers will continue to offer existing clients cover year on year, irrespective of age or claims history. I.e.: - Once a customer, you may remain a customer, although premium rates charged can increase dramatically with old age.

7. Does the Insurer allow for any Doctor or Consultant or Hospital within the plan? Are there any restrictions in this respect? Most international plans do not place restrictions on either hospitals or Doctors, but almost all demand that their help lines are called first prior to approval of any inpatient care. (I.e.: pre qualified claim or placing of a bond with a specific hospital by Insurance Company)

8. Does the Insurer provide for direct settlement of bills presented by hospitals worldwide, regardless of location? (Or do I have to pay first?)

9. What are the Insurers procedures for Outpatient claims? Do these require any pre authorization or if stated in the plan can I just pay and claim? How long before I get my money back from the Insurer? (14 days? 28 days?)

The vast majority of expatriate health plans DO NOT exclude certain occupations as do many UK based insurance plans. Expatriate plans do however add to premiums for such as Winter Sports or diving holidays.

Nomenclature, names and Plan Titles

The Product Providers and Insurers delight in launching new plan names with "exclusive" qualities in their brand names over those of their direct competitors. However, international medical insurance plans broadly have three key components, which are in-patient or daycare treatment, outpatient treatment, and then and add-on options.

In this way, a basic or standard plan usually includes in-patient and daycare, but no Outpatient or other cover. Comprehensive plans mostly cover outpatient in addition to the inpatient costs, often with a capped limit, whilst "deluxe" "platinum" or "Premier Plus" plans offer a full cover range of inpatient, daycare, outpatient with routine dental. Possibly maternity, evacuation, personal accident cover and even chronic conditions cover in certain cases. (All the bells and whistles plan) We tend to ignore the names of plans but ensure we have clear ideas of benefits specifically, capping, area of cover and any exclusions, when comparing plans against a clients requirements. For example a USA passport holder living in Paris, who never needs cover in the USA apart from the occasional holiday trip, could take Area 1 European cover, which is often half the price of full world wide cover including the USA. Area 2 is usually described as Worldwide cover excluding the USA or Canada" with Area 3 being the most expensive offering global cover including the USA, all year round

A small travel add-on option can often help with up to 30 days emergency cover in USA or Canada should such be needed. Elective care in USA can also be added for just thirty days a year too, at a substantial discount to full Area 3 cover premiums. Some Insurers now offer modular benefit packages where clients can "pick and choose" benefits, working out their own premiums, at the end of this mix and match.

Emergency, Evacuation and Repatriation

1. Does the Plan include evacuation and repatriation and mortal remains repatriation or are these benefits add on extras?

2. What costs are included in the evacuation or repatriation cover? Some plans only cover travel costs, not accommodation; some plans only give cover one way.

3. Does the Plan cover both your outward journey and pay for you to return from where you started?

4. Does the plan cater for one person or can a business colleague or a family member accompany the Plan holder when travelling for treatment after evacuation? Emergency treatment when abroad can be very stressful at the best of times and being accompanied can be a huge comfort.

Outpatient Costs and General Practitioner Costs

Expatriates with families and small children will know that "Outpatient costs" and visits to the local Doctor are usually the main cost area at home, but particularly whilst abroad. Expats in developing countries are more prone to ill health and most will have at least one or more visits to a GP during a tour of duty. You need to know that GP costs will be fully reimbursed, or that you know the level of deductible, which will be made from any and all outpatient claims. (Each and every claim or an amount, which cumulates annually) Read your Plan carefully.

1. Many Insurers offer a limit or budget Outpatient benefits and these issues should be carefully studied in the new plan. Note any restrictions

2. Check the wording of drugs and dressings offered to note whether "Full Cover" or financial limits are set in the plan.

3. Few plans offer "Elective" or "Well woman " Well man" checks. Most international plans cater for healthcare once the patient has symptoms or is ill. They do not offer preventative checks or Health Checks at the control of the client. (Some larger company plans do offer well man checks)

Outpatient Cover, Complementary Medicine, Dental plan or Routine Maternity plan

If you are able to afford the premiums, Outpatient cover added to in-patient/daycare cover makes sense. In-patient care gives catastrophic cover or a hospital cost cover, but gives no cost cover if you are "walking wounded". A medium range comprehensive plan may well limit the amount you may claim on the Outpatient costs, but a deluxe or fully comprehensive will give Full Cover for this benefit.

Many plans do offer benefit for accidental damage to teeth by accident, but not routine elective dental healthcare Routine Dental treatment is mostly quoted as an optional extra, as is any option to take out routine maternity treatment. Thus, if you break a tooth you are covered but if you visit the dentist for a crown, beware, you may have to pay. Routine maternity care cover can be a valuable part of overseas family planning, yet many women and families overseas, unfortunately only contact their Broker or Insurer when already pregnant. Few Insurers will allow routine maternity costs re imbursement when a woman is pregnant actually taking out the plan. Almost all Insurers will consider an existing pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, but will cover emergency in pregnancy. If a couple have held medical insurance for one year, the Insurer may offer an option, with CO-insurance for routine maternity costs to a budget limit. Talk this over with a specialist Advisor in Expatriate Health Insurance

More Insurers are now taking a more enlightened approach to the subject of complementary care and costs of such as chiropractioners, osteopaths, homeopaths, acupuncturists and the like. These benefits are usually severely "budget capped" by the Insurers, however.

Other Cost Considerations and Options

With the growing range of plans available across the world, across a vast premium spectrum, several new benefit cost areas are mentioned below, which are not always available from all Insurers, but can be quoted selectively in certain Plans.

Well Child care, well man and well woman checks, all can be quoted

Prosthetic Appliances, can be quoted but capped

Eyeglasses and tests quoted on many deluxe and top plans

Crowns, dentures and bridges, routine dental quoted on top plans

Death of Close Relative, round trip costs covered on many plans

Treatment in USA elective or emergency usually can be quoted

Vaccinations, quoted on some plans

Annual Health Checks, quoted on some top plans

Organ Transplants, AIDS and Chronic cover on some top plans

Hazardous Sports, quoted on some plans.

Legal Costs after accidents abroad, quoted in some plans

Complaints

All Insurer Plans should clearly stipulate the complaints and disputes procedures they follow together with any Regulator. They should illustrate how you may contact the right adjudicators in their company or contact your independent Advisor for help) There are also independent Regulatory Authorities available n most Western countries, such as the UK, who can assist you with a dispute with an Insurer (who is being difficult when settling your claim) If you have bought your Plan through the offices of an independent Broker or Specialist Advisor they will almost certainly be glad to help in legitimate disputes with an Insurer. If you are right, have proper records, the Insurers will pay up.

Overview

Generally, as with most Insurance services, you get what you pay for. Read the documentation carefully, particularly the benefits and exclusions clauses. International Medical Insurance is a complex and difficult field. Many Insurers are competing for your long-term business. They all will argue, "Their Plan is Best." Certain strategic insurance considerations have been also affecting the expatriate market since the World Trade Centre disaster. Many ex-patriots are now looking for international term life and income replacement cover, as well as medical insurance. Time will tell how long term insurance growth is affected in this expanding expatriate global market place.

If you purchase a comprehensive plan from a reputable Insurer, via an independent Broker, you are usually not disappointed. However, if you buy what is clearly a cheap cut plan, without advice, beware when trying to make a claim. (They may well have pages and pages of exclusions in the small print)

It is also important for your budget to choose the correct geographical area of cover. Routine travel options can be taken at much less cost than full-blown USA cover, if you do not really need elective USA cover. Voluntary excesses on claims can substantially reduce premiums, as can co- insurance payments. (Sharing risk costs with the Insurer)

In the final analysis, international expat medical insurance is best to have at your side so that "you may sleep at night abroad" rather than to think of ways to claim. If both parties fully understand the contract and deal in good faith, Insurers very much want to keep clients for the long term. It is always better however, to compare and study at least three packs of brochures from differing Insurers, or have a review done by an independent Broker specializing in the Healthcare Insurance field. All the material needs attention and careful reading. Understand what you are committing to, what the contract actually states, not what you may think it states (or some salesman told you) and what geographical limitations are set giving your area do cover.

You may not need to read this contract again until the moment you need medical aid. Remember, that Brand name alone does not necessarily indicate good service, but that in 2002, many lesser-known expatriate specialist Insurers offer excellent premiums, wide benefits, good claims records and fast efficient electronic client services. Professional support teams are vital in overseas emergencies. Your Helpline card is the key to medical help and assistance 24 hours a day, whilst Overseas. Make sure that you have it to hand and that you know how to use it. With most Insurers now offering toll free global lines 24 hours a day, these vital help-lines are the first port of call, prior to any treatment being arranged, with the exception of emergencies. Establish contact as soon as you can, then let the Insurers assistance teams do the rest.

Article Prepared By

J Leslie Smith B Sc Econ Honours Associate IEE
Chairman and Managing Director
Medibroker International