(life) private health insurance

[Satina Anziano]

I have tried to do some research on this topic, but I am not getting the information I need.  So I am appealing to the group for their experience.  The issue is health insurance in China for over-60 year olds.  I tried Ping An but they could not issue a policy for me, at age 67.  Obviously PICC cannot insure me privately, since my school has not been able to get me insured--I assume PICC is their carrier.

My school has asked me to find insurance for myself.  If I can't, I will offer them a health savings account, in case there are any medical emergencies. But I would like to exhaust all avenues first.  So, if any of you have obtained private health insurance, or know anyone who has, please let me know specifics.  Thanks so much!

Satina Anziano



     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Don Woods]

I got my coverage for China through a link on TEFL.com.   It's called
'Liaison International' and i have had it for almost 2 years.  So Google
that link, which will give you another link to 'insurancequest.com'.   On
the right-hand side of that page there is a long menu of items.  Click on
''Liaison International' under Travel Insurance.   I have never been sick or
hurt so I haven't used it, but by reputation it is excellent.  You can buy
it online and print an i.d. card to show the school.  You can buy as much as
your budget will stand.  I pay roughly 240 USD a month for a 1,000,000
coverage with 100 deductible.   That's for a US citizen, ages 64-70
approximately, and is renewable online (with a new i.d. card) for up to
three years.  I usually buy 3 months at a time and renew, simply because
it's less out of pocket.   It is not valid for travel to the US, except for
'incidental' expenses up to $50,000.  So I drop it when I go home, and then
start a new policy when I come back.  I don't have any pre-existing
conditions to worry about so I can do this.

Feel free to contact me off-list if you like.  I also have Skype
(donald.woods233) if you want to call.

Best, Don.

----------------
Satina Anziano wrote:

> The issue is health insurance in China for over-60 year olds. I tried Ping An but they could not issue a policy for me, at age 67.

[Bishop Johnson]

Don:
GREAT suggestion!

These guys have the cheapest rated I've seen, since I've been here ... and they're underwritten by Nationwide.

I'm not 60 yet, so I could get a million with $100 to $250 deductible for less than $150 per month

KTF
RAY

--- In TEFLChinaLife@..., Don Woods <woods233@...> wrote:
>
> I got my coverage for China through a link on TEFL.com.   It's called
> 'Liaison International' and i have had it for almost 2 years.  

[Don Woods]

I'm glad, Ray.   I can't claim credit, though, for being a pathfinder.  I was equally confused when I first got to China and discovered it on the TEFL.com site as a link to health insurance.   I've never used it, thankfully, but it certainly makes me feel better to have it.  It also looks like the telephone assistance, if you have a problem, is transparent and truly helpful.  Glad to be of help to others.  

Best, Don.


Bishop Raymond Allan Johnson wrote:

> These guys have the cheapest rated I've seen, since I've been here ... and they're underwritten by Nationwide.
>
Don:
> > I got my coverage for China through a link on TEFL.com. It's called
> > 'Liaison International' and i have had it for almost 2 years.

[Don williamson-2]

First...just a refresher reminder that most of you probably know: Health Insurance and Evacuation Insurance while in China are two completely different coverages. Once I turned 70, the Ins. company for my university flatly refused me health ins coverage. However, the Univ. allowed me a Y2000 (not much really) health care credit while under contract. I then took out an Evac Policy with SOS as a back up in case of major medical-sickness/accident. Plus: My U.S. Medi-Care coverage would extend to emergency illness-sickness while in China but subject to me paying all the bills and then submitting same for reimbursement once back in the States. The burden of proof  rests squarely on the claimant (me) in such a situation and detailed records are crucial.
 
Seems there is just no cheap and easy way to cover all bases while living in China but the above was the best I could come up with.
 
Don....now back in the U.S.

[Alan Simpson-2]

I will be cycling around Taiwan, arriving Taipei July 15th, leaving Aug 13th.

If anybody wants to meet for a beer / meal, please advise including your phone number. (Direct if you wish).

I will get a local sim card on arrival.

 

I see the world games will be on at the same time. Not sure if this is a blessing (worth going to) or a curse (all accommodation booked out)?

 

Alan Simpson


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Alan Simpson-2]

I will fly Hangzhou / Hong Kong / Taipei & wish to buy a camera.
Any idea where is cheaper please. If Taipei can you access duty free on arrival?

Alan

[Don williamson-2]

It's my opinion that Duty Free Shops at airports are one big rip off. Tobacco may be the exception. For cammera and other electronics, I think Hong Kong is the best choice. Last year on our H.K visit my friend wanted a high end Sony digital that sold in Wuhan for Y3500. She bought it (negotiated) in H.K. for Y2500 (converted from H.K.D)

Don

--- alan wrote:
I will fly Hangzhou / Hong Kong / Taipei & wish to buy a camera.
Any idea where is cheaper please. If Taipei can you access duty free on arrival?