Medical Plans

[ActingBA]

We are looking for coverage- she's coming towards the end of the year. Prices aren't listed on any of the sites so I was hoping to get an idea of who people would recommend and what prices are like.

 

[steveinbsas]

In the advanced search page enter "health insurance" in the search using keywords box and (using the drop down menu below) click on search titles only.

You will find 43 threads with these words in the title.

Or just click on this link:

http://baexpats.org/search.php?searchid=627507

 

[ActingBA]

Thanks for directing me to the search option however I am looking for current prices.

 

[citygirl]

Prices are subject to change all the time - for example, I believe they're going up another 25% this year.

It all depends on what plan, what level and what age the person is. Also rates vary depending on if it's an individual or you are getting insured through a company.

Medicus is the cheapest and I have heard decent things about them. You can get it at a discount through an expat organization - try google for more info.

The next range of prices are usually for hospitals which is fine if you are planning on staying/being based in Cap Fed. Aleman, Britanico, Italiano, etc all have plans.

Then the most expensive are the general coverage companies like OSDE (the best IMO), Galeno, Swiss Med, etc.

I will tell you that I have OSDE 310, am over 35 and am paying around 1500 pesos a month.

 

[ActingBA]

WOW. Thanks for the info. We are both over 35 . 1500 for an individual? In a word, crikey.

 

[steveinbsas]

Thanks for directing me to the search option however I am looking for current prices.

Well, since you were also "hoping to get an idea of who people would recommend" I included the link which has just that kind of information.

Regarding prices, in June I paid $698 for Medicus Plan Azul. This covers everything with a 40% discount on prescriptions and I can see the doctors of my choice. The cost will soon increase by 25% as will all private plans. Medicus a cheaper plan but you must go to Medicus clinics. I believe that Medicus charges the same rate for everyone to age 70.

Whatever price you are quoted by any provider, expect it to double in three to four years.

In mid 2009 I was paying about $350 pesos per month.

In September of 2010 I was paying $466 per month.

In October of 2011 the rate was $607.

In July 2012 the rate was $698...and these rates all reflected a 40% group discount.

If you want to more about it go to the link I provided. There is a now closed thread about it.

It will be 15% more in next month and and that rate will increase another 10% around the end of the year.


If I had paid out of pocket for the actual services I received in the past three years...six office visits and three studios, I would have paid about $300 pesos per year.

I spoke with my doctor today as we looked at this year's test results. He indicated that public services in Bahia Blanca are excellent for emergencies, including surgery and that my test results were good enough from year to year to drop the private insurance.

I have a week to decide, but I think I'm going to drop my Medicus coverage and go public.

 

[ActingBA]

Thanks again for taking the time to write those details As I am on a tourist visa I might just get travel insurance for now.

 

[steveinbsas]

How long are you planning to say in Argentina?

It has been some time since I checked, but I believe travelers plans are usually limited to two or three months and may only cover emergencies. Perhaps you can renew it or even change providers as needed.

FYI: You can enroll in the Medicus plan with just your passport, get full coverage immediately and drop it whenever you wish.

 

[ActingBA]

We are staying longer than the average expat. Just need to figure out what's best for us as it is precisely an emergency situation we would want to be insured for. There are yearly travel insurance offers that are in the $200 range from what I remember. For now, that might work.

 

[steveinbsas]

If you can get a traveler's policy for a year for $200 (dollars, euros or pounds) I think that wold be a great option. Especially if you have either private or public coverage in your home country to cover illness and long term care...and especially if the travelers policy covers the cost of getting you home quickly in case of an accident or an illness.

In that case I hope you are from a country without extended waiting periods for medical care.