Health Insurance

[umcRN, BSN, RN]

I am thinking of travelling when my lease is up this coming summer. One thing now worrying me is that within the past year I had a major health scare and for the rest of my life now have a "pre-existing" condition. I am not currently requiring treatment other than MRI's and follow up every 3 months (which gets expensive in itself) but have the potential for needing treatment in the future. How is agency-provided health insurance? Is private insurance the better route and will I be able to get a cost effective insurance with my condition, what about COBRA? I have fantastic health insurance right now and am only thinking of travelling for a year or so.

Thoughts?

What have you done?

[BluntForceTrauma]

I am thinking of travelling when my lease is up this coming summer. One thing now worrying me is that within the past year I had a major health scare and for the rest of my life now have a "pre-existing" condition. I am not currently requiring treatment other than MRI's and follow up every 3 months (which gets expensive in itself) but have the potential for needing treatment in the future. How is agency-provided health insurance? Is private insurance the better route and will I be able to get a cost effective insurance with my condition, what about COBRA? I have fantastic health insurance right now and am only thinking of travelling for a year or so.

Thoughts?

What have you done?

Every agency probably has different insurance, but for the most part it is definitely an option. Some even provide free insurace. Please be sure to look at your deductibles thoroughly and know what you are getting. Then maybe you can compare it to provate insurance or COBRA and see which one is cheaper. Also, due to healthcare laws, I think you can't be denied due to a pre-existing condition. I could be wrong.

[NedRN]

Agency health insurance is almost always group so your pre-existing condition is not a concern. However it is generally crappy insurance too. With ongoing treatment, there is no way private insurance will cost less. Your best option is to COBRA your current insurance. Be prepared, the cost could be as high as $700 a month. Worth it. You can negotiate with agencies - they have the power to make it tax free with proof from you - otherwise you have to pay for it with after tax dollars. Not all agencies will do that even though the IRS allows it.

[tewdles, RN]

Good luck.

You might consider traveling with a large health care organization that has facilities and services in multiple states.

Banner would be an example. I imagine that their health insurance for travelers may be better than some.

[umcRN, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the advice! I guess I'm not worried about being denied, only having to pay more. Looks like I have a lot to look into with the different options