utilities in costa rica

[editer]

vbcruiser, I’m closer to dsullivan than to you in retirement income. No swimming pool in my backyard. What interested me in your list of expenses is the $90 per month for insurance. Does that include coverage for burglary? If there is good coverage for theft of household items, I might be able to expand the list of possessions that I will bring down with me.

Thanks

editer

[vbcruiser]

Health Insurance: My wife and I tried the insurance offered by INS, but my wife had a minor pre-existing condition which put her insurance a little to high for our liking. We’re spoiled Canadians, when it comes to paying for medical.

We had the general medical the Costa Rica government offers. I had an incident that required a visit to the hospital in Liberia. I won’t get into that episode, but I canceled that insurance. If I had to go down that route again, I’d use the services of a vet:)

The insurance we have now is from an insurer outside of CR. It only covers major incidents, with very good coverage and a $1000 deductible. We pay cash if we need to see a doctor. $20 bucks a visit and we are happy with the service. I had a piece of metal in my eye, went to a great eye doctor in Liberia and he removed it for $40, along with a free check up a week later. No waiting! He’s my hero.

House Insurance: I really don’t know why we have it. It really doesn’t cover much. No theft coverage, no PC coverage. It must cover something, I’ll have to check.

The other part of insurance here, is that it’s government and trying to make a claim and get paid, from what I understand is not easy. I haven’t been through the system, but I have talked to a few folks that have been through the process. They weren’t impressed. Maybe someone esle on here could enlighten us about making an insurance claim. Does INS pay is my question?

You know your vehicle license plate costs about $600 a year right? That has nothing to do with your car insurance.

All these little things add up. Those who are dreaming of moving to paradise with a marginal retirement income, should really check into these types of issues before taking the leap.

Hopes this helps.

[*Lotus]

If you can live like a middle class Tico you’ll do alright, most north Americans can’t or don’t want to.

[DavidCMurray]

Point of information, vbcruiser. The annual “marchamo” payment to keep your car’s license plates current is based upon the value of your car. Not all cars cost $600 per year. And there is a minimal public liability insurance premium included in the marchamo.

[Author]

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