If you are planning to move to Costa Rica, it is important to understand your options regarding ongoing health care.

Several choices, or a combination of choices are available, ranging from the local Costa Rican socialized plan, a local private plan, to plans issued by carriers offshore [typically the U.S.]

“Offshore” plans have some common features:

• You are precluded from residing in the USA/Canada for more than 6 months in a year.
• All have a Deductible. This ranges from $250 to $20,000, depending on the company.
• Many have a “co-insurance” clause that is applied after the deductible, inside or outside of Costa Rica. While some companies reimburse or pay 100% after the annual deductible on all global claims, including Costa Rica.
• Most have an extensive network of affiliated hospitals in the USA and admittance to any of these will save you money at claim time.
• All have “Pre-existing condition” clauses.




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• Most cannot cancel you after issue because of your individual claim experience.
• Most give you coverage worldwide, with a number to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The various carriers underwrite [assess risk] differently, especially with regard to pre-existing conditions.
• For a given client, one carrier may issue a Standard policy, while another may approve with exclusions on certain conditions. One may ignore an injury [like a car accident neck injury] after a few years, while another may exclude ANY related problems for life.
• If you include USA coverage, some companies insist on using their Network of hospital & physicians or no benefits will be paid, while others give you more freedom to choose a Network or secure facilities and physicians outside that Network.

One carrier does have a “pre-underwriting” free look to give you a good idea of the expected outcome of your application, should you have some specific concerns.

NOTE: All Private “Offshore” plans review the application, then give the client the opportunity to accept the conditions or decline without any charge, only time may be lost trying to find the one plan that fits your budget, required benefits and covers your pre-existing conditions. For this reason a Qualified International Insurance Specialist is important to contact.

1. Deal with a broker who represents several insurance companies. He should be able to talk with you about your specific situation and apply to the carrier[s] that fits you best.
2. He can also advise you of differences in the plans that may be very relevant to you.
3. Try and bring a summary of your medical history, signed by your Doctor. A company may require this and if you have to obtain it long-distance, it may significantly extend the decision time. Write down the names of all regular medications and dosages and any hospitals you were admitted to in the last 10 years.
4. Check on your current plan. Will it cover you for even a short term after you move? i.e. will you have a gap in coverage before your new plan is approved?




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5. Be realistic about choosing a Deductible on your new plan. A suggestion is to ask yourself if, for example, you had to pay for a procedure that cost $5,000, would it impact you significantly?
6. Costs here in Costa Rica are much less than in the US and a situation such as this is likely a one-time event. Maybe a deductible [you self-insure] in this range is appropriate, PLUS it will save you premium costs long-term.
7. If you have older children – up to 23 – enrolled in college, bring proof of enrollment, if you want them covered under your plan.
8. Review options regarding local plans, both private and social.
9. It may well be that a local plan fits your situation, or a combination of local private and an “offshore” travel plan is the best way to cover occasional trips. Good travel plans are available.

Financial health should be part of your plan. If you have made a decision to move, you are likely precluded from doing anything other than making adjustments to EXISTING Life insurance policies.

Review with your current Agent before you leave. If you do not have a regular agent, you can still deal with explanations, changes or new plans after you leave. A number of large companies have an “offshore” division, so if a new plan is necessary, they are available and very affordable.

Do not put off a review until after you arrive; a number of options in Life plans are time and age-sensitive, such as conversion to a new type, or the option to buy more coverage without evidence of good health.

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If you are considering new insurance coverage or your policy is coming due, and would appreciate expert help in choosing what’s best for you, your family and maybe your company, please contact our Private Global Medical Insurance Expert John McGee by email here or, visit his website here and get a customized insurance quote.

PS. Note from Scott Oliver – Founder of WeLoveCostaRica.com: Over a period six months I met with – and was very disappointed by – at least 20 insurance ‘experts’ in Costa Rica.

I decided to work with John McGee because he knows the insurance business inside out and, he is a good communicator, the last thing any of us need in a medical emergency is an insurance guy that doesn’t feel it’s necessary to return phone calls promptly.

Our family’s insurance needs are covered by the companies John represents because it’s been my experience that you can rely on John McGee for your insurance requirements.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.