Hi folks,

Just moved to the US and need to purchase an Annual Insurance policy.
Can anyone recommed any particular companies.

Thanks,

Stephen

Most of us here have separate insurance for medical, auto, property (homeowner or rental), etc. One can google easily enough for visitor insurance, but probably hard to assess insurer cost and quality. A better bet might be the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree traveler forum. Use the "advanced search" function and do a search on "insurance" -- limiting hits to USA and using a reasonably recent date range.

Hi Ben,

Will check that out.

I have been googling but getting quotes that are about 5 times more expensive than what the same policy would cost in Europe.

Cheers,

Stephen

Edited by stephenm on 04/03/2012 12:59:49 MDT.

Stephen:

I'm not an expert by any means... but when it comes to health insurance, most people are covered by their employers' group policies -- and thus premiums are subsidized. Individual policies are for the rest (meaning those who can afford them) -- and there is little bargaining power there.

Curious, are you here to work?

> quotes that are about 5 times more expensive than what the same policy would cost in Europe.
That sounds about right. Check potential medical costs in the USA.

Cheers

I hope this thread doesn't degenerate into private care vs. Obama care, etc., etc....

Cheers Guys,

I am lucky to have a very heavily subsidised insurance policy from work, I am looking for a multi trip policy as I will be traveling back to Ireland a couple of times this year and also to Canada and Mexico.

Anyone I asked at work buys single trip insurance or does not leave the US.

Cheers,

OK... way different from what I thought you were asking...

It's the nature of the beast. Most Americans have far fewer vacation days than Europeans, and the market for year-long, multi-trip travel insurance is minuscule! Adapt... and buy per trip. Thinking about it...

Am I right in assuming that you maintain your residence in Ireland? If so, then it looks like you've got both Ireland and US covered in terms of major medical -- meaning you really don't need any travel insurance -- unless you are concerned about trip rescheduling -- in which case, just buy to cover that. And then buy another one -- maybe a bit more comprehensive -- for your Mexico trip (after making sure that your US insurance does not cover for mishaps and evacuation overseas).

Hi Ben,

Thanks very much for your help with this.

I am only a resident in the Us as my house in Ireland is rented out and my European policy wont cover me traveling from the US.

Thats a good idea about checking out single trip cover.

Cheers,

Stephen

But I assume your European policy will cover you when you are in Ireland? To me, that's the important part.

Edited by ben2world on 04/03/2012 18:30:53 MDT.

Hi Ben,

The European policy only covers me when I am away from Ireland on holidays if I reside their, its not a domestic health insurance policy. I read the small print and it does not cover a Irish nationals whos primary residence is in the Us.

Cheers,

I haven't done any serious analysis, but here are two possible options -

http://www.geosalliance.com/index.html

http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/

Cheers Greg will check them out :-)

Stephen,
Also check with your employer to see if they provide supplemental travel insurance. Mine does and also provides emergency evacuation services. In addition, if you purchase a Spot satellite messenger, you also get SAR and Medevac services from Geos. From what I recall, the rates were pretty reasonable. In addition you can also get travel insurance from Geos/ASUIA.

Cheers,

Mike

EDIT: I got a quick quote from the Geos/ASUIA website and an annual multitrip policy is about $160 for an individual. Rates will vary depending on number of people covered and their ages but it does cover multiple trips up to 31 days long for each trip.

Edited by rcmike on 04/04/2012 01:54:45 MDT.

Hi Michael,

Thanks very much for that, I will check with the HR department to see if I have this cover.
I will also check out the Geos/ASUIA wsbite.

Many thanks,

Stephen

Hi Michael,

I just purchased a policy from Geos.

Thanks very much for your help :-)

Cheers,

Stephen