Healthcare

[pgurnett]

Hi All,
I plan to set off on my travels next year, firstly to the med and wondered what liveaboards do for healthcare. As a Chartered Physiotherapist I am aware of the obvious: form E111 for recipricated healthcare in the EU. However, what do full timers do? BTW I am a fit and healthy 55 Y/O, non drinker/smoker. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[captainslarty]

Its a bit of a minefield Paul, to be honest, the european heath card, which has replaced the e111, is great for emergency cover and some discounts on prescriptions etc.
to be hones, we have given mine a hammering in spain due to a small cva in the middle of damn biscay !, many in patient times both here and in the uk (Mostly sorted now frank buck) (Aslo ex NHS meself! - you may be private though ?)

The norm is that if you are resident outside the uk, or out of the uk for 185 days or more in a 12 month period, you dont qualify for nhs treatment, so some creative addressing is needed best discussed off line. ALWAYS keep a UK address for correspondence, bank, health etc... always...

Once you get outside europe, things change, being an old git like me, you will not find it easy to get long term health insurance, if at all. you need to have a buffer for treatment. Emergencies are emergencies and european health care is generally pretty good, Northern spain is truly excellent, far better than the uk in general.

In most 2nd and 3rd world countries there is usually a private system for the rich, this is often very reasonably priced and good so I believe.
The one thing that has helped everyone I think is the cheap flights cropping up most places to get back to blighty if you need to.
Anyone on meds should ensure a good stock, watch the expirey dates and temperature guidance !. and a darn good first aid and medical kit. the further you sail the more important this becomes, if you can, try to get a boat on part 1 registration, not SSR.

 

[bryantee]

We have world wide cover with Exeter life.Originally only covered Greece.Where we lived But then started to spend winters in India.and summers in Greece.
Queried the Inda bit and we were told that we were covered under this policy world wide except america and the bahamas.previously we only had 10 days out of Greece cover.hope this helps.cover about a grand ayear but varies with amount of cover.

 

[Tradewinds]

Hi Paul,

We were away sailing worldwide for 6 years 93-99 (Wife & I + two young children). We had travel (health) insurance through Endsleigh insurance. We used their service for our son in Australia & the minor operation went smoothly and was paid for by them without fuss.

They still offer long-term travel insurance (if you don't take the luggage insurance you save 20%). See here. For a family with 2 children between 2-18 it would cost £488pa for Europe & £905pa for worldwide (ex USA & Canada - but they offer cover for this). Cover can be up to 2 years at a go - we renewed annually.

Hope this helps.

Good luck with the plans.

 

[captainslarty]

Interesting link to Endsleigh, thanks

Just a few concerns.. I wonder how you went on with the fact that you need to be a uk resident.

not liable for....
16.Residency
Any claims unless You are a UK Resident.
17.Travel Dates
Any claims if You had already commenced the Trip at
the Policy issue date.
18.Commencement of Trip
Any claim unless You are travelling on a Trip that
commences in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

We will not pay for any liability arising from

● ownership, custody, control or use of any
– animals
– firearms/weapons
– horse drawn, motorised or mechanically propelled or
towed vehicles other than a wheelchair.
– hovercraft, jetski, watercraft, or aircraft unless You
are travelling as a farepaying passenger in a fully
licensed, multi-engined, passenger carrying aircraft.

Will give thema call tomorrow. ta.

 

[pgurnett]

Thanks to all. Some very useful info.
Regards,
Paul.

 

[Tradewinds]

Hi,

Hadn't read the fine details on their website.

Anyway, it worked perfectly well for us back in those days.

They're used to dealing with students - so this might help (or not!).

 

[nickrj]

I've actually been meaning to ask someone about this - I have absolutely nothing in terms of healthcare. No insurance to speak of - If something happens to me, well, I'm royally in a bad way.

I'm a dual citizen - Australian & German. Can someone tell me, does that entitle (ie. the German/EU citizenship bit) me to anything at all... ? You know, in case I trip, hit my head and fall into the marina, having to be rescued (hopefully) by Captainslarty and his one-eyed cat?

nick

 

[davidbains]

Pantaenius do travel/medical insurance and you don't have to have your boat insured with them too I believe, although it might help!! They understand yachties needs and it even includes a week's skiing!