Comments on: Hypochondriacs? $8,343.44 for Healthcare

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:58:45 +0000

Liz – will you give me your pager number so I can call you in the middle of the night to discuss my lower GI distress? I agree, safer is always better when it comes to polio. Thanks for the comment, talk to you soon.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:41:32 +0000

Well, I can say you definitely got everything, including several things you probably already had immunity to from childhood vaccinations. Nothing ruins a vacation like polio.
You won’t need any of it now that you’ve bought it, so I think that you’ve taken every step possible to not jinx yourself, which is medically important (and scientifically sound). Presumably you’ve also brought with you prescriptions for cipro, malaria prophylaxis maybe if you need it, and other over the counter stuff to be thorough. The one thing I would recommend is having a doctor in the US phone number or pager so you know what to take when (diarrhea is surprisingly confusing), and to get advice on what may constitute a serious emergency. I think getting a US plan is a great idea, because if it were me, or my family member and things started going awry, I’d rather be here than anywhere else (no matter how effed healthcare is to pay for relatively speaking). That being said, evacuation insurance is very cheap. I get it whenever I go somewhere weird.
And no matter where you are, never underestimate what doors having insurance will open. The divide in care between having it and not in other countries (when you’re not a tax paying citizen) can be ENORMOUS. So, you spent wisely. Except for polio. Hope that was cheap.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:49:35 +0000

I’m going on 18 months with no dental cleaning after dropping my insurance for paying out less of my money than I’d given to them. (Not to mention my $7,000 dental implant debacle.) Can we get some national healthcare up in here already?

I think your peace of mind is worth the expense, though I made it through Japan (and many bug bites) without any brain swelling. Thank you for not telling me about this before I left or I would have been much more concerned. See you soon!

By: admin

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:14 +0000

Neil – we are definitely bringing dental floss! And the healthcare tally does not include the extra out-of-pocket expense for Amy’s dental cleaning and check up that was not covered by insurance because she was just shy of the required 6 months between cleanings, so we can add another $145 to the total. However, better to go only a year rather than nearly a year and a half without dental care, so the expense was worth it.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:43:51 +0000

Well, that $8,343.44 you WON’T be spending on small ceramic figurines for me.

So I am a bit sad.

But, it does mean you and sis have an awesome health net.

So I am happy.

Bottom line: I am deeply conflicted about this move.

PS – since Amy got WAY MORE vaccines than Keith, I think Keith should get extra beer. Or AJ should carry all the luggage. Whatever you two work out.

By: neil eisler

neil eisler — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:57:51 +0000

did you bring dental floss with you?

By: Patty

Patty — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:38:56 +0000

Absolutely worth every cent! This adventure will change your lives forever. Like you said: priceless!

By: Amber Lee

Amber Lee — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:05:31 +0000

I thought you just needed vitamin C and that cures everything?

Seriously though, it’s amazing the adventure you and Amy are about to embark on! I will enjoy reading about your travels via the internet and wish you both good luck!

By: Susanne

Susanne — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:42:50 +0000

Here’s the website of an acquaintance of mine. She and her husband are currently traveling the world and of course had the same dilemma prior to setting off. If you can find them ; D you can read her blog entries about it.
livesofwander.com

What an absolutely exciting adventure for you and Amy!!!!!

By: Gregg Sutter

Gregg Sutter — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:05:03 +0000

I am MORE than AMAZED at all it takes to get ready, and to do what you two are doing.
I think it is GREAT with all the preparations that the both of you have taken, most things will work out for you.
Will miss seeing you, but I will be keeping track (like everyone) via the internet.