Post: #1

I'm curious if anyone here has faced the same issue. I'll be traveling Eastern Europe for 9 months. 26, US Citizen required to have health insurance by Obamacare.

However, I'm wondering what's the best way to go about this situation... Should I actually get insurance since medical services in EE are probably affordable anyway? Also, I don't think the WorldNomads health insurance even qualifies under Obamacare so in the end, I'll still have to pay the fee for not having insurance.

Came across these links below when I was searching the forums and found out that you're only exempt from the fee (which can be quite hefty) if you're abroad for a minimum of 330 days.

/thread-47239...pid1060956
https://www.healthcare.gov/exemptions-to...zen-abroad

Ultimately, what route did you choose? Would appreciate any help in this. Thanks.

Post: #2

If you're really worried about it you can try to get expat/traveller insurance through GeoBlue or Cigna (~$100 month).

Post: #3

GeoBlue's health insurance isn't compliant with Obamacare though? https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/aca_faqs.cfm
"Our plan IS NOT QUALIFYING HEALTH COVERAGE ("MINIMUM ESSENTIAL COVERAGE") THAT SATISFIES THE HEALTH COVERAGE REQUIREMENT OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. IF YOU DON'T HAVE MINIMUM ESSENTIAL COVERAGE, YOU MAY OWE AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT."

Post: #4

The penalty or Medicaid + travel insurance are probably both less then insurance.

Personally i think travel insurance is a waste or money. I had income from a previous employer while traveling overseas for a year. So I didn't qualify for medicaid, I paid the penalty, though it was only like 300 bucks then. I think its up to 800-1000 or something

Post: #5

Depends on where you go but health care is dirt cheap innthe EE, I had a MRI don't cost $120.... Cost of arthroscopic surgery is only $1000, if you really worried about those fees don't be if your concern is your tax penalty wel......I don't know what to tell you

Post: #6

Here's a link I found before that lists supposed good hospitals worldwide. Unfortunately there's none in Ukraine but a one in Czech, Hungary and Turkey:

http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com/hospital

And here's Geo Blue's site where I think once you sign up, you'll get access to their hospital network. I haven't signed up yet so can't tell you if they have any partner ones in EE or not. I would imagine that if they're partnered up with Geo Blue, at least that's one filter for a decent hospital vs one that isn't although I could be totally way off.

Good luck

https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/p...erview.cfm

While for young ppl, health might not be a main concern but getting fucked up and stuck in an ER of a shitty hospital is not something I'd want to experience so am surprised this topic isn't discussed more in the forums