Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I reach "retirement age" soon. Like in fifteen minutes. So, now what? [View all]BlueMTexpat
(15,387 posts)88. WOW - I am aghast
to hear about your EUR 30,000 per annum insurance quote, because I too wondered why you didn't go with a German insurance co! Now I KNOW!
It sounds as if German insurance cos are every bit the gougers that US cos are!
Swiss insurance companies are somewhat constrained by the federal government (like Obamacare currently does), although the insurance itself is administered through the cantons. https://www.ch.ch/en/health-insurance-foreigners/
For any who are interested, more information is available at this site: http://www.expatica.com/ch/healthcare/Swiss-health-insurance_693473.html
What does Swiss health insurance cover?
The basic state health insurance coverage is set by law and identical across all providers, including:
-Outpatient treatment
-Inpatient treatment from hospitals on the official list
-Emergency services including transport contributions and treatment
-Medicines prescribed by a doctor
-Pregnancy services such as antenatal classes, childbirth expenses and abortion
-General healthcare (such as vaccinations and gynaecological check ups)
-Rehabilitation services after an operation or serious illness
-Illness when travelling abroad, although conditions apply.
By law state health insurance can not be reliant on any personal factors, and any fund you choose is required to accept your application regardless of age or health risks and without stipulating any conditions or a waiting period.
The basic state health insurance coverage is set by law and identical across all providers, including:
-Outpatient treatment
-Inpatient treatment from hospitals on the official list
-Emergency services including transport contributions and treatment
-Medicines prescribed by a doctor
-Pregnancy services such as antenatal classes, childbirth expenses and abortion
-General healthcare (such as vaccinations and gynaecological check ups)
-Rehabilitation services after an operation or serious illness
-Illness when travelling abroad, although conditions apply.
By law state health insurance can not be reliant on any personal factors, and any fund you choose is required to accept your application regardless of age or health risks and without stipulating any conditions or a waiting period.
Until my retirement, I fell under the exception for staff of international organisations, embassies and consulates.
We also have comparisons of companies available on-line, e.g. Comparis (https://en.comparis.ch/comparis/info/wir.aspx), available in English, German, French and Italian.
If anyone else who is reading this thread is interested about learning what services are available abroad for US expats/retirees, they should do google searches using search words such as: "US embassy (name country of interest) US federal benefits abroad" and "health insurance requirements for resident foreign nationals in (name country of interest)"
Those searches will help to provide LOTS of information right now, without even having to leave home.
The EU also has an informative website that will help EU nationals/resident to get started: https://europa.eu/european-union/life/healthcare_en
It is NEVER to early to begin retirement planning - even if you don't actually retire.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
104 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
I don't THINK I'm a myth (though conceivably ugly enough to be mistaken for a hairy frog)
DFW
Mar 2017
#40
I see where you suggest Healthnet may cover overseas Medicare expenses. Is t
peacebuzzard
Mar 2017
#41
If you wait until 70 to retire, you will get an additional 8% per year until 70. Thats an extra
Jim Beard
Mar 2017
#28
Medicare part A doesn't cost much but it is limited, Medicare Part B only pays 80%
Jim Beard
Mar 2017
#35
I never did become 60. But I did celebrate my 5th birthday for the 12th time ---
struggle4progress
Mar 2017
#24
A wise man or woman said, "No one lies on their death bed saying, I wish I had worked more."
Hoyt
Mar 2017
#46
Happy birthday, DFW. Long life and improved health to you and your wife. Keep posting, too!
Hekate
Mar 2017
#48
You are not getting older your life is just getting longer . Enjoy your birthday and keep on truckin
lunasun
Mar 2017
#52
I hold a German passport but am considering a move to the Netherlands in the future
Mr. Ected
Mar 2017
#80
Keep your work up for as long as you want, but get a bit more serious about self-preservation.
NBachers
Mar 2017
#72
You should definately sign up for Medicare and you don't need an Advantage Plan.
Liberal In Texas
Mar 2017
#91