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Health Insurance for 1/2 year

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kskane
  5/29/2017 10:06 EST

My husband and I are not quite at the stage where we can move to Portugal on a full time basis yet (college kids and a business to run). Our plan is to spend 6 months in the USA and 6 months in Portugal for the next couple of years and then take the plunge. Anyone else in a similar circumstance? If so, any suggestions on how to keep health insurance in both places? Insurance is so expensive in the US that I would prefer to not pay for US coverage when we are in Portugal, but I'm concerned that will cause issues. Can we still apply for residency? I thought I read somewhere that you needed to stay 183 days in Portugal to keep your residency status.
Thanks for any and all help!

Sixyears
  5/29/2017 10:31 EST

I believe the insurance in the US is ...if no coverage for 60 days then when getting coverage again you have pre existing condition rule. So if anyone has a chronic health issue it isn't advisable. It is a risk but if everyone is healthy might be ok. Good luck.

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Yesitisme
  5/29/2017 11:11 EST

I wouldn't do anything with your USA insurance, leave it as it is. There are so many changes coming down the pipe line and none of it good.
First, you need to research the Portugal Consulate in your area, there is a wealth of information,
Personally, if I was in your situation, I woudn't apply for a visa which would allow me to enter short term for travel. Then you would be able to have travel insurance which would be less expensive. remember it won't be as comprehensive as your present insurance, but, it meets requirements.
Don't apply for residency until you have researched tax ramifications! I would also rent holiday rentals. You can move around easily and also search for your future home, you need to investigate different areas. I can't stress enough researching tax ramifications.
I'll send you a pm later in the day with information.
I'm also planning my move for early next year. It's fun in the planning stage, but, only when one understands requirments. That way you're not flying blind.

Yesitisme
  5/29/2017 11:12 EST

I meant to say, I would apply for a short term visa.

kskane
  5/29/2017 15:41 EST

Thanks for the info! A few items I didn't mention in my original post:
*Pre-existing conditions are a factor for health insurance
*We have visited Portugal twice looking for an area that suits us - from the Algarve to Lisbon to the Silver Coast. Porto is next on the list.
*We can maintain our US insurance as long as we own our company, but will be looking to sell it in the next few years. That said, who knows where healthcare in the US will be at that time! Tho, I doubt it will improve.
*Excellent point that we need to look at tax consequences. I was actually thinking of contacting an attorney or relocating service for info, but would want to find a reputable one.

mondayschild
  5/30/2017 04:11 EST

I know 6 months / 6 months sounds like a great idea, but you might want to settle for 3 months in Portugal every year instead. Or at least 3 months every 180 days. Much much much easier. No visa necessary, no tax implications, no residency to worry about, no health insurance requirement. no drivers license to exchange, etc etc etc.

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kskane
  5/31/2017 18:32 EST

That would work, tho the flight is long and expensive from AZ where we live, it's doable. Shorter time away would make sense so we could check in on kids and business in person. Would you recommend going with no insurance or get a travel insurance plan?

Yesitisme
  6/1/2017 01:02 EST

Travel insurance, it's inexpensive, you never know what may happen. I was a travel consultant for years, and I always suggested to my clients to purchase it. It covers much more than illness while your away. I had a client while he arrived at the airport before departure , fell and broke his leg, of course he missed his flight and hotel reservations. Everything was covered. Be sure to read the policy, inclusions and exclusions!

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