Ecuador Forum

msherron
Joined 2010
Posts: 16

13 years ago

Health insurance

13 years ago

My wife and I are coming to Ecuador for our initial visit from September 7th through 22nd. I must tell you this is an amazing forum and the discussions here are very informative for those of us considering a move to Ecuador (or anyplace for that matter).

I have a question regarding health insurance. For those of you who have made the move to Ecuador, do you still carry any type of health insurance? Or do you simply pay as you go for whatever care you require? If you do have health insurance is it a policy you obtained in Ecuador or is there some type of affordable international health insurance.

I ask because I will turn 70 in December of this year. It is my understanding that one cannot obtain health insurance in Ecuador once they turn 70. Is that true? Or does it simply become more expensive?

If we move to Ecuador, and it is certainly feeling like our visit will only reinforce our desire to do that, I will most likely choose to give up my Medicare since it would do no good to pay for it while living in Ecuador (or any other foreign country). Have any of you done that?

Do I have to establish residency before becoming eligible for health insurance? Does it require a specific address to obtain it?

I am satisfied from all I have read about the quality of health care as well as the affordability of it. I'm probably thinking more about any kind of catastrophic illness (heart attack, cancer, etc.) and the costs of treatment associated with it. While we do have enough monthly income to support ourselves we do not have a lot of reserves in the case of extreme medical costs. Of course, we face the same dilemma here in the US.

The only ongoing health issue that I have is atrial fibrillation which results in my heart beating irregularly on an infrequent basis. I have had 2 ablation procedures and take an arrhythmia drug and it now seems under control. I am now able to do things I enjoy such as hiking and aerobic exercise. The arrhythmia drug I take (Tikosyn) is fairly expensive and would cost about $200 per month assuming I could still obtain it in Ecuador.

Thanks for any information and thoughts you may have.

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Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
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Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.