TheresaIT
6/20/2018 10:22 EST
Has anyone used Trailfinders for travel insurance? I've been searching online and they've got a great policy, competitive rates and good contact info. Even include a phone number for contact medical services in the US. However, the only reviews I can find are for travel services, not insurance.
Thanks much! Theresa
|
|
TheresaIT
7/5/2018 13:04 EST
For anyone who may be interested, or looking into travel insurance, here's a bit of an update:
I wound up purchasing my policy through Trailfinders. I did a lot of shopping around, and they seem to offer good coverage and have a toll-free US phone number for medical emergencies, which was a selling point. Although I never found reviews for their travel insurance, they have a stellar rating on Trustpilot as a travel agency.
Globelinks came in a close second. They offers higher coverage in most areas (but not the ones that meant the most to me), and were slightly more expensive for their annual policy, That, on top of having to contact them in the UK from the US for medical emergencies, dropped them down to second place.
I did look into Patriot (now Americanvisitors) World Nomads, and others, Trailfinders made the most sense for me. I bought their annual policy and paid $198. I can use it for as many trips as I want within the year, as long as each trip doesn't go beyond 70 days. There are excess charges on most items (co-pays), that were slightly higher than Globelinks.
I have to say, it was much more challenging sorting through policies from Italy to the US than the US to Italy, mainly because not every company offers insurance for travel in the US - likely because the cost of coverage is so high.
Hope my research helps others!
Happy trails!
|
|
|
almare2
7/5/2018 13:12 EST
Good to know! Thanks for the info! And happy travels! :-)
|
|
Francesca122
7/5/2018 13:16 EST
Thank you so much for this, helps.
Cheers Francesca
|
|
TheresaIT
7/5/2018 18:19 EST
You're welcome, and glad you found the info helpful!
|
|
Sergios
7/6/2018 02:04 EST
You'd think that some insurance company would take the lead and offer temporary part b insurance for traveling Medicare eligible expats. It's kind of a no-brainer. Have a good trip Theresa.
|
|
|
TheresaIT
7/6/2018 12:46 EST
Great idea, Sergios, and maybe I'm just being cynical, but wonder how possible it would be, given the amount of money the gov't would lose from folks who'd opt out of Part B now if they knew they had the option for temporary insurance when they travel. Unless of course, the premiums continued to rise by 10% each year. Sure wish they'd change that policy.
Thanks for the good wishes!
|
|
wineknight73
7/9/2018 19:54 EST
Interesting post especially since I just got off phone with a broker.It seems that a Supplemental Insurance Plan (Plan G or F e.g.) will cover you for 60 days overseas. for emergencies.Cost was $131 fo the entire plan monthly. You still have to pay the Medicare Part B premium but if you are travelling back and forth to the U.S and want to be on Medicare, it is an option. Not sure what constitutes an emergency but if you are getting a Supp Plan to B it is worth noting
|
|
kmagruder
7/10/2018 02:17 EST
my husband ended up having unexpected surgery when we were going back and forth while getting our visa situation taken care of. While not easy to get a reimbursement on part G it was a lot better than paying for the full out of pocket expense of a surgery in Italy.
|
|
TheresaIT
7/10/2018 04:55 EST
Hi kmagruder,
Glad all worked out well for you. I'm covered by Italy's National Health Plan, so I am eligible for their services.
|
|
TheresaIT
7/10/2018 04:59 EST
Hi wineknight73,
Interesting. Overseas meaning outside the US or inside of the US when traveling back?
No one at Medicare for SS has mentioned the plan, though they might not know about it.
Never thought of calling a broker. With the co-pays required by Medicare for Part A, should I need to use it and Part B, plus the monthly payment, Trailfinders is still the best option, though the plan you mentioned might serve me better if I travel to US more regularly. Will know more after this trip.
Thanks for posting!
|
|
|
wineknight73
7/12/2018 13:57 EST
Hi, The “letter”Medigap plans are all set by the government. Each carrier though has the option of charging their own premium. They in essence cover all that Part A/B do not cover. If it interests you, can give you a contact number. BTW, what do you pay on Italy’s health plan if you do not mind sharing?
|
|
TheresaIT
7/12/2018 15:34 EST
Hi wineknight73,
Yes, please do send the info. You never know, it might come in handy.
I'm a dual citizen so have full coverage under Italy's Nat'l Health Care system. As I just turned 65, I little to no expenses, as many/most of my co-pays (tickets) are covered. Surely, am blessed! And...there are benefits to getting older! (-:
|
|
wineknight73
7/12/2018 15:56 EST
The number you would call is800.845.2484. I would be intersted in understanding what your costs are under the Italian system as a point of comparison. You can email at [email protected]. Thanks. We are retiring soon and looking at comparisons. Thanks Bob
|
|
|