Insurance post-move but pre-wedding!!

[thatbritishlass 2]

Hey folks

I'm 7 weeks from the big move now and I'm starting to make all the admin preparations...yikes.

One thing I'm a bit confused about is insurance. I am heading stateside just over a month before we get married and I won't be covered for medical on my husband-to-be's insurance until we get hitched. I've looked at travel insurance but they all technically require me to be a UK permanent resident, which of course I will be giving up upon my departure from the UK.

This is quite important for me as I have a severe food allergy that has landed me in hospital twice this year alone, so it will be sod's law if I don't get insurance that I will accidentally eat a Snickers or something in that lone month and land myself in the ER (last time I was hospitalised in the States it cost over $3000 for 3 hours and I think that was pretty cheap)

Does anyone have any advice? Do I just tick the UK permanent resident box or is there a different solution?

Ta ever so

[CBM 14]

I actually read about this in the Canadian forum, but thought it could be helpful!

"Seven Corners offers an affordable and comprehensive medical insurance program for new or recent immigrants to the United States. It provides up to five years of protection. This policy is ideal for immigrants who are not covered by employer sponsored or government funded programs, self-employed, in-between jobs or retired"

http://www.sevencorn...migrantmedical/

Like yourself, I will be between insurance policies once I leave Canada & get married... about a 6 week span, we are thinking (we haven't been approved yet.. I'm just trying to get everything figured out!)... and I seem to recall, even with a decent amount of coverage, it was only going to cost $60 or something like that for 6 weeks, which I felt was very reasonable for a piece of mind on the health insurance matter!

anyway, I hope this helps!

[Justine+David 218]

Why don't you guys get legally married ASAP? Just do the civil thing so that you can be added to his insurance right away; that's what we did. Plus you can file for your AOS without delay if you want.

You're right-getting sick in the US without insurance is awful. If you're not dirt poor, you'll be handed a ginormous bill.

Edited September 1, 2010 by Justine+David

[*julez* 124]

I would assume they have some plans for a wedding, therefore a quick civil wedding doesn't feel right for them.

There are several companies out there that offer immigrant issurance, so if you do a quick google search you should come up with a few options. Make sure that pre-existing conditions are covered. My husband is Type-1 diabetic and even though we only waited 16 days to get married he still purchased the immigrant insurance. As that helpful CBM pointed out, it is very reasonable.

[Justine+David 218]

^^ you can still have the big wedding even if you're legally married; no rules from immigration state otherwise...David and I are having our wedding ceremony in about a week and a half

[*julez* 124]

I understand that, however many people don't like that option for themselves. Immigrant insurance is extremely inexpensive, so it seems like, given their circumstances, to be a good option.

[Justine+David 218]

Right I didn't realize myself until somebody pointed it out a few months ago about the option of being legally married but still having our big wedding and it made a lot of sense for our situation. Just wanted to offer another option that might not automatically occur to the OP, like myself.

Best of luck whatever you decide, Miss Jess, and congrats on the visa!

[thatbritishlass 2]

Thanks for all the responses guys

Thanks for the link - I followed it and then googled 'immigrant medical insurance' and all sorts of options came up! So thank you

Now I have to negotiate the minefield that is medical insurance jargon - deductibles, co-insurance, fixed benefits vs comprehensive, etc. Oh the joys.

Justine, we have seriously considered getting married legally first and then doing the big ceremony afters....I think it's just my girly inclination that I want it all to go off on 'the big day' that is preventing it. I know it's silly but I can't get over it. That said, if I can't find any insurance to cover my allergies, we may have to...

[*julez* 124]

For the life of me, I cannot recall the name of the company my husband used, but he had no problems getting coverage and he's a Type 1 diabetic. I feel sure you will be able to find something suitable.

Good luck with everything!

[goonergirl 2]

Typically you can get around the exclusion of pre-existing conditions by showing proof that you've had insurance coverage for the preceding 6 months, and NHS counts as coverage.

Good Luck!

[Rob and Jill 82]

Now I have to negotiate the minefield that is medical insurance jargon - deductibles, co-insurance, fixed benefits vs comprehensive, etc. Oh the joys.

If you need help with that let me know.