Proof of prior insurance coverage while living in Russia

[semga 0]

While in Moscow in 2002, I've got flu and came to the hospital. As Russian is my first language they did not ask my documents, just asked me whether I live in their district. I said "no" and gave them the address where I rented an apartment in the other part of the city. They said, as I am not from their district, but want to see a doctor here, I must purchase the insurance. I agreed, paid around $10 equivalent, and got some kind of basic insurance for 6 months. I did not bother to read the paper and in 20 minutes was in doctor's office.

By the way, while waiting outside of the office, together with other patients, I was hearing one old woman complaining about how long she had to wait for this appointment (4 or 5 days, likely did not have extra $10): "In America people can see their doctor immediately". I dissapointed her a bit by revealing that I live in US and how long I have to wait for appointment with my doc if there is no big emergency ;-) But I also said, that my dad was treated for heart attack quickly and effectively, stayed in the hospital for 3 days and paid nothing out of his pocket ( bill would be around $15000).

[slim 1,525]

By the way, while waiting outside of the office, together with other patients, I was hearing one old woman complaining about how long she had to wait for this appointment (4 or 5 days, likely did not have extra $10): "In America people can see their doctor immediately". I dissapointed her a bit by revealing that I live in US and how long I have to wait for appointment with my doc if there is no big emergency ;-) But I also said, that my dad was treated for heart attack quickly and effectively, stayed in the hospital for 3 days and paid nothing out of his pocket ( bill would be around $15000).

My wife and I now joke about the "freedoms" that we enjoy here in America. How, even though it's nice to know that you will be cared for with the best equipment in the event of a life-threatening event, like a heart attack, you still must go through the pain-in-the-@$$ process of filling out all the forms, paying insurance, talking to this adjuster or that receptionist, etc.

Everything here in America requires a long, drawn-out process, to enjoy the benefits. Overseas, most places you can just pay the $10 equivalent, and whatever you want.... you got it.

Who's really free?

[Nanusia & Lukaszek 0]

My wife and I now joke about the "freedoms" that we enjoy here in America. How, even though it's nice to know that you will be cared for with the best equipment in the event of a life-threatening event, like a heart attack, you still must go through the pain-in-the-@$$ process of filling out all the forms, paying insurance, talking to this adjuster or that receptionist, etc.

Everything here in America requires a long, drawn-out process, to enjoy the benefits. Overseas, most places you can just pay the $10 equivalent, and whatever you want.... you got it.

Who's really free?

I think you are talking about Russia, cause I traveled all over Europe (and unfortunately) had to visit some medical locations. None were so eager to take me, and no $10 insurance or visit charge applied either. I can tell you from experience in Poland, they wait 2+ weeks to see the doc, and the average price is 100PLN ($33)... and that's a lot considering most only make $300 a month! To get an x-ray is a 3 week wait. Can you imagine breaking something and sitting in pain for almost a month to get care?! crazy! In Spain, I paid medical insurance for $30, and the doc visit cost another 25euro.

I'm happy I have insurance in the US

[slim 1,525]

I think you are talking about Russia, cause I traveled all over Europe (and unfortunately) had to visit some medical locations. None were so eager to take me, and no $10 insurance or visit charge applied either. I can tell you from experience in Poland, they wait 2+ weeks to see the doc, and the average price is 100PLN ($33)... and that's a lot considering most only make $300 a month! To get an x-ray is a 3 week wait. Can you imagine breaking something and sitting in pain for almost a month to get care?! crazy! In Spain, I paid medical insurance for $30, and the doc visit cost another 25euro.

I'm happy I have insurance in the US

It is possible to pay for services overseas that can't be paid for here. 100PLN may not have gotten you expedited service, but maybe 100USD would've. Try dropping an extra C-Note in your dr.'s office here, see what happens. Do it overseas, and you're going to be a superstar.

[Larry and Maria 0]

My insurance through my employer didn't require anything as proof of prior insurance to support preexisting conditions.

I consulted at a major US insurer and can say that policies underwritten vary by state, underwriter, and company if through employer.

Your provider will have requirements that differ from others.

If you're getting push back with your initial contact, try asking for a supervisor to get clarity.

I've asked my wife for written items for things I need to supply for her and she says Russians don't have this; the US culture and society is different.

I know it's very frustrating to deal with US entities that do not understand there's some other culture and society outside that's somehow existed for a long time without our structure. I hope you get it resolved with the least stress!

[mendeleev 68]

The problem has solved itself. There are advantages for working for a small, well-funded startup.

After we hired a HR manager, I talked with her about this situation. She thought about it, and while I was travelling last week on business she emailed me with her decision: she decided to start covering my wife as of the start of my employment. It turns out that the insurance company doesn't use SSN as ID trackers, so they can add my wife to the policy with a SSN. So her insurance is effective on 1 March 2007, just like mine. Since we are early in the process, she will for sure have been covered by this company for more than six months before she enters the USA and, therefore, before she has her first opportunity to see an American doctor.

One more issue taken care of!