'Health Insurance' Medical

fvansan@yahoo.com from pennaylvania (Contact Member) -

I am guessing this has been asked many times before; however, I was unable to find any direct answers to my question in researching past posts or in Google searches.

For retirees over the age of 65, and in good health, how much are people paying in medical insurance premiums? Predicting health costs would be a large part of any decision to make when considering where to retire.

Any experiences from those already paying would be very helpful and appreciated. Thank you!

Comment #1 Dar (167.80.246.204) -

Dr. visits are very cheap. The Average is about $25/35. per visit. (Equal to our ins. co-pays) A friend of ours was down there and broke her arm while on vacation. (She fell) Went to the clinic in Boquete and with exrays and Dr. consult and cast the total was around $80. She said that she felt so comfortable with their knowledge and expertise. Here in the states my son's minor broken arm cost $700. with exrays and orthopedic. Then we got a bill or $260. from radiologist who read exray. You can purchase a hospital plan for $125/175. per month. That pays for hospital stays. Meds down there are real cheap. My grandson was on meds up here that cost $400. per month, so when I was down there last time, I asked the pharmacist what that same perscription would cost down there per month and it was $54. Hope this helps

Comment #2 fvansan@yahoo.com from pennaylvania (Contact Member) -

Thank you Dar for your response. I already knew self-pay medical care was inexpensive; but, what I am seeking is to have an idea from anyone who is 65 or older is what they are paying for medical insurance. Anyone have an answer for me?

Comment #3 Dar (167.80.246.204) -

A retiree and his wife are down there now and he is 66, basically healthy, and she is 58. The last time I talked to them regarding medical coverage (hospital ins.) he said they were paying approx. $240. per month for the two of them. She had cancer in the U.S. and so they pay a little more for coverage. They have been down there 3 years. Again, I hope this answers some of your questions.

Comment #4 fvansan@yahoo.com from pennaylvania (Contact Member) -

Thank you Dar. Hopefully, your friends have good medical insurance that pays for claims instead of finding loopholes. If this is the average price for health insurance, it is affordable.

Comment #5 fvansan@yahoo.com from pennaylvania (Contact Member) -

I have since found out that one has to sign up for health insurance before age 65 or it is not available at all. BOO-HOO

Comment #6 Dar (167.80.246.204) -

I'm not sure where you heard that. If you go to MS Chiriqui hospital's web site (rates) in David they have plans that go all the way to age 80 with a premium at age 80 of $90.00 per month. Also go to John Hopkins in Panama and the Mayo Clinic in Panama. I will continue to research myself, as I have never heard that. We won't have that problem as we are 60, but we have friends going down as well and I will research for them. thanks for a heads up.

Comment #7 Helen (63.176.159.234) -

As far as I know, after 65 you are done for. They won´t even look at you. much less insure you!

Comment #8 Shamir (63.176.159.233) -

Seems like Dar have been posting information and the original poster is being too rude at her.

Well if you hear so many things then why ask in this forum? If you dont mind me suggesting though, why not try asking to people who know this issue more than anyone else here.

And you are 65? is that right? well then i suggest that you contact your insurance agency. That is the best way i think

Comment #9 Maya (63.176.159.133) -

That was a little straight forward Shamir. I think the original poster really is getting rude over Dar and starts to become and soulds annoying in here.

I think if your are interested on the mater that much you chould have conacted the insurance agency by yourself now.

Well that is just a suggestion to help you decide but the decision still depends on your preference over the matter.

Smile ☺

Comment #10 Eve (63.176.159.110) - 11/25/09 19:34

I am having trouble understanding half of this babble, please try to keep it comprehendible people. As far as the original post goes, to get this kind of information one should really consider getting the actual figures by calling several companies, then one should try to work out a mean, and the final figure should, at least, show the approximate value.

Comment #11 Eve (63.176.159.225) - 12/21/09 10:55

Hey! if that doesn't work. Just go with the flow.

Comment #12 brent (63.176.159.68) - 01/07/10 00:18

Without good conversation there is not any need for one to even pursue a topic.

Comment #13 kasi (63.176.159.9) - 02/01/10 19:12

I am not sure of the prices for over 65 but the way premiums are these days I would expect them to be a bit high in order to compensate for the risk involved. It's a pretty mature age to start a policy. Best of luck to you.

Comment #14 Fred Williams from Las Vegas, Nevada (Contact Member) - 02/05/10 20:38

"Retirees in Panama"

I would assume many retirees going to Panama are over 65. Information on health insurance after the age of 65 is an important topic. Starting a new policy at such a "mature age" should be the norm if you do not relocate until your retirement age. Now days it is better to wait until the age of 66 to retire to qualify for maximum social security benefits. That is our plan and we will probably be looking for health insurance when we arrive in Panama since Medicare is not valid in Panama.

Comment #15 Samuel (77.42.0.17) - 02/21/10 22:13

Hi there guys, how is life going. I am thinking about the cost of health insurance for retirees in Panama and thought that it might be a good idea if I ask this question here. I am to retire soon and would want to insure my self and since I am about to retire in Panama, knowing those basics would be very handy. Would you mind giving some sound advice on the matter.

Comment #16 Dar (167.80.246.204) - 02/22/10 17:11

"Health Care"

I will try to give a few details. First you will want to purchase a hospital plan. You can go to most any of the hospital's websites down there and they will explain Health Coverage. It is not necessary to purchase coverage for your Dr. visits for standard medical such as colds, flu, minor injuries. The average visit is usually less then a co-pay in the states. Around $25/$30 per visit. I suggest you research the hospital's in Panama and see what insurance they recommend. They have several good plans. Also, don't forget to sign-up for medicare when you retire and reach 65. So when you come back to the states for visits, you are covered here. If you don't take Medicare when you reach 65, your premiums go up every year based on current conditions. So it's much cheaper in the long run, to make sure you sign up for medicare at 65. Hope this helps a little. Try Punta Pacifica Hospital or Hospital Nacional for more info. You might try to google "Medical Insurance in the Republic of Panama"

Dar

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