Do You Need Health Insurance in Nicaragua? 🇳🇮

[@enough1494]

I will miss the rain! I love tropical rain! Listening on my important list!

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

It'll be back.

[@malagasylisa1680]

Thank you for this. I've lived in Madagascar the past six years, and two years ago, I was crossing the street and hit, from behind, by a speeding tuk-tuk. Including all the hospital/clinic/doctors visits, MRI, physical therapy and meds, I paid about $175 for EVERYTHING. Putting away money each month for a health insurance fund makes so much sense. I was thinking of moving to Panama in October, but Nicaragua is moving up the list. Thank you, my friend. This information is perfection.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Sounds like we'll be seeing you soon?

[@frankdnb1142]

Awesome video man, very informative. I’m a lover of the rain as well, been chilling on my hammock enjoying the start of the rainy season. One thing I wanted to add is that for foreigners emergency services are free and I think some regular services as well as long as they go to a public hospital. I took some Canadian girls to the doctor for a rash on their arm and they got seen and got medicine for free. Good job, keep it up!

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

That's awesome. Better, cheaper healthcare in Nicaragua for expats than they get in their own countries!

[@WanderingNature]

Amazing and very helpful Video, Thank you !!!

[@MrJrweir]

Love your backdrop, beautiful yard space. Great information on health care in Nicaragua 🎉

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Thanks. I really like how it turned out with the light and the rain. I need more rainy days like this!

[@Bonstergirl]

Totally agree with you about the economics of healthcare. I got an HSA as soon as our insurance provider at work gave us the option.

[@Bonstergirl]

Ooh, love those storms!

[@donsebera]

This is timely for me Evan a year after you made it. As I add things to my retirement spreadsheet and reach out to get a guesstimate of costs for insurance, I have constantly been quoted in excess of $300 per month for healthcare without the inclusion of care in the US. I always have them do it as a "what-if" age 65. If I put that amount away, the yearly amount would be amazing. I so appreciate this video and you are seriously making me consider Nicaragua. I bought into the CR hype and planned to visit there, but those plans are flexible and ironically had consider a "vacation" to Nicaragua about a year ago, and here I am finding that perhaps it is somewhere I am meant to be.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

That's awesome! Hopefully we will see you here soon to check it out. Yes, it's certainly a different perspective when you think about squirreling away your healthcare expenditures and having them at the ready. That you can easily afford huge disasters if you start saving any amount early is eye opening. And that if nothing goes wrong or it isn't costly, that money is still there for other reasons or to leave to the next generation is a huge deal. It's providing protection against healthcare emergencies with 100% personal control, while also building a "possible" second nest egg!

[@Brent-ox8lk]

Interesting stuff! I'll be turning 65 (and therefore starting on Medicare) about half a year into my planned start of retirement there (if things go on schedule). I had always figured I'd just be traveling back to the US for my care. Now you have me reexamining things. Thanks for the different perspective!

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

I can imagine some specialty care that's unique or really massive being worth going to the US if it is VA sponsored (you aren't paying extra for it) - you might find some advantages or if it is unique care that Nicaragua isn't prepared for. But most anything, we would do the opposite. If we are in the US with insurance, we'd try hard to hop a plane and get to Nicaragua before seeing a doctor. Even if it ends up costly a little more (which is hard to imagine, but just bear with me), I'd pay extra for the vastly superior care here. It's your health, the additional level of care is well worth it. My wife was just out drinking with some doctors who work in the delivery room and she was talking about what it was like for our having our daughters in the US and the doctors could not believe that the care was so bad in the US. They pointed out that they'd lose their licenses and face arrest if they created so much risk and lack of care as the normal care was in the US. Lack of adequate doctors in hospital would have gotten a Nicaraguan hospital closed, intentional lack of care, violating basic safety procedures and precautions, etc. They really struggled to believe that any developed country could have healthcare so bad. And this was our "well known good hospitals" in "super rich suburban America - Westchester County, NY", with really good insurance, real world "normal" experience. Not an edge case. The difference in case isn't close. It's not in the same ballpark. Once you see something like the care at AMOCSA or Vivian Pellas here, you'll realize where calling it health "care" in the US isn't really honest. There's little to no "care" in how the US system works. It's so dramatic that Americans rarely can initially understand what is happening. It's confusing how different it is. I'm going to get a friend that is a veteran and needed some knee surgery just recently to come on and talk about getting the same surgery in the US with the VA vs. paying out of pocket at the tiny local hospital in Leon and the world of difference it was and how he would never fly back to the US for worse care. He's had so many surgeries and this is the first one that really impressed him with how well done it was. Totally different experience, totally different results and recovery.

[@Brent-ox8lk]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog Thanks for the in depth reply!

[@toddhearn1872]

Great video Scott. Eye opener! Thank you

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Glad you liked it!

[@latierradelossuenos-landof9450]

Been here 9 years. Spent $200 Total private drs. Spent $20,000 on Medicare. Gave it up lasr Year.

[@1971Maximous]

Hi Scott This is very interesting topic. That is the best cheap. Out of pocket.

[@hph8340]

Informative on insurance, investment and risk management. I've mentioned this to friends and family for years; however, the brainwashing is very real. Love that green in the background, and hope to visit in the future.

[@enough1494]

Trigger warning my brother sells insurance in the USA. Under his direction we have payed our mortgages early, then dropped ins and saved that money…live cheap go far…..many ways to live!

[@gersonestrada4805]

I'm from miami. I went to orthopedic in nicaragua. Consultation was only $20 with a top Dr. Meds was $60. That's the entire cost if a copay here in the USA.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

add in the flight and it's likely still cheaper!

[@lifewith9cats153]

Excellent information! I've managed to invest and save a reasonable amount of money that should last me the rest of my life. My biggest concern is a major health crisis here in the US. Even with insurance, I could still pay a lot out of pocket. Nicaragua gets better looking with each and every show! Thanks Scott!!!

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

That's my fear too. One insurance blip, one hospital argument, one billing error, one disgruntled receptionist and your financial life is over and everything you've worked for in life is gone. Forever.

[@thomasquaranto2169]

I would like to visit next year to explore living there. probably Granada but I would like to meet you in leon

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

I used to live in Granada back in 2015.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

I may not always agree with Scott, but I will still say he's a good guy and draws me to want to come to Nicaragua instead of Panama or even the Dominican Republic except maybe for dealing with the Spanish language issue.

[@allencrist5797]

Depending on where you live in Nicaragua will depend on 'how much' spanish you will need to learn. But honestly, although at times it's been dificult, I have (overall) enjoyed learning spanish. I also think it's good to keep your mind fresh. I have been learning for over 2 years now (duolingo, online with an instructor) and my girlfriend only speaks spanish (although she is learning english fast). I am far from fluent, but learning more each day! (What choice do I have when my GF only speaks spanish!?!)

[@kevinadams9468]

Great video!

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Thanks!

[@henrysteppel2031]

Good,useful information Scott!

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@henrysteppel2031]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog Gracias 👍👍

[@chessfunk4478]

thx 4 these infos! and btw, u really live in a beautiful property. would like to visit u next year to play a game of chess on ur veranda;-)

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Jaja, thanks, it's definitely a chess playing veranda. We play Dungeons & Dragons out on that veranda every week.

[@erickh82082]

My US health insurance is great I never had an issue.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

But how much do you have to pay? I've had some good insurance in the US too, like Oscar, but it's hard to contextualize. They still require me to pay more to them than the healthcare costs, and everyone's healthcare costs more than it should because of the insurers. It feels like they treat us good because they do on an individual transaction level, but they are still hurting us under the hood and increasing our risks.

[@douglassolomon5888]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog Reminds me of the Pirate-As-Hero movies. A given pirate seems a good person, but then: PIRACY, AKA Rape, Murder, Torture, Burning, Pillaging, etc. It's somewhat akin of Slavery: a Good, Kind Master, and then: the SLAVERY, with all the brutality-of-system, and so on. (Just an after mention: I used to sell life and health insurance. I was bemused to find that the same mathematics applied to casinos, and to the insuring industry. And in the US, The State(s) /REQUIRE/ the insuror to operate at profit.)

[@dovygoodguy1296]

How does paying out of pocket in Nicaragua differ from Mexico, where you often have to pay up before treatment or not get released from the hospital? How much do expats or snowbirds have to get medical care outside of Nicaragua? Can't Nicaragua treat heart disease and cancer? Is there coverage only for acute care events? Considering how much drought there is in Mexico, seeing that rain in Leon Nicaragua is a real blessing!

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Public healthcare is free, even for tourists and expats, in Nicaragua. If you want private care, generally you will pay up front out of pocket.

[@1Corinthians15.1-4]

​@@ScottAlanMillerVlog Free?? Why is healthcare in the US so bad? :(

[@arosalesmusic]

Spain has a great health system also.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Yes, for sure.

[@latierradelossuenos-landof9450]

more $$

[@andrewgomez9571]

Great videos! May you help us on investing in property? Did you buy or are you renting?

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

I bought pre-built, I bought land an am building, AND I rent! I'm all in on Nicaragua, lol.

[@andrewgomez9571]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog intresting. My wife and I have a few acres out on the country side and will build a home as well! We are planing our move!!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Where do older expats and snowbirds hang their hats over the winter or year round in a comfortable non-American environment with decent infrastructure (including medical services and electricity)?

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Top destinations of the Nicaragua vein include Mexico, DR, Panama, CR, Ecuador primarily.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog Sorry, I meant specifically in Nicaragua itself.....

[@latierradelossuenos-landof9450]

Matagalpa is great.

[@kimrose7066]

Do you recommend buying the vivian pellas health plan? That's what we thought we would do. Moving from Canada.

[@ggrij2004]

I live in Sf! I live in Nicaragua half the year, going back in December 6th, getting some dental work done on December 12 and 13th, and i have the vivian pellas health in insurance. im 39 and pay $41 a month for the insurance and in January im getting xray’s done in my chest and my head for a concussion due to kick boxing, and is all covered! I highly recommend it!

[@LeesRetirementOdyssey]

Do pharmacies in Nicaragua work like Mexico and Peru? I was able to get meds without a prescription there. I wasn’t able to get them in Argentina.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Yes, just walk in and buy whatever you need.

[@LeesRetirementOdyssey]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog that’s good to hear. Thanks!

[@RebeccaOre]

Restrictions on narcotics and in some pharmacies, a prescription is needed for psychiatric drugs. PREP against HIV is now free.

[@kathieleece]

Hi Scott, Has anyone in your family received dental care in Nicaragua? I want to get my teeth cleaned but it's expensive here in Canada. I would like to hold off until I get to Nicaragua if I can get good care there. 🤗

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Yes, my family gets dental care here. Yes, dental care here is good (or can be, at least.). This is our doctor. Every expat that I know uses her... instagram.com/drabetzycarolina/

[@kathieleece]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog, thanks Scott. I don't do Instagram but I do use Wattsapp! 😂

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

KZbin blocks phone numbers and WhatsApp is dumb and uses phone numbers as addresses so WhatsApp can't be shared on KZbin. :(

[@ggrij2004]

Dental care is the bomb in Nicaragua! Getting my teeth cleaned, wisdom tooth removed and a Mucocele removed from kick boxing all for $150! My dentist is in Granada but just like Scotts recommendation she’s also used and known by all the expats! Ive used her a few times before and let me tell you the technology and instruments they use is as good if not better than here in San Francisco!

[@brettsouza6650]

Healthcare in the USA is a mess. I agree with you there but I just can't let some of your hypervely go. The average ALS ambulance ride is not $6K. Maybe $1500. And you're not gonna be able to jump on an emergency Spirit flight for $150 if you need to get to the States for care quickly. Triple that. Okay, enough about that, it's not why I wanted to comment. Another good video and some excellent advice. Especially the part about saving up for an emergency. One of the things I think you failed to let your viewers know, is that if you have an emergency here in Nicaragua AND you want the quality care most expats/tourist are use to, they better have that money available NOW. Unlike in the USA, if you need immediate medical care, you will get it and insurance/payment will be dealt with at a later date. Here, the private hospitals won't even let you in if you don't have $10K to put down first. Sure, you can go to a public hospital but the doctor will send one of your friends or family to buy the meds you need. No joke. Same with food. Someone will have to bring your meals. No big deal if you have an ear infection or just need some stitches. I'm talking about serious medical emergencies. I know someone who broke their leg. He called a taxi and bypassed the local hospital and headed to Vivian Pellas. They needed surgery to set it with screws and plates. He gave them his credit card as he came into the ER and it was $5K for the operation and a three day stay. That included everything including physical therapy afterwards. I knew another guy who had a major heart attack. He needed a stent. $10K upfront. Recovered nicely but he says his doctor said he probably would've died if he didn't have the money and went to a public hospital. I know another family whose two year old was found in the pool, unresponsive and blue. Did CPR and was revived. They went to the local public hospital, were told she would be fine and sent home (no charge). She had a seizure in the taxi so they headed for Vivian Pellas. It took two weeks in the ICU to stabilizer her before they would discharge her, to get on the plane to Canada. $33K total (taken in $10K increments). She has made a full recovery. Anyways, I just wanted to give a little more context for what your viewers should expect if they need healthcare here. I'll be in Leon in two weeks. Maybe I can buy you a beer instead of a coffee.

[@LuisMartinez-ms9zs]

Mr Brett Souza Si es tan fatalista le sugiero quedarse en su área de Confort y dejar que Nicaragua les ofrezca en sus limitaciones presupuestarias un servicio de medicina con gratuidad, igual tengo una lista grande de ciudadanos de diferentes nacionalidades incluso Costa Rica que han resuelto patologías complejas con gratuidad en Nicaragua y no tan solo emergencias. Antes de ofender a Nicaragua piense 100 veces lo que va a expresar de mi patria, usted y cualquier extranjero es bienvenido para turismo o residencia siempre que sepa convivir con nosotros los indígenas tercer mundistas.

[@brettsouza6650]

@@LuisMartinez-ms9zs I do not mean to disrespect your country or the medical services offered. I speak from the perspective of someone who spent a career in emergency medicine in the USA. The fact is that North Americans think about healthcare differently than Nicas. I am a volunteer with a non profit medical group here in Nicaragua and often go out into the countryside to help those that are too poor to get to medical help. I’ve worked with different Nica doctors (they are excellent clinicians). I’ve helped after hurricanes. I understand Nicaraguas healthcare system. I have thought about what I say, more than 100 times. Foreigners who come to Nicaragua are not wealthy. I doubt most have $10K in savings. I simply want to share with them the huge differences of what they are use to and what they can expect.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

This is an important point for a lot of expats in Nicaragua... Nicaragua tends to attract a lot of foreigners on an extreme budget. Often people who wanted to go somewhere else and found that they couldn't afford it. That makes for a somewhat unique problem that you tend to have people who aren't necessarily choosing their location for the same reason that other people choose other countries, and are often very strapped for resources.

[@RebeccaOre]

I use a combination of private and free. Never heard of paid insurance being required for residency. There’s a lawyer who goes after newcomers applying for residency. He’s told one guy that he could have residency ready when he came in. Tried explaining that was impossible. He shipped his household goods before flying in to find he didn’t have residency and he had to pay storage for his shipping container. Check the Nicaraguan government migration web site. Used to be that meal weren’t provided at the free hospitals. They are now.

[@dbuffaleausouldieress5378]

@@ScottAlanMillerVlog The $10K is an average of $833/month for 12 months. Many don't pay that much monthly. But I guess those who have a great savings can pay the doctors that amount. So basically, one would have to really save and have that ready to take over to Nic... on arrival. So yes, you make a great point that chances are low on getting into a major medical need.

[@RebeccaOre]

Never have had this happen. Most Bitcoin hustlers are gringos.

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

Gringos are generally the only ones that know what bitcoins even are. You mention it here and people are just confused.

[@latierradelossuenos-landof9450]

Residents Under age 55 $35 a month Govt ins private hosp Drs free

[@patrickknox1036]

Do Nicaraguan’s try to sell crypto coins to everyone they meet?

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

No. CryptoCurrencies don't even exist here. I mean if you wanted to use one, you could probably find a way. But other than people talking about El Salvador I've never had it mentioned a single time in all the years I've lived here. Never once. No one knows what they are, they are not a subject of conversation. That's pretty much just an American thing, I think.

[@katstansell1324]

No cuz doctors are so damn cheap there!

[@selena2250]

Hi Scott! How can we find out if Nic has and how much a certain medication costs. In the US, our insurance is billed $8000 for each injection of: CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol). There's nothing more that makes me angry than (one of) the biggest US scams called health insurance. Unfortunately my hubby needs CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol), so I would have to find out if it's available and for how much in NIC. Do you happen to know how I can find out? It's the best meds he's used for his "psoriatic arthritis" Muchas Gracias Tico Amigo 🙏😊

[@ScottAlanMillerVlog]

It's very hard to get real medication costs when we aren't buying them. Generally things are very cheap. But availability is lower than in the US. So there are things that are limited, but the freedom to get things easily is high and MOST things are quite a bit cheaper here. The best thing is likely, if it is a serious medical process, is to come down and visit a good private doctor and have them research everything for you.