Insurance Options for Early Retirement and Full-time Travel

[@bw5911]

I am in the United States about six months of the year and I have year-round coverage through ACA in my state for a very affordable price. When I travel outside the US I pick up safety wing and I’ve been doing that for years and I only have it for the months. I’m gone.. I’m a bit older so it is a little bit more expensive but well worth it.

[@SisterSunnyFreeSpirit]

Lady checks in France are less than $40 and annual dental checks are less than 30. Im from Cali and very happy to pay oop for way better quality health elsewhere!

[@lindadorman2869]

I retired last year at 62 and got an ACA plan. My income is $40K from Social Security, pension and side hustle. The cost for a BCBS plan is $26/month with dental. I got sick traveling in Asia, came back to the US and decided 2024 is the year to get my health needs checked out. So far, I've had a full workup of tests, cholesterol meds and cardio consult. My health has been good but I know that can change as I get older. I plan to keep the ACA coverage for when I'm here, and use Safety Wing for travel abroad.

[@LK-hy5jz]

This is a great news! Thank you for sharing the actuals!

[@DestinationRetirement]

Wonderful information. Last time I was in Mexico I had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. I was having some unusual pain and put out a message to the local Facebook group and got a referral. I called for an appointment and two days later I had an appointment. My face-to-face sit down with the surgeon cost me about US$50. He sent me downstairs to get an x-ray of my hand, and that was about $35. Happy to pay out-of-pocket as long as it is feasible so the money in my HSA continues to grow tax-free. Of course this will be different when I make the full-time move to my house in Merida Mexico.

[@Andy-hg8dv]

As far as the ACA, my wife and I are retired not yet 65. We have 7 figure plus equity but keep our reported income at $65,000 per year. We pay $24/month for insurance(it’s fairly high deductible) and it covers general care at 100%.

[@cookmaster3626]

With a reported income $65K, a $24/mo is a steal and I do realize it is a HD plan. Do you get this rate with the Biden Rebate applied?. Typically these kind of rates are for below poverty level and 65K is well above that. Also it depends on state to state. Ihear that the Biden rebate are set to expire in 2024. Would love to hear your comment.

[@mpat146]

Just to clarify something. The plan Carrie gets is also ACA. It's just that WA has their own exchange that you buy the insurance through. The federal as well as WA exchanges make it very easy to compare plans and figure out how much you're going to pay based on your income. I'm self employed so I pay for my own insurance (which I buy through the ACA exchange). The cost is going to drop significantly when I retire because I can keep my taxable income pretty low. I guess I'm the rare person who's going to pay a lot less for health insurance at early retirement than when working.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Correct, I just don't purchase it on the exchange. It's instead WA apple care.

[@placesonthelist]

I was one of the lucky ones whose pension plans included health care till 65. I retired at 59 and kept the same group plan I had while working at the same cost. I'm now on Medicare and just buy a annual travel insurance plan since we only travel a max of 90 days outside the US at a time.

[@SandiHooper]

Californian female in my 60s-Safety Wing is $209/4 weeks with electronic theft add on.

[@BigDCA3094]

Love you guys and thanks for the video. The important thing to understand with the ACA is that the premium subsidies are based on taxable INCOME levels, not net worth. You could have $1M in cash savings that you are currently drawing down to live on in early retirement but creating zero taxable income, and your ACA premium would be almost zero cost (if not zero). So those in that situation should carefully understand how much taxable income they can generate (maybe Roth conversion out of a taxable retirement account) and still be under the threshold of where the ACA premiums start to disappear. It sounds crazy but those with considerable cash savings can get US ACA healthcare plans for almost nothing and that loophole exists. Pair that with global travel coverage (no US coverage) or fully out of pocket foreign healthcare and you should be good.

[@DominicDSouza]

Wow! You guys are amazing. Thank you for your diligence in research and then presenting facts for anyone that is interested. Truly helpful and entertaining (love Brian's jokes). My wife and I are residents in Vancouver WA and will be spending time in Thailand and Vietnam next year. We have learned so nuch from you both. Thank you. 👍❤️

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much for the support, Dominic! We appreciate you two watching and supporting us.

[@BoninBrighton]

Some countries have reciprocal health care arrangements eg UK and Australia etc so it’s well worth checking.

[@smileystevie9662]

Great information on healthcare insurance options while traveling abroad. Thanks, Brian & Carrie.

[@ForwardThinkingIncome]

I think this video goes hand in hand with what we are trying to do setting up our retirement, so I am sharing this video. Thanks

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!!!

[@tigertailtime7679]

We semi-retired early and have an ACA plan. We also added an Allianz travel insurance annual plan for while we were out of the US for 3 months (cost about $600/yr for 2 adults in early 50s). It does not cover full-time travel but covers multiple trips up to 3 months each I think. Also we learned your taxable income has to be less than 4 times the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for an ACA plan to be affordable (and qualify for a subsidy). The FPL for the lower 48 states is about $20k for a household of 2, so 4 x FPL is about $80k. Anything over that for taxable income, you will pay full price for an ACA plan.

[@bootsmith8016]

This is out of date information. That cliff has been removed. You still may get a subsidy if your income is >400% fpl, although the subsidy is based on what your cost for the second cheapest silver plan in your area. We are over 400% and pay $65 a month for 2 people.

[@TheVitalFew830]

@@bootsmith8016what state do you live in?

[@bootsmith8016]

@@TheVitalFew830 California

[@tigertailtime7679]

@@bootsmith8016 Maybe that is true for you in your state. In my last 7 years of using the ACA, that is our experience in FL. 🤷‍♀️

[@bootsmith8016]

@@tigertailtime7679 the cliff ended in 2022 nationally due to the American Recovery Act in 2021. It does not exist. It is true that the cost of that second to lowest silver plan varies widely which causes subsidies for other plans to vary widely in different areas.

[@TwistsNTravels]

I’ve also heard of Nationwide & Alliance health. I looked at nationwide and it looked to be pretty cheap. I only spent a couple minutes on it so I am not 100% sure on coverages. It almost seem too good to be true.

[@enjoystraveling]

It’s a shame that in the United States the medical cost are sky high plus even getting prescription. A regular check up is highly complex in sky high also.

[@bootsmith8016]

Compliant health plans in the U.S. are required to have free yearly check ups.

[@enjoystraveling]

@@bootsmith8016 yes that’s true but if you don’t have health insurance, you will not have a free yearly check up. And if you want to self-pay, then not every place will take you even though you’re paying upfront before anything is done.

[@ExpatGlobetrotter]

Hey guys, great video! If I may I would like to add some information. Your channel is so much larger than mine so I know you can reach more people. If from the US I highly recommend United Healthcare, Safe Trip Insurance. Before I began my travels I researched this topic until I was blue in the face. Depending on what state you’re from you can get there plan thats both Travel and full medical insurance for up to 6 months of travel. Some States though like Florida you can only get coverage for 90 days. By far I found both their coverage and cost to be the best. Also another great benefit is they pay directly to the healthcare provider as long as the healthcare provider agrees. I unfortunately had the opportunity to use my coverage with a trip to the emergency room in Hoi An, Vietnam and they paid the entire cost directly to the hospital. I do have a video about all the details on my channel, if you want to find it and add the link in your response, there extra information for your viewers. Be safe out there fellow KZbinrs! 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Dave, for your insights and offering to share your experience with the rest of the viewers. Here is the link to Dave's video!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYmVeoyDn6aEbsUsi=opSSoFgHwYfbMu2q

[@barryutah]

@ExpatInterview - The numbers are looking pretty good. Are you able to renew your coverage after the 90 days (FL) and/or is there a limit to how long you can renew? I can't find anything on the website about that. Thanks for sharing.

[@ExpatGlobetrotter]

@@barryutah That’s a good question. In a phone conversation with United healthcare I did ask this question about renewal and they did say that I would be able to renew, but I would have to return home to the US prior to renewing because it is still considered trip insurance, although with excellent medical coverage. I’m not sure how they would know that I returned or did not return to the US. I thought once I get to Thailand after a few weeks, I would try to renew it under my new address which will be in South Carolina, hoping that I’ll be able to renew for six months rather than three months That I’m allowed being from Florida. At this point, all I have is a mailing address in the US. Thanks for watching!

[@barryutah]

@@ExpatGlobetrotter Thank you. Most companies say you need to purchase before you leave your home country, but yeah, how do they know? SafetyWing is one exception. I saw one YTer that continually renewed his SafetyWing policy while traveling. Turns out his deductible became continuous for the year instead of individual policies too. He has since switched to the newer annual policy, Nomad Health. While the cost for the medical plans with UHC are really good, I am surprised at the comparative cost to the travel/medical (Non-Plus vs Plus) but more so the decreased coverage ($1M down to $150k). I'm not as concerned about travel coverage (but even the non-Plus has some travel coverage). Maybe they would be more open to renewing the medical (non-Plus ) w/o returning home? 🤷‍♂ Thanks again

[@ExpatGlobetrotter]

@@barryutah Thanks for the feedback. I’ll have to get back on uhcsafetrip and refresh my memory about the non plus and plus, I don’t recall what that means. My Medical Coverage is $500k I’ll look at it again. I have considered that I may have to change companies as I continue my travels. Thanks again Barry! 😀

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. My situation is, in the US, I have free medical through the VA. So when I go overseas, I'll have to pay for medical so this video is super helpful. But another good thing is I've never had a cavity or problem with my teeth. :)

[@barryutah]

@davidj7516 - Never a cavity? Are you human? 😆 Good for you. This topic came up a few weeks ago from a veteran (I am not). Do you qualify for Foreign Medical Program (FMP)? However, I just checked on it, it looks to be for service-connected conditions? So I assume it wouldn't apply if you're healthy? Good luck and thanks for your service.

[@Mr.DJones]

@@barryutah Ya, no cavities, never got any wisdom teeth either. I checked out FMP but for my disabilities, it doesn't really work. But thank you for the info.

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Excellent video and topic. QUESTION for the group: If I have two health policies, how are claims resolved when both policies say that their benefits are "secondary" to other insurance? For example, the insured must exhaust all other insurance first.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Great question if you are covered by multiple plans at once.

[@overseaspassport]

I signed up for Expatriate healthcare only $160 excluding USA. outpatient quotes is what drives up the cost to $400 month but dr visits ourseeas are pretty reasonable like you say.

[@AventuraAnne]

Great topic. Thanks so much for covering insurance. I'll be sure to research safety wing.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Anna! ❤️

[@Thirstytraveler41]

Great info! I'm always interested in more info on health insurance coverage while traveling abroad. I have a ACA plan. I'm planning on traveling again abroad for six months, so It's confirmed I'll have to go with Safety Wing for coverage overseas just like Carrie. Thanks guys for sharing, it was so helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@salamanders6969]

I’m dual citizen US and EU country. I have EU health card issued in my home country and it’s valid for the whole EU. That takes care of that as far as Europe goes.

[@raywright1]

It's been my experience that HSA cards are not accepted at European POS terminals, at least not in Romania or Italy.

[@barryutah]

I was wondering about that. I figured HSA is likely just a US thing. I was planning a dental trip to Turkiye, but was postponed. It will still happen but maybe not Turkiye. I figured I'd just reimburse myself. Have you had any issues getting reimbursement from your HSA for overseas medical care? I've checked on HSA/IRS websites. I haven't found that they address overseas medical too much. Like, they explain travel for medical, but does that pertain to travel abroad? 🤷‍♂ The dental office in Turkiye said they would fill out the forms for my insurance but that doesn't mean the insurance company will pay, since they don't want to pay US dentists either. 🤦‍♂ Plus, I just read that using your card will likely trigger foreign exchange fees (1-3%?). So maybe not worth it anyway? Up to the individual.

[@raywright1]

@@barryutah I don't reimburse myself from HSA for non-USA medical expenses. I just pay with non-HSA funds.

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍 Brian & Carrie

[@DeanRamser]

Excellent! We are very thankful for your videos! We will need year health insurance when we apply for our year visa in France. Thank you!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks, you two for watching!! 😊

[@DeanRamser]

@@BrianandCarrie Hi Brian and Carrie, We sold our Portland condo and will begin our six-month European adventure next Friday: Portugal, Spain, France, and Montenegro. I think we will use SafetyWing insurance coverage. Thank you. Dean & Cindy

[@johnskorich3047]

Hello Brian and Carrie. I read your comments as soon as they come out and I always enjoy the information that you provide. Sometimes I take it sometimes I don’t. I’ve been traveling for many many years. Oh well sometimes it’s lonely but most of the time it’s not, why are you so concerned about healthcare? I think the United States of America, I was born and raised in United States of America. has convinced us that healthcare is the key to everything. I think it’s total bullshit. I’m 69 years old relatively healthy but when I need to see a doctor or a hospital, I just go there. Now I do have Medicare part three so if I had to go to the United States and get some things seriously done, I called I will admit that, but other than that, I’m not had any real issues when I’ve been traveling and I travel full-time three months to six months days everywhere I go. I never go back to the US for any reason so I’m kinda curious why you guys speak so much about healthcare you could save a lot of money and just go onto a local doctor and not having to spend all this crazy monthly cost, just giving you a heads up I don’t spend one dollar other than I do have like I said $145 a month my Social Security for my “part C healthcare. Oh well it is what it is. But you guys are so drilled in on this just live, your life you’re nothing wrong with you. Enjoy it just like I enjoy it thank you and I look forward to your comments. Have a great great day. 0:36

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi! Happy you've found what works for you. It's just one of those things we all have to find the plan that works for each of us. Having known people or had family members that have faced very hard unexpected medical challenges in their life, insurance in our eyes is a must. Unfortunately, we do pay for insurance as something we hope we never need to use, but if we do, thank God it's there. Otherwise everything we've saved and planned for could be gone like that. We appreciate you watching and safe travels.

[@LiveandGoWander]

Thank you for the video! Regarding Safety Wing, can you change terms with them, such as increase the deductible to reduce the price. I briefly reviewed it online, but didn't see anywhere to alter the coverages or any other options. Thank you!

[@BrianandCarrie]

You're very welcome 😊. Not that I'm aware of, it's just a set plan because it's just meant to be travel insurance with emergency medical.

[@retiredandroaming]

Healthy 65 yr old on Medicare. No prescriptions or issues. Cigna Global quote for Thailand base and global coverage, excluding USA coverage, with 20% cost share and $5K deductible was $643.50/month. Looking for other options.

[@barryutah]

@barrytimm5497 - Whoa! I received a quote from Cigna Global in March. I didn't actually finish and submit the request but it went through anyway. I set mine for Albania, but I'd be surprised if the country makes that much difference. Especially Thailand, I would think that would be one of the cheaper countries. I'm 63 and my quote was $2545.21 (= $212.10/mo). I don't have access to the full quote but here are some of the details from the original email: Silver Plan Overall annual benefit - $1,000,000 0% cost share with a $0 out of pocket maximum Inpatient, day patient & accommodation costs - Paid in full for private room Cancer care- Paid in full No maternity

[@BrianandCarrie]

Unfortunately after 65 pricing really starts to go up. Many companies even cut off at that age 😞. Hope you find the a option that fits

[@qtownpenn]

I turned 65 in Feb and planned to retire with Medicare; my wife is 2 years younger with preexisting conditions, so she was only eligible for ACA. Turns out (at least in PA) that ACA is regional coverage only. If traveling outside of our area, ACA only provides overage for life threatening conditions; if my wife were to break her leg in, say Washington, she would have no coverage. Don’t even get me started on the premium! Needless to say, I didn’t retire 😢 Brian, I think i heard you say your daughters are in 3 different states, I recommend checking this regional coverage limitation before signing up for ACA. Thanks for the great information. Safe travels… Greg

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

I was watching another channel of slow travelers (not as good as Brian and Carrie of course) and that fellow erroneously bought ACA to find out it was good in only ONE county in Texas. Turned out fine, but what a pain.

[@barryutah]

B&C, did I miss this one somewhere? Do you ever have to show proof of insurance when entering countries? Thx

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have never had to show proof of insurance.

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Couple thoughts, assuming a traveler is not eligible for Medicare. If a person is on ACA in the US, then I assume this person could select an underlying insurance company policy through any available exchange that offers essentially "travel insurance" style coverage abroad. That is, an ACA policy that includes international travel would provide generally cover emergency and urgent medical issues. If my comments are correct, then why would travel insurance like Safetywing by necessary, with respect to health coverage? Question 1: Is the "ACA" compliant international health cover materially inferior to Safteywing? Or, is Safteywing preferred for the non-health related cover associated with "travel insurance". Question 2: Regarding ACA compliant policies that may be purchased through state or federal exchanges, I'm a little confused by the video. For me, qualification for ACA may not be the issue. At least for me, the issue is why would I want it. Is there some practical break-even amount of time that an international "slow traveler" spends in the US (at home) that makes ACA compliant cover a viable option? If I'm on ACA compliant coverage in the US and Safteywing abroad, traveling abroad 10 months of the year, what happens if I'm diagnosed in France with lung cancer, for example? It seems Safteywing would not cover this, but can I go back to the US and claim on my ACA compliant policy? In general, if there is a medical issue not covered by Safteywing, would the ACA policy cover the same upon my return to the US?

[@BrianandCarrie]

All great questions. With the ACA plan I have through the State we have residency, I'm not covered outside the states. I also know in the event I was diagnosed for anything major I can return back to the comforts of home while receiving treatment. It also allows me to have my Drs I can see when back home for all preventative care. SafetyWing will cover me in the event anything major happens while I'm traveling, and if I was unable to get back home. Medical evacuation is also a key element. Really it comes down to looking at your policy and knowing if your comfortable with the coverage it will provide you while traveling. Hope that helps 😊

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

@@BrianandCarrie Thanks so much! "I also know in the event I was diagnosed for anything major I can return back to the comforts of home while receiving treatment." This is new info for me: good news. I assumed the US carrier would try to avoid or evade the claim if a diagnosis of something like cancer, diabetes, etc. were to be made while abroad. Subject to more research, my guess today is that I'll go with Cigna's global plan, because I'm not eligible for much, if any, ACA premium credit. So I just get clobbered at age 62, even though my health is very good. I think my exchange premium quote was about $1,100 a month in Florida with a $10K deductible: just sickening.

[@theresakuhn6380]

@@BrianandCarrie I’m a little late for this, but, considering our options. I guessing our country will f residence will be USA as we’d like to traveling months at a time, with a home base somewhere near our kids. A lot to sift through, thank you for the info

[@robertmcfarlane4151]

As a Canadian not as relevant for me, but valuable information on the Travel Insurance side.

[@miked3340]

Health Shares are a great safety net, especially overseas, missionaries use 'em. It is what we use as world travelers, but it does help to have a good credit card or cash on hand until you are reimbursed. The only caveat is mine (Samaritan) requires submitted bills to be translated to English, and of course they don't cover pre-existings.

[@glonu2]

Does Samaritan require you be Christian to join their health shares? I know Christian Health Ministries(CHM) does!

[@miked3340]

@@glonu2 They sure do, and Samaritan is the strictest against lifestyle vices, but they are better cost-wise because of that. They try to pattern the early church's method of self-sustainment and accountability among members. I don't get drunk, smoke, or sleep around anyways, so why not reap the benefits? :) The gospel is open to everyone, so ultimately it is a worldview paradigm shift everyone could opt for if they wished it.

[@glonu2]

@@miked3340 Thanks for the info. Same here, no alcohol, drugs, smoke. I'll check out Samaritan.

[@abrushwithtravel]

When I begin my Slow Travels,20 months & counting, I’ll need health insurance for my overseas travel only. I’m fortunate to have my stateside plans of Tricare ($30.25 a month) and VA (Free) since I served 24+ years in the Air Force. Safety Wing is one of the top 3 I’ve been looking at. Also, I see Brian is sporting his IZOD collection. Will we see a flipped up collar and Penny Loafers soon? 😊. Safe Travels.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Their Lacost not Izod so now I own 3 shirts. 😁

[@mariagillinson8527]

Can I get insurance coverage? I’m over 60 and I have diabetics. So a pre existing medical condition. Would that work for people with mental health.

[@AugustinaAmaLove]

Hi sir or madam,I was to ask u question

[@mpat146]

ACA doesn't allow people to be denied because of a pre existing condition so you will be able to get health insurance.

[@mariagillinson8527]

@@mpat146 amazing thanks

[@TheFourChainsTravel]

Seriously the most helpful video you guys have done, IOHO. Thanks so much. Information like this could make our dreams possible. Traveling to Cancun for a dental implant next month. Is SafetyWing what you guys would recommend for our 10 day visit? 55 and in the U.S. Sending the best vibes possible to you and hope to run into you at some point! The Four Chains Travel

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much, we would love to connect someday! We would recommend SafetyWing. Here is the link. 😊 safetywing.com/?referenceID=brianandcarrie&Ambassador&

[@TheFourChainsTravel]

@@BrianandCarrie thanks so much!

[@barryutah]

Because of the low cost of healthcare abroad, I think I would be good with paying out of pocket (self insure), except for possible Medical Evacuations (incredibly expensive). I just stumbled across Medjet. Looks affordable if you'd like to avoid travel medical insurance cost or maybe combine with something less expensive. Two main plans with different options. One includes security & crisis response (political threat, terrorist, natural disaster & more). You do need US inpatient insurance for return to US. But would I want to return for US healthcare? 🤔🤭 Domestic partners qualify for the Family pricing.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Very informative. 👍 I still think our self insure plan is better. That's coming from someone programed to think we need insurance for just about everything. 😊

[@jamiechampion4016]

I find this topic very interesting. Our tentative plan (in 4 years) will be to travel around 8 months a year and be home the rest. We will have a home. Does that mean that we could still get something like Cigna Global? We are open to many options and may have 2-3 young adults that we may still be responsible for in our early retirement days. Many thanks from a huge Iowa fan :)

[@BrianandCarrie]

If you maintain a home in the States I'm not sure how Cigna would see this. You may want to give them a call and ask 😊.

[@LiudmilaChalmers]

Thank you, great info

[@BrianandCarrie]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!! 😊

[@jeancarloferreira9770]

Im 47 and just quit my job to go travel. I decided to go with cobra so that i can stay on the same plan. Its $505 per month and i can keep it for i think 18 months. After that ill have to figure another option. I looked into ACA but i didn't like it doesn't include dental or vision. And it really wasnt that much cheaper than cobra.

[@barryutah]

@jeancarloferreira9770 - $505 is not bad for Cobra, and I suspect the coverage is as good or better than ACA. Yes, you should be able to keep you Cobra for 18 months. Any extension appears to be for qualified dependents only, which can go up to 36 months (additional 18). My 18 months are up in 3 months. Good luck on your travels.

[@alexsalamah7140]

Does the global health insurance that Brian has, does it cover pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol? We are currently insured through my employer and we keep thinking about how we get insurance if we retire early.

[@BrianandCarrie]

You would have to contact the insurance company for that information. I don't have any pre-existing conditions so don't have that information. Sorry I can't help with this one?😔

[@cynthiareese2425]

I have Tricare for Life and I know I'm covered anywhere but it's pay up front file for reimbursement. I'm afraid of being held hostage in a hospital abroad for payment should I be hit by a bus. I don't have unlimited funds

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is what Safety Wing is for.

[@beckym7356]

Also, if no global insurance coverage, air carriers (American, Delta, United, etc.) decide if and when they let you fly back with them. This can include reviewing all your medical records in country of injury which can take many days. These global insurance carriers should be questioned and verified that they will come get you and take you home. @@BrianandCarrie

[@Lanscape81]

Thanks Brian and Carrie for another great video. I did enquire about ACA through Vibrant health and even received the table to calculate the amount I would have to pay based on my annual income. I agree it’s reasonable if you can live off less than 50K a year. I suppose you still have to pay the installment monthly even if you are living abroad for the policy to be in affect ? Or are you paying only for the time you are in the USA? Thank you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are paying only for the time that we are in the US.

[@Lanscape81]

Thank you. I am SO hopeful now.:)!

[@Cristina-y3o]

I am confused. Did you say you only pay ACA for the months you are in the US? I have been researching about this topic since I want to travel more ACA in CA only cover CA and is annual plans. What I am missing g?

[@ExpatGlobetrotter]

The ACA, has coverage outside of the US beyond Emergency Care?!

[@philpatt970]

ACA health plans are not required to include international travel coverage, so it depends on your plan.

[@paulteel7974]

Most ACA plans don’t even cover you out of state let alone out of country.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It depends on the plan and the state. But yes, you need to read the fine print. It is an option for early retirement.

[@msvice5940]

My friend lives fulltime in Rome for several years & she has an ACA plan (Illinois) that covers her in Italy. So yes it is possible to get coverage. Unfortunately my state (NJ) doesn't offer such a plan.

[@paulteel7974]

Haven’t found an ACA plan in Texas the covers even out of state except for emergencies (and they define emergency). Paying over $2K per month for me and wife and we’re essentially uncovered if we go more than about 75 miles from home. So, we need travel medical which is fine and thank goodness we haven’t needed it.

[@miname69]

My husband has Medicare. I am not old enough and I pay $870 monthly with a $7500 year deductible!!! It’s the cheapest I can find with ACA 😢

[@LK-hy5jz]

This is a lot :( are you still working and hence taxable income is high? I believe ACA will only be reasonable if the taxable income is very small.

[@bootsmith8016]

In my county to have an $870/month cost for my blue cross ppo plan our income would have to be about $165,000/yr which would be reasonable (other counties have too many cheap hmos which lowers subsidies for ppo plans though). When I was working just my share of our ppo plan was close to $600/month. It is too dependent on where you live. We should have a public option

[@Kari-Evan]

ACA subsidy is calculated based on taxable income on tax return, not what money you’re living off of.

[@franciscokameko4671]

Does the ACA require you to be in the US for any minimum length of time?

[@BrianandCarrie]

My understanding is no as we know of people that live outside the States majority of the year but still have residency and maintain a policy. If suggest researching it more though too be sure the rules for the plan you choose. Cheers!!

[@franciscokameko4671]

@@BrianandCarrie thanks for the reply. Happy travels!

[@lvivlion3036]

We have permanent residence in Spain and qualify for these local medical services.

[@ShiningDawn904]

How does Carrie get covered when she’s back to US since Safety Wing policy only covers abroad?

[@BrianandCarrie]

I have a ACA plan 😊

[@The.Harsh.Truths]

Even if she didn’t have an ACA plan, SafetyWing allows for 2 weeks within the USA of emergency coverage.

[@lvivlion3036]

I was a digital nomad for 3 years and I traveled the world. From my first visit, I knew that I would eventually settle in Spain. Last year my husband and I bought a beach front apartment in Alicante, Spain. We paid a little over 110,000 €. We were also granted permanent residence. Since I am Ukrainian I will work towards Spanish citizenship. My husband is American so I doubt he would give up his citizenship.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Alicante is one of our favorite places that we have visited! Great choice! 😊

[@nh154321]

We are thinking of winging it. Canadian couple 44F and 52M , no meds, no conditions, eat well, exercise, sleep well… We will be slow traveling the world but avoiding USA. A random broken arm or leg won’t derail us. Will self insure for a while and see how it goes. Anyone done so and inquired high costs? What was it?

[@auto_pilot]

It didn’t happen to me, but my neighbors directly across the road from us had a very significant injury in the early stages of their 4-week overseas holiday vacation a few weeks back. He contacted me frantically in hopes I could help with getting them back to the states (I’m a pilot with a lot of connections). We were in Europe at the time and I put him in touch with an international Air Evac company because his wife was injured in a freak accident breaking her leg and hip and they needed to somehow get back to the States ASAP (but obviously not by commercial aircraft). Bottom line is that the cost of the Air Evac to get her home was about $150,000. They did have insurance to cover a portion of that fee, but not nearly all of it. So, I would definitely look into some sort of catastrophic policy at the least.

[@barryutah]

@nh154321 - I understand why you would do that, especially avoiding the USA. 🤭 While I will have insurance when I travel, I expect to pay cash for most things due to low cost, basically higher deductible. Insurance is just that, a plan against the larger unexpected issues. Be aware, some countries require health insurance to enter. SafetyWing is one of few insurance companies that allows you to sign up after you've left you're home country. So if you have to purchase...🤷‍♂ Oh, I just remembered, there is another KZbinr that had a motorcycle accident in Thailand 4 years ago, he says SafetyWing saved him over $15,000. I guess one way to save is...don't drive in Thailand. In his video he says there were 3421 accidents in the last week of 2019, 83% were motorcycles 😱 I don't like mentioning other YTers (esp. other Travelers) on someone's channel but if you search "I almost died in Thailand" I think you might locate him. He does give his opinion on having insurance. I think it also comes down to how well you think you are self insured, everyone's comfort level is different. And @auto_pilot brings up one of the biggest concerns. Medical Evacuation is terribly expensive. I've always heard it will be at least a $100-$125k. Good luck

[@nh154321]

@@auto_pilot sorry to hear , hope she fully recovers. What country were they in? She didn’t want to use their hospital?

[@auto_pilot]

@@nh154321 They did emergency surgery there but didn’t recommend that she stay for all the rehab that was needed. It was in Iceland.

[@ConstancePfeifer]

How did your qualiy forget that insurance program? Your make money from your KZbin channel. Incidentally Brian, the US takes 24% on a KZbin channel.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It's not an automatic deduction of 24%. It doesn't work that way. We pay our taxes so know what we need to save.

[@ConstancePfeifer]

@@BrianandCarrie Sorry but I have to disagree. With each KZbin payment the taxes are deducted. In fact,if your channel is registered in the US the tax rate can be as high as 30%. Frankly, you should be able to take sizable deductions since your business is a travel channel.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We do take dedication. If you provide your tax information they don't take anything out and you do your own taxes. You can disagree if you like but that's how it works.

[@2Rugrats9597]

I checked on the ACA showing that when I retire (single) and showing I’m only withdrawing or making $29K, my monthly payment would be $0 on a HMO HSA w a high deductible and high co-pay in the state of florida. I actually can take out $34k because the $5k is taxed like a pre-tax 401k so the $5K won’t show up a gross income to make my payments go Up

[@LK-hy5jz]

Thank you for your comment and looking into it. I am in Florida too and will be in need of insurance as I want to retire early. It doesn’t sound that bad at all from what you described! I was scared to retire early because of that reason.

[@2Rugrats9597]

@@LK-hy5jz you can play Around w the numbers but anything over $29k single that shows being taxed w start to cost you money monthly on the ACA if that help.

[@LK-hy5jz]

@@2Rugrats9597 thank you! I have no debt so this amount should suffice if I indeed will decide to retire early! Such a temptation :) appreciate your reply!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the insights and conversation! This really helps others. Cheers!!🍻

[@hamospanish]

Oregon expanded medicaid for all: 100% free, no premium costs, no OOP costs, free dental, free vision for those with below $64k MAGI. Kids free below $94k. Assumes house of 4 with 2 kids. This is from July 1st 2024. ACA no premiums for bronze plan up to around $80k MAGI.

[@Colorado-Hiker]

But ALL the options and prices change drastically when your turn 70 years old- like me. And MOST plans won’t cover you once you hit age 70.

[@ForwardThinkingIncome]

Brian we got a laugh at your brain scan joke. My wife said she was waiting for you guys to say they didn't find anything during your brain scan, lol. You mentioned about not showing you live in US for some of the insurance coverage. You say you guys house sit. Do you not have a home in the US? If not how do you keep Washington as your home state? What about mail? Sorry for many questions. Really like you guys sharing. Brian, I also have 2 daughters that live in Phoenix Arizona area. Thanks for the information, I will be back to read others comments for their experiences.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are from Bellingham WA. and stay with family and friends or house sit while back home. We sold everything before we started traveling. We use a mail service for most of our mail and parents' addresses. We will have a "travel logistics" video coming out soon to answer many questions. Thank you two for watching!! 😁

[@jonmaher2531]

Let me guess....they did the brain scan and they did.t find anything....anything! LOL

[@BrianandCarrie]

😁

[@henry155]

That is Right. The one thing everyone should thank Obama for. ACA!!

[@Paxevo]

Yeah, there are lots of rich millionaires working the system to get ACA tax subsidies. Single moms working 2 jobs as well as the rest of us are paying for those tax subsidies for millionaires. I guess it’s a don’t hate the player, hate the game kind of thing. It is a downside that should be noted.

[@josephwalsh6722]

More like the rich are subsidizing the poor.

[@jb9201]

Thank Obama- Biden and Dems for ACA

[@voodoodrug]

Insrx got so bad at work it helped me chose to retire at 48, wife makes too much for ACA which is a joke. Really only need catastrophic coverage… good luck !!! Stopped worrying about it, 61 now and saved a fortune on garbage plans. Upped my auto liability. Thank God I can get the best Medicare plan at the tender young age of 65 still 😎 Stay trim and fit !!!!