Health Insurance

[Magnet_]

When I was planning for my hike I remember myself and others being confused about what to do about health insurance. There wasn't much information about what others had done and the information I could find was somewhat confusing and lacked organization. So let's see if we can get something started here. What did you do, what worked, what didn't, what you need to watch out for....

[footslogger]

When I was planning for my hike I remember myself and others being confused about what to do about health insurance. There wasn't much information about what others had done and the information I could find was somewhat confusing and lacked organization. So let's see if we can get something started here. What did you do, what worked, what didn't, what you need to watch out for....

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I'm spoiled. Wife teaches at a university and has great coverage year-round for both of us.

[Magnet_]

I purchased a six month plan through Celtic. I remember being concerned about not being covered due to the activities I'd be doing, and or when above certain elevations. A friend who was an agent for health insurance plans recommended that I not mention anything about what i'd be doing or they'd deny me. I was also concerned as to what state I'd be a resident of because technically i'd be homeless. No one was ever able to give me an answer on that one. Eventually I just got the one from Celtic because I didn't see any mention of mountaineering / backpacking type stuff or altitude in the restrictions... but mainly to appease my parents...

[girlscout]

i'm self employed, and only have a basic catastrophic insurance plan with blue cross, so it doesn't cover me for run-of-the-mill doctor visits and stuff. i did end up going to the doctor 3 times on the trail, and it was none too cheap, especially the emergency room in seattle. so in the future i'd probably suck it up and buy 6 months of coverage. haven't done any research on this, though.

[AlohaTink]

Clark Fork a member here once told me about a special Hikers Insurance he got for his JMT hike in 2006

I think it was offered thru a membership with one of the local backpackers group or something.

Maybe he will post a share this info again...hint hint :D

[chai guy]

I'm a veteran, so I'm covered by Uncle Sam.

[Ender]

I didn't have insurance, because I couldn't afford both it and going hiking, but I'd rather I'd had it. Next time I'll be sure to have insurance when hiking.

[Palmer]

I should have COBRA coverage when I hike (assuming that I do the PCT instead of the AT). That won't be until 2011, so things may change.

[spikemedic]

I guess being confused about what to do about health insurance is somewhat a problem... so I guess you may go to a health insurance and inquire to them and take a good look into the advantage of the insurance...


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Individual health insurance (http://www.goldenrule.com)

[Mr Mountaingoat]

I'll be getting a six-month traveller's policy with World Nomads. America is the most expensive country, insurance-wise, for foreign travellers (I'm Australian). WN seems pretty solid. I used another company before on the AT and they came through when I needed two grand for a visit to the Leahy Clinic with stress fractures. I don't think 'mountaineering' is covered, but I won't be roped up, so should be ok...