I’m sure a lot of folks have had to quit their jobs in order to do a thru hike. Any advice on the most cost effective way to maintain adequate medical insurance out there on the trail?
Tree
Medical Insurance
system
#2
Check the AT forums for this one, since it is discussed a lot. I ended up with a high deductible BC/BS. How much you’ll pay depends on your age and location. Some states are much more expensive than others. You may be able to continue your work insurance via Cobra, but that tends to be more expensive than buying a high deductible on your own. Some buy a temporary travel type insurance. What is available depends on where you live.
Ginny
system
#3
I ended up going with Travel Insurance from AIG. It cost a couple hundred bucks but covered everything. I did have one hospital visit and, although it took a few months to get cleared up, the cost was all covered. Whoever you go with, make sure to keep all documents of any hospital visit. When your claim goes to submittal they will want all records from the visit. It’s kind of a pain, but if you are missing anything, it will get denied. (gotta love our health care system)
here’s the link:
lakewood
system
#4
I went with COBRA, it cost more,but I was concerned about having a pre existing clause when I stepped back into my job after the hike had I totaly dropped my health plan at work.
virginian
system
#5
I used a high-deductable version of BCBS last year on the AT. It wound up being perfect. I caught Lyme Disease in Pennsylvania, which was covered under their plan. I just flashed my card, paid my copay, and that was that. I’ll be doing the same this year, although I have AEtna thru my current employer. Doubt I’ll have those benefits when I quit though!
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