Quotations by Dan Prescher

Health insurance companies everywhere have a few things in common: They tend to exclude pre-existing conditions, and they tend to have an age limit (usually 65) for issuing new policies. A few companies issue new policies up to age 75. And any company that accepts pre-existing conditions builds that risk into the premium you pay. Always first check whether your existing insurance plan, if you have one, covers treatment abroad. Canada’s nationalized health care system generally doesn’t cover treatment abroad. [2014] - Dan Prescher

International health insurance: These plans cover you anyplace in the world. Some companies also offer a semi-global option, excluding certain high-priced countries in exchange for a lower premium. Premiums vary, but for a healthy, 60-ish individual, expect to pay roughly $3,000 to $5,000 a year. National, in-country health insurance: These plans provide in-depth coverage in a given country. Ask whether the plan includes a travel-insurance component to cover health emergencies when visiting other countries. Premiums in Latin America generally run 10 to 35 percent less than international plans, while in Asia they can cost $1,000 a year or less. Hospital membership plans: Top hospitals in some countries—notably Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and Uruguay—offer membership plans that provide steep discounts on services at their facilities, including hospital stays, doctors’ visits, and prescriptions. Monthly fees generally run $25 to $75 per month per person. [2014] - Dan Prescher

Whatever health insurance option you choose, be sure to ask these questions: 1) When does coverage start? And is there a delay for coverage of some things? (Wellness visits or maternity care, for instance, may only be available starting in year two of a policy.) 2) Is the policy renewable? Some policies are renewable automatically, while others are renewable only at the company’s discretion. And is coverage cut off after a certain age? 3) Does the company “pre-authorize” payment? Pre-authorization means that claims are sanctioned before you have treatment. [2014] - Dan Prescher

You’ll find pockets of Mexico like the Lake Chapala area or San Miguel de Allende, and in the Canal Zone of Panama City, where locals, thanks to their long-standing interaction with the many English-speaking residents, commonly speak English. [2014] - Dan Prescher

Warren (at the Warren Hardy School in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico) understands that our adult minds work differently than the high school or college-age kids most Spanish learning programs are aimed at. He’s developed an entire program that offers shortcuts—some tips and tricks, some cues and clues—that really helped us get to the next step with our Spanish. You can take classes in person at his school in San Miguel (highly recommended) or, if you don’t have time for that, he’s created an online Webtutor course. [2014] - Dan Prescher