Universal vs Humano experience and some questions

I hope the ARS's and the Doctor's Association can work things out since SENASA is not a great option.
-@windeguy

Just curious, why do you say so ?
-@Guineo Verde

None of the plans I see are all that good:

Don't get me wrong, they are a lot better than nothing. Nothing is what anyone here illegally would have if the other ARS companies go away and only Senasa options remain as the Doctor's Associations hopes.

See what you think.

https://www.arssenasa.gob.do/index.php/ … mentarios/

@windeguy

Ok, but those plans your link is pointing to are 'Complementary and Optional Plans' design to complement those who have a 'Contributory Regime' paid by their employers.

For expats or Dominicans of the diaspora there is 'Plan Larimar'

As earlier you wrote :

Will Humano be next?

The medical association is attempting to funnel people to:

https://www.arssenasa.gob.do

I have no idea how that would work for people that are retired and/or over 65 here in the DR.

I called SeNaSa. I was told there is no age limit to subscribe. People over 70 just pay double fee. Not sure if we can believe that ... Next time I will be in Santo Domingo, I will go to the main office and check.

@windeguy

So you believe only those who can afford health insurance should be treated and to hell with everyone else

@JRP55

Where did he say that? And why are you bringing up a 2 year old discussion?

Hi - I am not an expat, yet. But I do travel to the Dominican Republic quite often.

I want to share with expats who are service connected veterans of the US Armed Forces, that they have access to an array of medical services available to them in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata - via the Meds4Vets (info@meds4vet.org) program. Spouses who have access to ChampVA also qualify to receive these services. 

The second option that service connected veterans have available to them is the iWellness Veterans Center (info@iwellnessvetcenter.com) located in the city of Santiago. This is a veterans only medical service program.

I hope this information is useful.

Best regards, Louis

@windeguy
So you believe only those who can afford health insurance should be treated and to hell with everyone else - @JRP55

I never said that only those that could afford health insurance should have it.

The DR sets those laws, not me.  DR Citizens automatically qualify for the basic SENASA plan,

But few people would want to be treated using only that plan or stay in a public hospital.

Many private clinics only accept certain plans.

Great info but not useful if you need emergency care.  I would never rely on just this

I began my health care insurance plan before I turned 65. The company is "Universal" and the company in La Romana who sold me the plan provided a detailed outline of what was covered and for what percentage of the total cost. They also included a "total amount covered" after which point I would have to use my credit card. ($20,000.00 is the limit).

I then began hearing first hand accounts of Europeans arriving at the emergency ward in La Romana suffering chest pains / heart attacks and being required to provide a credit card for service. $25,000.00 and 7 days later they left the hospital, having paid the bill with their credit card because their insurance failed to pay.

I took a personal doctor who speaks English this year and met with him for a consultation 3 weeks ago. He told me that the hospital and he require the health care card and a credit card because some health insurance companies will not pay when required to do so. A back up credit card ensures that the hospital and physician get paid. His secretary then accepted my "Universal" coverage to pay for the consult and said that Universal was a legitimate company in the health care business and could be trusted.

I contacted my insurance company and asked to speak with an Engilsh speaking agent to discuss this issue before meeting the doctor. She referred me to Dr. Lopez and said I should contact the insurance company when I am preparing to go to the hospital. Contact me privately if you want her contact information.