Health Insurance

Welcome to the forums

Either way will work! I have a group with Humano, I will message you privately

Hello everyone! I have been following Expat for several months now and find it very helpful for all kinds of information.  My husband and I have been to the DR twice now and we are beginning to plan our retirement, hopefully as legal residents since we are finding these Canadian winters to be soul-crushing as we grow older.

We are looking for a reliable health insurance company in the DR and would be grateful for any advice. Thank you!

There are several good companies.  Here it's not just about price and coverage but also administration BS.

I recommend either Humano or Universal. I personally have a large group with Humano

We've had coverage through Planner's group since just before we moved here in 2020. The plan has worked well for us.

The one disadvantage of this plan, which might be true of most plans here, is the low coverage of medication. That said, I can get a month's supply of Synthroid for about $20 (cash price). That is about what my copay was in the US! It is not a deal breaker for us, since we don't typically have current written prescriptions anyway. The written script is only valid for 30 days, and with most, you can get a 3-month supply if the script is written that way. To us, it's not worth making and paying for another appointment with the docs to get a new script each quarter just so that we can submit it to insurance.

There is a thread on here that my husband (RockyM) created with a summary of his experience with spinal surgery in Santo Domingo last year. It includes info on the insurance coverage.

FYI on the  medications -  For every  1,000 RD in annual  medication coverage you will pay  1,000RD more in annualized premium. For that reason we do not add more  prescription coverage.

Hello. So much good info here! I have temporary residency in DR (I've been here 5 years). Heretofore I have traveled to the States once or twice a year and did my check-ups (dental and medical) because I have coverage there. I have Medicare via United. However, they don't offer any coverage down here. Is my best/cheapest option to get a Dominican carrier? Thanks in advance!

Yes your best option will be local coverage. I have a group with Humano.  I also recommend Universal.

Thanks so much. I will look into those

@planner Wow! That's crazy! At least the medications here are much more reasonable than in the US!

@Chazzy

FYI, cautious about communicating your medical coverage in USA (medicare) and having residency in the DR. Thou they say it's permitted I have heard some stories of them also canceling it...

@ddmcghee

Yep we don't have big Pharma here.

@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56 Really? Wow, thanks for the heads-up

@Chazzy

Yes, from my experience unless required by law of your country of orgin I keep that information kinda a needs to know bases.

How do you sign up for Humano or Universal Health Insurance.  Do you use a health care broker or call the companies directly?  Does anyone have a recommendation for a health care broker?  Thanks. David

I am meeting with a broker in May (Puerta Plata)

I ll let you know how it goes

Ok great.  I've heard a contact of mine say that he has the Humano Max plan which he is happy with and for a family of four and pays about $293 a month or $3500 a year. He says that most medical facilities take the insurance, it's gets you into the emergency room or hospital right away if needed and includes airlift to Santo Domingo or Miami. If you like the broker or learn anything new, let me know.   David

I have a group plan with Humano.  Both Humano and Universal are widely accepted!