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Comment by kaycebasques | Hacker News Reader

One thing I'll mention for US citizens. Aetna's Mobile Healthcare Plan seems fairly reasonable. I'm paying around $300 a month total for coverage for my partner and me (most comprehensive coverage, highest deductible). Apparently it's still valid in the US so long as you spend the simple majority of your time outside of the US (i.e. 6 months abroad).

https://www.aetnainternational.com/en/individuals/health-pla...

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In the U.S. it’s not enough to have health insurance: You also need to make sure that the healthcare providers you care about accept it.

Furthermore, there’s a wrinkle to watch out for where “renewing” a policy is actually “buying a new policy”. A new diagnosis under the current policy then becomes a disqualifying “pre-existing condition” when trying to get the new policy.

I thought pre-existing condition was outlawed by Obamacare.

These are international plans designed for Americans living abroad. They might offer coverage within the US for temporary visits home, usually at additional cost, but they are not ACA plans, do not have to comply with the ACA rules, and do not meet the requirements for minimum essential coverage under the ACA.

Every time I hear about the US healthcare system I’m amazed at how dehumanizing and user hostile it is.

Wow, that is extremely reasonable. I'm looking to FIRE in the next year and live >6 months abroad, and as a single person, any amount of coverage for <$300/month is a godsend and will not eat into my retirement significantly.

The problem you might run into is that if you're not spending at least 330 days out of every 365-day period abroad or, alternatively, don't establish bona fide residence in a foreign country, if you're an American citizen or permanent resident you will still be required to have health insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage under the ACA, or pay a penalty.

These expat health insurance plans are designed for expats living abroad, not US residents who spend time (even a significant amount) outside of the US each year.

Is there something like this for domestic health insurance (ie. no time abroad)?

Is there any risk they would drop you if you or your partner had a major illness or injury?

An ACA plan + Federal tax credit if you're between 100% and 400% of Federal poverty level.

https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-fami...

https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/

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