Hi,

We're in the research phase of planning a move to Bonaire in 12 to 14 months. We'll be back on the island in January to do some planning and investigation, but one of my initial considerations is the issue of health care and insurance.

We are Canadian, and while I appreciate our health care system, I think one of it's disadvantages is that it insulates Canadians from the true costs of medical visits and procedures, as we never see a bill (or at least not in Ontario.) That's a lively discussion topic for another forum, but I realized that I have no idea what it costs to go see a doctor here at home, let alone in another country. I have had the good fortune of never needing health care while travelling outside of Canada.

When we travel to the US, we insure ourselves for many millions based on our perception that their direct health care costs are very high; in reviewing potential private health insurance plans that we could use while living in Bonaire, I'm not sure how much annual coverage is reasonable based on the local health care costs.

We are both 35 and in good health, so I don't foresee any issues with obtaining a reasonable insurance policy; what I'm not sure about is whether we should only worry about major or catastrophic illness medical coverage and pay-as-we-go for regular doctor and dentist visits, or buy more inclusive coverage. I don't plan on using a policy that allows treatment in the US - the premiums required appear to be way too expensive.

Can anybody provide me with their experience with the costs of a regular doctor appointment on Bonaire? Appointments with specialists when they're on the island? Teeth cleaning? Treatment for a broken limb?

For those of you who require private medical coverage while living on Bonaire, any advice on:

-Recommended insurance companies.
-Reasonable coverage limits for medical care (i.e. is $200k in max. coverage annually, like some plans I've seen, a reasonable level of coverage based on local health care costs?)

This probably won't be the first question I'll be posting over the coming months - my reading of the forum and archives suggests you're a friendly and helpful bunch who know what they're talking about!

Thanks,
Steve

My only experience with visiting the doctor was couple years ago.
I had a secondary blood infection in my arm.
I went to the clinic directly across from the hospital.
Time from entry to exit was about 90 minutes.
I had the wound cleaned,received an antibiotic shot and was given a prescription (at my cost to fill, maybe $20 US)
My cost out the door was $40 US.
I cannot get a prescribed aspirin for that amount in the USA.
One thing I have heard recommended is medical with a high dedutcable, giving you a lower premium up front.
Others living on island will surely chime in.

(Message edited by grunt on July 15, 2010)

A Dive Physical for a 23 year old female with a local physician was $120 in June, far less than 16 months before in the US for the same exam.

Welcome to Bonaire Talk steve.
Please give this link a look.

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/36/82017.html

Two years ago my wife had a diving accident, and spent 24 hours in intensive care at the hospital. Intensive care is like being in the hospital for three days. $4,279usd latter she was released. I had to pay that money up front, but DAN paid me back every cent... Ron

Most residents use International Medical Group. My rates were very reasonable but older folks pay some serious cash. You need to be in BON 6 mos. a year. or out of the US

Steve and Steve -
I recommend getting high deductible, emergency only ex-pat type medical insurance. This is US medical insurance you can only get if you DON'T live in the US. I am 50+ and this insurance only covers me for major procedures in the US. YOu can get $5K or $10K deductible to keep the costs down. If you would like specifics, e-mail me directly and I will put you in touch with an local insurance broker who is familiar with this insurance. You can also get medical insurance through local providers such as Ennia to cover your costs in the local system.
IF YOU ARE EMPLOYED Bonaire/Netherlands has a public health system that is similar to Canada, and all employees up to a certain salary level are covered by it. I that case your medical needs are free, or nearly free. If you choose to pay costs out of pocket, they are very inexpensive and the the estimates from the other posters are accurate.
I generally advise my clients to carry high deductible insurance if they want to go back home for care and to pay their day to day medical expenses out of pocket.
Dental costs run about $55 to $100 for a check up and cleaning. A tooth filling is about $50, I think. The dentists here are very good and seem to well trained. Their offices are clean and modern.
CAUTION: Make sure you understand how living as a resident outside of Canada affects your Canadian medical insurance so you know what is and isn't covered.