Overwhelmed and confused.

[Crawford]

Originally Posted by Kellie2012

Oh I know. I was speaking to expats and my cousin who works for Bupa. She said when we move we wont be covered for the first year which worried the hell out of me, but I can't see how that is possible. Surely not!! I've asked for some quotes from independant insurance companies just to get some ideas.

I'm surely not the first person to move abroad with a child with needs. If anyone else on this forum has ever done this then I'd love to talk to you!

There have been cases where some individual health insurance companies have not given policies to new immigrants or those on temporary work visa such as H1B's until they have been in the country for 6 to 12 months.

Yes, lots of people move to the US with children with health issues. The majority of them have moved because they have Group insurance through a company.

Getting individual health insurance (not via a company) is a whole different ball game and one which needs careful consideration.

Since you have a child who has medical needs, do you have the funds to pay for these costs if you don't get Group coverage for a while or cannot afford an individual plan?

Have you thought about your husband moving over before you in order to secure a job?

[Kellie2012]

Originally Posted by Crawford

There have been cases where some individual health insurance companies have not given policies to new immigrants or those on temporary work visa such as H1B's until they have been in the country for 6 to 12 months.

Yes, lots of people move to the US with children with health issues. The majority of them have moved because they have Group insurance through a company.

Getting individual health insurance (not via a company) is a whole different ball game and one which needs careful consideration.

Since you have a child who has medical needs, do you have the funds to pay for these costs if you don't get Group coverage for a while or cannot afford an individual plan?

Have you thought about your husband moving over before you in order to secure a job?

I've been looking at expat insurance sites.

He is moving first. He will be going late August early Sept to get a job and so on. Has some interviews lined up already. We will go when green cards come. It's just my nature to try to figure it all out first. I'm scared Volks Wagen wont cover her or something. If he gets the job there.

[vronchen]

Originally Posted by Kellie2012

I've been looking at expat insurance sites.

He is moving first. He will be going late August early Sept to get a job and so on. Has some interviews lined up already. We will go when green cards come. It's just my nature to try to figure it all out first. I'm scared Volks Wagen wont cover her or something. If he gets the job there.

As far as I know one of the new health care reform benefits is that group insurances cannot deny someone under the age of 19 because of a pre-existing condition. (see here: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/resour...eexisting.html)

[vronchen]

Originally Posted by vronchen

As far as I know one of the new health care reform benefits is that group insurances cannot deny someone under the age of 19 because of a pre-existing condition. (see here: At Risk: Pre-Existing Conditions Could Affect 1 in 2 Americans: | HealthCare.gov)

but of course the republicans might reverse all these benefits next year.

[Crawford]

Originally Posted by Kellie2012

I've been looking at expat insurance sites.

He is moving first. He will be going late August early Sept to get a job and so on. Has some interviews lined up already. We will go when green cards come. It's just my nature to try to figure it all out first. I'm scared Volks Wagen wont cover her or something. If he gets the job there.

It is highly unlikely that a Group plan will not cover your daughter - also the current Health Act states that insurance companies cannot refuse children based on pre-conditions.

If you have just put in your spouse application (I-130) then the whole process will take between 6 to 9 months. You will get your immigration visa and then will receive your green card status upon arrival in the States.

[Bevdeforges]

The trick is to simply not move over to the US until hubby is employed and has added you and your daughter to the health care plan. Further downthread you mentioned that he will be trying to get work at the same place where his brother (or some other relative) is working. You should ask that person if they can get you a copy of whatever employee manual or brochure outlines the employer's health care coverage. If he can't get a copy, he can at least ask to see the plan details in the HR office and can check on the coverages for you.

Under an employer plan, they can't deny coverage to eligible family members, so you're safe there. (At least that's how it was back when I lived in the US - and under the new Affordable Care program things are supposed to improve somewhat.)

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that treatment of specific issues may be very different in the US from what you're used to back home. Bring a full set of your daughter's medical records - and take some time to find a primary care doctor (either a GP, family practice doctor, "internist" or pediatrician) for your daughter. Then let him or her guide you for finding the specialists you need. You don't have to do this all by yourself, but you do need to ask for help when you need it.
Cheers,
Bev

[Mitchellsmom]

Hey there. I have been a US teacher in both public and private schools for over 25 years. Go the public school route with your special needs child. Private schools do NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES that public schools have for special needs children.

Start there- and if you find yourself NOT HAPPY, THEN make the move.
The great thing in the US is you can withdraw your child at anytime from the public school system, but not vice versa- as you may be tied to tuition for remainder of school year with early withdrawl from private schooling if you are not happy there.

I do not think that you will find public school inferior to the UK. I am originally from UK- so I know what I am talking about.

Most insurance companies provide through workvsituations will cover your daughters pre-existing conditions. you will have money taken out of each pay check to over your insurance- so even if it is "provided" you still pay a portion of your check for insurance.

You will be better of in US, no matter what. Just do it. My mom and dad made the move with me when I was 14, and we NEVER regretted moving to the US. I lived in Houston, Texas. I'm currently in Dubai for work assignment with the husband, but we will be back in USA asap.

[Kellie2012]

Guys, seriously, thank-you so much!!!! I started to have a bit of doubt last night but having slept on it and read these new messages I feel much better. It's a big scary move, but I hope it will be worth it. We have emailed my husbands brother so hope he can explain their insurance a bit better. Once the kids go back to school in the States I hope to call a few places and see what I can find out