questions about arriving with Long Term Visa

Well, back in 2014, for the DC consulate, I sent them an email first with 3i091891 questions on it, and I got a response saying to call within a certain window of time. I did, and thankfully the woman humored all those questions. Then there were a few other times I had questions, and it was hard as heck to get someone on the phone. Since they were only "open" three hours, it'd be busy and direct me to the email. And the 2nd two times I called, I got a guy who was being snarky and not helpful. But then this past year when I applied, I couldn't find anywhere on the website that said you could call them like I did before. Their email forms seemed really strict too, more than before. You had to list your whole life story (name, birthday, nationality, address, blood type...okay not that but you get the point) or else they would just trash the email. And the two emails I sent never got a response.

Also I remember in 2014 during my visa appointment, there was a guy from New York there and the consulate clerk was flipping out telling him he wasn't allowed to be going to the DC one. The guy was like "Yeah but they never answer when I call" lol and the clerk eventually was all "don't make me call security!!" drama. I've seen other people on here say they can't find a number to call and ask questions at their respective consulates.

So...really, it's awesome that yours does

Ray did they not require repatriation? My consulate has told me specifically that I need $50,000 in coverage with both evacuation and repatriation. I've scoured my benefit description and have seen the network of doctors in France. I've got great in- and out-patient coverage, basically the same as in the states, as well as evacuation. But the policy states outright that it does not include repatriation. So that's where I'm stuck. But if they'll allow me to have two policies then I'm fine with buying a second one for only $665/year.

I'm not moving for another year so it's too early to get a letter from BCBS but I want to contact them to be clear on what is and isn't covered. I'm looking into all of this now so I can plan all the costs associated with moving to France. They are definitely adding up but this has been a dream and why I worked hard for so many years.

ntoolan said:

Ray did they not require repatriation? My consulate has told me specifically that I need $50,000 in coverage with both evacuation and repatriation. I've scoured my benefit description and have seen the network of doctors in France. I've got great in- and out-patient coverage, basically the same as in the states, as well as evacuation. But the policy states outright that it does not include repatriation. So that's where I'm stuck. But if they'll allow me to have two policies then I'm fine with buying a second one for only $665/year...

Click to expand...

Nancy

I don't believe that we were required to have repatriation coverage when we got our visas. We had BCBS Supplementary Medicare Insurance that included coverage for treatment abroad. We certainly didn't have repatriation insurance when we received our visas and left the US.

For what it's worth, our move was always intended to be permanent and that's what we told our Consulate. I don't know if that had anything to do with us not needing repatriation coverage.

Our Prefecture hasn't asked whether GeoBlue and Blue Cross are the same policy. It never occurred to me that they should be one policy. We've simply presented the Prefecture with the coverage descriptions for each insurance policy.

Best of luck.

Ray