|
|
Post by kiwis aboard on May 24, 2012 4:17:53 GMT
What options are there for medical insurance outside of KSA? I understand that inside the communities we are covered, but wonder what people do for insurance when on vacation. Do Aramco offer an international medical insurance policy which employees can purchase?
|
|
|
|
Post by Key West on May 24, 2012 4:37:48 GMT
Americans are covered OOK at all times. All other expats are not. Most people buy catastrophic medical travel insurance which is fairly inexpensive. That issue will be covered and emphasized during your orientation here.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hadia on May 24, 2012 6:02:22 GMT
That's a bit misleading. Americans are covered if they choose to purchase the optional medical covee. Don't purchase it, you're on your own.
|
|
|
|
Post by Key West on May 24, 2012 8:41:07 GMT
What you wrote is misleading but I suppose we will agree to disagree.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hadia on May 24, 2012 10:16:25 GMT
Sorry, not following you. When signing all the new hire HR papers, American payroll employees decide whether or not they want to purchase the additional medical covee for OOK, which carries a monthly premium charge from your paycheck.
|
|
|
|
Post by Overland on May 24, 2012 12:56:14 GMT
I have to agree with Hadia on that. We bought the Aetna policy to make sure we were covered outside KSA. I didnt see any other option. If there is, I would sure like to know about it.
|
|
Uman
Senior Member
Posts: 161
|
Post by Uman on May 24, 2012 22:30:21 GMT
So, when planning a holiday outside of KSA, how do you book a holiday and get travel/health insurance? From tour companies in Bharain? or KSA?
|
|
|
|
Post by Texas on May 25, 2012 6:21:50 GMT
Hadia is correct!! You have to subscribe to Aetna to get medical insurance outside the kingdom. You will be charged $165/month. Only SAMSO medical services are free for employees (and their dependents) living on Aramco's camps.
Things that will come out of your paycheck every month (aside from your elected savings and 401K):
House Rental Fees (depends on your status)
Aetna Medical Insurance, OOK covee....$165
Internet ADSL....($40)
Phone charges (Outside Camp or calling others on their mobiles)
Furniture Rental
Other charges that might hit your paycheck once in a while:
Exit visas (including multiple entry visa)
Library late fees
Not sure about traffic violation??
Charges paid outside your paycheck:
TV/Cable services
Mobile subscription
|
|
|
|
Post by waywood on May 26, 2012 5:18:16 GMT
We are from the UK and arranged worldwide medical cover for the whole family through BUPA before we came due to this same issue. It's not cheap but for our piece of mind, it's worth it.
|
|
|
|
Post by SugarLandTX on May 26, 2012 7:21:28 GMT
Americans have the option to purchase the OOK medical covee. Employee pays the price which is currently $165/month for a family. I believe Canadians are provided with OOK medical card which is paid by Aramco.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tremblent on May 26, 2012 9:04:45 GMT
You are right SugarLandTX!
Canadian Payroll Employee do have OOK medical paid by Aramco but the $1000/-deductible per anum per family need to be paid by the employee.
|
|
|
|
Post by dgc00 on May 28, 2012 8:18:20 GMT
Canadian payroll does provide ins; it is not through Aetna, but it is not bad; though a little expensive (gives great piece of mind though).
For US payroll, it is actually cheap, and I believe that Aetna is very good. Much much better than trying to obtain travel ins every time you go out of the country, or travel through multiple countries, or bupa. Small expense for piece of mind and ability to have treatment in the US (if you choose).
|
|
Uman
Senior Member
Posts: 161
|
Post by Uman on May 28, 2012 22:29:41 GMT
I thought all medical insurance was covered by Aramco while in KSA?
I plan to stay on camp for approx 90% of my time away from work, however a trip to Bharhain once a month and a trip overseas once, possibly twice a year would cover all my travel needs.
Would it be best to just arrange travel insurance when going on holiday through the travel agent?
As for Bharhain, Im not sure how to get that piece of mind as yet!
|
|
|
|
Post by vidalbra on Jun 14, 2012 10:20:35 GMT
All, thanks for the information.
I have looked and could not find enough details to make a clear call on what to go for when it comes to OOK medical (and life) insurance.
I'm on Sterling Payroll so no american/canadian options would suit.
Can anybody share experiences with either BUPA, AETNA or any other OOK insurance as far as covee, quality and price?
Thanks all in advance,
|
|
|
|
Post by waywood on Jun 23, 2012 7:40:32 GMT
Vidalbra - we use BUPA and it costs us about £3k a year for 2 adults and 2 children. Any pre-existing conditions, as expected, are not covered and are stated as exclusions on the policy documents. Hubby was very thorough in researching which company to use and BUPA came up best in terms of covee. We haven't had to use it yet so can't comment on the service delivery when the need arises.
|
|
