Americans living abroad during treatment

[Esther]

Chris and I are discussing renting a flat in Paris and spending 6 months to a year there. However I am on Herceptin every 3 weeks right now, and will continue to do so for the foreseable future.

I am covered by 2 US health insurance policies. Does anyone know if they will only cover treatment done here in the US? Would I have to pay out of pocket for the herceptin infusions done in Europe?

There would also be office visits, blood tests and scans if needed that would need to be done as well.

Any input would be appreciated.

[StephN]

Dear Esther -
Always on an adventure, aren't you?
Our trip to Paris and Rome has now evolved into Portugal and Madeira. Heading out on May 10. We need these things to look forward to and liven up our life (my ongoing cancer issues can be a downer for my hubby even more than me)! With no children at home and just the two of us - but will you take your pugs??

There is a member of this group - Sarahdalton - who lives in France. Maybe she can give you some good information if you contact her directly.

I know there is a place called the American Hospital where a friend of mine was treated for her BC (she was diagnosed 6 months after moving to France with imflammatory!).

If I get any more bright ideas, I will add to this thread.

[RhondaH]

as an insurance underwriter my advice to you would be to call the insurance companies you are covered through and see if it would be a covered expense (maybe even get a percertification). Every policy and it's coverages are different and I would hate for you to end up "footing the bill". I have a cousin who lives in Paris and could see if she could be of any help. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

[Esther]

Thanks for the replies, it appears that American insurance does not normally cover routine treatment abroad. It will cover emmergency treatment only.

So in making decisions about living abroad for a period of time, we will have to take into account paying for the Herceptin infusions during that time period.
Now that you mention it Steph, I hadn't thought about what to do with my pug babies while gone...that would be a huge issue for me as well.

[RhondaH]

her reply:

"Roni, your friend has to ask her insurance co about coverage here. She can
always see a Dr or probably get treatments even if not covered, but will cost
lots, and maybe be hard for special treatments if she is not going through a
French Dr on a regular basis, and delays for appointments may be longer. I'm
not saying impossible, just have to plan ahead. She will probably find it more
complicated here - not expect to walk into a hospital and get treated then and
there, except for emergency room stuff. Probably should contact a specialist
here when she knows where she wants to be located and try to get lined-up for
the treatments she will need. If she decides to come, I can ask some friends,
or my Dr to suggest who she should get in touch with."

I hope this helps a little.

Rhonda

[jhandley]

Hi
I have discussed this possibility with a doctor friend of mine here in Australia. She mentioned the possibility of taking the herceptin with me and having it made up before each treatment (thinking about visiting the UK).

Cheers
Jackie