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I have had the Swiss Medical for 1.5 years, with universal coverage, which I have not had to use. Good to read that it is decent coverage.
Jackson, I pay about $150 monthly, I think it was about 50 dollars less without the universal coverage.
I am very happy with Swiss Medical here for me and my dependents!
Excellent post by Moore. I don't believe I have the international coverage with my Swiss Medical plan, so I'll double check. I do remember something about alerting them prior to a trip abroad and paying at that time for some coverage.
[QUOTE=Jackson]Hi Moore,
What was the additional premium for the one year rider for the international coverage?
Thanks,
Jackson[/QUOTE]There is no additional premium or cost. It's included with my plan (269 pesos/month), 1 level below the best (premium) plan IIRC. The card itself is silver. You just have to call and activate it when you travel.
Ah, maybe I do have it then! Wonderful post, and puts a spotlight on the totally mercantile nature of USA health care. It's like having a computer that is only interested in saving money make decisions about your health.
If you're not sure just call the number on the back of your card. 0-810-222-1414 toll free from Argentina. They'll tell you what coverage you have in a NY second - that's how I activated my intl coverage and found out about it. Customer service is excellent and you rarely have to wait to speak with an agent. IIRC you can get an English speaking one if you're Spanish is shaky.
The website is also quite informative. Go to the cartilla section and you have an index of all doctors/centers/specialists that honor Docthos (there are tons everywhere). You can download the cartilla onto your PC as well.
I am interested in the names of any English speaking physicians you know of. I don't really care what specialty. I do some consulting work for physicians and need an excuse to visit BA solo.
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Hi PyroJohn,
A very high percentage of the doctors in Argentina speak English. It's part of their education.
Thanks,
Jackson[/blue]
I suggest you do some research with organizations that provide this type of information, since you are in the business.
[QUOTE=Pyrojohn][blue]Hi PyroJohn,
A very high percentage of the doctors in Argentina speak English. It's part of their education.
Thanks,
Jackson[/blue][/QUOTE]I would not have guessed that. In 5 years I've visited Argentine doctors of various fields - mostly ENTs but also dentists and eye doctors. Based on my experience, I'd estimate that about 10% - 20% speak English. I've met a few that completed a part of their studies / training in USA but they were the minority.
The good news is that if you specifically requested an English speaking doctor, I'm almost positive that a major carrier like Docthos would have no problem accomodating your request.
I strongly recommend Hospital Italiano. My insurance cost only 160 ARS / months and this cover A LOT. Turnos to my doctor is free, seeing a denstist is also free for the consultation. I requested an english speaking doctor and got a very good one. Service is very good and this without having to wait months or even years, that I have to do in my own country. And prices are a lot lower.
Mongers-
Just got back from a visit to the Instituto Argentino de Diagnostico why Tratamiento (IADT) located on Larrea and Marcelo T. I had my third case of "intoxicado" in Argentina since January 2005. I arrived at the ER and was immediately attended to and put into a room for diagnosis. I told the doctor it was food poisoning and he gave me an injection to calm my stomach and that was that. Grand total for the 45 minute trip to the ER: $46.98 AR. This was my second visit to IADT and I highly recommend it for routine medical care.
Suerte,
Dirk Diggler
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Hey Dirk,
What are you doing? Eating the food at work, eating bad pussy, or cooking for yourself again.
Ha, ha.
Jackson[/blue]
Has anyone had the need of a Dermotologist here in BA - that they could recommend?
Alan
[QUOTE=Alan23]Has anyone had the need of a Dermotologist here in BA - that they could recommend?
Alan[/QUOTE]Check out Moore's post earlier in this thread about Swiss Medical benefits. They have a website where you can take a look at their providers by discipline, location, etc. You don't have to have the insurance to take a look. When you come to a page where you have to click on which insurance card you have, click on the upper left card. Take a look at the providers.
I too, have been in the hunt for a dermatologist. My landlord, an American who's lived here for 10 years recommends Dr Bustamente at Arenales 1446. Tel. 4812-9255. He's supposedly an ex-head of the Derm. Dept. Of one of the local universitys.
Also, the same question was posed recently on another forum. The forum moderator offered the name Dr Marcela Cirigliano at the Chouela center—Uriburu 1590. Tel.4805-7485. Don't know if she's a hotty or not but odds are she's pimple free.
Both are in good 'hoods if that means anything.
Hound
Fighting a spat of bronchitis I contacted Hospital Aleman and they sent a Doc over to my place. Not sure if she was an MD or DO.
$100pesos for diagnosis and wrote me up a Px.
I was afraid that with my ridiculously high fever she'd have to take a core temperature reading to gauge my fever.
Just thought I'd pass it along.
I made a trip to the "Chouela Dermatologia" clinic today. The purpose of my visit was to have some skin growths (skin "tags") checked and removed. There was a mix-up on my appointment - as they did not have it, but they quickly recovered with assigning another doctor.
My expectations were that the spots would be removed either surgically or by freezing. The doctor was professional, with better English than my Spanish. She indicated that she would use a laser to remove all the spots in question. She then left the room to find out what the price would be. She returned with 1,500p being the answer! I just about fell off the table - these are USA prices (I would guess) All I wanted was a few places whacked out with a scapel - we are not talking about being on my face.
My previous mental / dental experiences here in Buenos Aires have been super. The only good news here is that the consultation fee was only 25p. Maybe this is a clinic that specializes in Botox, boob jobs, and tummy tucks - as their pricing structure seems along those lines.