Healthcare Insurance cost inquiry UK relocating to USA (Ames: health insurance, how much)

[victaaa]

I'm a currently a UK national, however my wife is from Iowa. We are looking into the possibility of relocating my family from the US from the UK. Naturally healthcare is something that i haven't had to worry about since our is provided for by the government.
While i understand that premiums can vary largely depending on different levels of cover, i was wondering if someone could provide me with a broad estimate for a good level of cover.
i'm 35, my wife is 40 years old. we have 3 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. nobody has any major health complaints and are non-smokers. i know a lot more information would be required but, i'm just after a guide since i really have no idea.
thanks.

[robojester]

I would try with you here it should give you a pretty good idea

https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/

[Meemur]

Don't do it. You have a good gig going on in the UK for now.

Our healthcare system is a mess! While US healthcare itself can be excellent, paying for it out of pocket can be a nightmare.

You will also need auto insurance. If you don't have a car now, you'll probably need one, unless you can live and work somewhere like Ames and work at the university.

Unless you are made of money, I would strongly encourage you to stay where you are or consider moves within the UK if where you are living now isn't working out.

[EastCB]

Originally Posted by Meemur

Don't do it. You have a good gig going on in the UK for now.

Our healthcare system is a mess! While US healthcare itself can be excellent, paying for it out of pocket can be a nightmare.

You will also need auto insurance. If you don't have a car now, you'll probably need one, unless you can live and work somewhere like Ames and work at the university.

Unless you are made of money, I would strongly encourage you to stay where you are or consider moves within the UK if where you are living now isn't working out.

Our healthcare is not a mess. A lot of people in other countries who have national healthcare still buy supplemental policies.
Do some research before you spout off your mouth.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by victaaa

i was wondering if someone could provide me with a broad estimate for a good level of cover.

The FIRST questions are employment related: How much you'll earn; What the employer offers (or not).

[poisonwoodbao]

There is no way to answer this question. Most people get health insurance through their employers. Generally public sector and union employees have gold-plated plans with little out of pocket cost. If you work for a small company, you may have a higher premium and less generous benefits. It also depends on which state you live in. I wouldn't let this dissuade you from moving to the US. It will be an adjustment from what you're used to, but you also might come to find you like it. And if you don't, the UK isn't going anywhere...

[poisonwoodbao]

Originally Posted by EastCB

Our healthcare is not a mess. A lot of people in other countries who have national healthcare still buy supplemental policies.
Do some research before you spout off your mouth.

All systems have pros and cons.

[pvande55]

Medical insurance varies all over, even by State. Fortunately, Iowa is a Medicaid expansion State, giving more people coverage.

[in_newengland]

You will buy health insurance through your job. If you don't have a job, you go without health care except for emergency treatment in a hospital. If you are very poor, your family will get Medicaid.

If you have a really good job, you can buy good health insurance and you'll be fine. Costs differ because we have lots of different insurance companies and each company has several different plans. So there's no way to know until you find out what plans your employer offers.

Just do not come here without a good permanent job. For now there is also "Obamacare" that works a little bit like the NHS but the current administration is undermining it and saying they will take it away. For now, and if it remains in place, you would pay monthly premiums but it's hard to say how much your costs would be. There would be a premium and then co-payments when you went to a doctor or underwent a medical procedure. Again, even under Obamacare, there are many insurance companies to choose from, each offering different benefits and costs.

As someone already stated, you would probably be better off staying in the UK when it comes to medical insurance. You are automatically covered and even covered for eye glasses and dental. You are able to buy an affordable supplement if you want extras. You don't have to think about medical expenses when you live in the UK but in the US, there's paperwork, bills, and depending upon circumstances, shockingly high bills if you need surgery or extensive hospitalization.

[Radical347]

Originally Posted by EastCB

Our healthcare is not a mess. A lot of people in other countries who have national healthcare still buy supplemental policies.
Do some research before you spout off your mouth.

As the one who manages the healthcare policies at my work...Meemur is absolutely correct. The health insurance system is a complete mess. It's hot garbage. Basically, for a family of 4 expect to pay 1k+, probably more like 2k, for something that looks halfway decent on paper...but it will still have a four-figure deductible. And when/if you have to go to the doctor or hospital, they will probably do everything in their power to not pay out.

Most employers will offer insurance, but they will only pay for a portion of it especially for family coverage. If they actually pay for all of it then you would be VERY lucky. But most people have hundreds per paycheck deducted for this. Something to be aware of.

Best case scenario, don't buy insurance and don't get sick. That will save you tens of thousands of dollars per year. Worst case scenario, get sick with or without insurance...since you will be drained either way.