Health Insurance 2026

We can't seem to find a thread on just this topic so I opened one.

Disclosure: I have a very large private health group! I have been actively managing it for I think 15 years.

Some basics:

Get your insurance before you turn 65 or you will have almost no options.

Tell the truth on your application! They will find out if you lied and you will have no coverage when you most need it.

Applications are in Spanish, the legal language here!

Personal and group insurance rates are increasing!

There are a few major companies. The ones I trust are Universal and Humano. There are others! Do your homework to understand what your options are.

Payment -  monthly, quarterly semi annually or annually!  No real discount for prepaying. But, be late 1 day and you have no coverage!

Couples - no real advantage for having one spouse as dependent on the application of the other. Do 2 applications.

Kids - must be declared on one of the parents if you are insuring them. That parent must have birth certificate and passport! You cannot add any person that is not a legal dependent!

Beneficiary: if your policy has a funeral expense benefit or a death benefit you MUST name a family member!  And it's a separate form!

Generally you can decrease your coverage easily.  To increase you must requalify medically.

Some companies require a doctor's medical and will pay for it.

Senasa is to my knowledge the only game I. Town if you are over 65. You must get a doctor's medical and pay for it and any required tests. It's crappy coverage but MAY be better than nothing

There is a huge increase in fraud going on in the industry.  Pharmacies re invoicing for your meds monthly.  Doctors charging you for in office tests that your insurer won't cover.  Clinics way over charging expats!   There is an increase in paperwork because of this and it's industry wide! So just be aware

Currently normal:

Generalist and some specialty office visit 2,500 to 4,000 RD  It is NOT normal to pay 8,000RD for a regular office visit.

Emergency is 100% covered up to plan maximums

We are seeing increasing needs for pre-approvals. That is to combat fraud.

Happy to answer any questions.