HEALTHCARE AS A NOMAD (what you need to know)
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- I had surgery and so it feels like a good time to cover the subject of healthcare abroad. The costs, quality, and global insurance.
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WE’RE JASON AND NIKKI WYNN. A couple of modern-day documentarians, perpetual travelers, and seekers of tall tales.
We’ve been chasing our curiosity around the world on wheels and keels since 2011. Why? Because curiosity is the key to unlocking life. It pushes us outside our comfort zone, softens our assumptions, and helps us embrace the great unknown. The more we let our curiosity lead the way, the more we discover about ourselves and the world around us.
Our home is also our transportation and we spend weeks away from civilization and sometimes land. Self-reliance and living a sustainable lifestyle are a must. It's all about managing our resources and we’re always looking for new and better ways to do so.
We've lived off the grid for over 10 years now in everything from a Van to RV to a Sailboat. And over time we have learned a lot about renewable energy, creating safe drinking water, and managing our waste.
Our journey is ever-evolving but the mission remains the same: #CultivateCuriosity
Timestamps if you like to Jump Around:
00:00 I Just Had Surgery in a Foreign Country
01:06 Global Health Insurance
01:49 My Surgery Details
04:16 Our Nomadic Healthcare Plan
05:01 Cost & Quality of World Healthcare
06:54 Cost of Medications Around the World
07:21 Emergencies in Extremely Remote Locations
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#BoatLife #Catamaran #TravelVlog #DigitalNomad #LifeStyle #Sailboats
© Gone With the Wynns 2022
I’m a retired American Registered Nurse now a permanent resident of New Zealand. I just got home from an unexpected gallbladder infection that landed me in the hospital. The care I got was outstanding, from the ambulance crew, emergency room staff to the floor nurses and the doctors. I really felt like I was a PARTICIPANT in my care plan and that my concerns and needs were really considered and integrated into my care. To receive care like this, and then receive no bill, BLOWS my mind!! If I end up having surgery, I have no fears. Our small community hospital in Whakatane took great care of me, and yes, my doctors used their first names…..👍😃
It's so true about the prices in the USA. My mom is diabetic and uses metformin. In the USA it cost 450 but in Mexico it just cost 80.
With the right insurance, for which I pay $4 per month, my metformin costs me $0 but it must be 90 day supply at a time. Of course, I am on medicare with my insurance company doing everything for me thru the system.
@@rumblechick73 shes retired. Doesnt qualify for Medicare yet and the insurance shes under doesnt cover the entire coverage of her maintenance medicine. I watched her shop around for insurance. For her there wasnt alot of options that was affordable and gave decent coverage.
@@usako-rl2so I'm assuming she retired before she was 65? I did too at 58, but was granted full disability which then medically covered me via medicare until I was 65, then they just classified me as retired, but nothing else changed. I never actually needed any medical assistance until I was 66 and got chronic vertigo and for about 5 hours in the emergency room including an MRI and a slow drip of valium the bill was over 12K (9K of which was for the MRI) Medicare covered everything but the ambulance which I had to pay out of pocket and a portion of the ER doctor's charges. That's when I decided I needed supplemental insurance and settled on Humana. I'll be penalized (hence the $4 instead of no premium at all)for the rest of my life for not choosing to get part D at age 65, but at the time I'd not needed a doctor for about 30 years and had never taken a prescription med except for an antibiotic when I had a bad tooth. So I didn't see the value. Now that I'm 72 and diabetic I pay nothing for my regular doctor and a $10 co-pay for specialists. All my diabetic-related meds are fully covered.
Thank you guys so much for the shout out! It really means a lot to me. I’m so happy the surgery went well and your back at it adventuring!
I had a hysterectomy mid pandemic and had to go in alone! It was so weird to have such major surgery and not have someone there!
Same! They let my friend come and see me in the last minute.
We experienced New Zealand healthcare when my husband had a retina detach while we were there in vacation. The care was absolutely the best. We loved that the doctors introduce themselves by first name, immediately reducing the power imbalance.
That says something about cultures I guess. I'm a Kiwi, and reading your post I go "??? Power Imbalance ??? With a Doctor ??? What the ???"
@@_JustinCider_ You have no idea. Many seem to think they are gods. And they treat you like you owe them homage for the student debt they accrue.
I get it.
@@_JustinCider_ I'm American and I have no idea what "power imbalance" means. If that means the person goes to school for 12 more years than I did and is a crazy kind of intelligent and is able to do things like surgery and help in life threatening situations, I will call them whatever they want!!!
WHOA! If it was an emergency operation, was it covered by NZ govt, or did you pay out of pocket, or did you have traveler's insurance? We've been told if we have an emergency, like say a car wreck, the NZ health system will help us at no cost to us. That just blows my mind.
The insane coincidence of you needing the exact surgery I have been needing for years is crazy!!! I've been putting it off for so so so long but seeing how upbeat you are and how much you say it's changed your life i think I'm gonna finally pull the trigger on it. Glad to see you're better and in good health, safe travels to you both!
A couple people at my office had it done and both had a positive opinion of doing it. Though they said things like that day after being awful.
Holy Cow!
Midwest-USA
When I tore my shoulder/ rotator the Dr spent bout 30 seconds hands on, whisked me away for x-rays then told me I needed a scan.
When I called my insurance to ask what a scan cost they couldn’t or wouldn’t tell me.
I called the Dr and was told $3000-$5000.
They couldn’t be sure or be more accurate.
$3000-$5000 for Just the SCAN?
Ridiculous!
Yup. I had an MRI scan of my head that took approximately 8-10 min and they charged almost $6000. With my deductible, I still paid $400 out-of-pocket for an 8 minute scan. And that doesn’t include the doctor visit either. The US is ridiculous when it comes to medical.
I had an MRI 6/6/20 at St Lukes in Houston. The cash price was $7,224.92, Medicare paid the $462.24. Most of the time when the high cost of health care in USA is quoted, it is the cash price, not the actual amount they get paid by the insurance company.
I had that surgery in the '70s. One thing I would recommend is keeping a rhino / nasal clip in your first aid kit. There's been maybe six instances since that I developed a nose bleed that was difficult to stop (just happens out of nowhere, in my case.) Docs and I agree there was probably a vein made closer to the surface due to the surgery. A clip will keep a pinch on the area and allow you to relax until the bleeding stops. For a couple bucks it's worth including in your kit.
Oooh - thanks for the tip! 💙💛💙
@@gonewiththewynns along with the clip some afrin original nasal spray it can help stop nosebleeds.
There is this stuff called Oreganol. Its a natural antibiotic..everyone who knows this stuff, swears by this stuff. Any infection from wounds, to internal dental problems....this will keep the wolves at bay 'til you find a doctor or dentist.
I had a nasal vein close to the surface. Doc used a liquid dabbed to cauterize .. no problems since
Had the same surgery a number of years ago (along with tonsillectomy, upper palette work & vocal chord work at the same time) and continue to be amazed at how well I can breathe now. Glad you got it done and safe travels.
Congratulations and continued success in your recovery. 💝🙏💝
Glad your surgery went well. I hope you have a speedy recovering and it addresses the problem to your satisfaction. Safe travels.
It is a Great Sunday to start off with your show. Thanks from Florida. Please be Safe.
Your right about high cost in the USA, In January I came down with the virus, spent 8 terrible days in the Hospital and the total bills was over $100,000.00. Lucky Medicare paid for most of it. As Americans we need to take our Country back and fix these things.
If you would get universal health care all this cost would be lowered, the prices are artificially high because of the insurance companies run the healtcare system in the US. Back in 2017 I had to have emergency surgery on my back and I paid 0 for it, all included in my taxes which are still lower than the average american pays for in insurance copays and deductibles
It’s more complicated. Medicare is universal health care and is available to All Americans over 65. Doctor sent us bandages after shoulder surgery and charged Medicare $ 18,000.00 for these bandages. No prívate insurance involved. Just the government, a patient and a health clinic in Tampa Florida lining their pockets. Our troubles in the USA run way deeper. There is so much money involved that correcting these huge problems usually involve wars and blood. Good luck taking your country back Bob!
I passed kidney stones in Australia and got a 500$ charge from the hospital. A friend with insurance got charged $8000 from an emergency room in Miami for passing kidney stones. Doctors are selling their one doctor practices to Wall Street and are getting 15 times yearly earnings, which amount sometimes up to $20MM retirement payoff. Don’t get sick when you come here!
@@dan9600 The prices are astronomical because of the insurance system, prices aren't like this anywhere else in the world. the prices are inflated then the insurance companies have their deals so they never pay those prices but the public without insurance is billed the high prices, this doesn't happen anywhere else in the world
For some this is a political thing...we just think people should be taken care of and pricing should be fair. I'm happy to pay but don't charge me $18000 (like dan9600) for bandages, that's outrageous!!!
Yay capitalism
So glad your surgery went well! Thank you for sharing your international insurance company/agent. I’ve been wanting to get coverage but had no idea where to start. This is incredible!
Glad everything went smoothly! Thanks for being so open and sharing.
Stay strong, free, happy and healthy. Much love, care and blessings to you two. 🥰🌞🌴⛵
Even here in the DPRK we provide universal healthcare for our citizens. We let a doctor from Nepal named Sanduk Ruit into the country so he could treat a thousand citizens who had cataracts in a week in 2005. He even helped train the local surgeons. The first thing that the citizens did when their eyesight was restored? They thanked a portrait of my father for letting him in.
LoL 😂
That was an eye, ears, nose and throat opener and the charts really help substantiate the discussion!! Good old USA .....Bottom of the heap and most expensive.....Sounds and looks like you should continue your worldly journeys!!
Good to see it all went well Nikki!
You guys live a blessed life, I can’thelp but think of the motto, “who dares wins”. Ventis secundis , may the wind be at your back
The wind at our backs is always a dream when sailing through life :) 💘
and the sun in in your foreground
I had a similar surgical procedure to address sinus issues...infections, headaches etc..which was really bad during hayfever season. Surgery was done as outpatient and recovery at home....I would describe it as life changing and definitely improved my health and quality of life.
oh man, when the weather would swing dramatically, it would sometimes knock me out for an entire day! Terrible! Hope the healing continues and I'll be at 100% soon. 🙏🏼
Been there and done that. It greatly reduced my sinus headaches as well as improved breathing. Continued speedy recovery.
So happy to hear you are doing well!
Best wishes for a fast and complete recovery.
Nikki, I am glad you got the sinus surgery while you are younger. I waited into my early 50’s to have my both sinuses surgery repaired. I spent years with breathing and other sinus problems. Since the surgery I can breathe easier, my problems have been eliminated, and it has improved the quality of my life in so many ways. I hope your recovery continues well and breathe easier!
I am a New Zealander and have had a similar surgery here. I know what you mean about now being able to breathe thru our noses. It is so amazing after surgery and the years since then. Enjoy your new lease of life.
This was a really important and useful video to put out - thanks so much!
Good to know information, I am planning on quite an extensive exploration of the Globe soon. I find it amazing how expensive it is in the USA for Medical Care! I had heard it was pricey, but seeing your Stats, personal experiences, and opinions of value quite informative. "Not All Who Wander Are Lost"~!! Especially you guys, you are Amazing! Always fresh perspective and illuminating knowledge shared to All. Good Job! Thank you both for all you do! Be Safe!
So thankful to hear you are feeling so much better and all went well. Thank you for sharing all this excellent information!
speedy recovering.
Jason I understand you so much, I watch my wife go in for cancer surgery and had to wait 6 hours to have news, I only saw her the next day, it was very hard.
Yes, I felt it was odd but i also realized her surgery was minor in comparison to others. I can't imagine getting hit with such life changing news and being alone. I truly hope it's not the new normal...it just doesn't feel human.
This was very, very helpful. Thanks!
Glad things went well, and feel better Niki 👍
I’m so glad you are okay!
Love ya twos! Love the info. ❤️
Hope you have a quick recovery
Glad you got it done and feeling the difference already. Your information about insurance ( global) is appreciated.
Great to here it went will and you can breathe better. Plus you always have the best info and advice! ❤️ to you and Jason
Really cool to see all the maintenance
Glad you had it done. This surgery is definitely a life changer. All the best to you both.
It was good to see you Nikki, & hear you are doing well.💐🧡🙏
👍🙏We’re so glad everything went well & you’re okay. Very helpful info to know about the medical insurance & costs. Thank you for sharing everything. 🙏💝
Yeah it’s Sunday with the Wynns!
So glad you are feeling better✌️💜
Arrrrrh! I'm going out of my skin waiting to see your new boat! :)
Great to see you recovered well, Cheers! :)
Excellent informative and entertaining video. Thanks for continuing to share your journeys with us!
very informative and interesting, and thanks for the supplement on your web site. The Captain's guide looks like it would be a valuable addition to any go bag or SHTF plan. Thanks for taking the time. How's the new boat?
I had quadruple bypass surgery 4 months ago and my wife had to drop me off at 5 in the morning. Didn't see her for a week until she came to pick me up. Scary and depressing.
Thank your leaders for their compassion concern and wise decisions.
@@eshootziscrs2868 I don't think that hospital procedures are necessarily dictated by whimsical politicians or city administrators. Just like Nikki's experience in New Zealand, non-patients/visitors are restricted from entering hospitals during pandemics for valid medical reasons.
@@kenc2257oh I'm sorry, you're that silly. Did you kiss the last couple years. It wasn't hospitals that said no elective surgery, no loved ones. They may have gone along with the game but please, WAKE UP.
I have several close friends who lost lived ones and were denied both the ability to be with and comfort them but even denied being able to attend or have a normal funeral. I'm sure that was just private policy and nothing to do with government stations, mandates and fear mongering.
But we might just agree to disagree, you believe whatever you need to.
@@kenc2257 No. You're wrong.
@@eshootziscrs2868 Yes, you are wrong.
I am sorry about your friends experience.
Really.
Perhaps you need to talk to some hospital staff.
Your videos are always great.
Excellent info, very interesting. Take care NIkki .
Glad to hear BOTH OF YOU are OKAY!!
*EDIT:* I absolutely DO NOT in any way mean to belittle this situation by saying this, but this DOES give new meaning of the expression, _"paying through the nose."_ 😊
HA! You nailed it there :)
@@gonewiththewynns >>> I have a _nose_ for such things...😉
@@gonewiththewynns >>> BTW, Thank You {"nailed it"}.
I normally would just edit my previous comment to include that, instead of adding this one. However, discovered a while back if a YT channel "❤️'s" your comment and then you edit that same comment, the "❤️" gets deleted. Or at least it used to.
{I am sure _Mama Susan_ will get right to fixing that...😉}
Don't be nosey now.
@@hanssolo4ever >>> And I thought my pun _smelled._ 😊
I just had knee replacement was strange only allowed one visitor my wife , hope your ok and can continue your fantastic journey our nhs was fantastic hopefully I’ll make a full recovery, stay safe fit n healthy love to you both xx
So glad everything went so smoothly! I had a business partner who needed sinus surgery for a while. He finally had it but the Dr nicked the brain during the surgery & he developed an infection they couldn’t control/ developed sepsis& was deceased in 4 weeks! You both be blessed & can’t wails until the next video. They are always so full of info great experiences! Thanks!!
oh my gosh, that is a terrible story. 😳
Thanks for ALL the awesome info! So glad your surgery went well (and reasonable on cost) Nikki! Dealing with "working for myself" here in the US and finding those insurance costs are just silly...course I knew that having spent almost a decade working in the insurance industry. So thanks again and look forward to next Sunday Funday!!
Most of the increased US costs are hospital massive overpriced charges. US. Physicians charges are similar to those worldwide. Check it out.
It’s taken me 9 years of constant sinus infections, misery and trying multiple medications to be finally offered an operation here in the UK. Glad your surgery went well and you are feeling better. 👍🏻
Just important information you shared. I hope you are better for ever. ❤️
Glad you are good. Couldn't imagine NZ having anything BUT wonderful healthcare just like most things in that country. I fell down a flight of stairs in France.... sliced my leg open to the bone.. and spent a day in a small French country hospital. Thank GOD we had travel insurance (but the amount of paperwork it took upon returning home filled a medium sized box). It wasn't exactly the kind of healthcare I am used to... but that being said... I can walk.. and it healed! So there's that. Thanks for delving in to subjects not always talked about... but should be! Safe travels!
Oh my! Thank goodness you were covered.
I hope all continues well for you both. 💙💙
Glad you're healing well!
Really good to know for people who travel & need to seek medical help in the event of an emergency, or medical need as it may be. My Father believed when he went to a foreign Dr. that he would receive better care from them since they came from a depraved country, they took the seriousness of the need to get an education to become the quality Dr. they are. (as close to how he felt about a foreign Dr. as best as I can remember. ) We have some very good Dr's here as well from Duke, University of Virginia, Pitt to name a few.
Arno ROCKS! He gives great advice and is saving me a lot of money. I think it may be the first time I have ever had an insurance agent tell me I don't need extra coverage and to save my money.
And as far as Boat insurance goes......I might not have gotten any if it weren't for the article on the Wynn's site.
Glad your well.
All the best to you both.
And thanks for the entertainment.
Catch you around someday.
Thank you for this very informative video. Although it's not anything I didn't already know. Living in the USA is crippling in far too many ways. You were wise to leave. If onIy I wasn't in the last years of my full life....sigh. But I will continue to enjoy your journey and live vicariously through your adventures. Thank you for sharing!
Glad all went great for you ! 😊👍❤️
No one should look that good 3 weeks after surgery. Or, really, ever. Beautiful lady.
Excellent information. Thank you for sharing this.
Very good info! Thanks.
thank goodness, glad you are ok,
Great info!
Very informative, thank you. This is a topic you don't see getting nearly the amount of coverage it should.
Wow thanks for sharing, I know our costs are high!
Glad to hear you are better now.
Great video!
Thanks Nicky. I have horrible sinus congestion and I have to look into the procedures you mentioned.
Sounds like a very similar surgery I had back in 2002. Wasn’t a bad experience and have felt so better since. Hope you do as well.
Had this surgery a couple of years ago and it changed my life.
Thank you for an insight into medical.
The rectangle of knowledge 😊 Glad you're ok
Glad you are doing well Nikki and got the surgery you needed at a reasonable price.
Been living and working in an Asian country for 27 years now. Have had root canal and I only had to pay for the crown. Routine doctors visits cost US$6.00 and includes 3 days of meds. Was hit by a car driving my Vespa to work- 4 nights/3 days major surgery to put a rod in to fix my broken collar bone in 3 places- US$2,466.00. I put it on my credit card and in time the guy's insurance covered that cost as well as the 4 months of taxi service and doctor visits. I love the national health care system in this country- top notch in every way.
Glad your surgery went well and I bet it's a relief to be able to breathe again. I can't say that this video was exciting but it was informative. Keep the good stuff coming guys.
I had almost the same set of surgeries a few years ago, and it made an amazing difference! I was also having trouble sleeping until the surgery.
Thank you. Very well done and, from my perspective, very accurate. I will add that elderly people have a LOT of difficulty getting adequate travel insurance at a reasonable cost.
Thanks for the healthcare graphs! Just wrote my Congress critters.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Great to see you are doing well and that your surgery was a success.
@Gonewiththewynns NIKKI, I too had almost the exact surgery. I must say for me it was one of the best things I have ever done! I would get 2 or 3 sinus infections a year and most times it would become an upper respiratory infection too. Unfortunately, I had 5 back-to-back sinus infections and was out of work for months after my surgery, I said the word SUE to my surgeon and what do you know? the surgeon decided I should gargle with warm salt water for a week. I have had no more sinus infections! That was 10 years ago. I clearly remember having the silicone stints removed. I took a couple of breaths in I got so high from all the oxygen I was getting, I damn near fell out of the chair and hit the floor! I was also like a turbo-charged engine for about a month. Incredible energy! I feel for you and am glad your surgery went smoother than mine!
I'm so glad everything went well.
Thanks for this information... As I'm planning on leaving this country soon.... I will look into this ..... Thanks!! Happy healing sweetie... ✌🏼💗😊❣️
Get well soon
A very informative and yes important vlog. Well done, well done indeed. Stay gr oovy and stay safe.
"The rectangle of knowledge". Lol !!! Totally stealing that.
Have had various issues solved while overseas and I have been very happy with the results.
Nikki, when you said you now have more energy than before I spit my coffee through MY nose!
Super informative! Thank you for showing the actual costs of the various procedures. Cost transparency is really lacking here in the US
A law was passed requiring transparency, it's not being enforced....
Nikki, I had the same operation a decade ago from my ENT brother. His last words to me before anesthesia were: " you're going to wish you done this 20 years ago." And I did. Have been breathing fine ever since. Deviated septum is not nice. Was my issue as well. Stopped being addicted to nasal sprays. HAPPY F IOR YOU🎉🎉🎉 🌊💨⛵️🏝👙🌞✨💕 ✨
Are you still doing nasal rinses? Our dr said multiple times for at least a month after surgery, then he'd recommend 1x per day after that.
@@gonewiththewynns I had balloon sinuplasty and deviated septum procedure January 2017 in Houston. I used a Neilmed Sinugator every day for a couple months. I still use it a couple times a week. Due to heart issues, I had it done while awake in the doctor's office. No pain but a very uncomfortable experience. Total cost including follow-up visits, $7,809.
Yea on recovery from surgery. I almost had that surgery but chickened out. When they said 2 hours for surgery I said let me think about it…that was 2 years ago 😂. Good information on world health fees. Stay safe…Fred in Texas.
My son just had this surgery done last month! After months of trying everything else... So I deff know the prices 🤬 SO glad your doing better!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Where was the op performed, the USA or somewhere else?
@@gonewiththewynns here in the States. DON'T get me started on prices and health insurance here, and it varies from state to state on insurance prices.🤦 One of many reasons I'm working on moving out of US, so my kiddoes will be able to have health coverage as young adults. (And for those reading this after the fact. Know that I used to work for the Marketplace and it is the insurance companies that set the prices, NOT the government. So if you don't like how things are done in your state, write your legislation.)
Only in America, can healthcare BANKRUPT you. That's despicable.There are American ex-pats all over the world because of that simple....flaw. (and we have a lot)
You made it possible for self-care, which is the entire point. When I was in Venezuela I got bitten by a bug, and my shin had swelled, I was in a remote part of the world with a bug bite, I was told I was too far to get to a medical, and I didn't speak the language, had to wait to get back to Canada, probably cause I was viewed as being a big baby head for it wanting medical care in a foreign country. Nothing wrong with self-advocacy at all. Glad you got medical care, Wynns! You supported each other as well.The day that someone isn't supportive of your medical plan? Is the day you don't win anything. What would you do if you were me? What could I have done differently? Looking back, that's what I'm asking myself now. I forgive.
Today, you'd be able to telehealth with your own doctor, provided you had internet access!
I'm glad you both have good health insurance. New Zealand health care is awesome! :-)
Great things to know lovely Nikki. You look great.................be water my friend