ARS Universal Medical Insurance Policy - Is it any good?

Cdn_Gringo

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Apr 29, 2014
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I've contacted an insurance broker to arrange for medical insurance. They (AMBER GUARDIAN CORREDORES DE SEGUROS) is recommending a policy issued by ARS Universal with daily limits of $2500, $3500 or $4500.

Does anyone have any experience with a policy issued by ARS Universal? Not knowing any of the various insurance companies, I would prefer not to just flip a coin. I have no experience with hospitalization costs in the DR. Would $3500/day be sufficient for all but the most traumatic of situations?

Thx in advance for your thoughts.
 

dv8

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Sep 27, 2006
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one, i would buy directly from the insurance company and not from an agent.
two, ars universal is one of the biggest and most widely accepted insurance companies in DR.
three, a rate for the room depends on a hospital, room standard and a situation. basic room can be 2,500 pesos a day, nice room can be 5,000 a day and ICU can cost few times as much. every single thing used (roll of bandage, syringe, medicine) will be added separately to the final per day price.
 

La Profe_1

Moderator: Daily Headline News, Travel & Tourism
Oct 15, 2003
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I have a policy from Ars Universal. It is a group one, from work, and covers some but not all expenses.

For example, a doctor's visit costs me 500 pesos with the insurance paying the balance. I had a torn rotator cuff and the MRI cost 1200 pesos with the insurance paying 4800. Physical therapy costs 200 pesos a visit with the insurance picking up the balance.

In 2008, I was hospitalized with a gangrenous leg. Had surgery to debride the gangrene and was an inpatient for seven days. Had IV antibiotics, including Levaquin, which is pretty expensive, running the entire time along with daily dressing changes. Cost after insurance for the seven days was 9000 pesos.

I believe that my plan is the Optimo one.
 

DavidZ

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Aug 29, 2005
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I have ARS Universal and am very happy with it. Office co-pays are usually around 300 pesos, dental cleanings are 400 or 500 pesos, but more importantly hospitalization and approved medical procedures are covered 100%.
 

Cdn_Gringo

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Apr 29, 2014
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one, i would buy directly from the insurance company and not from an agent.

May I ask why it is better to deal directly with the company? Cheaper? I found the Universal website, not I have to see where they have offices.

Thx.
 

AlterEgo

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Jan 9, 2009
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May I ask why it is better to deal directly with the company? Cheaper? I found the Universal website, not I have to see where they have offices.

Thx.

Because sometimes the agent doesn't send the money on to the insurance company, and you may find yourself in a hospital with no coverage.

One of those cases of buyer beware.
 

dv8

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Sep 27, 2006
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exactly. pay directly to the source.

it is easy to find local offices of ARS universal. just google.
 

kampinge

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Jan 18, 2012
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I am not sure you can work direct with them. I am direct customer of them since 2006 and they gave my contract to an agent about 4 years ago.
exactly. pay directly to the source.

it is easy to find local offices of ARS universal. just google.
 

mike l

Silver
Sep 4, 2007
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exactly. pay directly to the source.

it is easy to find local offices of ARS universal. just google.

Here are the numbers to their offices and I think I will call and see If I can save a couple hundred on my renewal.

Santiago
Av. Juan Pablo Duarte No. 106, 3er. Piso
Tel.: 809-247-3922
Fax: 809-580-3290

Puerto Plata
Calle Beller 53, 1er piso Edificio Puerto Plate?a II
Tel.: 809-589-1111
Fax: 809-261-0023
 
Feb 7, 2007
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Even if you sign through corredor you should be able to pay directly to the insurance company. I have car and home insurance through Seguros Banreservas, my agent is Marsh Franco Acra, but I pay directly to Seguros Banreserva's account.