Poll: Do you have any private insurance? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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| | | Suggestion for next poll | May 23, 2010 |
I think it would be interesting to discuss the so-called "Errors & Omissions Insurance" which is showing signs of becoming a bugaboo for freelance translators
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 06:58
Spanish to English
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I never believed in the concept of private health insurance when I was younger. Now it is too late to do anything about it as the premiums for any kind of insurance policy would make it prohibitive.
I don't have home insurance either, as I always live in rented accommodation and my personal belongings are not worth very much.
However, luckily enough I live in a country with a reasonably good (in my experience) tax-funded state health service which I am currently using and satisifed ... See more I never believed in the concept of private health insurance when I was younger. Now it is too late to do anything about it as the premiums for any kind of insurance policy would make it prohibitive.
I don't have home insurance either, as I always live in rented accommodation and my personal belongings are not worth very much.
However, luckily enough I live in a country with a reasonably good (in my experience) tax-funded state health service which I am currently using and satisifed with.
I would, however, be prepared to acquire a specific work-related policy if required to do so for a particular job, as long as the outcome were worthwhile. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Interlangue (X)
Angola
Local time: 06:58
English to French
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Some are compulsory here (basic health and pension plan, for instance, now directly through social security, but also fire and civil responsibility -for the home- if you rent or buy with a mortgage + life in the latter case, etc.).
I have several others, non-compulsory: civil responsibility (professional and private), guaranteed minimum income, hospital cash insurance, extra retirement pension plan, life... They are tax deductible and anything to avoid paying our high taxes will do![]() ... See more Some are compulsory here (basic health and pension plan, for instance, now directly through social security, but also fire and civil responsibility -for the home- if you rent or buy with a mortgage + life in the latter case, etc.).
I have several others, non-compulsory: civil responsibility (professional and private), guaranteed minimum income, hospital cash insurance, extra retirement pension plan, life... They are tax deductible and anything to avoid paying our high taxes will do
[Modifié le 2010-05-23 13:37 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Paul Dixon 
Brazil
Local time: 01:58
Portuguese to English
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| Can't afford it | May 23, 2010 |
I do not have private health insurance (or any insurance for that matter) because I can not afford it. In Brazil we have over 70 different taxes (source: last night's prime-time news) and consumer taxes alone can be more than 50% - so all we do is pay taxes, taxes, taxes - and get nothing in return.
However, I realise that health insurance is essential here, as the public health system is very poor, with people dying in queues waiting for medical treatment, sick people lying on the ... See more I do not have private health insurance (or any insurance for that matter) because I can not afford it. In Brazil we have over 70 different taxes (source: last night's prime-time news) and consumer taxes alone can be more than 50% - so all we do is pay taxes, taxes, taxes - and get nothing in return.
However, I realise that health insurance is essential here, as the public health system is very poor, with people dying in queues waiting for medical treatment, sick people lying on the floor or in stretchers because there are no hospital beds, etc. However, health insurance cover is very expensive, and depending on your age and cover it can set you back more than 12,000 reais (7,000 dollars) a month. Even basic cover in a private room is one fifth of the minimum wage here - if there is anything left after all the taxes.
Fortunately, however, there is a discount system (a kind of co-operative) where you get a free card and you can get medical treatment at lower costs than going private, and this is the solution I have found.
[Edited at 2010-05-23 12:01 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Michael Harris
Germany
Local time: 06:58
Member (2006)
German to English
Interlangue wrote:
Some are compulsory here (basic health and pension plan, for instance, now directly through social security, but also fire and civil responsibility -for the home- if you rent or buy with a mortgage + life in the latter case, etc.).
I have several others, non-compulsory: civil responsibility (professional and private), guaranteed minimum income, hospital cash insurance, extra retirement pension plan, life...
Health insurance is cumpolsary here (private is cheaper but covers less than the government health scheme), private pension (stopped paying into the state one seeing as from every €1 you pay in, you "only" get €0,40 back!!), income insurance if anything should happen to me, etc. etc. etc.
Some insurances are just absolutely essential nowadays, especially if you have a family, even if they do cost a bit of money, I just think it is my responsibility
P.S. Paul, in Germany I also have to pay the 35% (or more) income tax. You just have to have a good accountant and keep buying things to reduce your income, which, in turn, reduces the tax you have to pay
[Edited at 2010-05-23 19:24 GMT]
[Edited at 2010-05-23 19:24 GMT]
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I have a health insurance because the public health system doesn't work here and private health prices are prohibitive.
| | | | | A private health insurance | May 23, 2010 |
The public health insurance doesn't work well here, so I got a private one for the whole family, in a specific private clinic with all specializations. It costs a reasonable price of US$ 65 per month, for my four-member family.
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| Pension plan | May 24, 2010 |
I get health insurance through my husband's employee plan, but as I worked during more than 20 years as an employee (for different companies) I had a fairly good amount accumulated in my account, so when I turned into a freelance worker, 7 years ago, I started paying every month a voluntary amount, with the purpose of getting my pension when I am 60.
| | | | | car insurance for third party responsibility | May 24, 2010 |
which appears obligatory in most countries
| | | | Chun Un
Macau
Member (2007)
English to Chinese
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| Life insurance... | May 24, 2010 |
for the loved ones.
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