tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post7775387106706768054..comments2023-03-31T06:54:38.976-07:00Comments on Living and Retiring in Ecuador: How Shall We Then Live?Connie Pombohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11897266570990786617noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-56744298582666782082013-04-28T13:22:31.379-07:002013-04-28T13:22:31.379-07:00Hello, I came across your blog while searching for...Hello, I came across your blog while searching for information on retiring to Cuenca. I am a 55 year old Irishman planning to retire to Cuenca I am at a crossroad in my life as my soul mate passed away 18 years ago and my two children 26 and 28 have emmigrated to Australia. I feel now is the time for me to move, it is getting impossible to live in bankrupt Ireland. I have a monthly budget of 1100 udollars and this must include rent. I am a non-materialistic man, I don't smoke and I drink very little. I am hoping to find a little place maybe 2 bedrooard place in Cuenca but if possible close to the river and shopping and restuarants. What is your opinion of me starting again in Cuenca on this budget and wishlist. If you like you can contact me on email at ger.roche@live.ie Thank you so much for all your help. GerardGerardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-10862524599117081122010-11-29T08:10:04.106-08:002010-11-29T08:10:04.106-08:00Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. I'm sorry I...Hi John,<br /><br />Thanks for your comment. I'm sorry I didn't get to respond sooner. No, Medicare doesn't cover services here in Ecuador, but many retirees do in fact keep their Medicare in the States because some do not live here full-time. Health care in Cuenca is very affordable about one-fifth the cost in the States. We do have medical insurance here, but it's a lot of paperwork and not much reimbursement. But for now we're keeping it, although many opt out of medical insurance altogether. We're just not there yet. Hope this helps! ~ ConnieConnie Pombohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11897266570990786617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-30398545963694432252010-11-04T11:41:46.617-07:002010-11-04T11:41:46.617-07:00Hi Connie,
Is that a photo of your living room? ...Hi Connie,<br /><br />Is that a photo of your living room? If so, it's lovely (and I can't believe you pay only $210 a month for such a place!)<br /><br />Really enjoy your blog. It truly seems like you guys are living la dolce vita (or vida in your case).<br /><br />I used to research living in Uruguay or Argentina, but in the end, it just seemed like a pipe dream. Just discovered Cuenta today via an MSN link. It looks quite lovely, with ideal weather, and incredibly cheap cost of living. In short, a little piece of heaven, perhaps.<br /><br />I too have a question about health care. I have Medicare as my insurance, and wonder if they pay for services overseas. Would you happen to know if they do, and if they do, I wonder if I'd have to pay costs up front, and then seek reimbursement from Medicare after the fact. Any other retirees down there that are on Medicare.<br /><br />Anyway, it's a genuine pleasure reading of your experiences down there. They're actually inspirational, and maybe I too can do that some day soon.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br /><br />JohnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-58651827163493836332010-09-17T14:58:49.395-07:002010-09-17T14:58:49.395-07:00Dear Connie;
I have enjoyed your writing so much!...Dear Connie;<br /><br />I have enjoyed your writing so much! My husband and I too are concerned about medical. Right now it is what has us on a holding pattern. We have been looking at Cuenca and Cota. My husband Bob asked how long you have been in Ecuador? <br />Like you I cut my own hair and Bob is also bald. :)<br />Cuenca has an international airport or do you come there by the way of Quito? <br />I plan on emailing you also - Bob & Sherri Barcus - From ColoradoSherri Barcushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09971521548088634367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-5060793902681620132010-09-17T09:52:50.392-07:002010-09-17T09:52:50.392-07:00Garland, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss;...Garland, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss; my deepest sympathies to you. But you have discovered the secret to life..."living in the present moment." I wish you much joy as you discover Cuenca. Let us know when you're in town and we'll be sure to reach out to you! All the Best -- Connie and MarkConnie Pombohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11897266570990786617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-53302236612381826342010-09-12T20:18:59.489-07:002010-09-12T20:18:59.489-07:00Connie, I really ernjoy your articles. I'm a ...Connie, I really ernjoy your articles. I'm a 75 yr old guy who lost the love of his life a year ago. What was so moving , when I first read your blog, was that you and your husband rediscovered your love and passion foreach other. That is the most important treasure in life. I plan on returning to Ecuador w/i a month so, this time toCuenca. The budget you posted is doable until social changes. Can't live a life in fear of what someone else might do because we only get one day at a time. Many thanks. Garland E, from UtahUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05679529783062843540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-1275548244345893662010-09-09T21:55:26.067-07:002010-09-09T21:55:26.067-07:00Carolyn!!!! How great to hear from you. Yes, I wil...Carolyn!!!! How great to hear from you. Yes, I will probably keep writing because I can't imagine NOT doing it. We have met the most wonderful people here; this is paradise! Besos y abrazos! ConsueloConnie Pombohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11897266570990786617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-87719695461931938442010-09-09T05:58:08.581-07:002010-09-09T05:58:08.581-07:00Okay, you can retire from writing books and articl...Okay, you can retire from writing books and articles some day if you feel like it, but you'd better keep blogging because I'm having too much fun living vicariously through you. Hugs!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12496903539850226981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-101760891510927882010-09-09T00:22:27.212-07:002010-09-09T00:22:27.212-07:00Jim, our medical ins. is associated with Humana bu...Jim, our medical ins. is associated with Humana but it is called Nova Ecuador. They had four levels of plans; we picked the one in the middle. They also have a choice of hospitals, but ours will cover Monte Sinai, which is where we go anyway. Remember in the 70's when you filled out the form and the insurance paid 80 percent and you paid 20 percent. It's about the same thing. We have also heard that ins. companies are notorious for not paying, but some of the individual hospitals like Hospital del Rio has a plan that you pay up front (7,500). We couldn't see paying that much in one lump sum. With our medical history we can't be without something. I'll share more on that later. Most expats go without insurance as healthcare is so affordable, but we feel it is a necessity. Hope that helps.Connie Pombohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11897266570990786617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305605325493490323.post-3713916211837293252010-09-08T18:33:39.993-07:002010-09-08T18:33:39.993-07:00Connie,
I've read your site before, but I did...Connie,<br /><br />I've read your site before, but I didn't make the connection when you left a post on my site. I very much appreciated the info you shared on Humana. Medical insurance has been my biggest concern. Is this Humana associated with Ecuador, or the USA, or some international consortium? I read somewhere some time ago that Ecuadorian health insurance companies have a poor reputation for payouts. What's your take on that? I hope more bloggers share how they are handling their health insurance issues. It's a vital issue that is rarely discussed on the blogs. Thanks again for sharing.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08896957392015319062noreply@blogger.com