We have always had medical insurance since starting cruising 18 years ago. Admittedly it was easier while younger. We have used WorldNomads if local cruising eg coastal NZ or Australia but when going offshore we use TopSail Insurances ' Yachtsman Gold Policy, not the cheapest but comprehensive and designed for yachties. Prices have ranged from £350 to £960 for 12 months cover. Trouble is it only takes one serious unforeseen episode stroke, MI and with no insurance you are well stuffed.
Even around the Med relying on NHS reciprocal cover is insufficient.

Yes it seems daft doesn 't it and I have no idea how this would be enforced but that 's apparently the rules. Staying healthy is the best plan! It would though be good to know what others do for insurance.

Thanks, Simon. Even if I keep paying my UK taxes?

So I 'lll have to get treatment wherever I am, then (except in the USA, where it 's totally unaffordable), but i 'll hold to my basic point that paying for treatment as I go (so far, and touch wood)) has cost me a small fraction of the premium for insurance.

David,
I guess I have to caution about NHS entitlement. This is an area where our cash strapped Government are trying to reduce their liabilities. We are now told that those that are out of the UK for more than 3 months lose their NHS entitlement!
Simon

The answer that works for me is - no medical insurance at all. I 've been cruising full time for seven years, and in that time I 've visited doctors in various countries for minor treatments and consultations, at a cost of around $50 or less each time, and a maximum of once a year. Cruising is a healthy, low stress lifestyle.

Compare that with a premium for medical insurance of about $1000 a year, or double that in the USA. If I put aside what I 'm saving, I consider that if I get something seriously wrong with me, then I 'll have to give up cruising and use the savings to fly back to the UK for treatment, where I 'm entitled to treatment under the NHS. Self insurance, in other words.

We are about to leave australia on the the Darwin ambon race/rally then on wards What insurance to people have for extended cruising we are austalian citizens
Duncan and Caroline Woodhead