I plan on spending most of my time outside the US
and am looking for international health insurance.
I don´t mean the per-trip type that they try to sell you with your plane ticket, but the type you buy by the year. The stuff I´ve been finding runs in the US$1,500 to $2,000 per year range (for a 50+ man), and they sell it for the
country you will be in. I´m looking for something that is not country specific. I´m met Germans who have such insurance and they tell me they pay around US$500 per year.
Anyone have such coverage?

For me, emergency coverage is enough. My health insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield of CA) covers international emergencies after my annual deductable. Regular doctor visits they wouldn't cover, but I would pay cash for that anyway. My monthly rate is $29/mo ($2400/ded), but I'm a bit younger than you are.

This doesn't answer your question, though, except to suggest that your regular insurance might already cover something (if you have regular insurance).

Travel Guard Insurance has both trip insurance and insurance for ex-pats that travel a lot.

Tip on buying insurance for the trip: Always pick the lowest possible amount for "cost of trip". You will still be covered for the medical portion, but will be accepting less $$ for baggage losses, trip interruption or whatever. You can easily save $$$ this way.

I got American Express insurance for about 9 bucks a month.

I know the right product for interntational travel insurance. I manage a sales force in latin america and can get anyone interested information.

Gentlemen,
I actually posted this elsewhere, but thought perhaps it might also be applied in this discussion and would futher present some information on this subject.
There has been some discussion regarding health insurance when abroad. I researched this about one year ago and will share my information as it is indeed informative.
Medical insurance warning; under U.S. law, insurance companies are not required to cover any medical expenses incurred in countries on the U.S. State Dept's Travel Advisory List, even if their policies indicate that they will cover out-of-country medical expenses. You need to check with your individual carrier.I called and checked and my health insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield ) covers international emergencies after my annual deductable, even for countries on the List.
You can view the Travel Advisory List on the State Dept's website: http://travel.state.gov

For travel overseas, most U.S. health plans (including Medicare & Medicaid, for you "seasoned" guys)do not provide coverage.[Those that do often require you to pay up front & reimburse after you return] As a safety net, you may want to buy travel medical insurance. Here are a couple of sources, try Medex Assistance 410-453-6300; www.medexassist.com or Travel Assistance International 800-821-2828; www.travelassistance.com


CFK

Or for the Expats living abroad more than half the year www.healthcareinternational.com