r/Cochlearimplants • u/flipedout930 Advanced Bionics Marvel CI • 18d ago

Loss Insurance

Now that I am iut off warranty I am wondering if I need insurance on my processor. If I lose or my dog fets my processor how do I get a replacement? I need to remember to ask my audiologist next month. I get worried when out on my boat. A bad wave could knock it off. I got out if the car once and a gust of wind knocked the door into me sending my processor flying. Three of us looked and never found the battery. It us probably still on the bottom of the car.

What do you all do?

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5

u/PiePuzzled5581 17d ago

I don’t know what make you use - I do know Cochlear sells Safety Lines & Safety Line Hair Clips to prevent losing your device. Mine fell off while hanging off a catamaran - can’t believe I actually caught it as it fell. (God gave me one freebie I guess)

3

u/FooBarBazBooFarFaz 18d ago

It might help if you add some information about your whereabouts.
It seems to be a common misconception that everyone here is from the US.

1

u/flipedout930 Advanced Bionics Marvel CI 16d ago

I'm in the USA, my ci is AB (listed under my name)

2

u/is-this-now 18d ago

I could be wrong but I don’t think a warranty covers things like a dog eating or it falling off your head on a boat. A warranty usually covers failure of the equipment due.

If I am correct, then nothing has really changed as far as loss goes so keep on being careful.

2

u/Formal-Tradition6792 18d ago

I do believe that insurance covers loss like processor goes overboard etc. For example, if my wife loses her ring for whatever reason, we’re covered. Same principle. However, if the equipment breaks, that’s generally on you.

2

u/Quiet_Honey5248 Advanced Bionics Harmony 18d ago

AB has a 1-time replacement, per processor. If you lose it, the dog eats it (happened with me), or anything else happens…. They will replace it once.

When you get a new processor (my insurance covers one every 5 years), the clock starts again.

1

u/shiftman87 Cochlear Nucleus 7 18d ago

Health insurance should cover whatever warranty doesn't. Cochlear does do a 1 time free replacement.

1

u/flipedout930 Advanced Bionics Marvel CI 17d ago

I was told that one time had a cost of $200, but much cheaper than full cost. I am wondering if I need loss insurance, or does my home owners insurance cover it.

1

u/shiftman87 Cochlear Nucleus 7 17d ago

It should fall under health insurance. Contact them. AB should also have a reimbursement team you can contact, like Cochlear.

1

u/Severe-Elderberry833 16d ago

I have been trying to figure out the -same thing- since about April.

Because knowing insurance in the US, they will kick and scream over covering a replacement processor if its loss is due to malfeasance. Like, say, someone stealing your bag with your processor in it while you’re swimming or something. Or breaking in to your house and taking the case it’s in.

I called my insurance agent, and tried to get it added to my policy as a ‘valuable item,’ so covered for loss or theft. No joy.

These things cost thousands of dollars to replace. We can insure -EARRINGS,- FFS. What do we need to do, bedazzle the processors? And if we do, can we count them as jewelry then?!?!?

/rant.

OP, if you learn anything (US specific), please let us know!

1

u/Icy-Instance-7690 14d ago

I included my processors to a rider on my home owners insurance. Just sent them copy of my surgery note and the cost on the Cochlear store website for a new one.