If money is a concern, I believe that the Cryonics Institute (CI) is way cheaper, but there are a lot of "bells and whistles" that Alcor, evidently, does that the Cryonics Institute doesn't do. I am not sure of the specifics, (perhaps Dr. Wowk or someone else will respond that has more info on this than I) but I think Alcor has a patient fund, funds research into cryo-protectants, funds other types of research, does vitrification of the head (although I think the Cryonics Institute may have just started doing this as well), and probably a variety of other things. Basically, I think most people's perception is that the Cryonics Institute is the "economy" option, and Alcor is the "luxury" option, but anything is better than nothing. If you are going to be living near the Cryonics Institute, then that actually might be a better option, because distance really should be a bigger concern for people than it is. (imo) Also, there is Trans Time, but I don't know much about them other than they are located in California (I think), and I have never heard of anyone signed up with them. Does anyone else know about them?
Most people do fund through insurance (are you the one that asked about funding in the Alcor forum? I ask because you mention Rudi Hoffman, and that was who I said over there, so I assumed it might be you.) but I am not sure if all insurance companies would do it or not, I am assuming most would.
Sorry for not much info, I am betting others will know more than I.
Edited by Live Forever, 12 July 2006 - 10:32 PM.