We provide Travel health insurance
offering the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected
illness or injury when traveling outside of your home country. In case you need to see a doctor, or
if you are hospitalized, our carriers will help you in any way possible.
Each health insurance and travel insurance carrier has its own Emergency
Service open 24 hours a day - 365 days a year and is always there to
give you professional advice and assistance - no matter where you are.
You can choose a travel insurance which covers a single trip; or you can
choose to be covered all year round on all your trips abroad, usually
for up to 1 month per trip.
Coverage features often include:
· 24-hour Emergency Service.
· Direct payment of all hospital bills.
· Access to medical consultants.
· Free choice of doctors and hospitals.
· Full cover with no deductible.
· Professional and efficient reimbursement service.
· Worldwide cover during all types of travel: leisure, study and
business.
· No restrictions on hazardous sports or occupations.
· Free cover of children under the age of two.
· Even accidents resulting from terrorist acts are covered.
We can offer coverage for non-US
Citizens traveling outside of their home country from 5 days to 1
year; or for US citizens traveling outside of their home country
from 5 days to 3 years. Why should you buy a combined travel and
health insurance policy? Whether you travel for school, pleasure or
business; international travel involves risk. You may arrive at your
destination to find that your luggage with personal items have
disappeared. A personal emergency may necessitate your early return
to your Home Country. A medical emergency may require
hospitalization or even air evacuation. Your existing insurance will
not provide adequate protection for these and other risks. Without
appropriate travel insurance, you may be exposed to significant
financial liability. Travel/Health insurance offers peace of mind in
knowing you are covered by a high quality, affordable health and
travel insurance plan designed to cover you around the world.
If you are living and working around the world you
need ex-pat coverage. Its for a person temporarily or permanently residing in a
country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing or legal
residence. The coverage usually includes:
•
Worldwide cover with complete freedom of
choice concerning specialists, hospitals, etc
• Full cover regardless of your job, leisure interests and sports
activities.
Chronic conditions are covered in full if diagnosed after enrolment or
if accepted by the carrier.
•
Cover of accidents resulting from terrorist acts.
•
Guaranteed renewal of the policy for life – regardless of your age and
state of health.
•
24-hour multilingual Emergency Service.
Anyone is eligible for these plans no matter where you reside in the
world, however US Citizens cannot apply for coverage whilst residing in
the USA and applicants cannot use a US address on their application.
Once enrolled on the plan you are guaranteed coverage for life and can
live and reside anywhere in the world with no restrictions.
INTERNATIONAL
HEALTH PLAN - LIVING ABROAD
International major medical insurance
coverage up to $5,000,000 while living abroad.
TRAVEL/HEALTH
INSURANCE FAQ'S
Q: What is the difference between a
Travel Insurance vs International Health coverage?
A: Travel Insurance is designed for persons who are traveling for
short periods of time, less than one year. Travel Plans are not
comprehensive, they are referred to as "emergency" health coverage.
Q: Who can buy International Health Insurance plans?
A: A person living or working outside his or her home country can
purchase an International Health Plan. There are plans that can also
be purchased by home country nationals, e.g. you are a Citizen of
France and want extra coverage while residing in France.
Q: How long must I reside abroad in order to qualify for typical
International Health coverage?
A: Our plans provide comprehensive, long term coverage. They are
designed for persons living abroad for one year or longer.
Q: What is the difference between a Travel Insurance plan and an
International Health coverage?
A: Travel Insurance is designed for persons who are traveling for
short periods of time, less than one year. Travel Plans are not
comprehensive, they are referred to as "emergency" health coverage
Q: What is the difference between a standard (in patient) and a
comprehensive (in and out patient) international medical plan?
A: A Standard or basic international medical plans will usually
cover in-patient or day care treatment, post hospital treatment,
nursing at home, emergency evacuation, repatriation or burial of
mortal remains, emergency dental and complications of pregnancy. A
Comprehensive international plan will cover all the above plus
out-patient care and specialist treatments, complementary care,
routine maternity, or routine dental. A Comprehensive plan generally
has higher budget limits than a Standard plan. Most plans exclude
pre-existing conditions which may go back 2-5 years or even longer.
Q: Will the policy cover me worldwide?
A: It depends on what area of coverage you choose. There are 3 main
areas of coverage in international healthcare insurance are:
Area 1 = Europe,
Area 2 = Rest of World excluding the United States and Canada and,
Area 3 = Worldwide including the US and Canada.
Our advisors will be able to help you choose which area of coverage
you require. Please keep in mind that premiums increase as you
enlarge your area of coverage.
Q: I am a USA citizen. Can I purchase an International Medical plan?
A: Yes, however, you must reside outside the United States for more
than 6 months of the year.
Q: I am going to reside and/or work in the United States. Will an
International Medical plan cover me?
A: Yes, however, only until you become eligible for a US Domestic
Healthcare plan. If you plan to immigrate or reside in the US for
long period of time, you will need to obtain coverage with a
domestic plan. This is dictated by US law. In most cases,
International Plan insurers will ask you to sign an Affidavit
stating that you have been refused coverage by three domestic
providers, hence are eligible for International Insurance.
Q: I am a Canadian citizen, I spend my winters in the United States.
Can I purchase an International Health Insurance Plan?
A: You may purchase an International Health plan, however, you will
have to pay a yearly premium even though you only require coverage
in the United States for approximately 6 months. Please remember
that your International Plan will still be available to you while in
Canada as you may use it at anytime if you wish to cross the border
to seek care. Some use the International Plan as a supplement while
back home in Canada.
Q: Are dental treatments covered?
A: Most plans cover Emergency Dental treatments. Please ask our
advisors to verify coverage for Routine Dental Treatment.
Q: Can I choose the hospital of my choice for treatment?
A: If you are seeking coverage in the USA, you will be strongly
encouraged to seek care from top rated physicians listed within a
nationwide provider network. If you will be residing outside the
United States, you may seek care at any hospital or center of
excellence of your choice. Always call the Plan Provider/Insurer
Help Line first so as to pre qualify for any inpatient surgery, as
such pre qualification is often mandatory. Your claim may be denied
if you do not pre qualify for in patient care.
Q: How do I make a claim?
A: Most international insurance providers will send a client pack,
with Insurance Certificate, Claims Forms and Helpline Card, with a
range of international contact numbers. Many international insurers
now pre-authorize any in-patient treatment, meaning that you must
contact their help lines before seeking treatment and incurring
costs. Out-patient costs are usually dealt by routine Claim Forms
(i.e. you pay first). If in doubt always call the help lines before
seeking treatment and committing yourself to costs.
Q: How long does it take to process a claim?
A: Normally it takes around ten working days from the date the
insurer receives all the necessary documents.
Q: Which conditions are excluded from International Insurance Plans?
A: Always read the exclusions section of a plan carefully. Following
is a non exhaustive list of exclusions: war or civil war risks, drug
abuse, self inflicted injury, HIV/Aids, Infertility, Normal
Pregnancy (unless option taken), Cosmetic Surgery, preventive
treatment, kidney dialysis, mobility aids, experimental treatment,
organ transplants (unless option taken), injuries arising from
dangerous hobbies.
Almost all pre-conditions treated in the past two years will
initially be excluded
Q: Are pre-existing conditions covered? What is a moratorium?
A: Some plans require that you complete a "Medical History
Declaration" on the application. We cannot stress the importance of
providing your complete medical details. This will prevent future
questions or even a rejection of a claim. Most plans will require a
12 to 24 month waiting period prior to covering pre-existing
conditions. Chronic conditions are rarely covered even after the 24
month waiting period. Some insurers, however, may offer some initial
coverage, please check with your advisor.
You may also choose to sign a moratorium, if one is available. In
this case, you will not be required to provide any medical history
but the insurance company may not cover any medical condition which
has existed in the last 2-5 years. Such conditions may automatically
become eligible for coverage only when you do not have symptoms, or
receive treatment, medication, tests or advice from your general
practitioner for that condition for a period of (usually) two years
after your policy has been made effective.
Q: What happens if I choose to return home for vacations or other?
A: International medical policies are designed to cover you when you
are outside of your home country. However, most insurers will also
cover you for a limited period in your home country.
Q: Do International Medical Plans cover sporting activities?
A: There are no exclusions relating to sporting activities. However,
hazardous sports and activities are not covered unless you have
declared that you participate in a particular activity and the
insurer has agreed in writing to cover you for that activity.
Following is a non-exhaustive list of hazardous sports:
mountaineering where ropes or guides are normally used,
hang gliding,
parachuting,
bungee jumping,
racing by horse or motor vehicle or motorcycle,
snow mobiling,
motorcycle / motor scooter riding,
scuba diving involving underwater breathing apparatus,
water skiing,
snow skiing and snow boarding.
Q: I am coming to reside in the United States, am I eligible for an
International Health insurance?
A: You are eligible for an international plan as long as you are not
a permanent resident of the United States, nor are eligible for US
domestic healthcare insurance. US laws prohibit us from selling
international health insurance to those eligible for US domestic
healthcare insurance. Please speak to an advisor for specific
details.
