Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I would like to apply for a long term international Insurance plan, how can I do this?
The best way is to pick a plan that suits your needs from our "long term" page and get a quote, then apply on line. It's fast and easy. You can also contact us if you need additional guidance or have questions.
Can a US citizen obtain this insurance?
Yes, if the US citizen is residing outside the US for at least 6 months.
After applying for long term international medical insurance coverage, how long does it take to get approved?
Generally, you are approved within 5 to 7 business days from the date the application is received. You will receive your policy in the mail within 2-3 weeks from the date of approval unless you agree to pay an additional charge for overnight delivery, which will get the policy to you sooner.
Are faxed applications for Medical Insurance accepted?
Yes, you may fax your applications to (858) 404-9295.
I would like to purchase the policy, do you require payment before my application is approved?
Yes, our carriers accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express for monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments and personal checks are accepted on an annual basis only.
What are the costs to add dependent children on to the medical insurance plan?
If both parents/guardians are insured under an annual medical insurance plan, then the first two (2) children under the age of 10 are free with most plans. If you have more than two children under the age of 10, then there is a premium charge for the third child. If any of your children are above the age of 10, then there is a premium charge for such children. Please review the premium table for rates.
If I am a US expatriate who is currently living in Belgium
and moving to Senegal, can I maintain my international medical insurance plan?
Yes, please notify the carrier of your address change.
I am currently enrolled in an international medical insurance plan, am I able to change my deductible?
Yes, only at the time of renewal, and you may only increase you deductible, not decrease.
The maximum amount of money the insurance company will pay varies. Depending on the health insurance plan you chose, the amount covered is between $50,000 up to $1,000,000.
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A deductible is the amount ($) of out-of-pocket expenses you must pay to the doctor or to the hospital before your policy will pay ANY benefits. In budget plans the deductible is per event (not pervisit) and in the more comprehensive plans the deductible is either per policy period or per year. Check your insurance plan’s schedule of benefits for the correct deductible that you should pay.
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Co-insurance is the percentage that the insurance company will pay from the total claim, per event. It is the ratio (%) of splitting the bill between you and the insurance company. 80% for the first $5,000 means the insurance company will pay $4,000 and you will pay the remaining $1,000. Budget plans may have co-insurance followed by a cap. If there was a 5,000 cap, you would pay the 1,000, and ALL of the money after the cap. So on a $7000 bill you would pay 4k of the first 5k and then the 2,000 in excess of the cap. Comprehensive plans often not only have no cap, but will have a maximum out of pocket limit. So a plan with a 5,000 out of pocket limit, on the same $7,000 bill would have a very different outcome. You would pay the first 1k, then the PLAN would pay everything in excess of the out of pocket limit, so they would pay 6k of the 7,000 claim.
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Medical evacuation means the transfer of the insured person to the nearest hospital or medical facility in case of an emergency injury or sickness or back to his/her home country. It could be done by ANY necessary mean of transportation.
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In case of death, Repatriation covers the transportation of your remains back to your family and your home country.
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A pre-existing condition is any injury or illness that existed prior to the date your insurance enters into effect. A pre-existing condition includes any injury or illness that you:
- suffered from prior to the date your insurance enters into effect.
- received treatment for prior to the date your insurance enters into effect
- were prescribed medication for prior to the date your insurance enters into effect.
Eligibility requirements differ for each plan.
- But in general anyone living outside their home country is eligible for international insurance. Different plans have different allowances for returning to your home country, the short term plans are most strict on this, often expiring when you touch down on american soil, the long term plans include more "follow me home" coverage for trips back to your home country to visit with family and friends or take care of business. Some allow as much as 6 months of every year back in your home country.
The easiest and fastest way to enroll is online. Most long term plans require significant underwriting. While there are some plans that require little or no underwriting, so you won't need a doctors statement, only a questionaire, these plans can only be reapplied for for 2-3 years. Full medical benefit plans for 1 year or more, and that are renewable may require an attending physicians statement.
Every plan has a list of procedures that are not covered. Please be sure to view each plan’s exclusions since they vary from plan to plan.
A “Usual and Customary” charge is the amount normally charged by medical service providers for similar services and supplies in your area of living.
Your health insurance plan becomes effective as soon as your enrollment and payment are received, processed, and approved.. Your insurance may take effect on a later date if requested.
The minimum initial insurance period that can be purchased is 5 days for some of our plans. The maximum period of insurance is 12 months. After 12 months you may renew your insurance if you are still eligible under the terms and conditions of the policy.
You can find in-network doctors and hospitals on their websites. They can generate a list based on your geographical location or even help you figure out a doctor in a place you have not yet arrived at. .
Otherwise, you can go to any doctor that you choose with any of our insurance plans. However, a higher contribution on your part might apply if you are IN the USA. Outside of the USA you may always go to any doctor you wish.
If you are unclear about your coverage and benefits, contact customer service. Our bilingual (spanish) staff will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you. Or, contact the insurance company, directly. The contact information of your insurance company is listed on your medical card.
Simply give your medical insurance card to the service provider and ask him to call the customer service number on your card.
Whether you pay the doctor or hospital depends on the procedure the doctor or hospital follows.
When visiting the doctor, you might be asked to pay the bill yourself. In such a case you should claim a refund from the insurance company. This is most typically the case when overseas outside of the USA.
In other cases, the medical service provider takes your medical information and contacts the insurance company's claims department directly. This is more typically, but not always the case when in the USA.
To get your money back you will need to complete a claim form and mail it back to the claims department of your insurance company.
Claim forms are available at our website. Simply find your insurance plan to get your copy of the claim form.
I received a bill from the doctor / hospital! What should I do?
If you receive a bill from the doctor or hospital, fill in a claim form and mail the form with the original bill to the claims department of your insurance company.
For example, if you are covered by COMPASS Gold, you need to mail your claim form and your bills to the AIG claims department. Make sure to keep copies of everything for your own records.
Show proof of your insurance to your schoo or to a government agency by presenting your medical insurance card.
You can also ask us directly to issue a Letter of Confirmation that provides information about your coverage. We can either mail it to you, fax it directly to your embassy or school or we can email it as an attachment.
Yes, you will receive a medical insurance card from our insurer. It is always advisable to you have your medical insurance card whenever you seek medical treatment.
However, if you don’t have your medical insurance card with you, please ask your service provider to contact either International Student Organization or your insurance company to verify coverage.
No, you do not need a new card. Simply continue using the same card you already have.
In general, you can seek service from any qualified doctor or other medical facility. Since our plans offer nationwide coverage, not all medical facilities will recognize the name of your plan. Therefore they might ask you to handle the communication with the insurance company. Bring your medical card with you and ask them to verify coverage.
It is possible that the medical service provider will fill in and mail the claim form on your behalf. Some of our plans offer an option to go to a doctor that is affiliated with the insurance company network. This is always the best idea and it will cost you less.
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