Medibroker
> FAQ's
Frequently
Asked Questions
In
this section we provide a list of our clients' most common questions.
We invite you to e-mail us with any others that you may have.
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:
Our company sends employees to work overseas, do they qualify for an International
Health Plan?
A:
Certainly, if they are working abroad for extended periods at a time.
Medibroker specializes in small employer group coverage. You will be asked
to provide us with basic information for each member of your group such
as date of birth, gender, country of citizenship and country of residency.
Upon receipt of this information, we can provide you with a group quotation
within 48 to 72 hours. Click here to submit a
Request for Group Quotation
Q:
How long must I reside abroad in order to qualify for an International
Health Plan?
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 Plan?
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: Is there an age limit for enrolling in an International Health Plan?
A:
The maximum age when joining International Health Plans varies from company
to company. Some companies allow entry to healthcare plans to people of
between 70 and 80 years of age.
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: Are there deductibles applicable on International
Health Policies?
A:
Standard Excesses or Deductibles are applicable to these plans and can be
applied at higher levels in order to reduce your premium.
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, although you may have to reside outside of the United States for more than 6 months of the year -
an Advisor will be more than happy to advise according to your personal circumstances.
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: Does an International Medical Plan provide maternity
coverage?
A:
It depends on the plan you are choosing. Most comprehensive plans can include maternity,
however, most require that you satisfy
a period of eligibility (generally 6 to 12 months) before benefits will be paid.
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 insurers have a money back guarantee?
A:
Most insurers do offer a money back guarantee. If you are not entirely
satisfied with your insurance documents, you can cancel your coverage
within the first 30 days and, provided you have not made a claim, the
insurer will fully refund the premium you have paid.
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.
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