1. AsiaExpat Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can buy International Medical Insurance Plans?
A: Normally any person living outside of their home country. However some of the best
international health care plans allow you to be covered when you return to your home country
if you purchased the policy while living abroad.
Q: What is an International Medical Insurance Plan?
A: An International Medical Insurance Plan is one in which the insurer will cover you
regardless of which country you live in. In addition, you have the choice to be treated in any
country you wish. It is ideal for people living away from their home country or people who
move between countries frequently.
Q: How long does an International Medical Insurance Plan last?
A: Our worldwide health insurance plans are normally a one-year contract which you can pay
annually or sometimes monthly. At the end of the year, most plans are guaranteed renewable
so what ever your state of health is, the insurance company will cover you. The best
international health care plans are also guaranteed renewable for life.
Q: Should I buy an International Medical Insurance Plan or Travel Insurance plan?
A: Travel health Insurance provides coverage for short period of time, normally less than 6
months and sometimes with a limited area of cover.
Q: Can we buy International Medical Insurance Plan for our company?
A: Individuals, families and Companies can buy an International Medical Insurance Plan.
When you purchase a company plan with three or more employees, a discount is possible.
The more employees you cover, the bigger the discount becomes. Ward Global Consulting
specialises in providing the best international health care plan for your employees.
Q: What does an 'in-patient' plan cover? What does an 'in and out patient' plan cover?
A: An Inpatient plan usually covers in-patient or day care treatment, post hospital treatment,
nursing at home, emergency evacuation, repatriation or burial of mortal remains and
emergency dental treatment. An In and Out patient plan covers the above and also includes
out-patient care and specialist consultations. It is normally also possible to add maternity and
routine dental.
Q: What is the maximum age for an International Medical Insurance Plan?
A: Most International Medical Insurance Plans are guaranteed renewable for Life. You can
normally join the plan up to the age of 80 but this is dependent on the Insurance Company.
Q: If I am a resident in the USA will an International Medical Insurance Plan provide
coverage?
A: If you plan to reside in the USA or emigrate there, you can be covered by an International
Medical Insurance Plan. US regulations state that you should be covered by a domestic
insurance provider within the guidelines of HIPPA or COBRA, but this can normally be
overcome if you have been refused coverage by a local provider.
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2. Q: Can USA citizens buy International Medical Insurance Plans?
A: If you live outside of the USA for more than six months of the year then you can buy an
International Medical Insurance Plan. (If you are a US Citizen and will be returning to the USA
some plans will allow you to continue your cover, if you need advice on this please let us
know.)
Q: Can I go anywhere in the World for Treatment?
A: Most International plans have two areas of cover, Worldwide including North America and
Worldwide excluding North America. If you choose the first you can elect to have your
treatment in any country in the world. If you choose the second then you cannot elect to go to
North America for treatment (however, in an emergency, unscheduled treatment would
normally be covered up to a certain limit). Premiums which include North America coverage
for elective treatment are substantially higher than those without.
Q: What is a Deductible/ Excess on an International Medical Insurance Plan?
A: All International Medical Insurance Plans allow you to choose a Deductible or Excess. This
is the first amount which you must pay towards the cost of any claim. The Deductible can be
as low as USD 40 or as high as USD 5,000. The deductible is usually applied to the policy in
return for a premium discount so it advantageous in keeping the premiums as low as
possible.
Q: How can I claim for medical treatment?
A: Out-patient costs are normally paid first and then you claim the treatment costs back using
a Claim Form. In-patient treatment which is planned or scheduled in advance is normally
settled directly between the hospital and the insurer, but you will need to inform the insurer as
soon as you know you need to be admitted to hospital so that this can be arranged. When
you receive your insurance policy documents, you will receive a card with emergency contact
details. In the event of an emergency, you will be assisted with accessing the required
medical treatment, and evacuation if necessary. If you are unsure whether your proposed
medical treatment is covered, please call the insurers help line for advice.
Q: How is my claim processed?
A: Insurers normally require completed original claim forms but some will accept email copies
also. Upon receipt it takes approximately ten working days for claims to be paid. The most
common reason for delays in processing claims is incomplete or unsigned claims forms.
Q: Can I get dental coverage?
A: Under the basic level of coverage most plans offer Emergency Dental coverage in the
event of an accident and it is normally possible to add coverage for Routine Dental Treatment
for an additional premium.
Q: Can I choose my own doctor and hospital?
A: The best health care international plans allow you to choose which doctor you see and
which hospital you go to. If you are in a new country and do not know where to go then feel
free to contact us or the insurer. We can provide a global list of private hospitals for you to
choose from. Please note that if you are going into hospital for an operation, you should
contact the insurer before undergoing any inpatient treatment.
Q: What conditions are not covered by International Medical Insurance Plans?
A: It is always important to read the plan details carefully before proceeding, as required we
can provide to you a complete set of plan details and policy wording. The following list
summaries most of the major exclusions: war or civil war risks, self inflicted injury, drug
addiction and abuse, Infertility, Normal Pregnancy (unless option taken), Cosmetic Surgery,
preventive treatment, chronic conditions, mobility aids, sexually transmitted diseases, untried
or experimental treatment, injuries arising from professional sports and some dangerous
activities. Most pre-existing conditions are excluded for two years, thereafter they are
covered. Please note that if during this exclusion period further treatment is required then the
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3. exclusion period may be longer. If you would like specific advice on how insurers consider pre
existing conditions please let us know and we will be happy to advise you.
Q: Will pre-existing conditions be covered?
A: Most insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions for up to 24 months and
most Chronic conditions are normally excluded from coverage permanently. Some insurers
will allow pre-existing conditions to be covered from the inception of the policy but this is on a
case by case basis and may be subject to a premium loading. Alternatively the insurer may
propose a 'moratorium' whereby the condition will be excluded for a defined period after
which on submission of further medical evidence the condition can be covered. When
completing the insurers application form you will be asked to complete a Medical History
Declaration, it is very important that this is filled in accurately in order to avoid any disputes
later on.
Q: If I return to live in my home country will I still be covered?
A: Most International Medical Insurance Plans will cover you on your return to your home
country.
Q: Am I covered while playing sports or doing my hobbies?
A: Most non professional sports are covered by International Medical Insurance Plans.
However, some hazardous sports and activities may not be covered. The following is a list of
sports and activities which are typically not covered: mountaineering with ropes, hang gliding,
parachuting, bungee jumping, racing other then on foot, diving other than recreational. We
would advise that you read the plan details carefully. If you wish to be covered for one of the
following activities then this can be declared to the insurer and may be covered on a case by
case basis.
Q: How will my premium increase over time?
A: Your medical insurance premium will increase overtime due to your age and the
inflationary cost of medical expenses. Most insurers will apply a standard premium increase
across their whole pool of International Medical Insurance policies which means that even if
you are ill for an extended period of time resulting in very high medical expenses your
premium will increase the same as everyone else with that insurer.
Q: When do I have to pay for the plan?
A: After submission and acceptance of the application most insurers allow you 21 days to pay
the premiums. Payment can be made by Credit Card, bank transfer or direct debit from the
UK. We request that you pay the insurer directly as this allows the insurer to confirm you are
covered as soon as they receive the payment. Most insurers allow you to cancel the plan
within the first 30 days and provide you a full refund of the premium if you decide the cover is
not suitable for your needs.
as nearly all insurers will exclude pre-existing pregnancies.
Q: Can I add my new born baby to my insurance coverage?
A: Most insurers will offer to cover your new born baby as a dependant onto your plan. An
important consideration is whether your selected insurer will cover both hereditary and
congenital conditions. Please let us know if you need advice on this point.
Disclaimer: All information is provided in this brochure is provided without guarantee of any kind, including any guarantee of completeness, accuracy,
timeliness of information or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including warranties
of performance, merchantability and suitability for a particular purpose. Asia Expat Health may make improvements and/or changes in the products and/or
services described in this brochure or on our web sites at any time without notice. The information contained on this brochure is provided for information
purposes only, it is not intended to replace personalised advice and recommendations.
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