FAQ's for Travel Medical Insurance (Short - Term plans up to one year in coverage) : <Back to Top>
Q: What is trip insurance (a.k.a. trip cancellation / interruption) ?
A: Trip insurance is used to help alleviate some of the financial loss that may be incurred because your trip is interrupted, delayed, or cancelled by unforeseen events.
Q: What is travel insurance (a.k.a. travel medical or health insurance) ?
A: Travel insurance usually provides broader coverage than just trip insurance alone. In addition to providing trip insurance for trip delays, trip interruptions, trip cancellations and related problems, it may also cover additional travel-related expenses such as those incurred for medical and health emergencies that may arise during your trip.
Some plans also provide services such as travel-related advice, evacuation to your home or hospital in case of a medical emergency, emergency cash or help in the event of the loss or theft of your money, valuables or travel documents.
Q: Why would I need trip or travel insurance?
A: The outlay of money for travelling can be quite substantial. You may find yourself facing the loss of more money than you want to lose should unforeseen circumstances arise that make it necessary to cancel or interrupt your trip. Trip insurance can provide protection against such losses in many cases. Other unforeseen losses such as trip delays or baggage delays can also be covered.
Depending upon the features of the plan that you purchase, travel insurance can provide the additional assurance that expenses will be covered for medical care including hospital admission, emergency dental care, and emergency medical evacuation. Emergency cash advances, and help with retrieval of luggage or other services may also be available.
Q: What kind of coverage are included in travel insurance?
1. Coverage for vacation and trip cancellation
2. Coverage for travel interruptions, delays and cancellations
3. Coverage for missed connections
4. Coverage for medical emergency; dental emergency; other health-related expenses (often including medical evacuation coverage)
5. Coverage for expenses due to lost or delayed baggage
6. Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment (ie; life insurance for accidents only).
Q: What is coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation?
A: Medical evacuation benefits provide for transportation to a medical facility that can provide appropriate care in the event of serious injury or sickness that cannot be adequately dealt with at the location where the illness or accident took place.
Medical repatriation benefits come into play when physicians deem it medically necessary for you to be returned to your home or to a hospital or other medical facility near your home.
Q: Do I need something other than my normal health insurance plan for traveling outside the U.S.?
A: To answer this question, you need to check with your own health insurance company. Many health insurers do not cover international health coverage. A spokesperson for the Health Insurance Association of America has been quoted as saying that only about 5% of American travelers have health insurance coverage while traveling abroad. Even when traveling within the United States or to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, etc., full coverage may not be available under many plans.
For business-related travel, you should check with your employer to find out if you are covered under a travel insurance plan for employees.
Q: Does medicare reimburse medical expenses incurred on a trip abroad?
A: Currently, Medicare does not usually reimburse for medical expenses incurred on a trip abroad.
Q: Are pre-existing conditions a problem?
A: You should be sure you understand what your policy says about pre-existing conditions beforehand if you have any medical conditions.
Unstable pre-existing conditions that may flare up during your trip are generally not covered. But, many travel medical insurance plans include a feature that will cover a sudden recurrence of a pre-existing condition. What constitutes a pre-existing condition varies from policy to policy. The Atlas plan offers "acute onset of pre-existing conditions" to those under age 70 at no additional cost. The Travel GAP Excursion plan from HTH will provide coverage for all pre-existing conditions and is the only program we are aware of that will do so, but is only available to certain US residents.
Most trip cancellation insurance policies will waive exclusions (i.e. they will cover pre-existing conditions) if you buy your insurance close to the time (often within a couple of weeks) that you paid for your trip.
Again, it is recommended that you know how your particular policy handles pre-existing conditions so you know what to expect.
Q: If I go glacier skiing and hang gliding will it affect my travel coverage?
Q: If I am planning to make several trips in the next year should I buy coverage each time?
A: If you travel frequently for business or other reasons, you may be able to save money by buying a yearly multi-trip policy instead of per trip policies.
Q: What is available for our group of 6 persons traveling for two weeks to Jamaica ?
Q: How can I be sure what is covered?
A: Look carefully at the policy certificate wording of the plan in question. We would recommend your contacting us and we'd be more than happy to provide the document in question.
Q: How are the insurance companies rated?
A: The insurance companies are rated by an independent rating company A.M.Best rating. For all the plans, each insurance company's A.M. Best rating is A or better. We only offer A rated companies. Lloyds of London, for example, is rated A (Excellent).
Q: What is the definition of a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
A: We do recommend reviewing the FAQ / Definition of Pre-existing noted in our Definitions FAQ.
Q: What is the Pre-Existing Condition Period?
A: This is the number of days that the insurance company will "look back" from the day the insurance was purchased, to see if your claim is related to a pre-existing medical condition. Each policy has a different period of "look back". Some, like HTH TravelGAP Excursion have a 0 day lookback.
Q: Can I purchase travel insurance for my friend, relative or employee online?
Q: When will my coverage become effective?
A: For Travel Medical, Multi-Trip Medical and Medical Evacuation Policies, coverage begins at 12:01AM the day of your departure. If purchased on, or after your departure date, coverage begins at 12:01AM the following day. For Flight Accident Policies, coverage becomes effective the day of your departure upon boarding your flight. Be sure to review the information on each policy in the brochure or policy wording.
Q: Can I purchase a Flight Accident or General AD&D Life Policy if I have already departed on my trip?
Q: What is the latest date I can purchase travel insurance?
A: You can purchase a policy up to the day before you travel. However we recommend that you purchase the insurance as soon as possible. Purchasing early will prevent situations where something can happen before you buy your insurance which will not be covered.
Q: I did not receive a copy of my travel insurance policy in the mail (eMail) yet. What should I do?
A: If you have received your order confirmation email you can be assured that your coverage is in full force and effect and has been since the date you purchased your policy. All of the policy and contact information is included in your email. Policies are normally sent out within 24 hours of purchase from our web site by the respective insurance company. If you have not received your policy in 14 days, please contact our office. We will verify your mailing address and request that the policy is mailed out again. NOTE: that with certain carriers, if you selected ONLINE FULFILLMENT when applying online or via paper application, the documents and ID cards will ONLY be sent to you via email.
NOTE: if you haven't received your online email confirmation yet, please allow up to one hour to receive (although usually only takes minutes). VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE ck your SPAM / JUNK boxes as the confirmations are frequently sent to them if not recognized by your ISP.
Q: Can I cancel a policy I purchased? Do I incur a penalty?
A: Most of the companies allow you to review the policy for about 10 days following purchase (varies by company and plan). If you cancel your policy within the aloted time period, you will receive a full refund except for a small non-refundable processing fee charged by the company. Also, some companies (like MultiNational Underwriters), will refund 100% of paid premium if cancelled PRIOR to effective (start) date of the policy... if after that date and you don't have any claims, they will refund premium minus a small processing fee as mentioned.
Q: I made a mistake in entering my data while purchasing the insurance, what should I do?
A: You will need to email us at info@eGlobalHealth.com and we will have the changes made to your policy and have a corrected policy sent to you. Please send us the insured's name on the policy, policy number if able, company from which it was purchased and date purchased. We can assist you via phone at 417-882-1413 BUT will require the information in writing (email) in order to request the changes. We will then have revised / updated documents / ID cards sent to you in follow up .
Q: I have questions about Visa Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa / European Visa use ?
A: Please go to our Schengen Visa Insurance FAQ section here.
Q: I live / reside in New York State. What plans are available to me for travel medical insurance online ?
FAQ specific for Visitors to USA / Immigrants : <Back to Top> =============================================================================================
Q: What is the difference between the scheduled benefits plan and a comprehensive plan?
A: Fixed Benefits Plan (Scheduled Benefits Plan) ----
These policies are characterized by various benefit limits for each type of covered medical expense. These benefit limits typically are not the same as the policy maximum.
For example, a policy with a $50,000 maximum limit may feature upto a maximum of $2000 for surgery, upto a maximum of $500 for diagnostic services (X-rays, scans) etc. The maximum amounts for different situations are detailed in the policy brochure.
Typically you are required to pay an initial deductible for each injury or sickness and then the plan pays for the rest of the covered expenses.
Scheduled Benefits Plans have the lowest premiums, but the consumer must be aware that the benefits offered are relatively limited as compared to the Comprehensive Coverage Plans.
Comprehensive Coverage Plan ---
These policies typically do not have benefit limits based on the type of medical expense. Usually benefits for covered medical expenses go all the way upto the policy maximum (less deductible and co-insurance).
Typically for all covered medical expenses during the policy period the insured pays the deductible plus 20% of the first $5,000; and then the plan pays 100% of the eligible medical expenses upto the policy maximum. Note that for those using the plans outside the USA or Canada do not incur Coinsurance costs -- only the deductible choosen.
The details for each policy such as the policy maximum, medical expense eligibility etc. are listed in the policy brochure.
Comprehensive Coverage Plans have relatively higher premiums, but in turn offer better benefits than the Scheduled Benefits Plans.
Q: Why should I purchase insurance with an American company and not buy insurance in my native country?
A: It is advisable to have insurance from an American company while in the United States, even if the premium for these plans are more expensive. The reason is that while almost all Doctors/hospitals in the United States accept American insurance company cards, they will be reluctant to acknowledge overseas insurance coverage. The medical office can easily contact an American insurance company for clarification, while the same will not be true for an overseas insurance company.
Typically medical offices in the US will bill directly to known American insurance companies. For overseas insurance companies you most probably will have to pay the bill, and then try to get the claim reimbursed from the insurance company.
Q: When should I purchase the insurance?
A: You should purchase the insurance only after being certain of your travel plans (having the passport/visa papers and the airline tickets in order). It is safest to start the insurance coverage from the date of departure from your native country.
Q: My parents are not yet here, can I purchase insurance for them in their absence?
A: Yes. You can purchase the insurance coverage on behalf of others in their absence.
Q: What is the proof of my purchasing insurance?
A: When you purchase insurance online, you should immediately receive a confirmatory email with details of the insurance. It is prudent to keep a backup of this email. You should also receive an insurance card from the insurance company by mail (if online fulfillment was not selected). This card will have your name, policy number, group number, insurance company's contact information such as the toll-free telephone number and the address where claims should be submitted.
Q: How do I purchase the insurance? When does the insurance take effect?
A: Purchasing insurance online is very simple. All you have to do is to complete the appropriate online application form. You will receive an email acknowledgement immediately and coverage will start from the start date as indicated on the form. Within a week you will receive a package from the insurance company, which will include the insurance card and a hard copy with details regarding the insurance plan. If you had choosen online fulfillment, the ID cards and documents are sent via email only. You may request hardcopies at anytime.
Q: Can I purchase insurance for only part of the stay of my parents in the US?
A: Yes you can purchase for only partial duration of the entire stay. However the purpose of purchasing insurance is in the event of unanticipated medical emergencies. One can never be sure when such an emergency can happen. Having purchased insurance for part of their stay will not help in the event of an emergency during the uninsured period.
Q: Is the insurance plan purchased on a calendar monthly basis, or can a plan span 2 calendar months ?
A: A month is calculated as 30 continuous days from the start date requested and it can include two partial calendar months.
Q: Do I need a Social Security number to complete the form?
A: No you can complete the form using the visitors passport number.
Q: Can I go to any doctor/hospital, or am I limited to specific medical practitioners?
A: This will vary for different insurance plans. Some plans allow you to visit any medical practitioners, while others have their provider network.
In the latter case, if you visit a doctor/hospital within the provider network, the fee will be a standard rate that has been agreed between the insurance company and the provider. However, if you visit a provider outside of the insurance companies provider network, there may be a difference between the amount charged to you and the amount the insurance company considers reasonable. In this event, you will have to pay the difference between the two.
Q: How do I find out which doctors are part of a given insurance network?
A: You can also get this information by calling the toll free number of the insurance company or by visiting the insurance company web site. The toll free number should be on the insurance card that you receive on purchasing the insurance plan.
Q: Can you give an example of my medical expenses with different insurance plans?
A: This really depends on the policy. For example if your medical bill is $24,000.
Scenario 1:
After the deductible, the policy covers up to a maximum of $50,000.
Here your expense is only the first $100 deductible.
Thus your final expense is only $100 while the insurance company will cover the remaining $23,900.
Scenario 2:
Deductible is $100 with Maximum coverage of $50,000.
Policy covers 80% of first $5000 then 100% to the policy limit.
So your expense is the first $100 deductible followed by 20% of first $5000, which is $1000. Thus your final expense is $1100 while the insurance company will cover the remaining $22,900.
Q: Should I pay the medical practitioner/organization initially and then get reimbursed or will the insurance company be billed directly?
A: On purchasing insurance from an American insurance firm, you will receive an insurance card with details about your insurance. When you visit the doctor/hospital, the billing office at the hospital will usually make a photo-copy of your insurance card, call the insurance company to verify your policy, and will then bill the insurance company directly. You will have to pay the deductible amount.
In some instances if the medical office has not dealt with this particular insurance company, they might insist that you pay the bill on receiving medical treatment. In this scenario, you would get a detailed bill, which should be sent to the insurance company for reimbursement. eGlobalHealth advises policy holders to visit hospitals with in the provider network wherever possible.
FAQ specific for Students / Exchange Visitors / J-1 Visas : <Back to Top> ============================================================================================
Q: What is a J-1 visa?
A: A J-1 Visa is issued for an Exchange Visitor who is participating in an established J Exchange program pre-approved by the State Department . Exchange Visitors under J-1 visas include secondary school and college students, business trainees, trainees in flight aviation programs, primary and secondary school teachers, college professors, research scholars, medical residents or interns receiving medical training in the U.S., certain specialists, international visitors, and Government visitors.
Q: What are the insurance requirements specified by the US department of state to maintain the J1 or J2 visa status?
A: The Department of State has established the following requirements for the type and amounts of coverage required to maintain J-1 or J-2 status:
1) J1 Scholar (Exchange Visitor Visa) Health Insurance policy must provide "medical benefits of at least $50,000 for Each accident or illness."
2) If a J visa holder dies in the U.S. the policy must provide at least $7,500 in repatriation benefits to send the remains to the home country.
3) The deductible should not exceed $500 per accident or illness.
4) The co-payment of medical expenses (the portion not covered by insurance that the insured pays him or herself) should be of no more than 25%.
5) If, because of a serious illness or injury, you must be evacuated on the advice of a doctor, the policy must pay up to $10,000 for the expenses of your travel.
6) J1 Scholar (Exchange Visitor Visa) Health Insurance policy may establish a waiting period before it covers pre-existing conditions (that is, health problems you had before you bought the insurance), as long as the waiting period is reasonable by current standards in the insurance business.
7) If you elect to satisfy the insurance requirement through a policy issued in your home country, the policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of your government. Otherwise, the company providing the insurance must meet minimum rating requirements established by Department of State (an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or better, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-1" or better, a Standard & Poor's Claims-Paying Ability rating of "A-" or better, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or better).
8) These requirements apply to both J-1 students and scholars and to their J-2 dependent spouses and children.
Q: What will happen if I do not comply with the insurance requirement?
A: The new regulations require your J program sponsor to terminate your status in the U.S. if you willfully fail to comply with the insurance requirement.
Q: Who is a "visiting foreign scholar?"
A: A visiting foreign scholar is a person who comes to the university temporarily, mainly to teach, do research, or both. The broad term "visiting foreign scholar" encompasses, for example, Fulbright scholars who come to teach, post doctoral research fellows, and visiting professors. Some foreign scholars are at the university for only a few days; others remain for three years. Visiting foreign scholars come to the University for academic enterprises, not for non-academic employment.
Visiting foreign scholars normally hold a visa known as a J-1 or exchange-visitor visa. Some people who acquire J-1 status are subject to what is known as the two-year, home-country physical presence requirement. Dependents (spouses and children below the age of 21 of J1 visa holder) are in a status called J-2.
A: Foreign students studying in the U.S. under age 55 who have a valid visa status in the U.S. and are registered and engaged in academic activities at a US school, college or university, OR
U.S. registered students studying outside the U.S. under age 55 who are registered with a U.S. school, college or university and engaged in academic activities abroad (excluding home country).
Q: Are dependents of student's eligible for coverage?
A: Yes. Dependents (spouse and/or child under age 18) of enrolled students may apply for insurance with the student, or within 31 days of birth, legal adoption, marriage or arrival in country of study. If your dependents are not eligible for Student insurance, they may enroll in one of our other plans for people outside their home country.
Q: May I purchase Student insurance if I am already studying outside my home country?
A: Yes. You may purchase Student insurance regardless of how long you have been studying outside your home country, as long as you fulfill the eligibility requirements described earlier.
Q: Will proof of insurance be mailed or emailed to me?
A: Yes. After your enrollment is processed, your Certificate of Insurance, ID card, etc will be mailed to the mailing address you specified while enrolling and / or emailed to you -- depending on how you request in the application.
Q: May I renew my policy if I extend my stay in my country of study?
A: Yes, as long as you fulfill one of the eligibility requirements described above. Send the appropriate premium with another completed enrollment form within 30 days following the end of the first coverage period to avoid a lapse in coverage. Alternately, you may complete and return a renewal form that will be mailed to you one month prior to your current certificate expiration date.
Q: May I go to any doctor or hospital, or must I use my school's Student Health Center or a preferred provider from HTH's network?
A: For Foreign Students Studying in the U.S.: You may choose any of these. If you choose choose to be seen at your Student Health Center when it is equipped to treat your condition, you will receive the in-network benefit and also your deductible for such incidents will be waived. For other incidents, if you use a doctor or hospital in HTH's large preferred provider network, you will pay a lower deductible and reach your plan limits more slowly than if you go outside the network.
For US Registered Students Studying Abroad: Outside the U.S., ------------ does not have a Preferred Provider Network. You may choose to be seen at the Student Health Center or at another doctor or hospital and receive the in-network benefit. If you go to the Student Health center when it is equipped to treat your condition, your deductible for such incidents will be waived. You may also use any doctor or hospital of your choice. The Emergency Assistance Company can help you locate a doctor or hospital in the country where you are studying.
Q: Is a network provider located in my area?
A: Most likely. For a complete listing of HTH Network participants please contact --------------------------------------
Q: How will I receive care at In-Network level if there are no Network providers in my area?
A: If there is no HTH provider qualified to provide the care needed within a 50 mile radius of your residence, you may choose to be treated outside the Network by a non-HTH provider. In this situation, benefits will be paid at in-network level.
A: Yes. Global Student USA covers the Insured worldwide, except in your country of permanent residence, as long as you fulfill one of the eligibility requirements described above.
