Visitor Health Insurance: Using the Plan

By C Raj in Health Insurance on June 1st, 2008

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by Raj

Purchase visitor health insurance for all foreign visitors whom you host. If visitors fall sick or injure themselves then the insurance coverage can protect the host family from big bills. Coverage can be purchased from the day one departs the home country till the day one returns home (including the the days in transit).

Upon purchaes of the plan double check the insurance ID cards and insurance certificate are correct. For immediate coverage confirmation you can request the ID cards be emailed to you. The cards must be in the possession of the insured at all times.

It is common to have insurance companies require you to only use providers within a network. Using these providers will keep your out of pocket costs to the minimum. Decide who you will be using after you purchase the plan so you will not be in a panic when have to seek treatment later.

Always keep relevant and important contact numbers handy. If you need medical treatment contact the assist numbers to find out the procedures that must be followed. Precertification may be required for some treatments. The insurance company can deny payment if the protocol is not followed.

Assistance during life threatening emergencies must be obtained by calling 911. An appointment with a physician is the best way to get treatment for all non-emergency situations. Locate the nearest ‘Urgent Care Center’ for treatment during late hours. The Emergency Room must be used only if it is an emergency. The insurance can deny payment if an ER visit was for non emergency purpose.

Payment for services rendered can be made directly to the facility by the insurance company. In some cases the doctor may require payment at the time of service and the insured can collect the reimbursement from the insurance company. This is the choice of the doctor. Keep all the copies of treatments and payments. All the receipts must be sent along with the claim form. Reimbursements can take several weeks.

About the Author:

About the Author: C Nataraj works in the US Travel Insurance segment. He often writes about visitor health insurance and provides free tips on visitor medical insurance.