Q: Who can buy international medical insurance?

A: International medical insurance is insurance to cover your medical expenses, wherever you are in the world (or according to your selected geographical area). This insurance generally allows you to choose where you receive treatment, and in which country. It is an ideal way to protect yourself and your family while living abroad, and One World Cover has the specialists who will help you find the most suitable cover for your needs.

Q: Who can buy International Medical Insurance Plans?

A: Basically anyone - individuals, families, companies, consulates, agencies, associations and groups. Usually international medical insurance is purchased when the member relocates abroad or travels outside their home country. Most plans will also cover you when you return home for visits, and some will allow you to continue purchasing cover when you return to your home country. Talk to One world Cover to plan your policy.

Q: Can a company purchase international medical insurance for employees?

A: Yes, companies can also purchase international medical insurance cover. These plans can be specifically tailored to the needs of the company, by working with One World Cover. Usually the minimum requirement for a company plan is three employees, with no limit on size. Discounts are also available by purchasing as a company group. One World Cover is a specialist broker for creating long term sustainable policies for companies, and to ensure the best cover for their employees.

Q: How long is an international medical insurance cover policy?

A: Policies are usually a one year contract which are paid annually (or occasionally on a monthly basis if required). Most plans will also guarantee the renewal offer of the contract. This ensures that no matter your state of health you will not be rejected for cover.

Q: Should I buy international medical insurance cover, or travel insurance?

A: Travel insurance plans are designed for one off, short term trips or holidays - covering medical (for accidents or emergency only) and non medical (loss of luggage, ticket cancellations and the like). Cover is not renewable. International Medical Insurance is designed for people intending to settle or spend significant periods overseas, who need dependable renewable coverage. International medical insurance will cover not only accidents and emergencies, but can also cover general clinic (outpatient) medical expenses, and you can add cover for dental, maternity care, out-patient care according to your needs. Talk to our specialist at One World Covers to help identify and purchase the cover you need.

Q: What is the maximum age for an International Medical Insurance Plan?

A: Most plans are guaranteed to be renewable for life. Note that normally you must enter the plan prior to around 75 years old (each insurer is different). Talk to One World Covers specialists to get covered before you are too old!

Q: What does an 'in-patient' plan cover? What does an 'in and out patient' plan cover?

A: An "in-patient" plan or "day care" plan which involves going into the hospital generally covers post hospital treatment, nursing at home, emergency evacuation, repatriation or burial, emergency dental etc… "Out-patient" plans generally cover consultations and treatment including medical practitioners' and Specialists' fees, Prescribed medicines, drugs and dressings, Diagnostic tests and procedures X-rays, pathology, MRI, PET and CT scans, Oncology tests, drugs and consultants' fees for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Out-patient surgical operations, Post-hospitalisation treatment, Some insurers also include, Physiotherapy, osteopathic, chiropractic, homeopathic, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Psychiatric treatment.

Q: What are Deductables, Excess and Co-pay?

A: Deductible, commonly offered by US-insurers, where all eligible medical expenses are added together throughout the policy year and after the "deductible" is reached, all further expenses are paid in full. i.e. if the deducible is USD300 then after 3 visits to the doctor for separate conditions of USD100 each, all further expenses are paid in full. Excess, commonly offered by European insurers, where the "excess" is applied once for treatment of a condition. i.e a USD50 "Excess" will be applied to a course of treatment for the flu. If the total bill is USD110 then USD60 is reimbursed. If the total bill from 3 visits is USD330, then USD280 is reimbursed. Percentage Co-pay, commonly seen in "corporate group" programs where patient pays a % of the medical expenses i.e. if the copay is 20%, and the medical expense is USD100 then the insurer will cover USD80.

Q: Can I go anywhere in the world for treatment?

A: You can seek treatment at any registered hospital or clinic (according to your benefits level) anywhere within your geographical area of coverage. Most insurers offer two geographical areas of cover. 1. Worldwide excluding North America and 2. Worldwide including North America.

Q: Can USA citizens buy international medical insurance cover?

A: American citizens living outside the US for more than 6 months can buy international medical insurance cover. Some companies will allow US citizens to continue on their plan after returning to the US if you need. Talk to One World Cover US cover specialists for your best options

Q: If I am a resident in the USA will international medical insurance cover provide coverage?

A: US regulations state that US citizens residing in the US should buy their insurance domestically. However if you have been rejected by US domestic insurers, you may then be able to purchase international plans.

Q: Can we get birth or pregnancy coverage (maternity) with a international medical insurer?

A: Yes, most insurers offer "maternity" as an optional cover choice. Maternity coverage is generally more expensive, through some insurers include "maternity" as part of a comprehensive plan. Normally, there is a waiting period of 12 months from time of purchase until your maternity benefits begin, so suggest you talk with One World Covers "family planners" for maternity cover advice.

Q: Can I get dental coverage?

A: Yes. As with maternity, dental is usually an optional upgrade and more expensive, unless you are purchasing a very comprehensive plan. Usually dental coverage is for necessary treatment, emergencies and accidents (not cosmetic) and covers a percentage of the cost. Talk to One World Cover specialists for advice here.

Q: How do I claim for medical treatment with international medical insurance?

A: In an emergency or hospitalization (inpatient) situations, you or your treating hospital can contact your insurer to arrange a direct settlement of treatment costs. For clinic (out-patient) treatments, normally costs are paid upfront and then a claim is filed by submitting a claim form along with invoices / receipts to the insurer for reimbursement to the members bank account. Some insurers offer cashless outpatient treatment (direct billing) in major expatriate cities with participating clinics. Talk to One World Covers specialists for advice on which insurer can assist you according to your resident location and coverage needs.

Q: If I return to live in my home country will I still be covered?

A: Most insurers will cover you if you decide to return home for a specified period of time. Others may allow you to retain the policy indefinitely. Talk to One World Cover to find out whether your insurer can continue to cover you.

Q: If I want to purchase insurance, when do I pay?

A: As soon as possible! We encourage prompt payment once you have submitted your application and have been accepted. Thus reducing the possibility for claim complications should the unfortunate case occur that you need your cover to trigger early in the plan year. Most insurers will allow a week or two to pay. Payment can be made by bank transfer and Credit Card. One World Cover specialists will help you with any questions on the payment process. Note all payments are made to the insurer only. One World Cover employees will never accept payment or cash on behalf of this insurer.

Q: Am I covered while playing sports or doing my hobbies?

A: Many non-professional (and armchair!) sports are covered by international medical insurance. Professional sports and more extreme sports however are typically not covered. Talk to One World Covers specialists to find out if you are too extreme and need additional coverage.

Q: Will my premium increase over time?

A: Yes, premiums will increase over time along with your age. Premiums will also increase according to the inflation of medical treatment costs in your area of coverage, and the insurers claims pool. We generally see policies increase in price from 3-15% each year, however it can be more or less depending on the insurer. Talk to One World Covers specialists to find out which insurer is offering the most stable premium increases at present.