Visitor Health Insurance: Using the Plan
Visitor health insurance can be purchased for visitors from abroad. This insurance can protect the host family from financial ruin in case visitors fall sick. Ensure that the coverage includes the days they are in transit.
Once you have purchased the coverage make sure you receive the insurance cards and proof of coverage. They are emailed immediately upon purchase of the plan. Visitors can carry the cards with them at all times.
Most insurance plans require you to use facilities within a contracted network of providers (hospitals & doctors). By visiting them you can maximize the benefits offered by the insurance company. Note down the phone numbers and other contact information for the facilities in the areas you plan on visiting.
The insurance card will provide an Assist number to contact in case you need any information regarding benefits and eligibility. Procedures stipulated by the insurance company must be followed when you seek treatment. Certain treatments may require precertification before the procedure.
If there is a life threatening emergency you must call 911 for assistance. In other cases it is best to make an appointment with a physician. If you need help outside of normal business hours, you must go to an Urgent Care Center. Do not go to the Emergency Room if it is not an emergency. Most plans will not cover ER visits if the visit does not lead to hospitalization or is not of an emergency nature.
The medical provider determines whether to bill the insurance company directly or bill the insured. If the insured has made a payment then the insured can fill out a claim form, include itemized receipts and seek reimbursement for the payments made. The insurance company may request additional information and the entire reimbursement process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
