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Key Things to Consider Before Applying for a Global Health Insurance Card

June 2, 2023

This post explores key considerations when applying for global health insurance.

Health insurance is an issue that affects everyone at some point in their lives. The cost of medical care can quickly rise to astronomical heights, especially if you have to travel abroad for treatment.

Family of 4 Africans with small children in casual dressing enjoying holiday after applying for global health insurance

Global health insurance is a policy that allows you to seek treatment in another country without worrying about the cost.

Health insurance cards are a great way for travellers to protect themselves from high medical bills when travelling abroad.

They allow you to access the same medical resources as locals do in the country you’re visiting without worrying about paying for treatment out of pocket.

Before applying for a global health insurance card, here are some key things to consider.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for all EHIC differ from one policy to another, depending on your coverage. Some policies may provide you with a list of countries where you can travel, while some may still require such information.

It is important to check the eligibility criteria before applying for a policy to ensure that the policy meets your needs.

You will also need to check for any exclusions and limitations that apply to the policy. In most cases, these limitations are related to age or pre-existing conditions.

If there are any exclusions or limitations on the policy, check with your insurance provider before proceeding with the application process and after approval for coverage under their policy.

Graphic of health care tools and services covered in global health insurance with doctors in the background

Customer Service

Customer service is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an international health insurance card.

If you have any questions or concerns about your coverage, you want to know that the company has a reputable and helpful customer service team.

This will help you feel confident in your purchase and ensure you have all the information you need.

The company should be able to answer any questions that you might have about your policy, including how much it costs, what services are covered, and how long it takes to get approved for coverage.

You also want to ensure that they offer 24/7 support so that someone will be available to help you out in an emergency if something happens while travelling abroad.

Coverage Type

The coverage type is an important factor to consider before you apply for an EHIC. Coverage types can be divided into two categories: hospitalization and outpatient services.

The most common coverage types are as follows.

  • Full replacement – Your insurer will pay all the expenses incurred during your treatment. You only need to pay a deductible or co-payment amount. Private insurers normally offer this coverage type, but it can also be found in some government-sponsored health insurance plans.
  • Hospitalization only – Your insurer will only cover your medical expenses while hospitalized at a medical facility. This means that your plan will not cover all of your medication costs. Government-sponsored health insurance plans and private insurers usually offer this type of coverage.
  • Limited hospitalization – You will only receive partial reimbursement for medical expenses incurred. At the same time, you are hospitalized at a medical facility for less than 24 hours or less than 72 hours, depending on the terms and conditions set forth by your insurer’s policy. This type of coverage is offered by both private and public insurers alike.

More Reading

Editing by AskAwayHealth Team

Disclaimer

All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners. We cover various healthcare conditions to promote quality healthcare. 

The advice in our material is not meant to replace a qualified healthcare practitioner’s management of your specific condition.
Don’t hesitate to contact a health practitioner to discuss your condition or reach us directly 
here.

Image Credits Canva

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