COVID has shown us how crucial health insurance is and why every Indian citizen needs it. While having the right medical insurance is essential, many people struggle when they are outside India and don’t know how to use their insurance to get medical care. Most health plans cover medical expenses in India, but some also cover treatment costs abroad. With a global health plan, you can get top-notch treatment in other countries without spending a fortune.
Medical treatment outside India can be very expensive. Therefore, it’s wise to invest in a comprehensive health insurance policy for yourself and your family. If you are diagnosed with a condition in India and want to get the best treatment abroad, your health insurance can help cover the costs.
Let’s take a look at the steps to avail medical treatment when you are out of India.
Features and Benefits of Global/International Health Insurance
Here is a list of the key features and benefits of global/international health insurance.
- Combat Medical Emergencies
One of the key benefits of choosing global/international health insurance is that it covers medical expenses if you need high-quality medical treatment abroad. Whether you are in another country for work or leisure, you don’t have to worry about hospital bills during a medical emergency. After returning to India, you can claim reimbursement from the insurance company.
- Cover Diagnostic Tests
Another major benefit of global health insurance is that it covers all kinds of diagnostic tests mentioned in the policy document. Diagnostic tests in other countries can be very expensive, especially when advanced and high-tech medical equipment is used. A comprehensive global health insurance policy will cover these costs, which ensures that you can get the necessary tests done without financial stress.
- OPD Charges
If you are on a short trip abroad and experience a minor accident or injury that requires a small procedure without hospitalization, your insurer will cover the costs. This is important because even minor procedures can be quite costly overseas. A global health plan that covers outpatient department (OPD) charges can be very helpful.
- Compassionate Visit
If you are undergoing a medical procedure abroad and need moral support, a comprehensive global Mediclaim policy covers the cost of a compassionate visit. It means the insurance company will sponsor a family member’s round trip, paying for economy-class flight tickets or first-class rail tickets.
- Additional Benefits
Lastly, a global health insurance policy also covers emergency room charges and the cost of dental treatment in a foreign country. Additionally, many insurance companies offer maternity benefits, ensuring you have coverage for a wide range of medical needs while abroad.
Steps to Get Cashless Treatment Outside India
Listed below are the steps to get cashless medical treatment outside India.
- Choose a Network Hospital
The first and foremost thing that you need to do is check with your travel insurance provider to find network hospitals or healthcare providers at your destination. Network hospitals have agreements with the insurance company and offer cashless treatment to policyholders. If a network hospital is not available in the city you are staying in, look for the closest one to your location.
- Seek Medical Treatment
Another major thing you need to do is visit one of the network hospitals or healthcare providers for treatment if you experience a medical emergency or illness while abroad. Inform the hospital staff that you have international travel insurance and wish to avail of cashless treatment.
- Present Your Insurance Card
Upon admission, provide your insurance card or policy details to the hospital’s billing department. After that, the hospital will initiate the claim process of the policyholder and get it done within the stipulated time. A third-party administrator (TPA) will represent your insurance company and assist you with the procedure.
- Pre-Authorization Request
In the next step, you will need to contact the insurance company through the TPA to request pre-authorization for your treatment. They will provide details of your condition, the proposed treatment, and the estimated costs.
- Verification and Approval
After that, your insurance provider will review the request and verify the details furnished by the policyholder to ensure accuracy. Once approved, they will notify the hospital, enabling you to receive treatment without making any upfront payments.
- Treatment & Hospitalization
You can get the medical treatment and care you need at the hospital without thinking twice about the costs. Then, your insurer will settle all the expenses. During your treatment, the hospital and the insurance company may remain in contact to ensure smooth processing of the cashless claim.
- Post-Treatment Settlement
After you are discharged from the hospital, the insurance company will settle the bills directly with the healthcare facility. You will not be required to pay for the covered medical expenses.
Documents Required for Medical Treatment Abroad
Here is the list of the documents needed for getting medical treatment abroad.
- Visa & Passport
- Health Insurance Policy
- Attendant’s Visa & Passport
- Address Proof
- Proof of Relationship with the Attendant
- Address of the Recommended Hospital Abroad
- Medical Reports and Documents
- Medical Visa (if necessary)
- Folder or File with Copies of All Documents
Things to keep in mind when Claiming Cashless Treatment Outside India
When filing a travel claim for cashless treatment during an overseas trip, consider the following key factors. Let’s discuss them in detail!
- Network Hospitals
Before your trip, check the list of network hospitals or healthcare providers at your destination. Seeking treatment at a network facility ensures a hassle-free, cashless claim process.
- Policy Details
Another tip is to remember to carry a copy of your insurance policy to avoid hassles later. Provide accurate policy information to the hospital to facilitate the cashless claim process.
- Coverage Limit
You should be fully aware of the coverage limits mentioned in your policy document. To avoid out-of-pocket costs, ensure that your medical expenses do not exceed these limits.
- Emergency Contact
Last but not least, you should be familiar with the emergency contact information provided by your insurer. In case of emergencies, you should be able to reach out for assistance quickly.
FAQs
Listed below are the frequently asked questions related to medical treatment outside India.
Yes, healthcare in countries like the USA and Canada is more expensive, making global health insurance plans covering these countries costlier. The premium depends on the areas covered by the plan.
Buying health insurance outside of India can be very expensive because you might not find the same plans offered in India, and you’ll have to pay the premium in a foreign currency. It’s best to get global health insurance before you travel.
Yes, pre-existing conditions do affect the cost of global health insurance. When buying a plan, make sure to provide accurate information to the insurance company so that you are properly covered during emergencies.
Yes, many health insurance providers offer cashless hospitalisation benefits with international health insurance plans.
The number of post-hospitalisation days covered varies by insurer. It’s a good idea to compare different global health insurance plans to see which offers the best coverage for post-hospitalisation costs.
