Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about international health insurance.

International health insurance questions

Why do I need international medical health insurance?

Why do I need international medical health insurance?

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The answer is simple:

Unlike some state healthcare systems, such as the NHS in the UK, not all around the world are free. Access to quality local facilities and appropriate treatment can be both difficult and expensive for expats living overseas. Also, the quality of local healthcare varies around the world. International medical health insurance will help ensure your peace of mind, as it can cover anything from regular check-ups to evacuation.

Why do I need international medical health insurance?

Is there an age limit for buying IPMI?

Is there an age limit for buying IPMI?

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Simple as that.

Medical health insurance restrictions vary from plan to plan, however, some insurers do put an age restriction on some policies. 

age limit on medical health insurance

Do medical health insurance providers have a money-back guarantee?

Do medical health insurance providers have a money-back guarantee?

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Most medical health insurance providers offer a money-back guarantee.

If you are not entirely satisfied with your medical health insurance plan, policyholders can usually cancel during the first 14 to 30 days, provided that they haven't made any claims.

medical health insurance with money-back guarantee

Is travel insurance a suitable alternative to expat health insurance?

Is travel insurance a suitable alternative to expat health insurance?

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The simple answer is no.

Travel insurance is not an appropriate alternative to expat health insurance if you are living or working overseas for any length of time. The reason is that travel insurance will only cover emergencies and for a very limited period. Furthermore, travel insurance will often not cover people who are working during their time abroad. Travel insurance is designed for holidaymakers, whereas international health insurance plans are designed with expats in mind.

is travel insurance a suitable alternative to expat health insurance

When can I start claiming care for my medical health insurance?

When can I start claiming care for my medical health insurance?

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It depends...

Some insurance policies have a waiting period, which means that you cannot claim treatment until you have owned a medical health insurance policy for a set period of time. Our advisors can offer you guidance on your specific medical health insurance plan.

claiming care for medical health insurance

Can I choose a medical health insurance plan where I don't have to pay for treatment first?

Can I choose a medical health insurance plan where I don't have to pay for treatment first?

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Simply put, yes.

Yes, we can help you choose a medical health insurance plan where you are not required to pay upfront for both in-patient and out-patient treatment.

paying treatment for medical health insurance

Do international medical health insurance plans cover any sporting activities?

Does international medical health insurance plans cover sporting?

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It depends.

There are usually no exclusions relating to sporting activities. However, hazardous sporting activities are not usually included unless the medical health insurance provider has agreed in writing to cover you for that activity and you have previously declared that you participate in that particular activity.

Examples of hazardous activities include motorcycling, paragliding and water skiing.

medical health insurance cover for sports activities

Can I choose the hospital for treatment with my private health insurance quote?

Can I choose hospital treatment with a private health insurance quote?

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The simple answer is yes.

Yes, with a private health insurance quote, you can choose both the doctor and the hospital or clinic where you wish to be treated.

private health insurance quote for hospital treatment

What is inpatient coverage and does my medical health insurance cover it?

What's inpatient coverage; does medical health insurance cover it?

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In a few words:

In-patient coverage includes expenses incurred after admission to a private hospital for one or more nights. A basic medical health insurance plan would cover in-patient treatment, and adding out-patient coverage to that plan would make your health and medical insurance more comprehensive.

medical health insurance in-patient coverage

What is outpatient coverage and does my medical health insurance cover it?

What's outpatient coverage; does medical health insurance cover it?

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Quick answer:

Out-patient coverage includes any expenses incurred when you receive medical treatment or consultations that do not require you to stay in the hospital. Out-patient coverage is sometimes not included with medical health insurance.

medical health insurance in out-patient coverage

What is day-patient coverage and does my medical health insurance cover it?

What's day-patient coverage; does medical health insurance cover it?

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Simply put:

Day-patient coverage includes expenses incurred when you go to the hospital for treatment or investigations, but are not required to stay overnight. Medical health insurance plans will more often than not treat day-patient care, but you should be sure to check the details of your plan.

Medical Health Insurance for Day-Patient Coverage

What is a moratorium cover and does it consider private health insurance for pre-existing conditions?

What is a moratorium cover; does it consider pre-existing conditions?

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On short:

Moratorium cover excludes all previous private health insurance for pre-existing conditions. You are not required to provide any medical history, but the insurer may not cover for any medical condition suffered before your insurance plan starts.

private health insurance for pre-exitsting conditions for moratorium cover

Should I inform my broker or insurer of my medical health insurance history?

Should I inform my broker of my medical health insurance history?

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Very important:

It is essential that you provide your broker with all the details of your particular medical history so that they can advise you on the plan that best suits your specific needs and budget. Providing this information to your medical health insurance provider before taking out cover is essential to avoid rejection or any problems in case of any future claims.

History Using Medical Health Insurance

How do I make a claim for medical health insurance?

How do I make a claim for medical health insurance?

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Seek advice.

Most insurers will send a client pack containing the information necessary to make a medical health insurance claim. In many cases, you should seek advice before undergoing any treatment and incurring any costs.

If in doubt, always call the insurer's helpline before committing to any costs.

Making Claims for Medical Health Insurance

How long does it take to handle a medical health insurance claim?

How long does it take to handle medical health insurance claims?

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It depends!

It normally takes around five to 10 working days from the date the medical health insurance provider receives all the necessary documents.

Handling Medical Health Insurance Claim

Can I choose where to receive private health cover?

Can I choose where to receive private health cover?

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Usually, yes.

Most policies will allow you to choose where you receive your private health cover. This allows you to plan the birth your way and you can make informed decisions about the hospital you choose.

choosing where to receive private health cover

Do international medical health insurance plans cover pregnancy?

Do international medical health insurance plans cover pregnancy?

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Yes, they do.

We can advise you on policies for international medical health insurance that cover pregnancy. However, some plans require a period of eligibility before the benefits are paid

international medical health insurance cover pregnancy

I have private health insurance for a pre-existing condition. Can I still buy health insurance?

Can I buy health insurance if I have it for a pre-existing condition?

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Depends...

Some plans will cover any private health insurance pre-existing conditions, subject to the acceptance by the underwriter. We can help you with this.

insurance with private health insurance pre-exisiting conditions

What is private health insurance for pre-existing conditions?

What is private health insurance for pre-existing conditions?

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In short:

Private health insurance for pre-existing conditions is when a medical issue has been diagnosed or requires treatment before applying for the health insurance plan. This also includes any related symptoms and conditions controlled with medication, such as high blood pressure. Some insurers will consist of these conditions in their products with an additional premium if accepted.

about private health insurance pre-existing conditions

How long does it take to receive a quote?

How long does it take to receive a quote?

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A broker will typically contact you within 24-48 business hours with your personalised quote. Response times may vary depending on your time zone and the complexity of your situation.

about private health insurance pre-existing conditions

These emails are going to spam - what do I do?

These emails are going to spam - what do I do?

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We're sorry you're having this issue! Here's how to fix it:

  • Gmail: Mark our email as "Not spam" and add customer.services@medibroker.com to your contacts.
  • Outlook: Move the email to your Inbox, right-click the sender and select Add to Safe Senders.
  • Yahoo: Click the Not Spam button.
  • Other providers: Check your provider's help documentation.

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