At HealthCare International we try to keep things as simple as possible, but invariably there will be a few questions about the cover provided under HealthCare International's range of global medical plans.

Should you wish to raise any issues or discuss any part of your application, that we haven't covered here or on other documentation, please do not hesitate in contacting our help team, either by:

Telephone +44 (0)20 7590 8800
Fax +44 (0)20 7590 8815
Email enquiries@healthcareinternational.com

The following questions are those that we find are most commonly asked with regard to Travel Cover and which you might find useful.

If you are looking for answers on our other products please try the following locations:

 HealthCare International Travel Plans
  • 1. What is the difference between a Travel Policy and our International Medical Insurance Policy? Our International Travel Policy is exclusively tailored to accommodate for incidents related to regular travel, such as Loss of a Passport, Travel Delay, Cancellation and Curtailment etc. Our Travel Policy also provides cover for Emergency Medical Treatment. Travel cover is valid for 90 days per trip.

    Our International Medical Insurance provides basic to comprehensive medical cover depending on the plan option selected, and designed specifically for expatriates. This cover is for up to a 12 month period and is applicable to any country that you may choose to reside in. For detailed information about our medical policy, please contact +44 (0) 207 590 8800.
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  • 2. What countries are covered by this policy? You are covered anywhere in the world, however some benefits are not available while you are within your home country – for example, we will not pay for hospital benefits or loss of passport. For full details, please refer to the Travel Policy Wording.
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  • 3. What does "home country" mean? Your Home Country refers to the country where you reside on a permanent basis. We do not provide benefits for any loss, injury or treatment which takes place or is incurred within your home country.
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  • 4. What is my period of cover? You are able to select cover periods of 30 days up to a maximum of 90 days per trip and policy with Single-Trip policies. Our annual Multi-Trip policy covers you for a year but no one trip within this period can exceed 90 days duration.
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  • 5. When does cover begin and end? You are covered according to the dates you select on your quotation. These will be confirmed on your policy schedule once the policy is issued and paid for. Trip cancellation insurance for Single-Trip policies is effective from the point of purchase. The other benefits of cover take effect when you commence your journey.

    Single-Trip insurance cover ends on arrival back in your country of residence or where you started your journey on the date shown in your policy, whichever is earlier.
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  • 6. Can I extend my policy cover while on holiday? Yes – you can apply for a cover extension for the same type and level of cover one time provided that no claim has been made or will be made for the extended insurance period, the current insurance period has not yet ended and the continuation is extended without a break. In order to arrange your travel cover extension you should visit our website at www.healthcareinternational.com entering your policy number and following the steps as outlined on the website or you can call us on +44 (0)20 7590 8800.

    Annual Multi-Trip policies can be renewed at the end of the policy year. The maximum trip duration per trip is 90 days.
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  • 7. Am I covered if I am travelling on a working holiday visa? Yes – our Travel Plan is for anyone anywhere.
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  • 8. Do you cover for winter sports? Yes – Optional winter sport cover is available for an additional premium.

    We also pay up to US$500 for accidental loss to certain winter sports equipment. If you can"t use your skis, boots or poles as a result of loss, theft or damage, we will pay up to US$250 for replacement hire. We also pay up to US$150 for the cost of pre-booked lift passes, hired skis and boots, and ski school fees that are cancelled as a result of being unable to ski due to an illness or injury.

    We do not cover for off-piste skiing, ski-racing in major events, ski-jumping, ice hockey, or using bobsleighs or skeletons.

    Our annual Multi-Trip policies cover winter sport activities at no extra cost and for up to 17 days per policy year.
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  • 9. Is scuba diving covered? No – this plan does not offer benefits for claims arising from events that have occurred where the use of an underwater breathing apparatus was required.
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  • 10. Are pre-existing medical conditions covered? No – pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by this travel plan. This exclusion also applies to birth defects and congenital abnormalities.
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  • 11. Can I take out cover for my children? Yes – children under the age of 18 can be placed on the policy.

    Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an insured parent or guardian.
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  • 12. Is there an age limit? Yes – we will cover up to 74 years of age, but from your 75th birthday we will need to ask a few additional questions, so please call one of team who will guide you through the process.
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  • 13. Does my policy cover the effects of terrorist activities? Your Travel Plan will cover for Personal Accident and Medical Expenses that occur as a result of acts of terrorism whereby the claimant has not been actively or passively involved in terrorist activities and under the condition that the disturbances were not taking place at the start of your trip.
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  • 14. How do I make a claim? In the event of a claim you can contact our claims department.

    T. +44 (0)20 7590 8816

    F. +44 (0)20 7590 8819

    E. claims@healthcareinternational.com

    Office Hours: 24:7

    Please use the claim form that will be sent to you along side your policy certificate upon completion of your policy purchase. If you do not have a claim form please telephone +44 (0)20 7590 8816 giving details of your policy number and the nature of your claim. You can also write to: HealthCare International, UK Administration, 95 Cromwell Rd, London, SW7 4DL, United Kingdom.

    All claims should be submitted within 21 days of the loss or event occurring.
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  • 15. What can I claim for? The HealthCare International Plan covers you for Cancellation and Curtailment, Personal Accident, Medical Emergencies, Baggage and Personal Effects, Money and Documents, Travel Delay, Personal Liability, Legal Expenses, Winter Sports Equipment, Hire of Skis and Ski Packs if specifically selected and the additional premium has been paid.

    We also pay for a Hospital Benefit, Loss of Passport, Missed Departure and Hijack that occurs outside of your home country.
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  • 16. Who do I contact in the event of a medical emergency? For 24hr Medical Emergency Assistance, please contact our Assistance Team.

    T. +44 (0)20 7590 8816

    F. +44 (0)20 7590 8819

    E. claims@healthcareinternational.com
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  • 17. How do I pay for the policy? We need to receive payment before any policy documents will be issued and the policy can be effected. Thus, it is easiest to provide payment by credit or debit card. We accept American Express, Diners Club, Maestro, Mastercard and Visa. Should you need to investigate alternative payment methods, please contact our offices.
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  • 18. What are the currency options? Currency options are US Dollars, Euros and Sterling. The benefit amounts of the policy relate to the currency that you select to pay in. For example, if you pay $157 for your policy, Travel Delay is covered up to $3000. If you pay £157 for your policy, Travel Delay is covered up to £3000.

    Regardless of the currency of the country that you visit, you will be reimbursed in the currency that you originally selected to pay your premium in or agreed by us.
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  • 19. What is IPT? Insurance premium tax (IPT) is a tax on this travel insurance.
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  • 20. How can I cancel my policy? We trust you will be happy with the cover this policy provides. However, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase, provided you have not commenced your trip or made a claim.
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  • 21. If I have any queries regarding my policy, who do I contact? Please contact our Team for general enquiries.

    T. +44 (0)20 7590 8800

    F. +44 (0)20 7590 8815

    E. enquiries@healthcareinternational.com

    Office Hours: 0900 – 1800hrs UK Time
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