|
Do I really need this coverage? I’m covered under a major medical plan.
Why don't you call the number on the back of your
current medical ID card? Ask your carrier if you are covered while traveling
abroad, what the benefit levels are, and how to utilize your insurance. Then
ask about Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains. Most domestic plans
do not offer this coverage. The biggest risk tends to be in the high cost of
Medical Evacuation.
I leave tomorrow; can I still sign up?
Yes. As long as we receive your monies prior
to your travel, we can cover you.
What’s the difference between the policies?
The “low option” has a
lower benefit level. The policies are exactly the same except for
benefit levels of coverage.
Will I get something back saying that I have coverage?
Yes. If you apply through the mail, we will
mail you a confirmation letter and identification card (with emergency
numbers). If you apply online with a credit card, we will respond back
by email. You may want to give this policy information to a family member
back in the States.
If I decide to extend my trip overseas, can I purchase additional coverage?
Yes, as long as your entire travel is not more
than 180 days. Please contact us prior to the lapse of your initial
coverage to extend the dates of travel. You will need to pay the additional costs.
What if my trip is extended because of flight delays or cancellations –
can my coverage run out before I return home?
Coverage is automatically
extended if you are involved in a natural disaster or a Common Carrier
delay. All coverage will then terminate at 11:59pm local time at your
location on the date your trip is completed.
Why don’t you offer Trip Cancellation coverage?
Ahh, good question!! We
do not offer this because we have learned that many airlines will
try to assist you if there is a death in your family or you are really
sick (you will have to provide documentation). These are the two main
reasons that people buy Trip Cancellation coverage. You may have noticed
that our rates may be the best out on the market. We don’t charge
you for services that you may not need.
What if my luggage is lost? Do you provide coverage for this?
No. In most cases the
airlines will try to assist you in recovering your luggage or lost
items. Sometimes they will reimburse you financially, but not always
at the price you would like. We recommend that you do not travel with
irreplaceable items (family heirlooms) or items that are costly to
replace.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Who can be covered under this Plan?
The Overseas Travelers Protection Plan can be
purchased by US citizens and residents.
I just need to cover myself. Will this policy accept an individual?
We welcome individuals
and groups. The cost is the same regardless of the number of people.
Can I cover my entire family?
Certainly. The cost per person is the same
regardless of relationship or number of travelers. The only requirement is that
the person must be 69 years old or younger.
What insurance company underwrites this Plan?
This Plan is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc. The Plan
Administrator is BerkelyCare (BCL), P.O. Box 9022, Jericho, NY 11753.
How can I correspond with your company if I have additional questions?
Click here!!
______________________________________________________________________________
Are there certain countries where this policy offers no protection?
Good question. However, we
do not exclude coverage for any country. If the country you are traveling
to is currently involved in a war, hostilities between nations, invasion,
acts of foreign enemies, we may not be able to get an aircraft
to you if there was a medical situation.
You may want to visit the following website to check out what the
U.S. Government says about the situation in the country you are traveling
to: http://travel.state.gov/html
How does the medical benefit work if I become sick overseas?
Seek care from a legally
qualified Physician. If you need help with translation, our Traveler’s
Assistance multilingual staff can help you. You will need to pay these
charges out of your pocket. When you return to the States, file a
claim including documentation and you will be reimbursed for necessary
services under this Plan. There is a $100 deductible per person per
occurrence for Sickness only.
If I need treatment, is my family doctor back home involved?
Yes, at your request and upon receiving that
information, we can coordinate services with your family doctor.
What is an Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit?
Often referred to in the
States as "A D & D", this benefit is for an injury that results in
loss of life, severance or loss of a limb, a hand, or a foot. For
more information, please click "Our Program" and go to the section
entitled "Part C Travel Accident Protection".
_____________________________________________________________________________
What if I need to find a hospital or a doctor in a foreign country?
Contact the Traveler’s
Assistant number, they will be glad to help you 24-hours a day, 7
days a week.
What if I lose or need a prescription?
You can contact the Medical Assistance
services. They will assist you.
How does the medical evacuation work?
If you are injured or
sick and your situation warrants immediate transportation to a hospital,
our Plan coordinates travel and medical personnel. You must go through
the Medical Assistance in order to have this benefit coordinated and
authorized. Additionally, if you are unable to return to your trip,
you will be medically evacuated to your home in the States.
Who decides if I need to be medically evacuated?
A medical evacuation is
always coordinated with the Emergency Assistance Services and a legally
licensed Physician. This Physician certifies that the severity of
the injury or sickness warrants an emergency evacuation. Evacuation
is to the nearest hospital where appropriate medical treatment can
be obtained.
Will I be medically evacuated back to the States?
Not in all cases. Evacuation
is to the nearest hospital that can adequately handle the emergency.
If after treatment at that hospital, your medical condition warrants
transportation to the United States, where you reside, to obtain further
medical treatment or to recover . . then yes.
Can I evacuate myself?
No. For this Plan to pay
benefits, all Travel and Medical Evacuation services must be coordinated
through the Emergency Assistance Services. Experts are available 24-hours
a day and can be accessed by calling collect.
_____________________________________________________________________________
What happens if I have an injury? How does that all work?
Go to a hospital or doctor
for medical care. This is a reimbursable policy. That means that you
will need to pay for medical expenses up front. The only exception
to that is when you are medical evacuated.
What kind of receipts do I need to keep?
Please keep copies of
all charges and doctor’s notes. If in another language, please make
sure that you know what it says. If you paid in U.S. funds, be sure
that your receipt is so noted.
How do I get reimbursed?
Upon return to the States,
contact our claim administrator or visit their website to obtain a
claim form (the number and web address will be on your confirmation
of coverage). Return the completed claim form with documentation
attached. Most claims are processed within 30 days.
Since this policy is secondary
to your major medical, first submit it to your primary carrier.
When they process your claim, send their documentation along with
the claim form to our administrator. If you do not have other coverage,
this Plan works as a primary carrier.
|
