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There are so many insurance plans out there. How do I know what I need? That’s why you need Full Armor Insurance Services. We can help you to understand the products available in the marketplace that best suit your needs. We often are able to offer plans for LESS than if you went directly to an insurance provider. It costs you nothing to use our service – we are compensated by the insurance partners we contract with. Do I need an international major medical plan or a travel insurance plan? Travel insurance provides coverage for a short timeframe and is not renewable. Major medical offers you protection 365 days a year. When is the best time for me to buy travel insurance? When your travel plans are set and you have confirmed travel dates. Start the insurance coverage on the date you leave your native country and continue coverage through the day you return home. Why do I need travel medical insurance? Most domestic U.S. plans do not offer coverage outside of the country. Travel medical is not expensive – just several dollars a day. A medical evacuation costs tens of thousands of dollars. What is an international major medical plan? An international major medical plan covers you regardless of your country of residence. You may choose to be treated in any country. Commonly referred to as simply “major medical”, the plan is good 365 days a year. These plans usually include emergency dental in the event of an accident. A dental plan can usually be added to most major medical plans. Who can buy a full time major medical plan with international coverage? Generally speaking it is for those living outside of their home country. If you spend some time in your home country throughout the year you should make sure your policy allows for coverage there as well. A U.S. citizen must spend at least 6 months a year outside the U.S. For most policies you must be under 75 years old at time of application. Plans are annually renewable with a wide range of deductible options. Most plans are classified into two groups: worldwide including the U.S. and worldwide excluding the U.S. What happens in the event I need care and medical facilities are insufficient for my situation? Insurers have 24 hour emergency assistance for these cases. The necessary arrangement will be made for you and you will be transported or evacuated to the nearest facility that offers the care you need. Can US citizens buy international major medical plans? If you live outside of the USA for more than six months of the year then you are eligible. If you have been refused coverage by a local provider we can normally get you on an international plan. Why should I purchase insurance with an American company instead of insurance from my native company? During your time in the United States we advise you to have insurance from an American insurance company. Health care providers usually do not accept coverage from overseas providers. However, if accepted, you most probably will need to pay out of pocket for expenses and then seek reimbursement from your overseas insurance company. Does full time major medical coverage apply equally to all members of a family? Yes. The same deductible and co-pays are in effect. Each family member pays a premium that is based on their age. Can I set up a group plan for full time major medical insurance for my company? Yes and there are many benefits to a group plan. The company can pay monthly instead of all at once. Having medical insurance is a valuable employee benefit. New employees can join without going through underwriting. Maternity terms are much better for the employees because a separate rider is not usually necessary. Which doctors/hospitals are in the network of the insurance provider? By calling the toll free number on your insurance card or by going to the insurers website. If you need an operation it is important to receive pre-certification from the insurer so that so that the insurer can pay for your expenses directly. What if I go to a doctor/hospital that is not in my provider network? If the amount charged is greater than the insurer considers reasonable, you will have to pay the difference. Additionally, the co-pay amount is usually different with out-of-network. How do I make a claim with the insurer? Out-patient expenses are normally paid by you and then reimbursed by the insurer. Claim forms are available from Full Armor Insurance Services or from the insurer’s website. Planned treatment (In-patient treatment) that is scheduled in advance is usually settled directly between the insurer and the medical facility thereby avoiding the need to pay out-of-pocket. What about emergency in-patient treatment? Contact the claims department for preauthorization before you are admitted for care. The toll free number can be found on your insurance card. Our goal is to have your medical bills sent to the insurer for direct payment. How are pre-existing conditions handled? Most pre-existing conditions are covered after a two year waiting period. If further treatment is required during the two year exclusion period then the exclusion period may be longer. Most chronic conditions are not covered. For pre-existing cancer and cardiac conditions the waiting period is usually 5 years. What conditions are not covered by major medical plans? Most of the major exclusions include: pregnancy (unless coverage opted), infertility, HIV/aids, sexually transmitted diseases, self inflicted injury, drug addiction and abuse, chronic conditions, mobility aids, experimental treatment, professional sports injuries and listed dangerous activities (see plan), and war or civil war risks . Preventive treatment is not covered my most major medical plans. What about coverage for “dangerous” hobbies or sports? Typically not covered are: mountaineering with ropes, hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping, racing, and scuba diving other than recreational. Plan details will outline the exclusions specifically. We advise you to read the plan details carefully. What is co-insurance? Once your deductible is met the co-insurance is the percentage of the covered medical expenses that you pay. An 80/20 is the most common co-insurance where you pay 20% of the eligible expenses and the insurer pays 80%. Does my premium increase over time? Yes, due to age and inflation costs. Usage is not a factor. |