Top Guides
Insurance Benefit Explanations
Top Guides
Insurance Benefit Explanations
Detailed explanations of common international insurance benefits and coverage terms
Insurance Benefit Explanations
Understanding your insurance benefits is crucial to maximizing your coverage. This guide explains common benefits and coverage terms found in international insurance policies.
Core Medical Benefits
Inpatient Treatment
- Hospital Room & Board: Coverage for your hospital stay, including accommodation and meals
- Intensive Care Unit: Specialized care in ICU/CCU environments
- Surgery & Anesthesia: Surgical procedures and associated anesthesia
- Physician Visits: Doctor consultations during hospital stays
- Diagnostics: Lab tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures during hospitalization
Outpatient Treatment
- Office Visits: Consultations with physicians outside of hospitalization
- Specialist Consultations: Visits to medical specialists
- Prescription Medications: Coverage for prescribed drugs
- Diagnostic Testing: Laboratory and imaging services
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services
Emergency Services
- Emergency Room: Treatment in hospital emergency departments
- Ambulance Services: Ground and air transportation in medical emergencies
- Urgent Care Visits: Treatment at urgent care facilities
Specialized Benefits
Evacuation & Repatriation
- Medical Evacuation: Transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility
- Medical Repatriation: Return to your home country for treatment
- Repatriation of Remains: Transportation of remains in case of death
Preventive Care
- Annual Check-ups: Routine physical examinations
- Immunizations: Vaccines and immunization services
- Health Screenings: Preventive testing for early detection
Maternity
- Pre-natal Care: Medical care during pregnancy
- Delivery: Coverage for childbirth
- Post-natal Care: Follow-up care after childbirth
- Newborn Coverage: Initial coverage for newborns
Dental & Vision
- Routine Dental: Check-ups, cleanings, and basic procedures
- Major Dental: Complex procedures like root canals and crowns
- Vision Exams: Eye examinations
- Corrective Lenses: Coverage for glasses or contact lenses
Understanding Coverage Terms
Deductible
The amount you pay before your insurance begins to pay. Deductibles may be:
- Per condition/illness
- Per policy year
- Per family or individual
Coinsurance
The percentage of costs you share with your insurance company after meeting your deductible:
- Typical ranges: 80/20, 90/10, 100/0 (insurance pays %/you pay %)
- May vary by service type or network status
Copayment
A fixed amount you pay for specific services, regardless of the total cost:
- Common for prescription medications
- May apply to office visits
- Typically paid at time of service
Maximum Benefit
The maximum amount your insurance will pay:
- Lifetime Maximum: Total coverage over your lifetime
- Annual Maximum: Total coverage per policy year
- Benefit-Specific Maximum: Limits on specific types of treatments
Network Considerations
- In-Network Coverage: Using providers with negotiated rates
- Out-of-Network Coverage: Using providers without negotiated rates
- Direct Billing: Providers that bill the insurance company directly
Common Exclusions
Most policies exclude coverage for:
- Pre-existing conditions (with variations by policy)
- Elective cosmetic procedures
- Experimental treatments
- Self-inflicted injuries
- War and terrorism-related incidents
- Extreme sports (unless specifically covered)
How to Maximize Your Benefits
- Understand Your Policy: Review your policy documents thoroughly
- Pre-authorization: Obtain approval before planned procedures
- Stay In-Network: Use preferred providers when possible
- Preventive Care: Take advantage of covered preventive services
- Ask Questions: Contact your insurer or broker when uncertain about coverage
Have Questions About Benefits?
Our team can explain your specific policy benefits in detail