For most expatriates, purchasing a quality global medical insurance policy for you and your family can be quite intimidating and confusing…, while others may view it as a non-event, because they see it as an unnecessary added expense.

Anyway you look at it, I’m going to tell you the reasons why you need some coverage, (catastrophic cover at least) and the 8 Lifesaving Secrets you must know before purchasing a global policy.

1. Always do your due diligence on the financial strength & claims paying ability ratings of the companies you are reviewing. I would recommend that you never choose a company with a rating less than A (excellent) by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s.
2. Since 1992, I have found that the most important secret that has saved several of my client’s lives has been the Broker/Client relationship. Even with today’s automated online quotes and applications, which unfortunately the client rarely knows who their representative really is, I always call or e-mail my clients personally to introduce myself and let them know I’m here to make their life easier during any event, (coordinating air evacuation, assist in answering any questions, following up on submitted claims reimbursements due and anything they need!)

   As an example I have a client that lived in the oil fields of Venezuela, not near a quality hospital, but nearer to local clinics. My client John had a massive heart attack and needed immediate assistance to not only save his life, but if he lived, contain a quality of life he would have to endure for the next 25 years or so.
   

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   Anyway, his wife called my personal phone and was panicking, she called the local ambulance to get him to a local cardiologist, but he could do little other than telling her to get him to the USA as soon as possible for a lifesaving bypass surgery.

   I called the insurance company and organized the air evacuation, within 24 hours the jet was on the ground, medics were able to stabilize John and fly him to a well qualified hospital in Houston that performed a quadruple bypass.

   Today, 26 months later John is in the best shape of his life, he plays 18 holes of golf a week and he just told me he’s going dove hunting this season. Oh, the medical bills exceeded US$300,000 and John paid his deductible of US$5,000 and the insurance company paid the rest!

   The point is you must have an insurance broker that is willing to get into the mix when needed, your chances of surviving could depend on it!

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3. Choose a plan that allows you the freedom to pick a hospital or doctor globally. Many plans hinder your choice and only pay claims when attending the insurance company’s network of hospitals or doctors. If I have a client that wants to go to John Hopkins or the Mayo Clinic.., then they should have that right.

   Some plans do offer extensive networks of hospitals when inside the USA and if you decide to go outside that network you may pay a small addition toward co-insurance, but the point is you have that option and are not tied into one choice.

4. Purchasing a policy that includes “air evacuation” is a must have option for expatriates living or traveling from their initial country of citizenship!
5. It is important that you understand the benefits & exclusions of their Global Medical policy. As an insured, you can’t walk into a hospital or specialists office and make an appointment for a knee replacement surgery without informing your insurance company. I have witnessed some very disturbing medical events in Latin America over the past 16 years and would prefer not to see any more…

   Once a client had a slight tear in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), the doctor didn’t even mention physical therapy but wanted to operate within days or, the client that had lumbar herniated disc and no mention of spinal manipulation or other exercise therapy, but a fusing procedure that could have left this client really messed up and uncomfortable for life, not to mention the $20,000 he wanted to get out of the insurance company.

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6. Pre-certification is the process of informing the insurance company beforehand that a surgery has been requested. Note, if you are in an accident the insurance company does not need to OK it if is live threatening, but for surgeries you know in advance, it’s wise to give the insurance company a heads up or you will face heavy penalties when paying or getting reimbursed for the claim. You don’t have to be a lawyer to understand the policy, ask you agent to explain it in general terms and the do’s and don’ts in the policy details.
7. Complete the application correctly. You don’t want to find out one year after the activation of the policy that you go to a doctor for some type of immune deficiency disorder and once the insurance company realized that 3 years earlier you went to a doctor for some type of allergy issue, which you failed to mention on the application and they deny your claim. Talk with your agent and tell him any medications you take or any pre-existing conditions.
8. Policies that includes USA coverage. Costa Rica, Latin America and the Caribbean are great places to live.., but depending on the problem, I may not want to be treated for serious ailments or die there. Make sure your policy includes coverage everywhere inside is the USA!

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If you are considering new insurance coverage or your policy is coming due, and would appreciate expert help in choosing what’s best for you, your family and maybe your company, please click on John McGee’s website here and get a customized insurance quote today!

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.