Looking to Avail Medical Treatment Outside India?

Posted on: Apr 26, 2022 | | Written by:

Looking to Avail Medical Treatment Outside India?

The pandemic is no longer being deemed as the threat it once was. Which means, you might be itching to travel abroad for pleasure, business or studies. However, just because COVID is ebbing, you cannot let down your guard against medical emergencies. They can happen anytime and anywhere. Hence, staying prepared for such times with a comprehensiveMediclaim policyis a good idea. It will easily cover your exorbitant hospital bills. Now, while most health plans are meant to cover the medical costs of the insured in India, some cover overseas treatment expenses as well. And when you have a global health plan, you can easily opt for the best treatment abroad without burning a hole in your pocket.

How to opt for medical treatment outside India?

Any kind of medical treatment outside India can be quite expensive. Hence, the best thing you can do is invest in a comprehensive health insurance policyfor yourself and your loved ones. In case you are diagnosed with a condition in India and you wish to go abroad for the best treatment, you can use your health insurance policy. Make sure you choose a plan that covers overseas treatments as well astravel expenses.

How does a global health insurance policy help?

Although a global Mediclaim policywill cost you extra, its benefits outweigh the costs. When you have this health plan, you can opt for the best treatment overseas without fretting about the bills. Below are some reasons to take a global health insurance cover.

1. Comes in handy during medical emergencies:

If you wish to avail quality treatment abroad, your comprehensive global health insurance policy will take care of your medical expenses. Also, if you are in a new country for work or leisure, and there’s a medical emergency, you need not worry about the hospital bills. Once you come back to India, you can file a reimbursement claim with the insurance company.

2. Covers diagnostic tests:

When you are in another country, diagnostic tests with the use of advanced and high-tech medical equipment can be quite expensive. However, if you have a comprehensive global health insurance policy, the insurance company will cover the costs of these diagnostic tests.

3. OPD charges:

If you are abroad on a short trip and there is a minor accident or injury that requires a small procedure without hospitalisation, the insurer will cover the costs. Even minor procedures can be quite expensive overseas, so having a comprehensive global health plan that covers OPD or outpatient department charges can help.

4. Compassionate visit:

A comprehensive global Mediclaim policy covers compassionate visit costs as well. If you are undergoing a medical procedure abroad and are looking for some moral support, the insurance company will sponsor the round trip of a family member. They will eitherpay for flight tickets (economy class) or first-class rail tickets.

5. Other benefits:

A global health insurance policy will also cover emergency room charges and the cost of dental treatment in a foreign country. Many insurance companies offer maternity benefits as well.

Things to keep in mind when buying a global health insurance policy

When you’re taking a comprehensive global Mediclaim policy for overseas treatment, you must keep the following things in mind:

• Waiting period:

Read the policy documents thoroughly to know the terms and conditions well. For instance, many health insurance policies have an initial waiting period of 30 days and only accidents are covered during this time. Some insurance policies cover surgeries after a waiting period of 2 years, while pre-existing conditions are covered after 3-4 years.

• Premium payment:

You must check the premium amount and opt for a feasible option. Also, check the premium payment frequency as it can be monthly, annually, or semi-annually.

• Inclusions and exclusions:

Check policy inclusions and exclusions and go for a Mediclaim policy with more inclusions. This will ensure better coverage in India and overseas.

• Network hospitals:

Go for an insurance company with a long list of network hospitals. In case of a medical emergency, you can avail treatment at a network hospital and save yourself from the hassles of filing a reimbursement claim.

• Claim process:

Know the claim process of the insurance company and check their claim settlement ratio too. Choose a company with a high claim settlement ratio.

Documents required for medical treatment abroad

If you have a global health insurance policy and are going abroad for medical treatment, you must carry the following documents with you for hassle-free travel and treatment:

• Your passport and visa

• Passport and visa of the attendant

• Proof of relationship with the attendant

• Proof of your residential address

• Your health insurance policy

• All medical reports and documents related to your health condition

• Address of the recommended hospital overseas

• A file or folder with photocopies of all your documents

• Medical visa, if required

Conclusion

A comprehensive global Mediclaim policy is a wise purchase if you travel abroad often or wish to travel for medical reasons. Often, doctors in India alsoadvise patients to undergo certain medical procedures in another country with better medical facilities. Hence, it is always wise to take a global health insurance policy and stay covered.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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