Travelers Health Insurance Policies
By Prof. Dr. George S. Mentz, JD, MBA, CWM
07 January, 2007
Travelers Health Insurance Information
Edited and Prepared by: Prof. Mentz
One of the consequences of the current era of managed-care coverage is that your health insurance may not pay your medical bills, except for emergency care, when you travel outside your carrier's normal provider network. You should check with your insurer before traveling to make sure you understand the rules laid down in your policy. In some cases, especially if you plan to be traveling for an extended period, you may want to obtain additional coverage for the travel period.
Foreign travel poses even more problems. However, travelers leaving the United States usually can find policies reasonably priced for the short term. You should be aware, however, that this coverage may sometimes be linked to your purchase of other kinds of coverage at the same time - for example, trip-cancellation insurance that includes medical coverage. Vacation insurance policies also typically cover only short-term travel - two weeks, for example. Be sure to specify any long-term coverage needs if you think you may be staying outside the country for any length of time.
Also, because these specialized policies are not classified as full-fledged health insurance under Washington law, carriers may legally refuse to cover some pre-existing medical problems. Finally, unlike most insurance you buy in Washington state, some of these policies may include a deductible that applies to each claim.
Coverage Considerations
When comparing benefits some things you should consider:
What does the plan exclude? How much is the copayment or deductible? Are there limits on how much you must pay "out of pocket"? Are there limits on the number of times you may receive a service? Is there a dollar limit on certain benefits? (for example prescriptions drugs) Is your doctor a part of the carriers' network? Will you be able to choose your primary care doctors? How will you get access to specialists?
Please consult with an Insurance Executive or recognized insurance company before making any important decisions.
About the Authors
George Mentz is a licensed attorney and is trained in Internatinal Law and Business. Mentz has an earned MBA from an AACSB Accredited Business School and holds a Doctorate Degree or Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA Accredited USA Law School. Prof. Mentz has faculty appointments and credentials in Silicon Valley, Miami, Chicago, Denver, Hong Kong, Singapore, and The Bahamas. . Prof. Mentz is a consultant providing expertise to Fortune 100 companies in several countries. The first person in the United States to achieve "Quad Designation" Status as a JD, MBA, licensed financial planner, and Certified Financial Consultant. Prof. Mentz has authored/published over 15 Books and has been featured or quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The Hindu National, El Norte Latin America, the Finanical Times, The China Daily, & The Arab Times. His research, publications, and speeches have been syndicated into over 100 countries. Prof. Mentz has recently been elected to the advisory board of the GFF Global Finance Forum in Switzerland and the World E-Commerce Forum in London, England. He also is on the Advisory Board of The ERISA Fiduciary Guild. Mentz was Editor and Chief for the Original Tax and Estate Planning Law Review at Loyola University (A Loyola University Chartered Organization). One of the First Lawyers in the USA to be credentialed and compliant to teach law in all 50 states in law school, graduate and undergraduate colleges and universities. Holds professor faculty appointment at Graduate LLM Law Program . Prof. Mentz has established Certification and Executive Training Accreditation Programs in over 50 Countries around the world including : UK, China, Mexico, Africa, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, Bahamas, India, Russia, EU, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, The Bahamas and more. General Counsel and Attorneyand Board of Standards Chair Prof. Mentz has recently been awarded a National Faculty Award, a Distinguished Faculty Award and a Meritorious Service Medal for Charitable Service. Prof Mentz has taught over 150 college and graduate courses in his faculty career.
