Frequently Asked Questions

On this site you will find general questions about health cover abroad / worldwide that existing and potential clients did ask during the past 20 years.

International Health Insurance (in general)

Summarized, what are the most important points of an ideal health insurance abroad?

We recommend a German or European private health insurance with an international coverage, without restrictions and benefits beyond national physician fee schedules. The major advantages are besides a free choice of doctors everywhere around the world the possibility of a temporarily return or a return for good to Germany.

For h ow long is an international health insurance possible?

Depending on the trip’s occasion 3 to 5 years (depending on the tariff) or as private health insurance unlimited.

Where is the insurance cover valid?

Most of our offered insurance solutions have an international recognition which means the insurance cover stands worldwide in most countries around the globe. The unlimited private insurance offers tariffs which optional exclude certain countries or regions in order to provide more affordable rates.

To which extent will expenses be reimbursed? Is the German physician fee schedule (GOÄ) somehow relevant?

Depending on the selected tariff and options, fees and charges for medically necessary treatments are going to be refunded in full to 100 percent. In these cases the German physician fee schedule is irrelevant. Especially in the USA fees for medical treatments are much higher compared to Germany or Europe. Therefore charges are reimbursed as they actually accrue. Nevertheless points like deductible, tariff structure with their respective reimbursements and limits (if applicable) always have to be considered.

Is there a contribution of my foreign employee to my international health plan?

Unfortunately no general rule exists that defines amount or character of the contribution from your employee to your insurance costs. Normally about 80 percent of American companies bear at least the expenses in height of an American health plan. For negotiations with the HR department we have valuable tips and hints (with concrete figures and facts) in order to achieve an allowance.

Which insurance companies are you working with?

In Germany there are about 40 private health insurance companies of which only a few offer a worldwide coverage for private plans.
In general we closely cooperate with several companies and offer there products depending on the needs and the highest benefit for the customer. Also we constantly check new products of the big insurer and if competitive we add them to our consultation portfolio.

Unlimited vs. Temporary Insurance

What is the definition of temporally unlimited international health insurance?

Temporal not limited health insurances are generally German or European private health plans with comprehensive benefits including preventive medical checkups and dental prostheses. A private insurance is always for an unlimited time period and therefore can be in existence for a life-time. Benefits can be modified to the customer’s request. Options like deductible, single bed room, chief physician treatment, and so forth can be selected. In addition an unlimited private insurance can also be used as health cover for the whole family including life or marriage partner as well as children. A rate calculation is based on information about the health condition, age and gender as well as the selected tariff / plan. (>Unlimited Insurance)

We also offer flexible and inexpensive group contracts for companies and organizations with employees abroad. The restrictions of these contracts are fitted to the needs of the company in order to minimize the administrative effort of the corporation and the employer with optimal coverage and great benefits at the same time.
Group contracts with more then 20 insurants also don’t have the need for health related questions (risk evaluation) resulting in no rejections! (>Corporate)

There are many products and options when it comes to unlimited private health insurance. We can fit plans to specials wishes and needs. Therefore a detailed and personal consultation is essential! (>Consultation Form)

What exactly is a short or long term respectively temporary health insurance?

Travel health insurances only cover medical treatment of conditions that appeared during the stay abroad or during the trip. Excluded are preventive checkups and dental treatment is just covered in case of an emergency. The duration of such an insurance policy is limited to a couple of months or years (depending on the tariff at most 3-5 years).

The benefits are globally defined in fixed packets with less or no possible adjustments. On the other side these products are easy to apply and maintain. An application is even possible directly through our website without medical examination or excessive bureaucracy. A temporary insurance is possible just for singles and usable all around the globe. The premiums are flat daily or monthly rates depending on the tariff, the benefits and the coverage period. (>Temporary Insurance)

Considerations BEFORE a Decision

What do I need to keep in mind on the long-run when choosing an international health insurance?

In case of a short temporary stay abroad – especially when the period and the date of return are already known – nothing argues against a temporary health cover. However you have to accept looses in benefits compared to a "real" unlimited private plan. You also should give some thoughts into how to handle your existing health insurance back home (in Germany) in order to avoid gaps in your health cover. The worst case would be to not have any insurance at all when returning in your home country.

When using a temporary insurance you have no right make old age reserves which are very important to maintain lower, reasonable insurance rates in advanced life stages.

If you are planning to switch over from a temporary health plan back to a unlimited private insurance you have to answer questions on your current health status (risk evaluation). The result of this evaluation – e.g. a by then existing health condition – may lead to a rejection on part of the insurance company or to higher premiums due to a risk load. For a long run planning the best way is to switch into a unlimited insurance as soon as possible. To be on the safe side this step even makes sense before you start your trip.

Is it true that since 2007 my old insurance company is obligated to re-insure me even after a longer absence?

According to today’s legal status that is correct. During the last decades there was no or just limited possibilities to return into the statutory health insurance or one’s old private insurance cover. But the benefits you receive after your return are nothing more than an emergency solution to prevent the worst and are just offering a basic cover. Particularly in an advanced age most customers have higher demands when it comes to health cover. Also nobody can guarantee this arrangement in the future especially due to problems already in the introduction phase. Get a professional consultation before you switch into a foreign health insurance and BEFORE you cancel your arrangements with your current health cover provider. The best solution will ever be a unlimited private insurance plan with solid benefits, usable also with a great age and all around the world.

Do I have to get a medical examination before joining a new health plan?

For a temporary travel insurance there is no need to get an examination.
As a rule: treatments and/or medication for pre-existing conditions are excluded!

This is a little different when it comes to unlimited health cover. Here you need to complete a questionnaire regarding your current health status. In some cases of pre-existing conditions a risk loading can be raised by the insurance company (normally this risk premium can be eliminated after a certain period without symptoms and treatments). A health check is necessary in any case if there is no previous health carrier, only a travel insurance, or a private insurance plan with a high deductible.

DURING the Insurance Cover

What is the coverage when I’m visiting my home country during my actual stay abroad?

Such a case is only partly covered with travel insurance policies. Depending on the selected plan some offer coverage for a couple of weeks within every year, other only cover medical expanses in countries other than the home country. In the worst case someone doesn’t have a health cover when setting foot into their home country.
Again the safe way is a unlimited private health insurance which provides coverage anytime and anywhere. Not just for a short home leave but also for a permanent return to your home country.

What is the worst case scenario in case of a wrong coverage or wrong statements in the contract?

If someone made wrong statements or gave false information in the application process the worst case would be that the insurance company is refusing payments in case of an insured event or is even canceling the policy. This might happen even during current treatments and in case of intend also retroactive. Therefore the insurer would be eligible to demand a payback of past claims. But the refusal of payments alone can be very expensive especially abroad – e.g. in the US – one has to face enormous treatment costs compared to other regions.
Therefore never hold back information when joining a health plan and also avoid incorrect information. We will guide you through the application process and through all insured event correspondence. With our support we can avoid the worst case! Take advantage of our over 20 years of experience in the field of health insurance and get the best benefits for yourself! (>Services)

Logo: Health Plans for Stundents & Interns