Key Terms in your Expat Health Insurance Plan

Key Terms in your Expat Health Insurance Plan

We at Expat Medical Insurance understand that terminology in global health insurance plans can be very confusing to a non-specialist. Below is a list of the most commonly reoccuring key terms that will help you understand your plan. For further questions about any worldwide health insurance plans, please contact one of our expert advisers .

Acute conditions: a disease, illness or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment that aims to return you to the original state of health.

Anniversary date: the date of the renewal of your global health insurance plan. The date you first purchased your insurance.

Applicant: the person named on the Application Form and the Medical questionnaire. The person seeking international medical insurance.

Application: Application Form and the Medical questionnaire you fill in when making an application Claim: a claim is the financial demand the policyholder makes to the insurance company when they have had medical treatment.

Commencement date: the date indicated in the policy schedule on which the insurance commences, unless otherwise stated in the Policy Conditions. The date you start to receive the medical insurance you have requested.

Deductible: the amount stated in the policy schedule which you have agreed to pay towards the cost of the treatment before being reimbursed by the worldwide health insurance company.

Dependants: is a spouse/partner and/or unmarried children financially dependant on the insured person and are named in your Insurance Certificate.

Diagnostic tests : investigations, such as x-rays or blood tests, to find or help to find the cause of your symptoms. The result of your test will determine what is wrong with you.

Due date: date on which a premium is due to be paid. If payment is not received by the due date, you may not be covered.

Gingivitis : Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

In-patient: Treatment which for medical reasons requires you to stay in a hospital bed overnight or longer.

Insured person: you and your dependants as stated in your Insurance Certificate.

Out-patient: surgery or medical treatment that does not require a patient to be admitted to hospital.

Periondontitis : Untreated gingivitis can advance to Periondontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Policy Conditions: the terms and conditions of the purchased worldwide health insurance.

Policy schedule : policy details showing the type of insurance purchased, who is covered, deductibles and any special terms.

Pre-existing condition : any medical condition for which symptoms have been shown at some point during the 5 year prior to commencement of cover, irrespective of whether any medical treatment or advice was sought. Pre-existing conditions may affect the Insurance Company's decision to insure, not to insure or to impose special terms.

Reimbursement rates : the maximum amount of money which will be paid by way of reimbursement of medical expenses in one year from the commencement date or from each anniversary date.

Region: the name of the region as stated on the policy schedule determines the area of cover. Expat Medical insurance provides insurance for many regions.

Renewal : Expat Medical Insurance offers plans with a guaranteed automatic renewal as per the anniversary date. Usually an annual event.

Surgery : a surgical treatment/intervention, which does not include endoscopies and scanning even though these examinations may require anesthesia.

Terminal phase : when the eventt of death is highly probably and medical opinion has rejected active therapy in favor of the relief of symptoms. This decision must be confirmed by the insurance company's medical consultants.

Waiting period : a waiting period is the period of time from the commencement date where the global health insurance plan provides no cover. Often found with maternity and dental cover.