A lot of people are wondering if their current insurance policy can cover medical tourism packages. You should know that some individuals have fallen prey to dishonest individuals who promise quality treatment and accommodations but are truly only interested in getting their cash quickly. Others experienced worse by being treated by doctors who are not truly experienced or qualified to perform different procedures and surgeries. Here are tips.
For Medical Tourism Operators
If facilitators are sued by the patient for negligent acts or unintentional misrepresentation of data, a policy regarding professional liability policy will then include the amount lawfully needed to be reimbursed by the facilitator, plus the costs for defense. The policy can be fixed to cover intellectual property, claims against the patient who has the insurance from actions of agents, consultants and sub-contractors, loss of documents, breach of confidential data, libel and slander and joint venture liability.
Personal accident insurance for operators of medical tourism is also available. This is the personal accident coverage that provides a pre-agreed amount, should the medical tourist become disabled permanently or dies during the medical tour or vacation. The compensation will be given immediately and can save beneficiaries from having to go through long and expensive litigation procedures.
The policy can be fixed to cover evacuation and repatriation, dismemberment or accidental death resulting from a medical process, permanent incapacitation because of medical procedure and hospitalization and medical expenses coming from the accident.
Availability of Insurance
Because of the widespread growth of medical tourism, insurance policies are now being made specifically for the tourists. Complications after the treatment can be paid for abroad or as soon as the patient returns home. The financial investment can also be protected. Coverage can range anywhere between $10,000 up to $100,000, while abroad and once the person returns home. Should you cancel your trip, you can get coverage up to $50,000. The traveling companion also gets benefits, such as travel accommodations. You will be covered including the amount that is non-refundable due to the medical hospital.
Medical evacuation coverage can reach up to $100,000. Acute diseases and injuries you acquire during the trip can be covered by insurance as well amounting up to $50,000.
Getting Serious
Majority of the tourists going abroad for treatment are not actually covered by the new available insurance policies. They will have to talk to agencies like Medicaid to look for relief and other answers if they go through bad experiences. Medical tourists do not usually go to other countries to get very serious operations, but only opt for more doable ones with fewer complications like plastic or cosmetic surgery.
If patients leave their home country to get very major operations abroad, they might secure an insurance policy, plus ask for accreditation from the medical institution they are visiting. They should also make sure that the attending physician and surgeon are fully competent and qualified for the procedure. The coverage of insurance will depend on the premium or package acquired and the condition of the patient.