Pre-authorised or reimbursed
Pre-authorisation
Your insurer approves planned treatment abroad in advance, sometimes paying the hospital directly through its assistance company. We prepare the treatment plan, itemised estimate, the hospital’s accreditation documents and the doctor’s credentials that insurers ask for, and liaise with the assistance company where you authorise us to.
Pay and reclaim
You pay for treatment and claim afterwards. We provide a fully itemised invoice in an international format, medical reports and an operation note in English, which is what claims teams need. Whether the claim is paid is your insurer’s decision under your policy.
What insurers usually do and do not cover
Every policy differs, so treat this as orientation, not a promise.
Often considered
- Medically necessary surgery: cardiac, orthopaedic, spinal
- Cancer treatment
- Treatment unavailable or with long waits at home, under some policies
- Emergency care while travelling, under travel insurance
Rarely covered
- Cosmetic and aesthetic surgery
- Hair transplantation
- Cosmetic dentistry and most elective dental work
- Fertility treatment, unless your policy names it
- Travel and accommodation costs
Three things to ask your insurer
Does my policy cover planned treatment abroad?
Ask for the clause in writing. Many policies cover emergencies abroad but not planned care.
Is pre-authorisation required?
If so, ask for the forms and the deadline. Treatment that needed approval and did not get it is usually not reimbursed.
Which documents will you need from the hospital?
Send us the list. We make sure the hospital issues them in the right format before you are discharged.
Consider medical travel insurance
Not sure what your policy allows?
Send us the policy wording with your case and we will tell you which documents your insurer is likely to ask for.