Before you buy, and when you claim.
The points that decide most claims abroad. Your policy wording always has the final say.
Before you buy
- Waiting period: when cover starts, and whether some treatment is excluded for the first weeks or months.
- Pre-existing conditions: whether the plan excludes them, covers only a sudden flare-up, or assesses them when you apply.
- Deductible: how much you pay yourself per claim or per year.
- Paying for care: whether the insurer can pay the hospital directly, or you pay first and claim it back.
- Scooter or motorbike: the licence, helmet and engine-size rules.
- US cover: included, an add-on, or not covered.
The Compare page shows most of these for each carrier, with a source for each rule.
In hospital: the first hour
- Call the insurer's emergency or assistance line as soon as you can, ideally before treatment. Many policies ask you to contact them before a hospital stay or within a set time.
- Ask which nearby hospital they already work with.
- At the hospital, ask for the international patient desk.
- Carry a card with room for a deposit. Some private hospitals ask for one even while the insurer arranges payment.
- Keep every receipt, report and message.
Documents to keep for every claim
- An itemised invoice, not just a total.
- A medical report with the diagnosis and treatment dates.
- Proof of payment.
- Prescriptions and pharmacy receipts.
- A police report after a theft or accident.
- Every email and chat with the insurer, with dates. Keep originals if your policy asks for them.
Why claims get refused
- Treatment during a waiting period.
- A pre-existing condition the plan excludes, or one not declared when the insurer asked.
- No contact or approval before a planned hospital stay.
- Missing or unclear documents.
- An excluded activity, such as riding without a valid licence or helmet.
- Treatment outside your area of cover, such as the US without US cover.
If a claim is refused, ask the insurer for the reason in writing.