Insurance Glossary

Abortion

Deliberate ending of a pregnancy by medical intervention.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

In the unfortunate event that the insured has an accidental loss of life some policies provide a monetary amount to the assigned beneficiary, or accidental loss of two or more members* where the sum is given to the insured. Optionally, you may increase this amount in some plans.

The beneficiary can be an estate, a person you specify in the application, or pre-defined in the certificate wording.

*Members commonly mean a hand, foot or eye.

Accident Medical Expense

Covered expenses incurred as a result of an injury which occurs during the covered trip.

Also includes expenses for emergency dental treatment for injury to sound natural teeth up to a certain amount that depends upon the insurance plan.

Acupuncture

Practice of inserting needles into the body to reduce pain or induce anesthesia. It is a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques.

Acupuncture has been found useful particularly in chronic headaches, migraine.

Acute Onset of Pre-existing Medical Conditions

May be referred to as "Sudden and Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition."

Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of pre-existing condition(s) that occurs spontaneously and without advance warning either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms, is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent medical care. Treatment must be obtained within 24 hours of the sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence.

A pre-existing Condition that is a chronic or congenital condition or that gradually become worse over time will not be considered Acute Onset. Coverage is not included for known, scheduled, required, or expected medical care, drugs or treatments existing or necessary prior to the effective date of coverage.

Some insurance plans may have an exclusion of coverage if the Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition occurs within 48 hours of the effective date and/or may cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions only once. Please review the plan details prior to purchase or contact us for assistance.

Acute, Unexpected Pain

In regards to dental, this benefit is for treatment of sudden, unexpected pain to sound, natural teeth that occurs spontaneously, without advance warning.

This benefit should not be considered dental insurance; a separate dental coverage can be purchased.

AD&D Beneficiary

Person(s) designated by the insured(s) that would receive the proceeds of an insurance policy upon death of the insured.

If you are applying for your parents, you should usually write your name. If you are applying for your in-laws, you should usually write your spouse's name. Please don't write the name that is already covered in the application. If you are applying for both parents, do not write your father's or mother's name in this field. Of course, you can name anyone you prefer as the beneficiary.

Administrator

A company that administers the insurance policies including but not limited to policy branding, customer support, benefits approval, claims processing, preferred provider coordination etc.

You will never have to deal with the underwriter as everything for you will be handled by the administrator.

In some plans, claims administrator and plan administrator may be different.

Amateur Sailboat Racing

The non-professional pursuit of racing sailboats in coastal waters (no greater than 12 miles from any shoreline).

Amateur Sports

Some travel insurance plans provide coverage for injuries sustained from participating in scholastic, collegiate, and other amateur organized sporting activities.

In most of these plans, it would be covered just like any other injury.

A.M. Best Rating

Insurance information source that offers comprehensive data for insurance professionals and informed consumers. A free online registration is required to view a company's profile; this can be done by clicking on the rating for the company.

Founded in 1899, it is the world's oldest and most authoritative source of insurance company ratings and information.

It is one of the industry's standard measures of an insurer's financial performance.

Rating Guide

More Information

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is administered by a medical professional, such as a Nurse Anesthetist or an Anesthesiologist. These medical professionals administer an anesthetic substance that causes a lack of feeling or awareness.

Primary types of anesthesia include local, general, and regional.

Apostille

The Apostille is a specific form of Authentication that is prepared pursuant to an international treaty the "Convention de le Haye du 5 octobre 1961" also known as "The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents". The convention eliminates the need for authentication above the level of the Secretary of the State and is only accepted by countries that have signed the treaty. The country in which the documents will be used determines the type of certificate that this office will attach to the original. If you would like more information on the Apostille, you can consult the U.S. State Department's web site. If you need to know which countries have signed the treaty, you can find that information on the same web site. You may also consult the web site of the Hague Conference on International Private Law. This web site provides the text and lists of the signatories of the various Hague Conventions. The "Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents" is the treaty which governs the issuance of the Apostille.

Application Fee

This fee is only an initial, one time charge for processing the application. This fee* is generally not refundable even if you cancel the policy before the effective date.

*This web site does NOT charge an application fee for any service or product it offers. All charges are associated with the purchase of the plan.

Aroma Therapy

Aroma therapy is derived from the ancient practice of using natural plant essences to promote health and well being. It consists of the use of pure essential oils obtained from a wide assortment of plants, which have been steam distilled or cold-pressed from flowers, fruit, bark and roots.

Aroma therapy can help ease a wide assortment of ailments; easing aches, pains, and injuries, while relieving the discomforts of many health problems.

Aroma therapy also acts on the central nervous system, relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, uplifting, sedating or stimulating, restoring both physical and emotional well being.

Assistant Surgeon

A medical professional who assists a surgeon in the operating room.

Baggage & Personal Effects

Most travel insurance plans provide coverage for the loss or damage of baggage checked either with an airline or cruise line. Some plans also provide coverage for the loss of personal effects in a hotel or otherwise.

Even though a travel provider (airline, cruise line, etc.) may provide some coverage, they have limitations regarding the amount they would pay, how they pay, excluded items, and a limit per article.

Bedside Visit

If the Covered Person is Hospital Confined due to an Injury or Sickness for more than several days while traveling outside his/her Home Country, the Insurer will pay up to some maximum benefit for the cost of one economy round trip air fare ticket to, and the hotel accommodations in, the place of the Hospital Confinement for one person designated by the Covered Person. With respect to any one trip, this benefit is payable only once for that trip, regardless of the number of Covered Persons on that trip.

Please look at the individual plan brochure for more details.

Benefit

Amount a plan pays to a claimant, assignee or beneficiary when the insured suffers a covered loss.

Benefit Period

If a covered injury/illness requires continued treatment after the Period of Coverage expires, the benefit period may provide continued coverage.

When the certificate expires, the administrator will review the date(s) of initial treatment for the covered injury/illness and will begin the benefit period from that date. In some plans, a benefit period may only be provided if the insured person is confined to a hospital when the coverage expires. In other plans, a benefit period starts from the date of disablement, as opposed to the expiration date.

Please review the certificate wording for specific details.

In some insurance plans, benefit period may not provide coverage in the home country. Instead, you would be required to purchase an additional rider, to be covered up to a certain maximum amount.

Cancel for Any Reason

Regular trip cancellation insurance plans allow you to cancel your trip for covered reasons, such as your sickness, death in the family destruction of house.

However, cancel for any reason travel insurance plans provide trip cancellation for reasons otherwise not covered by the travel insurance.

In most plans, it is an optional coverage with an added cost. Additionally, you must meet certain conditions in order to be eligible, such as timely purchase and be under a certain age. There are further restrictions related to the percentage of the trip cost you would receive back if you cancel your trip and how much in advance of your departure date you must cancel.

Cancel for Employment Layoff

Travel insurance plans normally provide trip cancellation coverage if you are laid off from your employment and are unable to go on a trip.

There are certain eligibility conditions, such as you must not have been terminated for cause, you must have been employed with the same employer for certain duration (typically one year or more) and the layoff must occur at least a certain number of days (typically 14 days) after the effective date of the insurance.

Cancel for Financial Default

If your travel supplier has to completely cease their operations due to financial circumstances for a certain duration, you would be eligible to cancel your trip and get a refund. It is not necessary for the travel supplier to have filed for a bankruptcy.

In order to be eligible for this benefit, you must insure at least your trip's full prepaid, non-refundable cost and you must buy insurance within a certain number of days after initial trip payment date.

Cancel for Medical Reasons

Most travel insurance plans provide coverage for medical reasons.

That is, if you, your travel companion, family member, or business partner becomes sick or injured and you have to cancel your trip, you can be reimbursed your prepaid non-refundable trip cost.

If any of you are already sick or you are already anticipating that any of you would get seriously sick or pass away, it would be considered a pre-existing condition and excluded from coverage.

Cancel for Terrorism

Cancel for terrorism would provide coverage if you have to cancel your trip due to an act of terrorism that occurred in your destination city (or outlying regions or country, depending upon the plan) within a certain number of days (anywhere from 7 to 30 days, depending upon the plan) of your scheduled arrival.

The U.S. government must declare an act of terrorism. Civil disorder or riot is different from an act of terrorism.

In any case, an act of war, whether declared or undeclared, is not covered.

There may be certain time sensitive eligibility requirements for this coverage.

Cancel for Work Reasons

Regular trip cancellation insurance plans allow you to cancel your trip for covered reasons, such as your sickness, death in the family, destruction of house.

However, cancel for work reasons travel insurance allows you to cancel your trip if you have job obligations that prohibit you from taking the trip. There may be certain conditions and you would need to submit a notarized statement form completed by your company to file a claim.

Cancellation Policy

If cancellation is requested before the effective date, most plans allow you to cancel and would give you a full refund. However, there are some plans that charge a fee or are not refundable at all.

After the effective date, plans typically give refunds that are pro-rated, minus a fee; refunds for full unused months, minus a fee; or do not give any refund at all*.

If the purchased policy is kept for the entire duration, even if you don't file claims, you will not receive a refund as you were insured the whole time.

*Some plans are not refundable after the effective date; other plans are not refundable at all; no plan will issue a refund if a claim has been made.

Cardiovascular Event

This coverage is only for a new medical condition, or for acute onset of pre­existing conditions (if available) when treatment is needed relating to the cardiovascular system. The charges that may be covered under this benefit includes inpatient or outpatient medical treatment, prescriptions, services and supplies.

Cardiovascular events could be a variety of conditions, some common disorders of this system include, but are not limited to: angina, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, diabetic heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, pericardial disease or pericarditis, peripheral arterial disease, syncope, stroke, and transient ischemic attack, and valve disease.

Please check the certificate wording as some plans exclude cardiovascular events, even if considered a new condition.

Certain Illnesses

The following illnesses which exist, manifest themselves, or are treated or have treatment recommended prior to or during the first 180 days of coverage from the initial effective date are considered pre-existing conditions under the plan, and are subject to the waiting period and other limitations of coverage described: tonsillectomy, disc disease, adenoidectomy, hemorrhoids or hemorrhoidectomy, disorders of the reproductive system, hysterectomy, hernia, gall stones or kidney stones, any condition of the breast, and any condition of the prostate.

This list varies by insurance company. Some plans exclude sebaceous glands, acne, other acne, sebaceous cyst, seborrhea, unspecified disease of the sebaceous glands, moles, skin tags, hypertrophic and atrophic conditions of the skin, nervous conditions.

Please look at the brochure for the complete list of diseases in each plan.

Certificate of Coverage

A statement of coverage, also known as a Certificate of Insurance, that an individual receives when insured under a group contract. The certificate serves as proof of insurance, and outlines benefits and provisions.

Chemical Dependency

"Chemical dependency" is the use of any chemical substance, legal or illegal, that creates behavioral and/or health problems, resulting in operational impairment. This term includes alcoholism and/or drug dependency that endanger the health, interpersonal relationships, or economic functions of an individual or the public health, welfare or safety. A "chemical dependency facility" is a facility whose function is the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of chemical dependency as defined above.

Inpatient chemical dependency treatment includes inpatient treatment in a hospital setting and inpatient treatment in a free-standing facility outside a hospital. It does not include day treatment, intermediate care or transitional living, intensive outpatient treatment or outpatient treatment.

Chemotherapy

Is a type of drug therapy used to treat cancer and other conditions by use of chemical substances, generally given in cycles; a treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period. Usually given as an outpatient treatment but sometimes the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a short time. Side effects depend on the specific drug and dosage.

Child Wellness

A well-baby exam usually consists of questions the care provider will ask about your baby's general health and development, followed by a physical exam. The exam includes measurements of length, height, weight and head circumference, vital signs and a general physical examination. Special attention is paid to whether your baby has met normal developmental milestones.

Various immunizations(vaccinations) would also be generally given at the time of this exam.

Chiropractor

Someone who practices chiropractic. Chiropractic is defined as a system of diagnosis and treatment that is based upon the concept that the nervous system coordinates all of the body's functions and holds that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function and employs manipulation and specific adjustment of body structures such as the spinal column so that pressure on nerves coming from the spinal cord due to displacement (subluxation) of a vertebral body may, it is believed, cause problems not only in the back but some distance from it as in the leg. Chiropractors therefore work to manipulate the spine with their hands to realign the vertebrae and relieve the pressure on the nerves. Chiropractic treatment is believed effective for muscle spasms of the back and neck, tension headaches, and some sorts of leg pain.

Claim

Request by the insured(or his/her provider) to an insurance company to pay for services obtained from a health care provider.

Claims Administrator

The company that administers the claims of an insurance policy. Their tasks include, but are not limited to, preferred provider coordination, customer support, benefits approval, and claims processing. Sometimes the claims administrator and plan administrator may be different companies.

The majority of the services typically used by our clients are available on this website, truly making us a one stop shop.

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation)

Regulations requiring an employer who employs more than 20 people to offer continued group insurance coverage to former employees for up to 18 months. If the employee dies, the employer must offer continued group health insurance coverage to widowed spouses and dependent children for up to 36 months.

Co-Insurance

After paying the deductible, the insurance company shares the expenses with the insured; the shared cost is called a Co-Insurance. With a co-insurance, the plan pays a percentage up to a specified threshold, if applicable to that plan*; once the threshold is met, the insurance company would increase the amount it pays until the policy maximum is reached.

Example:
Assuming you purchase an insurance plan with a $50,000 policy maximum, $250 deductible per policy period, and an 80/20 to $5,000 co-insurance and incur a medical expense of $7,250.

• First, you pay the $250 deductible per policy period, reducing the amount to $7,000.
• Second, the insurance plan would cover 80% of the remaining balance or $4,000, and you would cover 20% or $1000.
• Third, the remaining $2,000 would be covered by the insurance plan.

* The co-insurance percentage and threshold (if any) will vary by individual plan.

Collision Damage Waiver

Up to specified maximum limit, it covers cost of repairs for collision or comprehensive damage to a rental car, up to the limit of coverage, for which the car rental contract holds you responsible.

Colonoscopy

A procedure in which a long flexible viewing tube (a colonoscope) is threaded up through the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the entire colon and rectum and, if there is an abnormality, taking a biopsy of it or removing it. The procedure requires a thorough bowel cleansing to assure a clear view of the lining also called as colonoscopy.

Common Carrier AD&D

A common carrier is a vehicle or service licensed to carry passengers for hire on a regularly scheduled basis, such as an airline.

If an insured person experiences an accidental loss of life that is due to a common carrier accident, this benefit would be payable to the assigned beneficiary.

The beneficiary can be an estate, a person you specify in the application, or pre-defined in the certificate wording.

Common Carrier AD&D Beneficiary

If the insured person gets into an accident (while in plane for example), and either loses hand, foot, eye etc. or dies, the insurance company will pay the benefit amount. You should specify the name of the relative as 'Common Carrier AD&D Beneficiary' who should receive the benefit amount if the insured should die. That is usually close relative like son, daughter, son-in-law, etc.

If you are buying insurance for your mother and father both, please do not put any of their names in the beneficiary. This question is for who receives the money in case both die.

Concierge Services

Non-insurance related services such as:

• International Restaurant Referrals and Reservations
• Airport Transportation
• Event Ticketing
• Flower Ordering
• Tee Times and Course Recommendations
• Destination Information and Advice

Please see the certificate wording for details of these, well as several other possible services.

Consult Physician

A physician involved in the case by the primary physician for the purposes of an independent or specialized evaluation.

Must be requested and approved by the attending physician.

Copay

A predetermined flat fee that the insured pays for healthcare services, in addition to what the insurance covers. Copay is usually not specified in percentage of the total healthcare cost. e.g., you pay $10 for a visit to the doctor's office, no matter how much the doctor's office visit charge is.

Coverage Period

In most plans, insurance coverage can be purchased in the combination of monthly and/or 15 days increments to suit your needs. e.g., for a trip of 3.5 months, you can choose 3 monthly increments and one 15 days increment. Effective date for insurance coverage can be the date of departure from home country, or it can be any other later date specified by the insured.

It is wise to have the insurance effective date same as the date when you depart from home country for the destination and end date the same as the date you arrive back in the home country so that you will be covered for any medical emergencies (for covered expenses) even during your journey.

COVID-19 Coverage

COVID-19 Treatment

COVID-19 treatment will be covered just like any other eligible sickness that occurs after the effective date of the policy and while on your trip.

The coverage is up to the selected policy maximum in most plans, which can vary based on the persons age and the plan selected. Some plans may have a sub-limit for COVID-19 coverage. Please check the certificate wording for details.

Medically Necessary Testing

If you are infected with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) while on your trip and after the effective date of the policy, the travel insurance plan will cover medically necessary testing if prescribed by a physician.

Testing needed for travel, entry requirements, or any voluntary testing is excluded.

Proof of Coverage

An instant visa letter or confirmation of coverage letter explicitly mentioning COVID-19 coverage is available with most plans; as required for entry into some countries.

Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots are excluded.

Credit Card Protection

The Insurer will reimburse for loss due to unauthorized use of the Insured's credit cards, if the Insured has complied with all credit card conditions imposed by the credit card companies.

Crisis Response

Crisis Response is a benefit that provides coverage for Ransom, Personal Belongings, and Crisis Response Fees and Expenses in case of kidnapping. This benefit may be included in a plan or it is an optional coverage (called a rider) that needs to be added when purchasing a plan.

Please refer to your plan documents for complete details.

CT Scan

Computerized Tomography Scan. Pictures of structures within the body created by a computer that takes the data from multiple X-ray images and turns them into pictures on a screen.

Cystoscopy

A procedure in which the doctor inserts a lighted instrument called a cystoscope into the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) in order to look inside the urethra and bladder.

Deductible

The amount to be paid by the insured person before the insurance begins to pay for covered expenses. The deductible can be per injury/illness, once per policy period, or once per year depending upon the insurance policy you purchase. The deductible amount may not be changed after the policy begins.

Typically there are several deductible choices*, depending on the selected deductible the corresponding premium will be higher (lower deductible) or lower (higher deductible). You will not receive reimbursement for the deductible you pay.

Some plans will have a co­pay; this co-pay is in lieu of the deductible, the co-insurance would still apply.

Example of Deductible

A policy is purchased with a $50,000 policy maximum, a $250 deductible (per policy period), and an 80/20 co-insurance. If a covered medical incident occurs that costs $7,250, the maximum out of pocket expenses you would pay is $1,250; $250 for the deductible and $1,000 for your part of the co-insurance. Note: This is just an example of the deductible. It does not describe the benefits of all the products. Not all products provide the same benefits.

Deductible Types

• Per Incident
  Plans that have deductibles once per incident may also have benefits that are once per incident. However, some benefits are for the life of the policy, it should not be assumed all benefits are per incident.
• Annual
  Means once per year.
  Most of these plans are extendable; the deductible is once per year regardless of how many times the plan is extended. Of course, if the total duration of the insurance is less than 1 year, the deductible would only have to be met once.
• Per Policy Period
  Means once per the duration of time that the plan can be purchased.
  These plans can only be purchased up to a specified amount of time, typically 364 days maximum duration. The deductible is once for the entire duration, including the extension periods. The deductible carries over and would not have to be paid again after the insurance is extended.

*Deductible choices vary by age. Different plans provide different benefits.

Denial of Claim

Refusal by an insurance company to honor a request by an insured (or his/her healthcare provider) to pay for healthcare services. This would usually be due to pre-existing conditions.

Dental - General Coverage

Any dental expenses whether it is routine checkup or preventive services, services due to urgent relief of tooth pain, constructive services (bridge, crown etc.), orthodontic services (braces etc.), periodontal services.

Dental - Accidental Related Emergency

In regards to dental, this benefit is for care or treatment of sound, natural teeth and gums damaged by a covered accident.

Specific coverage varies by plan, see certificate wording for complete details.

This benefit should not be considered dental insurance; a separate dental plan can be purchased.

Diagnostic X-ray

Diagnostic X-ray - is a photographic technique which is helpful in allowing your physician to see structures inside your body and achieve a better understanding of how efficiently they are performing. The X-rays will be reviewed by a radiologist (a doctor specializing in interpreting X-rays) and discussed with your physician for diagnosis.

Diagnostic X-Rays and Lab Services

Diagnostic x-rays and lab tests are services done to find out more information to diagnose a condition or a suspected illness; these tests can be done at a doctor′s office or an independent testing facility, such as LabCorp or Quest. This may also include other tests performed in a hospital.

Doctor Visit

Treatment for an injury/illness can take place in a private practice, urgent care, or at a walk-in clinic. If a doctor's office is physically located in the hospital and works independently, the visit will be considered an office visit and not part of a hospital visit.

Durable Medical Equipment

Any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits, serves a medical purpose for medical conditions or illnesses, and can withstand repeated use. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) must be medically necessary and prescribed by a physician for patient use outside of a medical facility.

Some insurance plans may only cover specific items, such as crutches, braces, a standard wheelchair, or a hospital bed.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a diagnostic test which uses ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures. It can measure cardiac output and is a sensitive test for inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). It can also be used to detect abnormal anatomy or infections of the heart valves.

Email

Please enter the email address that you have used in the past to purchase the policy.

If you have purchased more than one policy with the same email address, please use the date of birth from any of your policies. If you have not already linked your various policies within MyAccount, you will be logged into the latest policy. Once logged into MyAccount, you can link all of your prior purchases.

If you have used different email addresses for the initial purchase and for subsequent extensions, please enter the email address from the initial purchase.

If you purchased policy on behalf of someone else such as your parents, but not for yourself, you would have most likely entered your email address but your parents' date of birth. Therefore, please enter your email address but one of your parents' date of birth.

Emergency Cash Transfer

Assistance in coordinating an emergency cash advance.

Emergency Medical Evacuation / Repatriation

This benefit provides coverage for transportation charges associated with either evacuation to the nearest qualified medical facility or repatriation to the country of residence.

Depending on the medical emergency, the insurance policy may cover expenses for reasonable travel and accommodations resulting from the evacuation, as well as the cost of returning either to the country of residence or to the country where the evacuation occurred, up to a reasonable maximum limit.

Please note that there is NO medical coverage in this benefit, just the transportation costs.

Emergency Reunion

If an insured person needs an emergency medical evacuation this benefit enables a relative or friend to accompany the insured, or to travel from their residence country to be reunited with the insured.

Typically, reasonable travel and lodging expenses are covered up to a certain maximum amount and possibly to a maximum duration, such as 15 days.

Emergency Room Visit

Visit to an emergency room. It is considered such when you go to the hospital emergency room, and you come back the same day and you are not admitted into the hospital and you are not utilizing hospital room and board.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a broad term used to describe the examination of the inside body using a lighted, flexible instrument called an endoscope. In general, an endoscope is introduced into the body through a natural opening like the mouth or anus. Although endoscopy can include examination of other organs, the most common endoscopic procedures evaluate the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and portions of the intestine.

European Union

European Union (EU) members are citizens and residents (home country) of the following countries and territories:

Countries

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland*, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein*, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway*, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Territories

Azores, Canary Islands, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion, Sint Maarten and Saint Martin.

*These countries are not part of the European Union (EU) but part of European Economic Area (EEA). However, they are subject to the same rules as EU countries for this insurance purpose.

Exclusions

Healthcare services not covered by an insured's health insurance policy. This would usually be due to pre-existing conditions or due to the limitation of the insurance plan.

Extendable

Some insurance policies allow coverage to be extended beyond the original duration it was purchased; typically, an initial minimum duration applies. There may be a small administrative fee (charged by the insurance company) for each extension in addition to the premium due for the extended period.

An extension is a continuation of the same policy and NOT a new policy. For example if there were an injury that required continued treatment, it will not be considered a pre-existing condition in the extension, as long as it was covered in the previous duration. On the contrary, if you buy a new policy, the injury would then be considered a pre-existing condition; because it is a new policy, the deductible, co-insurance, etc. would apply again. Thus, extendibility is a very advantageous.

Extensions are not automatic. We will send email reminders; you can click on the link and extend the policy online or call us. There are no grace periods. If you forget to extend the policy, it will expire and you will have to buy a new policy.

If you extend the policy up to the maximum allowed duration, then the policy would be renewed. When a policy is renewed the deductible, co-insurance, and possibly some other benefits renew and start over again. However, it would still be one continuous policy.

Extended Care Facility

Also called skilled nursing.

An institution, or a distinct part of an institution, which is licensed as a Hospital, Extended Care Facility or rehabilitation facility by the state or country in which it operates; and is regularly engaged in providing 24-hour skilled nursing care under the regular supervision of a Physician and the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, and maintains a daily record on each patient, provides each patient with a planned program of observation prescribed by a Physician, and provides each patient with active Treatment of an Illness or Injury. Extended Care Facility does not include a facility primarily for rest, the aged, Substance Abuse, Custodial Care, nursing care, care of Mental or Nervous Disorders or the mentally incompetent.

Flight Accident

You are covered for the amount purchased for accidental death, dismemberment or loss of sight as the result of an accident while a passenger on a regularly scheduled airline flight (and in several other situations also, please see brochure of each policy for details).

100% benefit paid for loss of life, loss of both limbs, loss of sight in both eyes, loss of one limb and sight from one eye.

50% benefit paid for loss of limb, loss of sight in one eye.

Flight Accident AD&D

Typically an optional benefit, covering the amount purchased in the case of an accidental death, dismemberment or loss of sight as the result of an accident while a passenger on a regularly scheduled airline flight, and several other situations as well. Please see certificate wording for details.

Gastroscopy

Procedure of using a flexible, lighted instrument that is put through the mouth and down the esophagus to view the stomach. Tissue from the stomach can also be removed through the gastroscope.

Geographic Restrictions

Insurance plans may be restricted based on the circumstances of the person to be covered. Eligibility may vary based on the Citizenship Country, Residence Country, Residence State, Mailing Address, Destination Country, and so on.

Please review the geographic restrictions carefully to make sure that you are eligible for the plan you are considering purchasing.

Hazardous Sports

Sports and activities that expose a person to a higher risk for injury are generally excluded, or covered for an additional premium charged at the time of purchase for these activities to be included in the coverage.

Examples: scuba diving, mountain climbing, water skiing, snowboarding, sky diving, bungee jumping, spelunking, etc.

Amateur athletic activities that are non­contact and engaged in solely for leisure, recreation, entertainment or fitness purposes are usually included. Coverage for hazardous sports and activities varies by plan; not all sports and activities are included, even if paying an additional premium.

Herbal Therapy

The use of plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes (especially plants that are not part of the normal diet).

Home Country Coverage

This benefit will differ according to the type of Home Country Coverage that is offered or provided by the individual plan. These types are:

• Incidental Home Country Coverage - During the Period of Coverage an insured person may return to their home country for incidental visits up to the specified duration set by the plan. Generally, the person must have departed the home country and resume their international travel after their incidental trip, as well as the purpose of the incidental trip must not be to obtain treatment for an illness or injury that began while traveling.
• Follow Me Home Coverage - This benefit will pay for covered expenses, for a specified duration, incurred in your home country related to an injury or illness that originally occurred, was diagnosed, and treated outside your home country during your period of coverage. This coverage is usually offered as a supplement to the plan and must be selected during the original purchase.
• End of Trip Home Country Coverage - This is coverage designed to cover you during a period of resettlement once back in the home country after an extended international trip or period of time out of the home country. This coverage is usually offered as a supplement to the plan and must be selected during the original purchase.

Home Nursing Care (Home Health Care)

Services, provided by a Home Health Care Agency and supervised by a Registered Nurse, which are directed toward the personal care of a patient, provided always that such care is in lieu of Medically Necessary Inpatient care.

Hospice Care

Care given in an institution which operates as a hospice; and is licensed by the state or country in which it operates; and operates primarily for the reception, care and palliative control of pain for terminally ill persons who have, as certified by a Physician, a life expectancy of not more than six (6) months.

Hospital Indemnity

If hospitalized for a covered injury/illness while traveling, the plan will pay a fixed amount for each night spent in the hospital. This benefit is in addition to any other expenses covered by the insurance policy.

This coverage may vary based on the country of hospitalization and the individual plan chosen.

Hospitalization

Cost of room and board in the hospital while receiving treatment as in-patient. In most plans, this benefit applies for average semi-private room expenses. This includes other miscellaneous expenses as well such as inpatient drugs, bandages, x-rays or other tests.

Hospital Room and Board, Including Miscellaneous

Hospital room and board relates to the cost of occupancy associated with inpatient treatment (the charges associated with a hospital admission); it is not related to the cost of services for medical professionals or physician fees.

• Fixed coverage plans: there is a set daily maximum specified in the schedule of benefits for these charges including miscellaneous charges such as bandages, medication, and other supplies.
• Comprehensive coverage plans: this benefit typically applies for the costs of a semi-private room and board while in the hospital receiving treatment as an admitted patient, as well as other supplies.

Note: If treated for multiple injuries/illnesses, only those conditions considered eligible or covered under the policy would be paid and/or subject to the network negotiated rates.

Hotel Overbooking

The Insurer will also pay up to specified amount in additional expenses per room for one night's lodging for each room guaranteed or confirmed through the Insured's Travel Agent that is oversold if the Insured's hotel is unable to provide reasonable, alternative accommodations.

Identity Theft Coverage

This is a benefit in case key personal information of the insured is stolen while covered by the insurance plan.

The insurance plan may provide coverage for the reasonable, customary and necessary costs incurred by the insured in relation to the theft. Examples could be:

• Costs of re-filing a loan or credit application that is rejected as a result;
• Postage resulting from reporting, amending and/or rectifying records;
• Stop payment orders placed checks as a result of the stolen identity event;
• Credit reports obtained within one year;
• Notarization of legal documents;

Expenses must be the result of the stolen identity event and there may be other stipulations, please check certificate wording for complete details.

Individual Policy

An insurance policy (life, health, or disability) that provides coverage for an individual person (and, in some cases, his/her immediate family members), as opposed to a group policy that provides coverage for a group of individuals such as coverage through an employer.

Initial Orthopedic Prosthesis/ Brace

Braces and appliances: 1) when prescribed by a Physician; and 2) a written prescription accompanies the claim when submitted. Replacement braces and appliances are not covered. Braces and appliances include durable, medical equipment which is equipment that: 1) is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose; 2) can withstand repeated use; and 3) generally is not useful to a person in absence of injury or sickness. No benefits will be paid for rental charges in excess of purchase price.

Inpatient Labs/X-rays

Cost of lab tests and x-rays when you are hospitalized (inpatient).

Inpatient Surgery

An invasive diagnostic or surgical procedure; or the treatment of illness or injury by manual or instrumental operations performed by a physician while the patient is under general or local anesthesia.

Surgical treatment would be medical treatment from a physician or surgeon, or in a hospital as it relates to surgical care.

Insurance Company / Carrier / Underwriter

There are several terms, used almost interchangeably, to describe the company that assumes the risks of insurance policies collectively.

The terms are associated with certain tasks related to the insurance contract itself, which are often handled by one company.

• Insurance Company, pools risk to make payments more affordable for the insured, issues the insurance policy.
• Carrier refers to the fact that the company carries the risk, an insurance company.
• Underwriter, evaluates risk and exposure, sets the coverage level and rates.

You will never have to deal with the underwriter, as the administrator will handle everything; however, it would be beneficial to know the stability of the company, which can be done by looking at their A.M. Best rating.

Insured

Person that purchases the insurance policy or enrolls into the insurance plan.

Intensive Care Unit

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a unit or area of a hospital dedicated and specializing in treatment of patients with conditions of a serious or grave nature. An ICU must meet the required standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations for Special Care Units.

This area may also be referred to as the Intensive Therapy/Treatment Unit (ITU) and a Critical Care Unit (CCU).

Lifetime Maximum

Maximum amount of eligible medical expenses that the insurance company will pay during the entire term of the insurance policy.

Live Messaging

Relay of e-mail or phone message to family, friends, or business associates.

Livetravel

24-hour hotline to make emergency travel changes, such as rebooking flights, hotel reservations, tracking lost luggage and more!

Local Ambulance

This benefit would cover the cost of a local ambulance to transport the insured to the nearest medical facility where adequate care can be given, if needed.

Some policies do not cover ambulance expenses if the insured is not immediately hospitalized after using the ambulance. Please read the certificate wording for complete information.

Local Burial / Cremation

If a covered injury/illness results in a death, expenses for the insured person to be buried or cremated in the country of death in lieu of the Return of Mortal Remains/Repatriation of Remains.

Terms and conditions apply. Please look at the certificate wording for complete details.

Loss of Checked Luggage

In the event that a common carrier permanently loses an insured person's checked luggage, there may be a monetary sum provided for replacement. This coverage is secondary to any other available coverage, including the carrier's.

There may be some proof required such as documented reports of the loss as well as proof of the contents in the luggage.

Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy involves the use of a magnetic device placed on or near the body to relieve pain and facilitate healing. Many different types of magnetic products are available in the market today that can be taped to the skin, worn as jewelry or in your shoes, or slept on as pillows and mattresses. Many people try this in arthritis, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fractures. It is believed that it has a profound effect on the body in relieving pain.

Massage Therapy

The manipulation of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being. Therapeutic massage can ease tension and reduce pain. Massage can be a part of physical therapy or practiced on its own. It can also be highly effective for reducing the symptoms of arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other disorders of the muscles and/or nervous system.

Maternity

Maternity coverage is for medical expenses related to pregnancy, such as routine pre-natal care, newborn delivery, or post-natal care.

Included coverages vary with the type of insurance product (Visitors to USA, Travel outside USA, International Students, Expatriate, etc.) and the specific insurance plan.

Maximum Trip Length

Most people go on trips for a short duration for few days or up to a couple of weeks. However, some people take a much longer trip.

Most travel insurance plans usually provide a flat price for any trip up to 30 or 31 days, depending upon the age and the trip cost. Therefore, whether your trip is for 3 days or 23 days, you pay the same price.

If your trip is longer than 30 or 31 days, travel insurance plans usually charge either a daily price, or a price in terms of percentage of trip cost or depending upon your age or various such combinations.

In any case, all travel insurance plans have a maximum trip length beyond this duration they will not provide the coverage, this length can vary by state.

Membership Fee

Some insurance plans require you to become a member of a specified group and charge an amount to do so when the insurance purchase is complete. Generally there would not be an ongoing charge, but please consult the documents provided.

This web site does NOT charge a membership fee for any service or product it offers. All charges are associated with the purchase of the plan.

Mental & Nervous Disorder

Any mental, nervous, or emotional illness that denotes an illness of the brain with predominant behavioral symptoms; or an illness of the mind or personality, evidenced by abnormal behavior; or an illness or disorder of conduct evidenced by socially deviant behavior.

Missed Connection

Missed connection coverage reimburses you for unused pre-paid expenses and other reasonable accommodation or meal expenses incurred when connections to a flight, tour, or cruise departure are missed due to covered reasons.

Some examples of covered reasons include:

• Missing a connecting flight
• Tour or cruise departure due to the initial flight being delayed
• A traffic accident that occurs while en route to the point of departure on the scheduled departure day
• Documented severe weather prevents travel to the point of departure

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A special radiology technique designed to image internal structures of the body using magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce the images of body structures. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. A computer processes the receiver information, and an image is produced. The image and resolution is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body, particularly in the soft tissue, brain and spinal cord, abdomen and joints.

Natural Disaster Benefit

Any event or force of nature caused by environment factors that has catastrophic consequences.

Examples: Earthquake, Hurricane, Flood, Tornado, Tsunami

Some plans provide a certain amount per day and up to a certain number of days if you are displaced from your planned, paid accommodations in the event of a natural disaster. While other plans may specify a sum amount that could cover evacuation from a forecasted disaster or following a disaster. Political/military evacuation and repatriation can be included as one benefit with some plans.

Please check the certificate wording for complete details.

New Born Care

Coverage for treatment of new born baby.

Non-Medical Evacuation

Non-medical evacuation makes transportation arrangements to take you to a safer place in case of a natural disaster (such as earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, mudslide or similar geological disasters) or civil or political unrest.

Your claim must be substantiated by a report from an appropriate authority confirming that it was unsafe and unacceptable for you to stay in your current accommodations.

Out of Pocket Maximum

Maximum amount of money to be paid out of pocket in terms of co-insurance. e.g., if the co-insurance is 80/20 for first $5,000, out of pocket maximum is $1,000 (20% of $5,000).

Out of pocket maximum does not include deductible, as it is in addition to the deductible.

Once out of pocket maximum is paid, plan pays 100% up to the policy maximum for eligible medical expenses.

Outpatient Lab Tests

Any lab test that is done on an outpatient basis, i.e., when you are not hospitalized.

Outpatient Surgery

Surgery that is performed without getting admitted into the hospital. You get surgery done, rest for a while and go home, without actually staying in the hospital overnight.

Surgical treatment would be medical treatment from a physician or surgeon, or in a hospital as it relates to surgical care.

Outpatient Surgical Facility

A type surgical facility associated with scheduled surgical procedures that do not require an overnight stay. Benefits will be paid for covered services related to operating room costs, laboratory tests and x-ray examinations including professional fees, anesthesia, drugs or medicines, therapeutic services and supplies.

Outpatient Treatment

Any treatment received while NOT admitted into the hospital. It could be doctor's office visits, outpatient surgery or many other things.

Outpatient X-rays

Any x-ray that is taken on an outpatient basis, i.e., when you are not hospitalized.

Personal Liability

Personal Liability is a benefit that provides coverage to a third person in case of accidental injury and/or death, loss or damage to material property if the insured person is legally liable for the accidental injury and/or death, loss or damage. This benefit may be included in a plan or it is an optional coverage (called a rider) that needs to be added when purchasing a plan.

Pet Care Home Alone

The Insurer will pay the Insured up to $25 per day up to a maximum of $200 in total for any one claim to cover additional boarding fees incurred after the first 24 hours of the Insured's delayed return from his/her trip due to in-patient treatment overseas and as a result the Insured's pet exceeding a pre-booked period of accommodation within a recognized Boarding Kennel, Cattery, or Animal Shelter. The Insurer will not pay for the following in addition to the General Exclusions: 1) Claims which are not substantiated by a written report from the Boarding Kennel, Cattery, or Animal Shelter. 2) Any fees incurred in the first 24 hours or which did not form part of the original pre-booked duration for the Insured's pet.

Pharmacy Drug Card

Pharmacy Drug Discount Plan provides value added benefit. It is accepted at many chain pharmacies. It allows members to purchase prescriptions at the lowest cost available. It has no pre-existing conditions exclusion clause.

Physical Therapy

Physical medicine and rehabilitation used in continued recovery from an injury/illness by physical or mechanical means as an alternative to drugs or surgery.

Please check the certificate wording for details of coverage.

Physician's Non-Surgical Visits

When admitted to the hospital, the physician periodically comes to visit you. The benefits for this type of visit may be paid differently from other visits, even if the physician's office is in the same building as the hospital; this is only for physician visits while confined as a patient at a hospital.

Physician Visit

Physician visit, also known as Doctor visit or Doctor's office visit, is a meeting between a patient and a physician for treatment of a symptom or condition.

Physician visit can either be to a Primary Care Physician (PCP) or to a specialist.

Even if a physician's office is located in the hospital building, the physician usually works independently, the visit will be a considered a physician visit and not part of a hospital visit.

The procedure for a physician visit may be different in different countries. Most physicians in the United States see patients only with a prior appointment.

Plan Name

The specific name of the insurance plan you are viewing.

Policy Delivery Options

When an insurance policy is bought, the documents that are sent are commonly referred to as a fulfillment kit. Some administrators allow you to select how you would like to receive the fulfillment kit.

Most all plans will send the fulfillment by email unless you specify otherwise.

Additionally some administrators may expedite the physical documents for an additional fee. In most circumstances that would not be required.

Policy Durations

The minimum and maximum amount of time that an insurance plan may be active or effective. Some policies can be purchased in multiples of days, while others can only be purchased in the multiples of months, up to the maximum duration.

If the duration of the plan is longer than 12 months, it must be renewed annually. When a policy is renewed the deductible, co-insurance, and possibly some other benefits renew and start over again. However, it would still be one continuous policy.

Policy Maximum Options By Age

Maximum amount of money that the insurance company will pay for covered medical expenses. Policy maximum can be either per policy period, per year, lifetime or per injury/illness depending upon the insurance policy you purchase.

Our quoting engine displays a range of policy maximums simply for the purpose of comparing various insurance plans that fall within that range. Plans that do not have a policy maximum within that range will not be displayed in the quotes.

All insurance plans have a clearly specified policy maximum; based on these maximums the benefits provided for a given policy may change.

The specified policy maximum is a true maximum, the policy will not provide benefits beyond those purchased even if eligible expenses go beyond that amount*. Therefore, it is important to choose a sufficient amount at the time of purchase because the policy maximum amount cannot be increased later.

Typically, insurance plans will be available with several different policy maximums; often the price difference would not be proportional to the amount of increase, for instance, the price of a $200,000 policy is not twice that of a $100,000 policy.

*There may be specific benefits included which are provided outside this maximum.

Policy Maximum (Per Person)

Maximum amount of money that the insurance company will pay for covered medical expenses. Policy maximum can be either per policy period, per year, lifetime or per injury/illness depending upon the insurance policy you purchase.

Our quoting engine displays a range of policy maximums simply for the purpose of comparing various insurance plans that fall within that range. Plans that do not have a policy maximum within that range will not be displayed in the quotes.

All insurance plans have a clearly specified policy maximum; based on these maximums the benefits provided for a given policy may change.

The specified policy maximum is a true maximum, the policy will not provide benefits beyond those purchased even if eligible expenses go beyond that amount*. Therefore, it is important to choose a sufficient amount at the time of purchase because the policy maximum amount cannot be increased later.

Typically, insurance plans will be available with several different policy maximums; often the price difference would not be proportional to the amount of increase, for instance, the price of a $200,000 policy is not twice that of a $100,000 policy.

*There may be specific benefits included which are provided outside this maximum.

PPO Outside USA

Some plans have a network outside the USA, where providers are contracted with the administrator to provide direct billing but there is no network negotiated fee arrangement.

You are free to visit any provider; you may have to first pay, file a claim, and then receive reimbursement for eligible expenses. The provider determines if the patient will pay first or if they will bill the insurance company. However, for large eligible expenses like hospitalization or surgery, it is possible for the administrator to arrange payment to the provider directly.

PPO Within USA

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a network of healthcare providers, such as doctors, urgent cares, hospitals, or labs*. In these networks, you have the freedom to visit any provider you choose, but the in-network providers will charge less because they signed a contract agreeing to provide network negotiated fees (NNF). The provider can also bill the administrator directly using this network, see information provided on the ID card.

*There is no network of providers for prescription medication(s) or pharmacies, nor is there a separate deductible/copay/coinsurance; prescription drugs and benefits are counted as cumulative towards the chosen policy maximum.

Pre-Admission Tests

Tests that are ordered by a physician, prior to and related to, the admission of the insured to the hospital. In most plans, these tests should be within the seven (7) days prior to hospital admission.

Pre­admission tests may include, but are not limited to routine tests such as: complete blood count, urinalysis, and chest x-ray. Specific details of coverage and tests are included in the certificate wording of an insurance plan.

If otherwise payable under a plan major diagnostic procedure, testing could be paid under the 'Hospital Room and Board Including Miscellaneous' benefit.

It is highly recommended to review the certificate wording or contact the benefits department prior to authorizing full testing panels, as these can be very costly and may only be partially covered.

Pre-Certification/Referral

Each hospital admission and inpatient or outpatient surgery must be Precertified for medical necessity, which means the insured person or their attending physician must call the number listed on the insurance identification card prior to admittance to a hospital or performance of a surgery. In case of an Emergency Admission, the Precertification call must be made within 48 hours of the admissions, or as soon as reasonably possible. If a hospital admission or a surgery is not Precertified, eligible claims and expenses would be reduced by certain percentages such as 20%, 50% that varies by insurance plan. Precertification is not an assurance of coverage, a verification of benefits, or a guarantee of payment. All medical expenses must meet usual, reasonable, customary, and eligible payment guidelines.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Any injury, illness, disorder or other condition that existed prior to the effective date of the insurance would be considered as pre-existing conditions. This includes conditions known or unknown, diagnosed or undiagnosed, any subsequent, chronic, recurring, complications or consequences of these conditions.

Even though the routine maintenance of pre-existing conditions is not covered in any short-term insurance plans, many plans cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions which is an all of sudden emergency occurring without any prior warning or symptoms and you need to take treatment within the next 24 hours.

Please check the certificate wording for more details about this benefit or contact our office.

Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion Waiver

Travel insurance plans normally exclude claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions.

However, certain plans could include an Exclusion Waiver to cover pre-existing conditions if you buy the insurance within a certain number of days (typically 7 to 30 days, depending on the plan) of your initial trip deposit.

There may be other restrictions as well.

Pre-Existing Conditions Lookback Period

Lookback period is a duration (typically 60 to 90 days, depending on the plan) prior to the travel insurance effective date. If you had a change to your prescription medications, had any symptoms and/or were treated during the lookback period, those medical conditions would normally be excluded as pre-existing conditions.

However, if you were medically stable during the lookback period those conditions would not be considered pre-existing conditions and generally be covered.

Premium

Amount you pay to purchase medical insurance plan. Premium may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or for entire duration of the coverage depending upon the insurance policy you purchase.

Prescription Drugs

Any medicine that the physician prescribes and is not available without a prescription on an outpatient basis.

It does not include medicines that are given while inpatient in a hospital, or medications that can be purchased over the counter such as Tylenol, Aleeve, Benadryl, etc.

Preventive Care

Preventive Care visits are typically annual checkups to keep adults, children and infants healthy by preventing illness and disease.

Preventive Care may also be called Routine Care or Preventative Care in some insurance plans.

Typical Preventive Care services include:

• Screenings and tests for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and cancer (including mammograms and colonoscopies)
• Vaccinations and immunizations against diseases such as diphtheria, measles, meningitis, pertussis, polio and tetanus
• Counseling for smoking or alcohol cessation, weightloss, nutrition, and depression

Charges for Preventive Care visits are excluded from coverage under domestic and international short term insurance plans. Domestic and international long term insurance plans may include coverage of Preventive Care.

Please check the certificate wording for complete details of Preventive Care or call our office for assistance.

Primary Care Physician

Primary Care Physicians (PCP) serve as an insured person's first point of contact in a plan's healthcare system. Visits to a Primary Care Physician are typically for preventive care routine checkups, fever, cough, ear pain, cold or allergy, rash, abdominal pain, wheezing and other non-emergency medical care.

A Primary Care Physician may also be referred to as a Primary Care Provider. Primary Care Physicians may practice general medicine as a Family Practitioner, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics; a Primary Care Physician can also be a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

Please check the certificate wording for complete details or call our office for assistance.

Primary Health Plan

A primary plan is an individual, group, or government health insurance benefit plan designed to be the first payor of claims for an insured person.

Please note that Medicaid and V.A. health plans do not constitute primary health insurance. Medicare may or may not be considered primary health insurance plan, it depends on the international insurance plan and which parts of Medicare a person is enrolled in.

See the international insurance plan details for all conditions and restrictions or call our office for assistance.

Primary/Secondary

Insurance plans may provide one or more benefits. Depending upon the benefit, the coverage may be primary or secondary to any other policy.

Primary coverage will provide the coverage irrespective of any other insurance you have. Secondary coverage will provide the coverage in excess of the primary coverage or for items not covered by the primary coverage.

However, if there is no primary coverage, secondary coverage becomes primary coverage.

Private Duty Nurse

A nurse who is not a member of a hospital staff but is called upon to take special care of an individual patient.

These services are meant only for private duty nursing care, while hospital confined, ordered by a licensed physician and a medical necessity. General nursing care provided by the hospital is not included under this benefit.

Professional Services Related to Inpatient Maternity Expenses

Any doctor visits from the women's personal doctor while in the hospital.

Prosthetic Devices

An artificial substitute for a missing part of the body of humans or other animals is called a prosthetic device, or prosthesis. Prosthetic devices include artificial hands, limbs, eyes, ears, as well as replacement materials for the heart, kidneys, skin, and blood.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. It takes many years of education and training to become a psychiatrist: He or she must graduate from college and then medical school, and go on to complete four years of residency training in the field of psychiatry. (Many psychiatrists undergo additional training so that they can further specialize in such areas as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and/or psychoanalysis.) This extensive medical training enables the psychiatrist to understand the body's functions and the complex relationship between emotional illness and other medical illnesses. The psychiatrist is thus the mental health professional and physician best qualified to distinguish between physical and psychological causes of both mental and physical distress.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is performed in the hospital, with some patients having to be admitted during the treatment period. Treatment can be internal or external radiation, with the side effects varying based on the method of treatment; although the side effects could be unpleasant, they can usually be treated or controlled. Often radiation therapy can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells.

Refundable

If cancellation is requested before the effective date, most plans allow you to cancel and would give you a full refund. However, there are some plans that charge a fee or are not refundable at all.

After the effective date, plans typically give refunds that are pro­rated, minus a fee; refunds for full unused months, minus a fee; or do not give any refund at all*.

If the purchased policy is kept for the entire duration, even if you don't file claims, you will not receive a refund as you were insured the whole time.

*Some plans are not refundable after the effective date; other plans are not refundable at all; no plan will issue a refund if a claim has been made.

Renewable

Some temporary insurance policies offer coverage for a longer duration than others do, the maximum initial duration may be 364 or 365 days before the policy can be renewed for another 364 or 365 days, up to 1,092 days or 3 years depending on the plan. For example, Patriot America Plus can be purchased for a minimum of 5 days and extended up to a maximum period of coverage, 365 days; once the maximum period of coverage is reached, and then the policy can be renewed for another period of coverage.

Please note that this is a renewal of the policy and NOT a new policy. That means that if something happens in the previous policy period, it will not be considered a pre-existing condition; however, if you take a new policy it will be considered a pre-existing condition. Renewability is a big advantage.

The insurance company may charge a small administrative fee ($5 or $10) in addition to the premium due for the renewed policy. Renewals are not automatic and there are no grace periods. If you forget to renew the policy, it will expire and you will have to buy a new policy.

Rental Vehicle Coverage

Many travel insurance plans provide rental vehicle coverage at no additional charge. Some plans provide this optional coverage at an additional price.

Rental vehicle coverage provides coverage for physical loss or damage to a rental vehicle during a covered trip. It generally does not provide liability coverage for damage to any other vehicle, property or people.

Certain vehicles are usually excluded and you would need to file a report with the police and the rental car company.

Repatriation/Return of Mortal Remains

If a covered injury/illness results in a death, expenses for repatriation of bodily remains or ashes to the country of residence. This may also be called the Repatriation of Remains depending on the policy.

Terms and conditions apply. Please look at the certificate wording for complete details.

Return of Minor Child(ren)

If an insured person is hospitalized due to a covered illness/injury and is traveling alone with child(ren), this benefit may provide their fare to their home country.

Specifics of this benefit vary with each plan, please read the certificate wording for all details.

Rx Discount Card

A prescription discount card* is provided with purchase of some plans. If available with the plan you choose, simply present the card to a participating pharmacy and receive a discount on prescription drugs. The discount cannot be obtained later for prescriptions.

It can be used to receive discounts on prescription drugs related to pre­existing conditions, and by other people in the household.

*A discount card is not insurance.

Sickness Medical Expense

Covered expenses incurred as a result of a Sickness which manifests itself during the Covered Trip.

Specialist Visit

An office visit to the physician who specializes in a certain medical field. e.g. Oncologist specializes in the field of cancer, ophthalmologist specializes in the field of eye, dermatologist specializes in the field of skin.

Sports Equipment Rental

Some travel insurance plans provide coverage for loss or delay of sport equipment as well as the pre-paid trip costs for sports activities that were non-refundable due to cancellation or interruption.

Some plans will provide coverage for the reasonable cost of renting sports equipment if while on a covered trip, your checked sports equipment is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier (airline, cruise line, etc.) at least for a certain number of hours (depending upon plan).

Sports

Individual or group participation in casual or organized physical activities.

In regards to insurance, different plans provide coverage for different types of sporting activities. The most common coverage is for amateur or recreational activities (non-professional). Some insurance plans cover intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports. Other plans coverage only leisure, recreational, entertainment, or fitness sports and activities.

For further details, please review the certificate wording of the specific insurance plan.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol, drug or chemical abuse, misuse, illegal use, overuse or dependency.

Covered treatments vary; an insurance plan may only cover inpatient or outpatient treatment, both or none, or will specifically exclude treatment for substance abuse. Please check the certificate wording for more details about this benefit.

Sudden, Unexpected Recurrence of Pre-existing Conditions

Sudden and unexpected recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition means a sudden, unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition that occurs spontaneously and without advance warning either in the form of Physician recommendations or symptoms, is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent and immediate medical care. Treatment must be obtained within 24 hours of the sudden and unexpected recurrence.

A Pre-existing Condition which is a chronic or congenital condition or that gradually becomes worse over time and/or known, scheduled, required, or expected medical care, drugs or Treatments existing or necessary prior to the Effective Date are not considered to be Sudden or Unexpected.

Please review the conditions and restrictions of a plan before purchase. If assistance is needed, please contact us during business hours.

Supplemental Accident

Supplemental accident coverage plans cover accidental injuries. As it is not subject to deductible and coinsurance, it provides first dollar coverage. This can be especially very useful for someone with small kids who end up getting minor injuries and need medical care.

Please note that irrespective of whether supplemental accident coverage is offered or not, you are still covered for accidents. This supplemental accident is just additional coverage with no deductible or coinsurance.

Surgical Invention Consultation

A consultation from a surgeon prior to surgery. For example, an insured is in the emergency room, having extreme abdominal pain. A surgeon would then be consulted, and he would decide whether or not a surgery needs to be performed.

Virtual Visit / Telemedicine

Virtual Visit or Telemedicine is a remote consultation that is conducted over the internet or phone between a patient and a physician.

The virtual physician or telemedicine medical provider can give the patient a plan for necessary medical treatment of their symptom or condition, and/or a referral to a nearby physician for treatment of their condition.

Term Life Insurance

Term life is an insurance in which if you die during the term of the insurance while insurance is effective, your beneficiary gets the death benefit. If you don't die during the term, there is no refund or any money back to you at the end of the term.

Terrorism Coverage

Systematic or planned criminal activities committed with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, or taking of hostages, with the purpose to inflict a state of terror or intimidate the civilian population or government.

Coverage is for injuries/illness incurred as the result of an act of Terrorism, limited in amount and by circumstances.

This benefit does not provide coverage if any of the following circumstances apply:

• the insured person has direct or indirect participation in the act;
• claims incurred are a result of radiological, nuclear, chemical or biological weapons or events;
• United States government issued a travel advisory within 6 months prior to the insured's date of arrival;
• United States government issues an advisory to leave a certain country or location after the arrival and the insured person unreasonably fails or refuses to depart the country or location.

Eligible medical claims have a specified lifetime maximum. Please check the certificate wording for complete details.

Therapeutic Termination of Pregnancy

The willful termination of a pregnancy determined to be medically necessary for the wellbeing of the mother.

Therapies

The most common therapy is physical therapy or physiotherapy. A few other types of therapies are chiropractic, acupuncture, aromatherapy, speech therapy, sleep therapy, and music therapy; and still there are many different types of therapies not mentioned. Each insurance plan covers different types of therapies.

Major medical therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc., are not included in this definition.

For further details, please review the certificate wording of the specific insurance plan.

Transplants

The grafting of a tissue from one place to another. The transplanting of tissue can be from one part of the patient to another (autologous transplantation), as in the case of a skin graft using the patient's own skin; or from one patient to another (allogenic transplantation), as in the case of transplanting a donor kidney into a recipient.

Trip Delay / Quarantine

Insurer will reimburse reasonable additional expenses incurred; there is a daily limit up to the maximum limit shown in the schedule of benefits, if the insured's trip is delayed for more than a certain number of hours. Coverage stops when travel becomes possible again and incurred expenses must be accompanied by receipts.

The travel delay cause must be a covered reason as listed in the certificate wording (for trip plans these are usually the same reasons as trip cancellation and trip interruption). These reasons can be due to: (i) carrier delay; (ii) lost or stolen passport, travel documents, or money; (iii) quarantine; (iv) Natural Disaster; (v) Injury or Sickness of the Insured or Traveling Companion. The insured must contact the insurance company as soon as the insured knows his/her trip is going to be delayed more than the number of hours specified in the schedule of benefits; failure to do so may affect coverage.

Travel Document Replacement

Replacement of lost travel documents such as passport.

Trip Cancellation

The insurer will pay this benefit up to the maximum limit shown on the schedule of benefits if a trip is delayed, cancelled, or interrupted due to any of the unforeseen covered reasons.

Common reasons include sickness, injury, or death of an insured or immediate family member, termination of employment, military duty, insured's principal residence or destination being made uninhabitable by fire, flood, vandalism, etc. Please check the certificate wording for a list of all reasons, as they differ in various plans.

Trip Interruption

If during a covered trip, there were a death of an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, or sibling) or substantial destruction of the insured's principal residence, some plans would pay for the return to the area of principal residence. Usually for one-way air or ground transportation ticket of the same class as the unused travel ticket, less the value of the unused return ticket

Usual, Reasonable and Customary Charges

Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) means the most typical and common charge or negotiated rate for services, medicines or supplies actually charged by providers in a geographic area, the U.S. Medicare program, or in a database used by a company.

Plan specific URC coverage varies; some plans may only pay 75% of URC, a few may pay 100%, and others could pay 150% of URC.

For complete details of Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC), review the plan specific brochure and certificate wording.

Urgent Care

Urgent care can be used for an injury/illness that requires care within 24 hours but is not serious enough for a trip to the emergency room. Typically, urgent care facilities are dedicated to the delivery of unscheduled, walk-in care outside of a hospital emergency department.

Examples conditions include: ear infections, fever, sore throat, sprained ankles, mild food poisoning, minor cuts, etc.

Vehicle Accident

Unintentional damaging event involving automobiles.

Vitamin Therapy

The use of vitamins to prevent or cure disease. Many physicians are now recognizing the beneficial uses of anti-oxidant and other vitamins for a wide variety of conditions, often as a complementary therapy to accompany medication or other treatments. One variant on this theme, megavitamin therapy, is still rather controversial. Always consult your doctor before adding vitamin supplements to your health regimen.

Walk-in Clinic

A walk-in clinic is a medical facility that accepts patients on a walk-in basis with no prior appointment required. Common examples are CVS MinuteClinic, Healthcare Clinic at Walgreens, etc.

Different facilities may classify themselves either like a physician's visit or like an urgent care visit or specifically as a walk-in clinic.

Different insurance companies have different interpretation of specific facilities and may have different coverage as well.

Please refer to the certificate wording for complete details.