Guide to Essential Money Tools

Healthcare Tools

Policy pick 'n' mix

Tried and tested tips for finding the correct policy:

• Research policies which offer benefits compatible with your own life-style.
• Check out how the policy provider will reimburse medical costs. Some insurers settle claims directly with a hospital, others will reimburse the insured who first has to pay medical fees and treatments.
• Pay close attention to maximum ceilings on benefit cover.
• Check whether emergency evacuation is included or whether this is an optional extra which has to be paid for over and above the policy’s premium.
• Read the list of exclusions carefully. Pay close attention to pre-existing conditions and any other disqualifying factors which might result in you paying for your medical treatment or healthcare.
• Research excesses. Excesses can save significant sums of money on the annual premium.
• If returning to the UK in the near future, enquire with the policy provider about the scope for converting an international healthcare plan into an onshore plan.
• Make sure you choose an insurer that will provide worldwide cover whenever and wherever you need it.
• Select a scheme that covers immediate emergency care, referral to a specialist or hospital if necessary, therapist treatment, dental treatment, hospital treatment and in-patient care.
• Ensure you have 24-hour access to help and advice. A good insurer will have a multi-lingual helpline open every hour of every day of the year.
• Choose an insurer that has direct settlement arrangements with hospitals and clinics to save you time, money and inconvenience.
• Ensure you will be able to keep an eye on your scheme details and track individual claims online.
• Check your insurer will pay any claims in your local currency to avoid losing out on exchange rates.