FAQ's

Please note: the information below does not apply to StudentCare. Please visit www.studentcare.biz for more information.

1. Who is eligible for cover under an InterGlobal international health insurance plan? 
Health insurance plans are for persons of all nationalities and their dependants, except for citizens of the USA residing in the USA, those persons who are subject to exchange controls or local licensing regulations or where cover is illegal under local legislation. Our insurance plans are particularly suitable for expatriates, those travelling abroad for extended periods and those travelling on international business.

Our International Schools Plans are only available to teachers and staff at international schools.

Our UltraCare Marine Plans are only available as group schemes to professional yacht crews.

2. Are any age limits applicable?
Yes. The maximum age at entry is 74 years attained. Children under the age of 18 years attained may be covered if included as a dependant alongside an adult parent or guardian or as a main planholder if their application form is signed by their parent or guardian.

3. What period of time can I be covered for? 
Health insurance plans are annual contracts and cover is available on a yearly renewable basis.

4. Do the plans renew automatically?
It depends. You will be sent a renewal notice and quotation (no later than six weeks before your plan expires) to the latest address we have on file, advising you of your health insurance renewal premium. You must tell us about any changes to your contact details so that we can send you your renewal notice.

If you pay by credit card or direct debit, your plan will renew automatically and we will take your renewal premium from your credit card or bank account, provided the details we hold are still valid at the time of the renewal. If the details are not valid the insurance plan will not automatically renew and you will need to contact us with an alternative method of payment. If you do not want to renew your plan you must tell us in writing, by letter, fax or e-mail, before your renewal date.
If you pay by cheque or bank transfer, your plan will not renew automatically. Your renewal notice will explain what actions you must take in order to renew your plan.

5. Will my occupation affect my eligibility to obtain cover? 
Our international health insurance covers most occupations, however, certain occupations* require an increased premium or may be declined and are subject to Underwriter’s acceptance. Some occupations may also affect your eligibility or premium if choosing to purchase our Optional Personal Accident Add-on Plan

*Including but not exclusive to professional sportsmen and women and those in the armed forces.

6. To be considered for cover, will I be required to complete a medical questionnaire?
No. Unless you are transferring to InterGlobal from an existing health insurance policy with another provider.

7. Will my cover be affected if I return to my home country?
No - provided it is within your chosen area of cover*.
* Except if you are a citizen of the USA, and are returning home. If this is the case, cover will be terminated when the time spent in your home country exceeds 180 days continuous stay in one plan year.

8. Do you permanently exclude pre-existing medical conditions from cover?
No, we do not. When you commence your health insurance cover, a 2-year waiting period (moratorium) will come into effect. This means that pre-existing medical conditions will only be excluded for two years providing that the criteria in FAQ 9 is met. See FAQ 9 below.

9. Please explain the 2-year waiting period in respect of covering pre-existing medical conditions.
We will not pay benefits for treatment of any pre-existing medical condition that, within a 24 month period prior to the date of joining, or the date specified on the special terms section of insured person's Certificate of Insurance, has one or more of the following characteristics:
• was foreseeable,
• manifested itself,
• the insured person had signs or symptoms of,
• the insured person sought advice for,
• the insured person received treatment for, or
• to the best of the insured person's knowledge, was aware existed
After a period of 24 months continuous insurance under the plan, pre-existing medical conditions may become eligible for benefit, if the insured person has not:
• experienced symptoms,
• sought advice
• required treatment, medication, or special diet, or
• received treatment, medication or special diet

If an insured person has experienced any of the above, they will be required to wait a further 24 months from the last date of treatment and must meet the above criteria, before being eligible to claim benefit for the pre-existing medical condition in question. This constitutes the rolling part of the moratorium.

10. How is the plan deductible (excess and co-insurance) applied?
The plan deductibles apply in different ways.

On individual and family health insurance plans, the standard excess applies only to out-patient treatment. Any voluntary excess will apply to in-patient, daycare and out-patient treatment. In each case the excess applicable is deducted once per medical condition, per plan year.

On group plans, the standard excess applies per out-patient visit to a medical practitioner, consultant or specialist.

On all plans, where a co-insurance is applicable it will be payable once per claim.

11. If I want my plan to have a zero deductible (no excess), can this be done?
Yes, by opting for a 10% increase in your monthly, quarterly or annual premium. This will only remove the standard excess for out-patient medical treatment. Where a co-insurance (e.g. for out-patient dental treatment) is applicable, it cannot be removed.

12. If I accept an additional voluntary deductible (excess) on my plan, will it reduce the premium payable?
Yes, it will. Please note that any voluntary excess will be applicable per medical condition per plan year for all in-patient, daycare and out-patient treatment.

13. What about my dependants - when can I enrol them?
You can enrol them at any time - at commencement, or at any point thereafter. We will pro-rata any applicable premium increase accordingly.

14. Do you place any financial limits on eligible in-patient medical treatment?
The only limits in force are those specified under the overall plan cover i.e.
UltraCare Elite Plan:
£2,000,000 / $3,400,000 / €3,000,000
UltraCare Plus Plan:
£2,000,000 / $3,400,000 / €3,000,000
UltraCare Comprehensive Plan:
£1,000,000 / $1,700,000 / €1,500,000
UltraCare Select Plan:
£750,000 / $1,275,000 / €1,125,000
UltraCare Standard Plan:
£500,000 / $850,000 / €750,000

15. Will I be required to make any down payments to any hospital in order for me to receive treatment as an in-patient?
No, all in-patient medical treatment claims are settled direct with the hospital(s) or clinic(s) concerned.

16. Will I have to complete a claim form if I have received in-patient treatment?
No - everything should be pre-authorised before your admission. All it takes is a phone call from you to our International Helpline. You do not need to complete any claim forms.

17. If I had to make a claim for eligible out-patient treatment, how quickly would I be re-imbursed?
We aim pay your eligible out-patient medical and dental treatment claims within ten (10) working days of receipt, provided we have all the information we need from you.

18. What service guarantees will InterGlobal offer me?
Money back guarantee within 30 days of plan commencement if you are not satisfied. Note: does not apply if a claim has already been made against the plan.
Formalised complaints procedure to deal with any complaint/s you may have.
We aim to provide a prompt out-patient claims reimbursement service. It is our corporate objective to settle your out-patient claims in no more than 10 days provided that we are in full receipt of all the necessary information and invoices.

19. Will my premiums increase with age?
Yes, your premiums are age-related and operate in a series of age bands. Although your age obviously increases every year, your plan will not necessarily attract any age-related premium increase. This will only occur when you move out of one age band and up into the next*. The age bands are:
0 -17; 18 -25; 26 - 29; 30 - 34; 35 - 39; 40 - 44; 45 - 49; 50 - 54; 55 - 59; 60 - 64; 65 - 69; 70 - 74 etc·

20. Are any other premium increases applicable?
Yes, your premiums will increase in line with medical treatment inflation. This represents the increase across a broad spectrum of medical treatments and the year on year increase in treatment delivery costs across the world. Normally a total of between 7.5 and 15%.

21. What is the 'No Claims' incentive?
While your plan remains claims free, the following No Claims Discount will be applied to your renewal premium:
Year 1 = 10% discount
Year 2 = 15% discount
Year 3 = 20% discount
The maximum No Claims Discount is 20%.
(An increase to take account of medical treatment inflation may still apply.)

22. Are there any premium advantages for families with children?
Yes, very much so. On our UltraCare plans we only charge a premium for the first child under 18 years attained. We do not charge for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th child - they are covered free of charge.

23. How do I apply for cover?
Nothing could be easier. Simply click here to request a quotation and one of our friendly team will get back to you. You can also apply for cover by fax or post.

24. How soon will my cover commence?
We can enrol you from the point we receive faxed and/or mailed evidence of your intention to proceed. Cover can commence as soon as we receive your fully completed, signed and dated application form (and Credit Card Authority, if applicable). Consistent non-payment of premiums may however subsequently negate the plan.

25. How can I pay my premium?
If you opt to pay annually, you may pay by credit card*, bankers draft, bank transfer or cheque. If you opt to pay either monthly or quarterly, you can only pay by credit card (*Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Please note that American Express will not accept payment in Euros €

What will I receive in my Membership Pack?
You will receive a folder containing your Certificate of Insurance, Membership / Assistance Cards, Table of Benefits, Plan Guide and a supply of out-patient treatment forms (if applicable). You will also receive plan documentation for any optional add-on plans you have chosen e.g. Personal Travel etc.