Questions to Ask


Will the plan allow for a cooling off period, cancellation and then repayment of the premium in full?

Does the plan offer "moratorium" or is it "full underwriting" and do I need to have a medical examination before joining?

Does the new insurer offer a 24 hour help line, 7 days a week, available from anywhere in the world (toll free)?

Are my pre-existing conditions excluded when joining and if so, for how long are such conditions excluded?

Are all and any nationalities accepted or are there restrictions applying to local nationals? Some insurers will only take expatriates abroad and not the local nationals into an overseas plan (e.g. they may cover the six Canadian nationals in Taiwan, but not the 121 local national employees).

Does the plan allow you to continue coverage unbroken through your lifetime? In most cases insurers will continue to offer existing clients coverage year on year, irrespective of age or claims history.

Does the insurer allow for any doctor or consultant or hospital within the plan? Are there any restrictions in this matter? Most international plans do not place restrictions on either hospitals or doctors, but most all demand their help lines are called first prior to approval of any inpatient care.

What are the insurers procedures for outpatient claims? Do these require any pre authorization or if stated in the plan can I just pay and claim? How long before I get my money back from the insurer? (14 days? 30 days?)

Who is eligible for coverage under the private medical insurance plan?

Are any age limits applicable?

What period of time can I be covered for?

Do the plans renew automatically?

Will my occupation affect my eligibility to obtain coverage?

To be considered for coverage, will I be required to complete a medical questionnaire?

Will my coverage be affected if I return to my home country?

Do you permanently exclude pre-existing medical conditions from coverage?

Please explain the normal waiting period in respect to covering pre-existing medical conditions.

How is the plan deductible (excess and coinsurance) applied?

If I want my plan to have a zero deductible, can this be done?

What about my dependents, when can I enroll them?

Do you place any financial limits on eligible in-patient medical treatment?

Will I be required to make any down payments to any hospital in order for me to receive treatment as an in-patient?

Will I have to complete a claim form if I have received in-patient treatment?

What service guarantees will the insurer offer me?

Will my premiums increase with age?

Are any other premium increases applicable?

Are there any premium advantages for families with children?

How do I apply for coverage?

How soon will my coverage start?

Are all foreigners required to enroll in the national healthcare scheme?

I'm already on the national healthcare plan, can I cancel it and sign up for additional healthcare?

Who do I contact in case of an emergency?

How do I make a claim?