Water And Food Safety

Contaminated water and food are the most common cause of illness in travelers.

Drinking water

• Don’t drink tap water if it may not have been properly treated.
• Don’t brush your teeth with tap water.
• Drink beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee. Canned or bottled carbonated beverages , beer, and wine are also usually safe.
• Don’t accept ice in drinks. It may be contaminated.
• Dry the opening of wet cans or bottles before taking a drink.

Travelers to backcountry areas of North America should also take precautions with water. Even though the water in high mountain lakes looks sparkling clear, it may be contaminated with Giardia intestinalis, the parasite that causes giardiasis. Take simple precautions to avoid this illness, such as boiling the water.

Food

• Avoid raw fruits , raw vegetables, and raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
• Try to eat steaming hot, well-cooked food.
• Don’t get foods or drinks from street vendors.
• Make sure dairy products have been pasteurized.

Taking these precautions with food can help prevent infections, like tapeworm.

To learn more, see the topic Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling.

Is Travel Insurance The Same As International Health Insurance

Travel insurance is designed for holidaymakers to cover cancellations, personal belongings and emergency medical treatment, whereas international health insurance is designed to cover inpatient treatment check-ups and continuing treatment of chronic conditions abroad.

Countries With High Cost Of Medical Care

The United States has the highest cost of healthcare in the world, as the country spends significantly more per capita for its medical welfare than anywhere else in the world.

In Europe, Switzerland leads the way in terms of cost of care with the Netherlands and Germany close behind.

In Asia, Japan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Korea have higher than average costs to treat medical conditions.

Check out the OECD website to know which countries spend high on health care. You can see how other countries in this list, including Iceland and Australia fare, compared to others.

Is there an underwriting process when applying for expatriate healthcare?

Medical underwriting, which pertains to the review of your medical history, is required by international healthcare companies when you apply for one of their global medical insurance plans.

If you are apply for an international family health insurance plan, all family members will have to provide their medical history.

For US citizens familiar with the benefits and protections provided by the Affordable Care Act , take note that it does not apply here. You can be turned down or denied coverage.

The underwriting process is generally done to obtain and review your medical history. It is not overly burdensome to do as most providers can complete the underwriting process in 3 to 5 business days. However, the process may take longer in case some unusual circumstances arise.

Read: Pre-existing Conditions in International health Plans

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Get Needed Vaccines And Medicines

Check with the nearest travel health clinic, your regional health department, your doctor, or one of the websites listed above to see what kind of vaccines you should get. In the United States, most state health clinics can give you travel vaccines, some medicines, and healthy travel tips.

See your doctor or go to a clinic several months before your trip, or as soon as you can. Some vaccines need to be given in more than one dose. For example, if you need protection from hepatitis A, you’ll need two doses of hepatitis A vaccine spaced at least 6 months apart.

You may need vaccines to protect against:

More immunizations may be needed depending on the area you are visiting, how long you will be there, and the purpose of your journey. For example, if you will be trekking in rural Asia for a month or longer, you may need a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis.footnote 1

A vaccine for traveler’s diarrhea and cholera, called Dukoral, has been approved in Canada and Europe. But it is not available in the United States.

To learn more, see the topic Immunizations.

Malaria

Ask about a prescription for antimalarial drugs if you will be visiting an area that has malaria. This includes large areas of Central and South America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and many South Pacific islands.

What Is The Difference Between A Psychologists And A Psychiatrist

Because psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, they can prescribe medications, and they spend much of their time with patients on medication management as a course of treatment. Psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering in patients with behavioral intervention.

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Global Health Options Gold

The Global Health Options Gold is an annually renewable health insurance plan for anyone who will be outside their country of residence for six months or more. Trips back to your home country are covered up to a maximum of 180 days during a policy year. This plan has a $2,000,000 medical limit and there is no age limit to apply. The base plan includes hospitalization coverage for inpatient services such as cancer treatment, Intensive Care Unit , and surgeries. You may customize the plan to include additional benefits such as outpatient treatment, emergency evacuation, health and wellbeing, vision, and dental.

How To Get And Pay For The Treatment You Need If You Get Sick Or Injured Abroad

If youre traveling abroad this summer, the last thing you probably want to think about is what youll do if you get sick or injured. But experts say 15 percent of travelers encounter some kind of medical problem on their journeyand depending on your destination, your U.S. health insurance may not be much use.

The good news is that if you have to look beyond your own health plan, there are ways to cover medical emergencies that can be surprisingly inexpensive. Heres what you need to think about.

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Finding A Doctor Or Hospital Abroad

You can find doctors and hospitals from the Cigna global directory of pre-screened health care professionals whenever you need them even before you need care. You can also identify doctors and hospitals that bill Cigna directly. That means less money out of your pocket. Simply look below the doctors contact information for a note that says direct settlement may be available. If so, all you need to do is present your Cigna MBA ID card.

If direct billing is not available, the doctor or hospital may accept a guarantee of payment from Cigna and will then file the claim directly with Cigna reducing the need for you to submit any paperwork or pay in full for your care. Your doctor doesnt need to have a previous agreement with us to request a Guarantee of Payment. All you have to do is ask the doctor if they will accept it. Then, they simply call Cigna with the request at the number on the back of your Cigna MBA ID card.

In situations where the doctor does not have a direct billing arrangement with Cigna and they will not accept a guarantee of payment, you can still receive care. After your visit, simply complete a claim form along with the eligibility verification form, and clearly state how you would like to be reimbursed. Instructions to file a claim are provided on the form.

Whats In The Customer Area

In there, you will find a lot of useful information about your healthcare plan:

• Your policy documents
• Claim forms more details about claims can be found here
• Medical, travel, safety, and cultural information
• How to access hospitals, physicians, clinics and health and wellness specialists
• Online health program

Cigna Customer Care and Claims

Cigna International Phone Numbers: New Sales: US: 877-758-4881 International +1 617-500-6738 Customer Care: +44 1475 788182, or toll free from inside the US on 1 800 835 7677 Call Collect / Reverse Charges: Call will be accepted by Cigna Hong Kong Phone: 2297 5210 Singapore Phone: 800 1865047

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Cigna International Health Insurance Plan

The Cigna plan provides expatriates access to over 900,000 hospitals, clinics, and medical practitioners. It is one of the largest health insurance companies in the world with over 60 million clients and including 700,000 expat members. The expat health plan offers three distinct levels of cover: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Also, check out our FAQs page for the Cigna Global Health Options plan. Expat Financial offers the Cigna International Global Health Options plans to expatriates in select countries around the globe.

The Cigna global medical insurance plan offers very generous benefits with excellent claims and administration. You can rest assured that you are covered by a large global insurance company backed by superior underwriting and service. The plan is not available to local nationals residing in their country of citizenship, except for locals UK. IF you are an expat in Hong Kong, Singapore or Indonesia, please request an online quote for the Allianz plan we offer HERE.

How Much Personal Liability Coverage Do I Need

Determine how much liability insurance you need Most homeowners insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability insurance, but higher amounts are available and, increasingly, it is recommended that homeowners consider purchasing at least $300,000 to $500,000 worth of liability coverage.

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Does Cigna Health Insurance Cover International Travel

About Cigna International health insurance plans Whatever your health insurance needs, our International Medical Plans can be tailored to meet them, while always offering a global support network of hospitals and medical professionals.

Contents

Cigna offers a broad network of health care professionals and facilities throughout California.

Getting Treatment In The Cigna Global Network

When you need treatment, call the Cigna Customer Care Team at +44 1475 788182 or from the U.S. at 800 835 7677.

Cigna will help you to find the most appropriate hospital, clinic or doctor near you, and arrange, wherever possible, to pay them directly . Saving you the time and hassle of paying for it yourself and claiming back from them later.

Your healthcare provider will usually send their invoice straight to Cigna. However, sometimes theyll invoice you after treatment. On these occasions, simply send your invoice and claim form to them, and theyll pay them directly, less any deductibles.

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What Benefits Are Included

Services provided through International SOS and Zurich include primary coverage for all urgent and emergent medical expenses, medical and security evacuations, and repatriations.

At a high level, these benefits also include:

• A $0 deductible and no out-of-pocket expenses when the traveler contacts International SOS for assistance
• Sojourn travel coverage when it occurs 14 days before, during, or after Columbia Travel
• Outpatient prescription drugs
• Family/friend visitation benefits for hospitalizations, to include flight and accommodation expenses
• Lost baggage reimbursement and
• Trip interruption reimbursement .

What is not covered?

• Expenses incurred during strictly personal travel or travel not related to international Columbia Travel.

Why Purchase A Cigna Global Health Options Plan Via Expat Financial

Expat Financial is proud to offer the Cigna global medical insurance plan for expatriates. Cigna is one of the largest international medical insurance companies in the world and has over one million medical providers as part of its direct reimbursement network worldwide. Our firm is a priority broker for Cigna individual and group plans with a large block of clients around the world because of this we can offer additional services and advantages with the same rates and costs for our clients. We are your advocate and here to assist you before, during the underwriting process, at renewal and throughout the life of your policy as your independent advocate. We have assisted our very large block of individual and group Cigna clients at no cost.

Benefits to Obtain a Cigna Quote from Our Firm?

When you obtain a quote via our firms website, you are getting the same rates, policy terms and coverage and a Cigna representative will still reach out to assist you with questions and underwriting. We do not charge a fee to our clients as we are compensated by Cigna, which charges the same rates regardless. Because our firm is a Priority Partner of Cigna, we can offer the following advantages to Cigna clients:

Optional Benefits for Cigna International Health Plan

International Outpatient Coverage

Global Health & Wellbeing

Add this option if you wish to manage your wellbeing with a range of tests, screenings and examinations. This includes access to Life Management Assitance Program

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What If You Get Sick While You Are Traveling

If you become seriously ill while traveling, your country’s embassy or consulate can help you find medical care. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in malaria-risk areas, get medical help right away.

Diarrhea is the most common illness to strike travelers. Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea get better in 1 to 3 days without treatment. But see a doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than 7 days, or if you have a high fever, blood or mucus in your diarrhea, or signs of dehydration.

Same Premiums With Added Independent Advocacy When You Need It

When you get an online quote for the Cigna international health insurance policy, you are getting the same coverage, premiums and service but with the added support and advice if required from Expat Financials dedicated team of insurance professionals. We dont charge a fee and receive a referral on sales made via our website and Cignas secure servers. We have a very large block of individual and corporate premiums and clients around the globe and this can and has come in handy for our Cigna clients time and again. All premiums are payable to Cigna monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. A Cigna representative and TFG Global will follow-up after you obtain a quote online to answer any questions that you may have. Learn more about why HERE.

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Dont Pay For Benefits Or Options You Will Never Use

Cigna Global Individual Private Medical Insurance provides international health insurance for the most discerning expatriates and globally mobile individuals. There are three cover levels, modular plans and an array of deductible and cost share options. You can be sure to find a plan which meets both your exacting cover requirements, and your budget.

Global Health Options Platinum

The Global Health Options Platinum is an annually renewable health insurance plan for anyone who will be outside their country of residence for six months or more. Trips back to your home country are covered up to a maximum of 180 days during a policy year. This plan has an unlimited medical maximum and there is no age limit to apply. The base plan includes hospitalization coverage for inpatient services such as, cancer treatment, Intensive Care Unit and surgeries. You may customize the plan to include additional benefits such as outpatient treatment, emergency evacuation, health and wellbeing, vision, and dental.

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What Insurance Companies Offer Umbrella Policies

The best umbrella insurance companies are Allstate, Liberty Mutual and USAA, since they provide consumers with broad coverage at a reasonable price. Additionally, Travelers provides the best umbrella coverage for business owners, while Chubb is best for customers who need particularly high liability limits.1 juil. 2021

Should You See A Doctor When You Return

If you were healthy during your trip and you feel well when you return home, you probably don’t need to see a doctor.

See your doctor when you get home if either of the following occurs:

• You were sick with a fever or severe flu-like illness while traveling.
• You develop these symptoms within 6 months of coming home.

Tell your doctor the places you visited and whether you think you may have gotten a disease. Many diseases don’t show up right away. And some can take weeks or months to develop.

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What Precautions Should You Take While You Travel

Before you go, learn about the places you plan to visit. For example, find out if the water is safe to drink or if you need to worry about malaria.

Basic safety can prevent some problems:

• Developing countries may not have safe tap water. When visiting these places, drink only beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee. Canned or bottled carbonated drinks are usually a safe choice. Don’t use ice if you don’t know what kind of water was used to make it.
• Do not eat raw vegetables, raw fruits, or raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
• In areas where mosquito-borne illnesses are found, use DEET insect repellent. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, especially from dusk to dawn. Use mosquito netting to protect yourself from bites while you sleep.
• Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury among travelers. If you drive, be sure to learn the custom and rules. If you use hired drivers , don’t be afraid to ask your driver to slow down or to drive more carefully. Use seat belts if possible.

Consider Travel Medical Coverage

Even if having already been vaccinated, there are health risks when traveling. Travel medical insurance should be considered since many health insurance plans do not offer protection when getting sick and needing medical care overseas. Consider checking out the travel insurance comparison website InsureMyTrip offers tips for those seeking medical coverage.

References

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