FAQs
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General
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Why do I need insurance while outside my home country?
In most cases, domestic medical coverage will not cover you while abroad or may offer only limited benefits. Medicare does not travel with you, and your Medicare Supplement plans only have limited benefits. Travel insurance provides coverage for new accidents or illness that occurs while you are traveling internationally. It also provides coverage for emergencies such as evacuation due to a medical condition, natural disasters, repatriation, or assistance with minors. Your domestic medical coverage does not provide these benefits which, if needed, can be very costly.
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Can my coverage start today?
Your insurance coverage cannot start on the same day that you apply. You must apply for coverage no later than one day prior to your departure date in order to secure coverage that begins the following day at 12:01am.
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How far in advance should I purchase insurance?
We recommend purchasing medical insurance 1-2 weeks prior to travel. The latest you can purchase international medical insurance is the day before you depart. You want to be sure that you cover all the days you are traveling until you land back in your home country.
Trip Cancellation Coverage has different requirements depending on the plan you purchase. See the Trip Cancellation FAQs below or contact the team for more information at our Contact Us form.
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Now that I have purchased insurance coverage, what do I do with it?
Print your ID card and carry it with you during your trip. Your ID card contains your policy number, your name, dates of coverage and a direct phone number for the insurance carrier.
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Do I need to carry the insurance ID card with me at all times?
Your ID card contains important details and contact information you will need in the event of a medical emergency. We recommend you have it available at all times, either physically or digitally.
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How do I print off another copy of my ID card?
Contact MissionSafe, we will gladly assist you. Service@missionsafe.com -
How do I extend my coverage?
Call us at 1-800-682-3461 ext. 5 or use our Contact Us form and we will assist you with the extension. We will need the traveler’s name, ID number (found on the ID card) and specific dates of coverage needed. -
Can I cancel my coverage?
Call us at 1-800-682-3461 ext. 5 or use our Contact Us form and we will assist you with the cancellation. Premium refunds vary based on the type of plan purchased. Our service team will be able to discuss options specific to your plan upon request. -
Do you have any resources for international group travel?
Yes! We have served group travel for decades. We have taken our years of experience and compiled a few resources that you may find helpful. See our FAQs for international group travel HERE. You can also learn more about our MissionsIQ Duty of Care dashboard by contacting us at service@missionsafe.com. -
I still couldn’t find the answer to my question.
Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you directly.
Phone: 1-800-682-3461 ext. 5
Or use our Contact Us form.
Short-Term Travel Medical
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What is short-term travel medical insurance?
Short-term travel medical insurance is medical coverage that will insure you while you travel internationally or domestically for specific periods of time. Please contact MissionSafe by using our Contact Us form for a quote and more in-depth information on one or more of our international and domestic options to safeguard your health while traveling.
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What is an Adventure Sports Rider and why do I need it?
The Adventure Sports Rider is only available on select travel medical plans for travelers through age 64. It allows coverage for injuries sustained during specific adventurous sports, however, excludes a number of extreme sports.
For a list of the covered and not-covered sports, please check out this Adventure Sports Rider information.
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Are there any countries for which I cannot purchase short-term medical coverage?
You cannot purchase travel insurance if you are from a country currently on the United States Sanctions list. We are also unable to sell trip insurance for travelers with destinations to Ukraine, Russia, or Belarus. -
Are short-term travel medical plans primary or secondary plans?
Most short-term medical plans are secondary medical plans that can be used for claims after your primary insurance claim has been filed and processed.
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When does my coverage start and end with a short-term travel medical policy?
Short-term travel medical coverage is effective for your specific dates of travel. Coverage should be started the day you leave your home country and terminate the day you arrive back in your home country. If you purchased a plan through MissionSafe and your trip start date is delayed or your trip end date needs to be extended, please contact us at our Contact Us form.
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Are pre-existing conditions covered with short-term travel medical policies?
Most short-term travel medical policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. As every person’s medical needs are different, please reach out to us through our Contact Us form regarding your specific situation for personalized advice.
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What if I have an accident, sickness, or medical emergency?
- Seek medical care immediately.
- If you are admitted to the hospital or require extensive tests, call the number on the back of your ID card within 48 hours to notify the insurance carrier that you are seeking medical attention. This is called pre-certification, which enables you to receive 100% of your benefits. (see “What is a pre-certification requirement” below for more info.)
- Provide the hospital or medical facility with a copy of your International medical coverage card. With International medical coverage, you may use any doctor or medical facility of your choice.
- After treatment is complete, keep copies of all paperwork and receipts in the event you need to file a claim. Each hospital’s billing process is unique. They may work directly with your international medical insurance carrier, or request payment at the time of treatment. If the provider requires payment, the traveler should pay and file a claim for reimbursement within 90 days following the medical event.
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Can I wait to get treatment when I get back to my home country?
No, all medical care must begin outside the U.S. by a legally licensed physician in the country you are visiting. Some travel medical plans have a continuation of care benefit that will help cover continued care in the U.S. after you return home for a set period as detailed in your specific policy wording. However, for all benefits, medical care must begin internationally.
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If I am hospitalized or need emergency surgery, who do I contact?
In the case of a hospital admission, emergency surgery/procedure, or extensive testing, the traveler must contact the insurance carrier by calling the number on the back of their Insurance ID card within 48 hours of the medical event to pre-certify their treatment as medically necessary. Failing to pre-certify with the insurance carrier will result in a 50% loss of benefits when the claim for medical care is processed. -
What is a pre-certification requirement?
Certain medical procedures or care require pre-certification before the insurance company will approve the cost. Procedures and treatments such as, but not limited to surgeries, emergency medical evacuation, CAT scans, MRI scans, in-patient hospitalization, and return of mortal remains must be pre-certified, or benefits will be reduced.
Additionally, all potential evacuations (political, terrorism, medical, etc.) need to be pre-certified with the carrier.
Contact the insurance carrier directly to pre-certify.
Long-Term Medical Coverage
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What is the difference between long-term and short-term coverage?
Short-term medical coverage has a low daily rate and travelers pay only for the number of days they are traveling. These plans can be purchased for up to 364 days at a time and is a secondary medical plan used to supplement your primary domestic medical coverage. Short-term medical coverage is specifically designed for new illnesses or injuries that occur during your travels.
Long-term medical coverage is available for those who are living internationally for a minimum of twelve months and need a more comprehensive policy. Long-term policies are typically primary policies that can include benefits for preventative care, dental and vision, and maternity coverage. These plans are more robust with a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual premium. For more information on the application and underwriting process for a long-term medical plan, please use our Contact Us form.
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Do long-term medical plans cover pregnancy?
Yes, we currently offer two plans through IMG.
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- The MP+ plan is a group long- term medical plan that is hosted by an organization with long-term international employees. The MP+ plan does include some maternity care.
- The Global Medical Insurance (GMI) plan is an individual insurance plan that has 4 different levels of coverage. The 4 levels to choose from are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Platinum level is the only level that includes pregnancy and maternity coverage.
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Do long-term medical plans offer dental and vision coverage?
Dental coverage can be added to the MP+ group plan. This plan does not currently offer vision coverage.
The GMI individual plan has the option to add dental and vision coverage during the application process for an additional premium.
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Do long-term medical plans cover my medical care if I am back in the U.S.?
MP+ group plan gives the sending organization the option to include or exclude coverage in the U.S.. Deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and in-network/out-of-network costs will vary by organization based on the application and initial policy-building process.
The GMI plan has two options for each level, worldwide coverage or worldwide coverage excluding the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan. Coverage in the U.S. will depend on which option is selected in the application and underwriting process.
Claims
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How do I file a medical claim?
To file a medical claim with your IMG travel medical plan you will need to:
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Gather all medical documentation and information related to your claim.
- Create an account with your travel insurance carrier to file claims online
- For assistance, contact the MissionSafe claims team at service@missionsafe.com
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How do I file a trip cancellation claim?
To file a trip cancellation/interruption claim with your carrier, you will need to:
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Gather all documentation and information related to your trip. Please note these plans will refund non-refundable costs only. You will need to attempt to be refunded from each travel provider first, then file a claim for the eligible costs that were not refunded.
Contact Us to request the correct claim form.
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How are claims paid in medical situations?
Most medical claims are considered "pay and claim" which means you will need to pay at the time medical care is received, then file a claim with the travel insurance carrier for reimbursement. In serious cases where emergency surgery, emergency evacuation, or extensive care is required, we will be happy to advise on alternative options.
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I haven't heard back on my claim - what should I do next?
If you filed a claim using an online account with your carrier, log in to track your claims progress.
If you have additional questions related to your claim, or need assistance with next steps, Contact Us and one of our Claim Specialists will assist you.
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My claim was denied - is there anything else I can do?
If your claim was denied and you do not think it should have been, you can file an appeal with your travel insurance carrier.
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In order to file an appeal, you will need to write an appeal letter including your name, member ID number, certificate number, the claim number you are appealing, and the reason you are appealing the claim. You will need to have written evidence to support your appeal.
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For assistance with what documentary evidence you will need for your appeal, Contact Us for assistance with your specific situation.
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Trip Cancellation
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What is the difference between trip cancellation coverage and travel medical coverage?
Travel medical coverage is typically secondary medical coverage for new illnesses and injuries that arise during your travel dates. Coverage should begin the day you leave your home country and end the day you arrive back in your home country.
Trip cancellation coverage goes into effect the day you purchase the coverage for your trip and starts protecting your investment from that moment. Should you need to cancel for one of the approved cancellation reasons, a claim can be submitted in order to receive reimbursement for all non-refundable prepaid costs associated with your trip. Trip cancellation coverage also includes various amounts of travel medical coverage.
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Do I need to purchase both trip cancellation and travel medical coverage?
There are unique differences between the two types of plans. While some travelers prefer to purchase both, others choose to purchase one or the other. Our service team can be reached at our Contact Us form to discuss your specific travel insurance needs.
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How soon should I buy my trip cancellation coverage?
If you are interested in purchasing trip cancellation coverage that includes a waiver for pre-existing conditions, you will need to check the details of the plans you are interested in. Some plans require the policy to be purchased before you make the final payment for your trip, and some plans require the traveler to purchase within 20 days of the initial payment. Understanding the benefits you want in your trip cancellation plan will help inform you on which plan would be best for you and when you should plan to purchase based on those needs.
If you are interested in the Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit, you will need to purchase trip cancellation coverage within 20 days of your initial payment for your trip. That payment could include a deposit to a tour company, or the first purchase you make, such as a flight or hotel booking, for your trip. -
Is there coverage that allows me to cancel my trip for any reason?
There is a benefit called Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) that can be added to some trip cancellation policies. This benefit must be purchased within 20 days of your initial trip deposit or the first payment for your trip (flights, hotel, etc.)
If you do not purchase the CFAR benefit, there is a list of accepted cancellation, interruption, and delay reasons for each plan that allows for claim reimbursement.
The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit is not currently available for any plan with Israel as a destination.
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Will the full cost of my trip be reimbursed for cancellation, delay, or interruption?
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse all non-refundable costs within your insured trip cost. If you purchased Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and need to cancel outside of the approved cancellation reasons, you are only eligible to be reimbursed up to 75% of your non-refundable trip cost.
In order to file a claim for reimbursement for cancellations, interruptions, or delays the traveler must first attempt to get a refund from all travel providers (tour companies, airlines, hotels, excursion companies, etc.). Please note that credits for airlines, hotels, etc. are considered refunds and will not be reimbursable under most trip cancellation plans. -
What cancellation reasons are covered by trip cancellation insurance?
Some of the most common covered reasons are included below. Specific covered reasons are determined by the plan you choose and subject to the discretion of the carrier.
- Sickness, Injury, or Death of you, a family member, or traveling companion
- Pregnancy Complications
- Financial Insolvency or Default of Travel Supplier
- Traffic Accident en Route to Departure
- Common Carrier Mechanical Breakdown
- Natural Disaster Evacuation at Departure City or Destination
- Strike
- Inclement Weather
- Primary Residence or Destination Accommodations Uninhabitable
- Hurricane Warning or Watch
- Hijack/Quarantine
- Subpoena/Court Order/Jury Duty/Witness
- Military Duty for Natural Disaster
- Military Leave Revoked or Reassigned
- Host Unable to Provide Accommodations
- Terrorist Incident
- Passport, Visa, or Travel Document Theft
- Felonious Assault
- Involuntary Employment Transfer
- Terminated or Laid Off from Employment
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What is the premium refund policy if I need to cancel my trip and do not qualify for a cancellation claim?
There is a 10-day free look period from the purchase date on all Trip Cancellation plans. Any policy cancellation for a premium refund would need to happen within that 10-day window. If you are outside of the 10-day window and cannot file a claim, some carriers will give travelers the option to move the dates of your trip cancellation coverage. This would allow you to plan a new trip to apply your coverage to.