Some examples of the questions you should be asking us...

• Is it cheaper to buy the insurance directly from an insurance company or does it not make a difference in costs if I purchase through a broker?
• Can I take this cover out as an individual, or do I have to be part of a group?
• What is the minimum group size?
• Can I take the insurance back to my home country?
• Is my insurance portable to other countries?
• How much do you estimate the rates will increase year on year?
• Are you able to provide references from customers happy with the product?
• What is the procedure for claims reimbursement/where (and how) do I send claims?
• What is the average turnaround time for claims?
• How can I check and follow up a claim?
• What methods are available for reimbursement?
• Does the provider absorb any bank fees for depositing reimbursements into bank accounts?
• How long do I have to submit a claim after treatment?
• Who is the Underwriter and how are they rated?
• What is a third party administrator (TPA)?
• Is the insurance company a TPA? How does this affect me?
• What are the main exclusions on the policy I should be aware of?
• Does the provider offer coverage for pre-existing/chronic conditions?
• What limits are placed on life threatening procedures/conditions (organ transplants, HIV, heart surgery etc)?
• Are there any special rules regarding dental coverage and the kinds of treatment covered?
• Are 'alternative' treatments covered?
• What do I do in case of accident?
• Is there a compassionate travel benefit?
• What is an 'excess/deductible'? How do these affect different policies?
• What is a co-pay? Are there any co-pays on the policy?
• Are British model insurance co-pays and US co-pays worded or structured differently?
• Are prescription medicines covered?
• If a certain medication is not available in my country of residence, can I buy it overseas and be reimbursed?
• If I need an operation but would rather have this done in my home country am I able to do so? How about a third country?
• If I don't like a decision by an insurance company, what is the next step?
• Are there any direct-pay facilities for outpatient treatment/how can I use these?
• Is direct pay an option for inpatient treatment overseas? How is this arranged?
• Can I go to any doctor for outpatient treatment?
• Do I have to go to the hospital of the insurance company's choosing for inpatient procedures?
• Is the provider an admitted carrier in …………….?
• Does the insurance company provide claims data and information as to what is driving your premium rate increases?
• Can your provider explain (and are they willing to) how renewal rates are calculated?
• Does the provider offer suggestions on plan designs to assist with regard to containing medical costs?
• Does the insurance provider offer 24 hour customer service?
• Does the insurance company's underwriting department use pooling of large claims to aid with minimizing spikes in premium rates?
• What is your providers' standard of service for your members? How is it measured? How are the staff at the provider trained? What goals does the organization set to improve its turn around time? Can they provide their past 3 years' track record of service standards?
• What services/support are in place to coordinate worldwide care? Are you left on your own to maneuver health care in a strange country on your own? Does the provider expect the school to take on these duties?
• Does the insurance company have existing direct pay arrangements overseas?
• What support is available for enrollment meetings and for members to understand their benefits?
• What online services does the insurance company offer?
• How much administrations/time do school administrators have to dedicate to resolving issues for teachers?
• Does the insurance company give you an individual account manager to contact, someone who knows your school's policy and unique issues?
• Should my school be looking to minimize loss ratios? What are the targets for this? How could this potentially affect my school?