FAQ

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1. Who is covered by this plan? Is it only for residents living in the U.S.? Am I covered if I travel within the U.S.?

If you and members of your immediate family that want coverage reside in the U.S., you are eligible for coverage under the Travel Assistance International ("TAI") policy. Coverage is available for any travel, inside or outside the U.S., which is more than 100 miles from home during the time period covered in your policy.

You can purchase TAI on an annual basis or on a “pre trip” basis. Click Here for more information.

2. Why should I purchase this coverage if medical care is provided under my existing health insurance plan?

Many medical providers overseas require a guarantee of payment for their services before they begin treatment. This option is not generally available under your normal health insurance plan. Even health insurance programs that cover your expenses often require you to pay up-front and then file a claim when you return home. Such requirements can complicate matters since foreign providers often file in their own languages and do not use procedure codes.

If, however, you have TAI coverage, you are eligible to receive payment guarantees from the Assistance Center, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Still, if you believe your health insurance provides adequate coverage for you and your family on your trip, you can forego this aspect of TAI's coverage.

Beyond medical coverage, the TAI plan offers you several important benefits no health insurance plan provides.

For example:

• TAI will help you find a doctor in the country you are visiting that understands your language.
  
• TAI will coordinate the care you receive overseas.
  
• Under special conditions, TAI will arrange and pay for transportation for you and your family should your illness or injury require care elsewhere. TAI can also pay for and arrange medical transportation to your home, if necessary.

3. Will I have medical expense benefits while I travel?

The TAI plan guarantees payment of medical expenses to providers up to certain limits, depending on the option selected. Even if you do not have medical coverage, TAI will advance medical payments if you can guarantee repayment up to the benefit limit (i.e., a bank credit card or similar credit instrument). Payments are made in the national currency of the provider's country.

4. How far in advance should I apply for coverage?

If you are making last-minute arrangements, you can apply for and receive coverage the day before your trip begins. We recommend, however, that you purchase medical assistance and evacuation plans no later than two weeks prior to your trip. If you purchase the trip cancellation option, you should apply for coverage no later than the date of the final payment for your trip. For example, if the final payment is due August 15, you must be enrolled no later than August 14.

Remember the trip cancellation option of the TAI plan only covers non-refundable expenses you have paid to the trip provider.

5. Can I become a member once my trip begins?

No

6. Is the annual option available on a calendar year basis?

The annual protection option begins on the day TAI processes your application and continues for 365, consecutive days. It provides coverage for each and every trip you or a member of your family take (if you select family coverage) during the coverage period, except for trips less than 100 miles from your home or trips that last more than 90 days.

7. Are my spouse and children protected if they travel without me?

If you select the family coverage option, and if the trip is more than 100 miles from your home, family members are covered. For enrollment purposes, "family members" are limited to dependent children under 19 years of age (or 23 years of age or under if they are full-time students) and to your spouse.

8. Can my "significant other" or my children over the age limit apply for coverage?

A member cannot include such individuals under the family option. However, members may purchase individual policies for "significant others" or children whose age exceeds the limits of family coverage.

9. Do I have to call TAI if I am sick or injured before I can receive treatment?

You should contact TAI for pre-approval of any treatment. In an extreme emergency requiring immediate medical attention, you should seek medical attention immediately. Then, you or a responsible party should notify TAI as soon as possible following treatment. All Medical evacuations must be approved and arranged in advance by TAI's Assistance Center.

10. What happens when I cannot call TAI immediately if I need hospitalization?

If you require urgent medical care and you or a responsible party traveling with you cannot immediately contact TAI, you should call as soon as you are physically able. If possible, have a member of the hospital staff call on your behalf.

11. What does "medical coordination" mean?

The TAI Assistance Center will regularly consult with your attending physician to monitor your progress and to determine whether further medical intervention is needed.

12. What happens when I cannot get the care I need in another country?

The TAI Assistance Center, following consultations with your attending physician, will decide whether you are receiving adequate care where you are located. If TAI determines you are not receiving adequate care, TAI will find the location nearest to you where you will get the adequate care you need. TAI will arrange for and pay the costs of transportation to the new location.

Please note: The nearest location may be in another foreign country.Medical evacuation could also involve TAI's payment for the cost of returning you to your country for ongoing treatment if TAI decides that such action is medically necessary.TAI, not your health insurance carrier, provides this benefit. The decision to relocate you to another medical facility is only TAI's, in consultation with your attending physician.

13. If I arrange my own return trip without consulting TAI first, will my expenses be covered?

No. TAI must make all arrangements in order for you to be covered.

14. What are the limits of coverage on transportation?

The limit of coverage for medical transportation is U.S.$1,000,000.

15. If I am hospitalized, can my family visit me?

If you are traveling alone, and if you have been hospitalized for at least seven, consecutive days, TAI will pay up to U.S.$1,000 for economy class, round trip transportation for one family member or friend. TAI will also pay a maximum of U.S.$100 per day for up to ten days to cover this individual's lodging and meals.

16. Is the family/friend visit benefit available in my home country?

This benefit is available anywhere in the world if

(1) you are traveling 100 miles or more from your home;
(2) the trip is scheduled to last no more than the number of days allowed in the plan; and
(3) you have been hospitalized for more than seven, consecutive days.

17. How can I contact you for further questions on TAI's policy?

• You can reach us for answers to your questions by clicking on the Contact Us tab of our web site and sending us an e-mail.
  
• You can contact us by telephone in the U.S. by calling 800-821-2828.
  
• If you want to write us a letter, our address is P.O. Box 668, Millersville, MD 21108.

18. How can I purchase coverage for myself or for my family?

• You can enroll at our web site (www.travelassistance.com)
  
• You can call us at 800-821-2828
  
• You can write us at P.O. Box 668, Millersville, MD 21108, and we will send you a brochure.