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Can Travel Insurance Ask for Medical Records

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be wondering if travel insurance companies can ask for your medical records. The answer is yes, they can. Here’s what you need to know about how this works and what it means for your coverage .

In this article...

Do travel insurance ask for medical records?

When you apply for travel insurance, the insurer will usually ask you about your medical history. They may also ask for permission to access your medical records. The purpose of this is to assess your risk of making a claim on the policy.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, the insurer will want to know about it so that they can determine whether or not to cover you. They may also ask for further information such as your current medication list and details of any recent hospitalizations or surgeries.

If you have been declined travel insurance in the past, the insurer will also want to know about this. They may ask for a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you were declined cover.

Generally, the more information you can provide about your medical history, the better. This will give the insurer a clear picture of your health and help them to make an informed decision about whether or not to offer you cover.

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What to do if travel insurance asks for medical records

If travel insurance asks for medical records, the best course of action is to provide them with the requested records.

Travel insurance companies may request medical records for a variety of reasons, such as to determine if a pre-existing condition is covered under the policy or to verify that the policyholder is healthy enough to travel.

Medical records can be obtained from a variety of sources, such as a primary care physician, hospital, or insurance company.

What Happens if I Need to Use My Travel Insurance?

There are a few things that could happen if you need to use your travel insurance. The most likely scenario is that you will have to submit a claim to the insurance company in order to be reimbursed for any expenses . This can be a lengthy process, so it is important to be familiar with the details of your policy before you leave on your trip.

In some cases, you may need to get prior approval from the insurance company before you incur any expenses. This is typically done for medical treatments or surgeries. If you do not get prior approval, you may not be covered for the full cost of the treatment.

It is also possible that you will be denied coverage for a claim. This can happen if the insurance company believes that the expenses are not necessary or if they feel that you could have avoided the situation altogether. If you are denied coverage, you can appeal the decision with the insurance company.

If you have to use your travel insurance, it is important to keep all of your receipts and documentation. This will help to speed up the claims process and ensure that you are reimbursed for all of your eligible expenses.

Can travel insurance claim be denied for lack of medical records

If you’re planning to travel and are considering purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to be aware that your claim may be denied if you don’t have sufficient medical records.

When you purchase travel insurance, you’re typically required to provide some basic information about your health. This may include your medical history, current medications, and any pre-existing conditions .

If you don’t have complete medical records, your insurer may not have enough information to properly assess your risk. As a result, your claim may be denied.

To avoid this, be sure to keep accurate and up-to-date records of your medical history, medications, and any other relevant information. If you’re unsure about what you need to provide, check with your insurer before you purchase your policy.

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Who Can Access Your Medical Records?

  • Who Has Access?
  • Types of Access
  • HIPAA and Access

Exceptions to HIPAA

Illegal disclosure.

  • Aggregated Data Use

Your private health information can be accessed by your healthcare provider as well as the people you allow to have access. For example, you may give permission for your family members to have access to your medical records.

In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) makes rules about who is allowed to see patients' medical records. However, there can be some exceptions to HIPAA rights. You might be surprised to learn that other people and organizations can see your medical records without your permission.

This article will go over how medical record privacy works. Although the list is not complete, it cvers some common examples of who can access your records. You will also find out why they want your information and what they can use it for.

Who Can Access Patient Medical Records?

Dozens of people and organizations are legally allowed to see your medical records. They can make a request or purchase access to them.

In some cases, you need to give them permission to access your record. However, your permission is not always required. Sometimes, you've given permission for someone to access your record without realizing it—for example, by signing a consent form .

While there are safeguards in place to try to prevent data breaches, individuals or groups can sometimes access medical records illegally.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there were at least 5,887 large healthcare data breaches between 2009 and 2023. Most data breaches in 2023 were due to a considerable increase in hacking and ransomware attacks.

Types of Medical Record Access

There are two general types of medical records that are shared or purchased: individually identifiable records and aggregated records.

  • Individually identifiable record : This type of record has personal data, such as a person's name, doctors, insurers, diagnoses, treatments, and more. This is the record you request to review your medical records . This information may also be referred to as protected health information (PHI).
  • Aggregated medical record : This type of record is a database that includes lots of different data called attributes. This type of record is not used to identify one person. Instead, hundreds or even thousands of records are put into lists. All those lists together make up one, large aggregated list. This process is called "data mining."

Here's an example of data mining: A hospital may decide to mine the data of all of the records of patients who have had heart bypass surgery.

The aggregated record could have hundreds of patients in it. They are all categorized using different factors, such as the type of insurance they have or who their healthcare providers are.

HIPAA and Access to Medical Records

Certain people and organizations have the right to access your medical records. They are classified as covered entities under HIPAA. This means that they have the right to access your records under specific regulatory guidelines.

Covered entities include:

  • Doctors and allied medical professionals
  • Healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals, labs, nursing homes)
  • Payers (e.g., Medicare , health insurance companies)
  • Technology providers that maintain electronic health records
  • The government

As covered entities, they have very strict rules they must follow. One of the most important rules states when they must have written permission from you to share your records. However, covered entities are not required to obtain written permission to share your records if conducting activities related to treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

Here are the other rules laid out by HIPAA:

  • You have a legal right to copies of your own medical records.
  • A loved one or caregiver may have the right to get copies of your medical records if you give them permission to.
  • Your healthcare providers have a right to see and share your records with anyone to whom you have given permission. For example, if your primary care doctor refers you to a specialist, you might be asked to sign a form that says they can share your records with that specialist.
  • Your healthcare payers have a right to get copies of and use your medical records according to HIPAA laws. Insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, workers compensation, Social Security disability, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any institutional entity that pays for any portion of your healthcare might need to review your records.
  • Federal and state governments may have a right to your medical records. In addition to medical payment, other agencies may have access to your records as well. For example, law enforcement and child protective services might be able to see your records if a subpoena is obtained. If you're in a workplace accident, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) might need to review your records.
  • Medical Information Bureau (the MIB Group) is a non-profit entity that was founded more than 125 years ago. It provides information to life insurance companies to assess a person's eligibility for coverage. The MIB Group may have an individual record on you that is not subject to HIPAA laws.
  • Prescription databases like IntelliScript (Milliman) and MedPoint (Ingenix) very likely have data-mined records on all the prescription drugs you have bought over the past five or more years. This information is used by life insurance or disability insurance companies to determine whether or not they will sell you insurance.

How HIPAA Protects Personal Medical Information

HIPAA rules how and with whom your personal medical information can be shared.

Under HIPAA, you have a legal right to get copies of your medical records. You also have the right to share your documents with anyone you choose as long as you sign a consent or release form.

HIPAA also lets payers see your medical records. Insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, workers comp, disability, the VA, or any institution that pays for part of your healthcare can ask for your records.

Life insurance and prescription databases can also access your records. Even the government can view your medical records in some circumstances.

Who Is Not Covered Under HIPAA?

Employers are not covered by HIPAA. Even if they pay for your insurance or medical care out of pocket, HIPAA does not allow your employer to access your medical records or insurance claims because it could lead to discrimination.

There are a few exceptions to HIPAA that can vary by state, such as when a parent would like to access a minor's medical records. Instances where a minor's medical records can be withheld from parents include:

  • When parental consent is not required under state or other applicable laws and the minor is the one who consented to care
  • If a minor receives care under a court order or under the direction of a person appointed by the court
  • When a parent agreed that the minor and healthcare provider may have a confidential relationship

In some cases, unauthorized access to medical records is intentional and criminal. In other cases, the disclosure is the result of someone's carelessness—even yours.

It is illegal to share protected health information under HIPAA. However, this law does not let people sue for monetary compensation after a data breach.

If you believe your health information was shared illegally, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

You often hear about hackers who have illegally gained access to thousands of private records, whether they are health records, credit card records, or other sources of information.

Medical information is a prime target for hackers because thieves make a lot of money from medical identity theft.

However, hackers are not looking for a specific individual's records. Instead, they just want to get as many records that are not aggregated as possible.

Targeted Illegal Access

Another illegal form of access involves an individual patient's records.

For example, a business might pay someone to get a potential employee's medical record. In another situation, a spouse might look for the records of a person they're divorcing. Sometimes, celebrities' medical records are stolen.

Accidental Leaks

There are other ways that your private medical information might unintentionally become public.

For example, if your doctor's office leases a copy machine, thousands of copied paper medical records are stored in its memory. When the machine goes back to the company, the records might go with it.

The same thing can happen when computer hard drives fail. You might assume that if the computer isn't working, the records couldn't be accessed.

However, just because drives no longer work with a computer does not mean that someone can't get the data that's on them.

When You Sign Away Your Privacy

You often give entities permission to access your records without even knowing it. Here are a few common examples that you might not have thought of before:

  • Life insurance: The forms you sign when you get life insurance coverage usually give the company permission to access your records.
  • Home DNA or health tests: When you use home health testing services, the companies can use your health information however they choose.

Aggregated Records

Medical records in an aggregated form are used for many different reasons. Once the information has been de-identified (meaning that no one patient is identifiable), organizations have the right to aggregate the information, then share or sell it.

Aggregated data is often used in research. The studies using the data may help patients in the future.

Selling Data

Sometimes, hospitals and other covered entities will sell aggregated data.

For example, a hospital could sell its data on 1,000 patients who had back surgery to a company that sells wheelchairs.

In another example, a pharmacy could sell its data on 5,000 customers who filled cholesterol drug prescriptions to the local heart center.

Aggregated data can also be used for marketing purposes. It is a large source of revenue for many organizations that work with patients.

Outreach and Fundraising

Nonprofit and charitable organizations can use aggregated data to help them do outreach for fundraising.

Local organizations can team with hospitals or other facilities that aggregate patient data. State, national, or international organizations find other ways to access the data.

If you take an interest in an organization's cause, you might be on their fundraising lists. Then, you'll be included when they aggregate their data to sell to another organization that wants to know who is interested in the organization.

In the U.S., there are laws that control who can see your health information. There are also rules about how that information can be used. One of your rights as a patient is the ability to access your medical record. You can also give other people, like providers, family members, and insurance companies, permission to see your records.

While your medical records are protected and private, they can be legally accessed by more people or groups than you might realize. For example, law enforcement or agencies that handle workplace injuries can ask to see your records. Sometimes your permission is needed, but not always.

It's also possible for medical records to be accessed illegally, such as when hackers breach a healthcare system.

In some cases, data from thousands of patients are put together. When this is done, no one patient is easy to identify. This aggregated data is "de-identified." This type of data can be used for many things, like marketing and research.

The HIPAA Journal. Healthcare data breach statistics .

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) .

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule allow parents the right to see their children's medical records?

By Trisha Torrey  Trisha Torrey is a patient empowerment and advocacy consultant. She has written several books about patient advocacy and how to best navigate the healthcare system. 

Reassured.Me

Do Travel Insurance Check Medical Records?

Travelers who have had claims denied become enraged because they believe they have been duped (see Five “Loopholes” and How to Avoid Them).

Understanding what is and is not covered can help you prevent frustration. The policy certificate contains this information, which you should study throughout your free look period.

Travel insurance does not cover cancellations for ‘everything’

Cancellation and interruption coverage is provided by travel insurance, however the reason for the cancellation matters because not everything is covered.

A list of covered causes for trip cancellation is included in most travel insurance policies. You will not be covered if your cause is not in the list.

Any cancellations due to medical reasons must be approved and documented by a physician. You can’t just cancel a trip because a family member is sick; you’ll need to take them to the doctor and have him or her make that decision.

Pre-existing conditions require special attention

A pre-existing condition is anything that occurred (or began to occur) before you were covered by insurance.

The travel insurance company will review your medical records if you seek a claim due to a medical issue. They’ll have to figure out when and whether this condition started. If they go back and see no evidence of the condition, it was not a well-known one. If they notice that you have been diagnosed with the disease, it will be considered a pre-existing illness, and coverage would be rejected.

Pre-existing condition waivers have been produced by travel insurance providers to give coverage in certain scenarios.

Travel insurance policies have a list of ‘exclusions’

Every travel insurance policy has a list of exclusions, or situations in which coverage is not given. This is a detailed list of reasons that should be carefully read to avoid misunderstandings.

  • Expenses incurred as a result of a pre-existing medical condition (although you can purchase a waiver if you have a pre-existing condition and get coverage).
  • Changing your mind or realizing you can’t afford to travel (although you can get ‘cancel for any reason’ insurance and cancel a vacation before it begins).
  • Losses incurred as a result of winning tickets or tours as an award or redeeming frequent flier or credit card miles (although some plans will reimburse the re-deposit fee for frequent flyer programs)
  • Medical tourism, often known as medical tourism, is a type of travel when the objective of the journey is to acquire medical care outside of your native country (although Seven Corners offers a medical procedure insurance for complications due to medical treatment received outside the borders).
  • Bad weather (but if you get ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage, you can cancel your trip before it starts if you feel you won’t enjoy it because of the weather).
  • Skydiving, scuba diving, bungee leaping, heli-skiing, and other high-risk activities (although some plans offer coverage for high-risk activities as an optional add-on).
  • Losses resulting from declared or undeclared wars, military activities, civil unrest, and riots.
  • Losses caused by venereal disease, the AIDS virus, pregnancy (excluding pregnancy complications), or abortion.
  • Anxiety, sadness, neurosis, or psychosis are all examples of mental, psychological, or nervous diseases that cause losses.
  • Losses resulting from the insured purposefully inflicting bodily injury, including suicide.
  • Losses suffered by the insured while legally inebriated or under the influence of drugs.

Additional exclusions related to the plan can be found in the policy, certificate, or description of the plan.

Can travel insurance companies check medical records?

It’s standard practice for your insurance provider to ask for medical information when you get travel insurance. Underwriters will utilize the information you provide to determine the amount of risk.

Your insurance provider may want more extensive medical information from your GP to ensure you’re granted the correct level of coverage or to determine whether they’re willing to insure you or process a claim.

Typically, a provider will not request to examine your medical records, but some may request to review them to ensure that the information you’ve provided in your application is correct.

According to the Financial Ombudsman, concerns concerning how insurance companies treat people with pre-existing diseases are a “repeated subject.”

What happens if you don’t declare medical conditions for travel insurance?

If you’re not sure whether you need to reveal a previous medical condition, it’s best to err on the side of caution and notify your insurer so you can be sure you’ll be covered while you’re abroad.

What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?

Respiratory diseases, heart, liver, kidney, brain or circulation disease or damage, diabetes, strokes or central nervous system disorders, and terminal illnesses are all medical conditions that must be disclosed when getting travel insurance estimates.

Any serious psychological or mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, should also be disclosed.

In general, you must declare any medical condition for which you have received treatment in a hospital (inpatient or outpatient), clinic, or GP surgery in the previous five years, or if you have had surgery. In this time, you should also declare any medical conditions for which you have been prescribed medicine.

What if you develop a new medical condition after taking out travel insurance?

If you are diagnosed with a new medical condition after purchasing travel insurance, you should notify your insurance provider as soon as possible because this will be deemed a change in your health status.

If you don’t tell your travel insurance company about a medical condition you have, you might not be protected if you need to file a claim. As a result, it’s critical to disclose any medical issues you may have, even if they may be managed with medicine.

If you require medical treatment while abroad, this might be quite pricey, as costs can often run into hundreds of pounds. As a result, you should look for a travel insurance policy that covers you for medical situations for at least £10m or £15m. Your policy should also provide sufficient coverage to pay you if you have to cancel your trip due to a medical emergency.

Finding the best travel insurance if you have medical conditions

  • Do you have a pre-existing medical problem and need to travel? Get a quote from AllClear today for complete medical coverage while you’re gone.

The Financial Conduct Authority has authorized and regulated Telegraph Media Group Limited as an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited.

Why would a travel insurance claim be denied?

Travel insurance will not cover any claims filed as a result of unlawful, fraudulent, or dishonest behavior. As part of an industry-wide fraud prevention and detection effort, travel insurance firms share information on such claims. Similarly, claims resulting from irresponsible behavior, such as unlicensed use of swimming pools or visiting restricted areas, are not covered by travel insurance. During your travels and at your chosen destination, you must follow all applicable rules and regulations.

How far back do insurance companies check medical records?

When it comes to medical data, how far back do life insurance companies go? A medical records request for life insurance normally focuses on the previous five to 10 years. The insurance company needs to know if you’ve had any recent illnesses or treatments.

What information can insurance companies access?

The types of information collected by life insurance companies are usually determined by the amount of coverage you want, the policy type, and the underwriting procedure they utilize. Your age and health may also play a role.

The most information is received from sources such as those listed below for fully underwritten policies. Many of these same sources are used in accelerated underwriting, with the exception of the medical exam. In addition, the simplified issue underwriting procedure may rely on limited third-party data.

Information From You

Prepare your coffee. According to the Society of Actuaries, a life insurance application might have up to 60 questions. You’ll be quizzed on your age, personal medical history and mental health, family medical history, and whether or not you use tobacco. There will also be inquiries into your driving record, harmful hobbies, and any prospective trip plans to dangerous regions.

To verify your identification, insurance providers will ask for personal information such as your Social Security number and birth date. They may also want to know your annual wage because it may limit the amount of insurance you may acquire based on it.

It’s critical to be truthful while answering questions. Keep in mind that insurers will double-check a lot of the information you provide with other sources. Incorrect responses may void your insurance policy in the future.

Electronic Health Records

Life insurance businesses have benefited from the availability of electronic health records. They can get rid of the outdated procedure of requesting an Attending Physician Statement (APS) on an applicant through phone or fax by accessing digital medical records. Firms that help insurers obtain medical records are known as records-request companies.

Your life insurance application will include a HIPAA-compliant consent form for you to sign if an insurer requests your medical records.

Since 2014, health-care providers have been obligated by federal law to keep electronic health records. Life insurers can use electronic health information to speed up the application process and, in some situations, eliminate the need for a medical exam.

Previous Life Insurance Applications

Individual health and life insurance applications are gathered by MIB Group. If you’ve ever applied for insurance with one of MIB’s member businesses, it’s likely that they have a record of you. Insurers can check to see whether your previous responses contradict what you’ve indicated on a new application. You can acquire a free copy of your MIB file.

MIB does not have information about your workplace’s group life or health insurance.

From Pharmaceutical Databases

Life insurance firms will find out if you’re taking medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or anything else. They check your prescription drug history using third-party companies like Milliman Intelliscript.

From a Life Insurance Medical Exam

A medical exam, also known as a paramedical exam, is usually required for a fully underwritten life insurance policy to identify if you have any medical issues that could affect the amount you pay.

Carriers like ExamOne and APPS are used by insurance companies to send a nurse or paramedical professional to your home or business. They’ll probably measure your height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as take blood and urine samples (which can detect nicotine and drug use, among other things).

Depending on your age or health, some insurers may require an EKG and/or cognitive assessment.

From Your Motor Vehicle Report

You’re submitting a life insurance application, not a car insurance application. So, why would an insurance company want to look into your driving history? You may be a higher risk as a policyholder if you have received speeding tickets or other offences such as DUIs.

From Your Credit

For life insurance firms, your credit may also appear to be an odd source of information. According to the Society of Actuaries, they may examine your credit. Credit scores can help determine your “mortality,” or life expectancy. LexisNexis, an analytics firm, sells its Risk Classifier score to life insurance, for example. Your credit, driving history, and other public records-based criteria are all factored into your score.

From Public Records

Insurers can look up your personal information in public records, find out what property you own, see whether you have a criminal past, and look for other information that might indicate you’re a riskier applicant.

From Financial Statements

Insurance companies may need more information to verify your financial condition if you apply for life insurance beyond a particular sum. Ameritas, for example, will demand to see tax returns or income statements, as well as a list of assets certified by an accountant, for applicants who seek a life insurance policy worth more than $5 million.

From Your Social Media Accounts

Anything you share on social media has the potential to backfire. Even when applying for life insurance, this is true. According to a poll conducted by Lewis & Ellis Actuaries and Consultants, most insurance firms scan social media sites as part of their underwriting process. The majority of people use Google, although some also use LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Can insurance companies have access to protected health information?

The Privacy Rule requires HIPAA covered entities (health plans and most health care providers) to give individuals access to their protected health information (PHI) in one or more “designated record sets” kept by or for the covered entity upon request. This includes the right to see or get a copy of the PHI, or both, as well as the ability to order the covered entity to send a copy to a person or entity of the individual’s choosing. Individuals have the right to access this PHI for as long as it is kept by a covered entity, or by a business associate on behalf of a covered entity, regardless of when it was created, whether it is kept in paper or electronic systems onsite, remotely, or archived, or where the PHI originated (e.g., whether the covered entity, another provider, the patient, etc.).

Information Included in the Right of Access: The “Designated Record Set”

Individuals have the right to access PHI in a secure environment “This is a defined record set.” A+ “45 CFR 164.501 defines a “designated record set” as a collection of records kept by or for a covered entity that includes the following:

  • Individual medical records and billing records kept by or for a covered health care provider;
  • A health plan’s or an insurer’s enrollment, payment, claims adjudication, and case or medical management record systems; or
  • Other records that are utilized by or for the covered entity to make judgments about individuals, in whole or in part. Whether or not the documents have been used to make a choice regarding the specific individual requesting access, this last category covers records that have been used to make decisions about any individual.

Any item, collection, or grouping of information that includes PHI and is stored, collected, used, or distributed by or for a covered organization is referred to as a “record.”

Individuals have a right to a wide range of health information about themselves kept by or for covered entities, such as medical records, billing and payment records, insurance information, clinical laboratory test results, medical images such as X-rays, wellness and disease management program files, and clinical case notes, among other information used to make decisions about them. A covered entity is not required to provide new information, such as explanatory materials or analyses, in response to a request for access that does not already exist in the selected record set.

Information Excluded from the Right of Access

Because the information is not utilized to make judgments about individuals, an individual does not have the right to access PHI that is not part of a designated record set. This could include records of quality assessment or improvement, patient safety activity records, or records of company planning, development, and management that are used for business decisions rather than individual decisions. For example, a hospital’s peer review files or practitioner or provider performance evaluations, or a health plan’s quality control records used to improve customer service or formulary development records, may be generated from and include an individual’s PHI, but they may not be in the covered entity’s designated record set and therefore subject to individual access.

In addition, the right of access is expressly denied to two types of information:

  • Psychotherapy notes are personal notes kept separately from the rest of the patient’s medical record by a mental health care professional for the purpose of documenting or analyzing the contents of a counseling session. 164.524(a)(1)(i) and 164.501 are found in 45 CFR 164.524(a)(1)(i) and 164.501.
  • Information gathered in the course of, or in anticipation of, a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding. See 45 CFR 164.524(a)(1) for more information (ii).

The underlying PHI from the individual’s medical or payment records, or other data used to generate the aforementioned sorts of excluded records or information, however, remains part of the designated record set and accessible to the individual.

What counts as a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance?

Pre-existing medical issues are usually described as a sickness or injury that occurred before or at the time you purchased travel insurance. This encompasses both medical and non-physical ailments including cancer, diabetes, and respiratory problems, as well as mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.

What is classed as a pre-existing medical condition?

What are pre-existing conditions, and who are the people who have them? A pre-existing condition, to put it simply, is any health issue that a person has before to enrolling in health coverage. A pre-existing condition may be known to the individual — for example, if she is already pregnant. People may also seek for coverage if they are unaware that they have an undetected ailment, such as tumor cells growing within them that will not be detected for months or years. A pre-existing condition could be minor, such as seasonal allergies or acne that can be managed with over-the-counter drugs. Diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, for example, could be more dangerous and require more expensive treatment.

What is considered pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by travel insurance carriers. These are some of the most common causes for travel insurance claims being denied.

According to travel insurance company Allianz Travel, a pre-existing condition is an injury, illness, or medical condition that caused someone to seek treatment, feel symptoms, or take medicine before purchasing the travel insurance policy.

According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance company, an insurer goes back 60 to 180 days before the policy was purchased to establish what qualifies as a pre-existing ailment. The disease will be regarded pre-existing if the traveler’s medical state changed during that time, such as a new diagnosis, a worsening in health, or the addition of new prescription medicine.

You don’t need an official diagnosis from a health care expert to have something recognized as a pre-existing condition for travel insurance purposes, according to Allianz Travel.

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Travel Medical Insurance: What to Know

Travel medical insurance provides financial protection while traveling, since many u.s. health insurance policies, including medicare and medicaid, don’t typically cover your medical expenses outside of the country..

Jessica Martel

Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.

Read Editorial Guidelines

Katie Powers

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Updated October 12, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

do travel insurance companies check medical records

Table of contents

  • Travel medical insurance
  • What’s covered

Primary coverage

Secondary coverage.

  • Medical evacuation
  • Comprehensive coverage

Trip cancellation

  • Insurance limitations

Though you never plan to have an accident or get sick during a trip, unexpected emergencies happen. Your U.S. health insurance likely won’t cover any visits to the hospital or emergency care in a foreign country. [1] To ensure you have coverage while traveling, you can purchase a stand-alone policy for travel medical insurance.

What is travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance can help fill in coverage gaps if you require emergency or routine medical services while traveling overseas. Even if you have international health insurance that includes care when traveling abroad, it won’t always cover the cost of medical treatments such as X-rays, lab tests, or ambulance services in a foreign country.

Travel medical coverage primarily protects you in the event of an emergency, so long-term travelers should look into purchasing a more comprehensive plan. To prevent extensive financial losses while abroad, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if you and your family members have adequate coverage before you travel.

Before selecting medical insurance coverage, you should compare travel health plans among multiple companies. Some of the best insurers to consider include Blue Shield, Allianz Travel Insurance, American International Group (AIG), HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance, GeoBlue, Generali Global Assistance (GGA), and more.

Does your health insurance plan cover you internationally?

Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are only valid within the U.S. or your home state. While some employer U.S. health plans or private plans provide international travel insurance, it’s important you read the fine print so you know exactly what your policy covers in case of a medical emergency.

Many health insurance plans with international coverage only pay for emergencies that require immediate medical attention while overseas. For example, your insurance may cover a broken bone or a hospital visit if you’re experiencing chest pains. It likely wouldn’t cover any routine medical care.

What travel medical insurance covers

Travel medical insurance covers the cost of unexpected medical expenses while abroad. If you encounter an unexpected injury or illness, your travel medical insurance will reimburse you up to your plan limit.

You can choose from different types of medical travel insurance plans and add-ons when buying coverage. The best travel insurance for you will depend on factors such as where you intend to travel, for how long, and what you plan to do.

Here are five different types of coverage you may encounter while shopping for travel medical insurance.

The difference between primary and secondary coverage has to do with payment priority. With primary medical travel insurance, the insurance plan will pay your medical costs directly, even if you have another health insurance policy. You’ll file any medical claims directly with the company you bought travel medical insurance from, which can help speed up the payment process. [2]

With secondary medical travel insurance, you’ll need to file a claim with your primary healthcare insurance provider first — even if you don’t think the insurer will provide coverage. If the insurer denies your claim or doesn’t fully cover it, you can then file it with the medical travel insurance company.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

An emergency evacuation can be very expensive — especially if it’s in a remote area. Medical evacuation insurance can help cover the costs associated with emergency transportation to an adequate treatment facility. It can also cover the costs associated with transporting you back to the U.S.

Comprehensive travel insurance plan

Some comprehensive policies include medical travel insurance and trip-cancellation coverage if you have to cancel your trip due to something such as severe weather or a natural disaster. Many comprehensive plans also cover trip interruption, medical evacuation, travel delay benefits, and baggage delay.

With medical travel insurance, you can often include trip cancellation insurance as an add-on for an additional cost. Trip cancellation insurance covers trip costs, including your flight, cruise, or train tickets, if you can’t go on your trip. It doesn’t cover any medical care you need while traveling. [3]

Limitations of travel medical insurance

Before confirming your travel plans, check with your insurance company to see if the plan has any limitations or exclusions. Travel medical insurance policies often don’t cover medical bills related to the following three situations.

Pre-existing conditions

A pre-existing condition is a medical condition or illness you’ve had for a certain period before purchasing insurance. It’s possible to purchase insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage. The policies are often time-sensitive and only provide coverage if purchased within a certain number of days of the trip deposit — often 14 days.

High-risk activities

If you’re planning to engage in risky activities or extreme sports, such as skydiving or bungee jumping, check if your travel insurance policy excludes the activities. Many insurance plans won’t cover these risky activities. However, you may be able to purchase extreme sports insurance for additional benefits coverage.

Geographic exclusions

Some insurers won’t provide coverage if you travel to a country that the U.S. Department of State has assigned a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory to. [4] Before traveling to a country with a travel advisory, check with your insurance company to see if your coverage applies.

Travel medical insurance FAQs

Before you take off on your next overseas adventure, you should look into buying a travel medical insurance plan, as well as how you can use it if you need it and how it differs from health insurance coverage.

Who should buy travel medical insurance?

Anyone traveling to a country where their health insurance provider doesn’t provide coverage should consider purchasing travel medical insurance. Certain destinations may require you to purchase it when applying for a visa or staying for a certain amount of time, too.

For example, Schengen Area countries in the European Union require people to have travel medical insurance if they apply for a travel visa, which you’ll need if you’re staying for more than 90 days. [5]

How do you use your travel health insurance?

If you have a medical emergency when traveling and need to use your travel health insurance plan, contact your insurance company immediately. Most travel insurance companies have 24/7 customer service hotlines you can contact for help and information. Your insurer can give you step-by-step instructions on what to do depending on your specific situation.

What is travel insurance vs. medical insurance?

The main difference between travel insurance and regular medical plans is travel insurance only covers you during travel. It’s only valid during your trip to protect you against medical emergencies while you’re away from your home country.

What does medical travel insurance cover?

Travel medical insurance can provide coverage if you have an unexpected illness, injury, or other medical emergency during a trip abroad. U.S. health insurance policies don’t usually cover overseas incidents.

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  • U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs . " Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage ." Accessed September 25, 2023
  • Allianz Travel . " Primary Insurance Coverage ." Accessed September 25, 2023
  • Insurance Information Institute . " Should you buy travel insurance? ." Accessed September 25, 2023
  • U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs . " Travel Advisories ." Accessed September 25, 2023
  • U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs . " U.S. Travelers in Europe ." Accessed September 25, 2023

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Can Travel Insurance Ask for Medical Records?

Traveling is a wonderful experience that allows us to discover new places, immerse ourselves in different cultures, and make lifelong memories. However, unexpected events, such as a sudden illness or injury while abroad, can sometimes derail our plans. Travel insurance

 is essential for protecting travelers from these unforeseen circumstances. One common question in this context is whether travel insurance providers can request medical records. This blog will delve into this subject and shed light on medical record practices in the travel insurance industry.

Understanding Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is intended to provide financial protection and assistance during an unforeseen emergency or mishap while on vacation. Medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other scenarios are typically covered by policies. However, it is important to note that travel insurance policies may differ between providers, so it is critical to carefully read the terms and conditions before purchasing a policy.

Can Travel Insurance Providers Ask for Medical Records?

While travel insurance companies require information about a traveler's medical history, they rarely request complete medical records. These companies seek to assess the level of risk associated with covering a traveler's medical expenses while on the road. During the application process, the questions usually revolve around pre-existing medical conditions, ongoing treatments, or any recent medical procedures. This information is used to ensure that the policy is tailored to the individual's needs and to determine whether exclusions or additional coverage are required.

Why is Medical Information Relevant?

Travel insurance companies request medical information in order to accurately assess the risks associated with providing coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions and ongoing treatments may necessitate additional coverage or exclusions. The insurance provider can determine the appropriate terms and conditions by understanding the traveler's medical history, ensuring that the policy aligns with the traveler's specific requirements.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

Travelers may be concerned about the privacy and confidentiality of their medical information, which is understandable. Reputable travel insurance providers are committed to safeguarding their client's personal information and medical records. They follow strict privacy regulations and take appropriate precautions to protect sensitive information. Before sharing any medical records, it is best to thoroughly review the insurance provider's privacy policy and confirm their commitment to data security.

Conclusion:

Travel insurance is an excellent investment for any traveler, providing peace of mind and financial security in the event of an unexpected event. While travel insurance companies may request medical information, they rarely request full medical records. Instead, they look for specifics about pre-existing conditions or ongoing treatments in order to tailor the policy accordingly. As a responsible traveler, you must provide accurate and relevant medical information to ensure adequate coverage. Remember to read the fine print of your travel insurance policy and select a reputable provider that prioritizes data privacy and security.

Yalla Insure understands the significance of providing dependable travel insurance solutions. Our policies are intended to provide comprehensive coverage while maintaining your privacy. We encourage you to look into our travel insurance options so you can feel confident in your travel plans, knowing you're covered in the event of an emergency. Travel with peace of mind and leave the rest to us!

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do travel insurance companies check medical records

Travel insurance and pre-existing conditions: How to get the coverage you need through a waiver

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  • Most travel insurance companies offer pre-existing condition waivers for stable medical conditions that already exist.
  • Policies with waivers do not usually cost more, but you need to purchase coverage within a specified timeframe.
  • Keep in mind that some pre-existing conditions aren't eligible for a waiver.

Medical travel insurance is a great way to protect your health and finances when traveling. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might assume you can't get coverage. Luckily, that's not usually the case. 

Here's everything you need to know about pre-existing conditions and travel insurance, including how to find coverage options if you have a pre-existing condition.

How do travel insurance companies define a pre-existing condition?

Most travel insurance companies define pre-existing conditions as a change in your medical record that includes tests, examinations, treatment, or changes in medication. The changes in your medical record usually result in a diagnosis, which becomes a pre-existing condition. But you do not have to receive a formal diagnosis for it to be considered a pre-existing condition.

Travel insurance companies consider medical conditions within a specified look-back period, or length of time. The medical condition must be stable to qualify for a claim. Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses.

But even if your medical condition is stable, you likely need a pre-existing condition waiver to get coverage for it.

Travel insurance requires a look-back period for pre-existing conditions

If you file a claim, the insurance company has a right to review your medical record and ensure that you did not have a condition related to the claim. This process is known as a "look-back" period since the insurance looks back through your records. 

The look-back period usually includes 60 to 180 days before you buy the policy. Before approving your claim, the insurance company wants to determine if the condition already existed.

The insurance company may approve or deny your claim based on what it discovers. To avoid dealing with the risk of denial, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver instead. 

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

How to get a waiver for a pre-existing medical condition 

With a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you disclose your medical conditions to your insurance provider and ensure that the condition does not impact your ability to file a claim. If you have a waiver, you can even bypass the look-back period.

The waivers are set up through the travel insurance company and should not impact the cost of your policy. 

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for a pre-existing medical condition waiver:

  • Stable medical condition: Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses. You also need to be medically fit to travel on the day of your trip.
  • Get coverage within a certain timeframe: You typically need to establish coverage shortly after you make your first payment towards the trip, but timelines vary by provider. 
  • Coverage must equal nonrefundable costs: If there are nonrefundable parts of your trip, your travel insurance coverage must equal or exceed that amount. 

For example, if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure a few years ago, but the condition has been stable since — your medication manages the symptoms, and you have not needed additional medical support — then you likely qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. 

Where to find travel coverage for pre-existing conditions

Various companies offer travel insurance for travelers with pre-existing conditions, including Allianz Travel Insurance , GoReady Travel Insurance , Nationwide Travel Insurance , and AIG Travel Insurance . 

You can contact individual companies for quotes or work with a travel insurance comparison site like TravelInsurance.com, SquareMouth, or InsureMyTrip . Comparison sites allow you to review multiple quotes at once. You can usually filter results based on companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers. 

Regardless of which company you choose, it's important to understand the policies regarding pre-existing conditions and adhere to the requirements.

Pre-existing conditions and travel insurance FAQ

What pre-existing conditions are not covered by travel insurance.

Some companies do not provide coverage if you have certain health conditions, such as depression, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, but it varies based on the provider. The coverage details of your policy depend on the plan you select. But comprehensive travel insurance usually covers baggage delays, trip cancellations, and emergency medical care. 

Does Allianz cover pre-existing conditions?

Allianz offers travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions with a waiver. You are eligible as long as you establish coverage within 14 days of paying the first deposit for the trip. But Allianz does exclude certain conditions like bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's disease.

Can you be denied travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition?

A company can deny your travel insurance claim based on what it discovers in the look-back period if you do not have a pre-existing condition waiver.

Travel insurance and pre-existing conditions: How to get the coverage you need through a waiver

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Does Travel Insurance Cover Medical Expenses?

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Table of Contents

What types of travel insurance are available?

What does travel insurance generally cover, the one travel credit card with travel medical insurance, how travel insurance claims work, what costs should i expect, does travel insurance cover medical costs.

If you have a big trip planned in the U.S. or abroad, chances are you’ve considered travel insurance . However, many find the concept a bit confusing. For example, does travel insurance cover medical expenses? If so, how does it work? Is there a difference between the insurance offered with your travel credit card versus a policy that’s purchased separately?

We’ll break it down for you so you can travel with less worry.

Travel insurance policies vary widely depending on your age, destination, trip length and the type of coverage needed. And whether travel insurance is worth the cost can vary greatly depending on your situation.

Nevertheless, it is critical not to get mixed up between trip cancellation and travel medical insurance as they don’t offer the same benefits and protections. Generally, these two coverage types fall under the “travel insurance” umbrella.

Trip cancellation insurance protects you financially if the trip is canceled due to an extraordinary circumstance.

Travel medical insurance is a stand-alone policy that protects you financially in the case of illness or injury during your trip by providing reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations.

Trip cancellation insurance is widely available — some airlines even offer you the option to purchase coverage during booking. Travel medical insurance can be purchased as a stand-alone policy.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

Travel insurance typically covers a range of situations and scenarios related to your financial investment in the trip itself. This can include flight cancellation, lost or delayed luggage, and even theft or damage.

But maybe, more importantly, it may also cover medical expenses abroad. So, for example, if you need emergency medical or dental care while traveling or an emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital or back home, travel insurance can cover the costs.

The types of medical expenses usually covered are:

Hospitalization.

Outpatient services for medical emergencies.

Prescribed medicines.

X-rays and laboratory tests.

Transportation home if deemed medically necessary.

Expenses usually not covered include:

Drug or alcohol-related incidents.

Injuries sustained from reckless behavior.

Non-emergency procedures.

Pregnancy-related expenses.

Psychological disorders.

Some plans also won’t cover accidents that happen while participating in adventure activities or expenses connected to pre-existing conditions, so if either of those applies to you, look for a plan that does include them. Also, check to see if your current health insurance covers medical expenses while traveling and, if so, what’s included.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

Typically, you won’t be covered for medical claims made when traveling to known high-risk regions. This includes locations that involve travel advisories and foreseeable or expected events, like epidemics. But some travel insurance providers have expanded their offerings to include epidemic-related coverage.

Suppose your plan does include this type of coverage. In that case, it will likely provide emergency medical care if you get COVID-19 while traveling, plus trip cancellation and interruption coverage if you or a travel companion gets sick before or during travel.

Just make sure to verify whether your coverage includes disease outbreaks at your intended destinations and what restrictions, if any, are relevant.

» Learn more: Does my travel insurance cover coronavirus?

Certain travel credit cards offer travel insurance to cardholders (provided you pay for all travel expenses with that credit card). The actual coverage will vary from card to card. Still, it can include compensation for trip delay, lost luggage, rental car coverage and even travel accident coverage (in the case of death and dismemberment while traveling). However, most cards don’t specifically offer assistance with medical travel expenses or medical coverage, except:

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Of the different travel credit cards with travel insurance protections, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may offer the most comprehensive coverage , as it includes medical costs and emergency evacuation while traveling internationally. The card covers both emergency medical and dental expenses up to $2,500 (with a $50 deductible).

What’s more, if your doctor deems it necessary for you to rest and recover for a few days before traveling home, you may be eligible for an additional $75 a day to be used for hotel expenses for up to five days.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards

Understanding how travel insurance claims work can be tricky since different providers may use different systems. In most cases, you’ll pay for medical expenses out of pocket, then file a claim afterward. There is usually a window of time you have to file a claim, from either the date of care received or the date of your return. Check the benefits associated with your card for timelines and specific instructions, which can vary.

For example, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , you have 90 days from the time you received medical care to contact your card’s benefit administrator. They will ask you to answer some questions, fill out some paperwork and send in receipts within 180 days of the medical care you received. If the care is covered, you’ll be reimbursed for up to the maximum coverage allowance.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover award flights?

Naturally, insurance for travel medical expenses isn’t free, but it’s also not usually prohibitively expensive. Some policies only cost a few dollars a day, while others may cost more for older travelers or more extensive benefits. You can use a site such as SquareMouth to compare the costs from different insurance providers.

Travel medical insurance doesn’t work like most traditional medical insurance, where you visit the doctor, maybe pay a deductible and then the remainder after the claim is filed. Instead, with travel insurance, you typically file a claim after you’ve paid the entire expense out of pocket. Then, if the claim is approved, you’ll be reimbursed. That said, in some emergency circumstances with certain providers, your expenses might be covered upfront.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your coverage carefully, so you know what is covered, what is required when paying medical fees, how to file a claim and provide receipts.

Pick a plan with 24/7 assistance. If a medical crisis does happen, you can reach out with questions at any time.

And can you claim medical travel expenses you incur abroad? In short, yes — as long you’ve purchased travel medical insurance instead of only trip protection or cancellation insurance. But no matter what type of travel insurance you buy, make sure to read through all the details and keep the company’s support number handy. Then travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

do travel insurance companies check medical records

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  • Section 5 - Histoplasmosis
  • Section 6 - Obtaining Health Care Abroad

Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Rhett Stoney

  • Domestic Health Insurance & Overseas Travel

Paying for Health Services Received Abroad

Travel insurance, supplemental travel health & medical evacuation insurance, finding an insurance provider, travelers with underlying medical conditions, medicare beneficiaries.

Severe illness or injury abroad could cause a financial burden to travelers. Regardless of whether they have a domestic health insurance plan, travelers can substantially reduce their out-of-pocket costs for medical care received abroad by purchasing specialized insurance policies in advance of their trip. Three types of policies—travel insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance—each provide different types of coverage in the event of an illness or injury. Such policies might be particularly beneficial to travelers with preexisting medical conditions. Besides protection against costs, the insurance might also help travelers obtain medical care abroad.

Basic accident or travel health insurance might be necessary for travelers with certain itineraries. For example, although cruise lines employ health care staff, the cost for medical treatment delivered onboard a ship might not be included in the price of a passenger's ticket; thus, travelers on cruise ships might want to consider investing in specialized insurance policies.

Domestic Health Insurance & Overseas Travel

Some US health insurance carriers cover medical emergencies that occur when policyholders travel internationally. Encourage travelers to contact their insurer before traveling to learn what medical services, if any, their policies cover. Box 6-01 includes suggested questions travelers should ask their insurance company.

Box 6-01 Supplemental travel health insurance: suggested questions to ask before purchasing a policy

Coverage requirements.

  • Do I need preauthorization before receiving treatment, hospital admission, or other medical services?
  • Do I need a second opinion before I can receive emergency treatment?
  • What are company policies regarding coverage of care received "out of network"?
  • Does the company provide policyholders access to a 24/7/365 physician-backed support center?

POTENTIAL EXCLUSIONS

  • Does this policy include or exclude coverage for treatment of injuries sustained while participating in high-risk activities (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving, mountain climbing)?
  • Does this policy include or exclude coverage for mental health (psychiatric) emergencies?

PREEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

  • Does this policy cover exacerbations of preexisting medical conditions?
  • Does this policy cover complications of pregnancy or neonatal intensive care?

During the pretravel consultation, discuss insurance options and suggest that all travelers consider purchasing supplemental medical insurance coverage (see Box 6-02 for a discussion checklist), particularly if they are going to remote destinations or places lacking high-quality medical facilities. Strongly encourage supplemental medical insurance coverage for travelers planning extended international travel, those with underlying health conditions, and those participating in high-risk activities (e.g., scuba diving, mountain climbing) abroad. In addition to covering costs of treatment or medical evacuation, travel health insurers can assist the international traveler by organizing and coordinating care and by keeping relatives informed in the event of a medical emergency, which is especially important when the traveler is severely ill or injured and requires medical evacuation.

Nationalized health care services at a given destination do not necessarily cover health care costs of nonresidents. Even with a supplemental travel health insurance policy in force, receiving medical care abroad usually requires a cash or credit card payment at the point of service, which can result in expenditures of thousands of dollars. US citizens paying for health care abroad should obtain copies of all charges and receipts and, if necessary, contact a US consular officer, who can assist the traveler with transferring funds from the United States.

The US Department of State might be able to offer limited emergency medical assistance loans to US citizens who experience a medical emergency abroad but have no means to pay at point of service and cannot arrange for a transfer of funds from the United States. Travelers must repay these loans, but the funds might be available for temporarily destitute US citizens and their qualified dependents. Once a loan is issued, the Department of State will limit the traveler's US passport and, in most cases, will not issue a new passport until the loan is paid in full. US citizens should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or the US Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 888-407-4747 (or from abroad, +1-202-501-4444), for information about assistance options and eligibility requirements.

Box 6-02 Supplemental travel health insurance: discussion checklist

Travel medicine professional responsibilities.

  • Determine travelers' health profile, including underlying medical conditions.
  • Identify potential medical needs abroad, including health risks based on itinerary and destination, duration of travel, method of transportation (air-, land-, or water-based), lodgings or accommodations, and planned activities.
  • Instruct travelers to review domestic health policies to identify gaps in coverage for identified potential medical needs.
  • Discuss the differences between the 3 types of supplemental insurance (travel, travel health, and medical evacuation), and explain how to choose supplemental policies that cover potential medical needs abroad.
  • Travelers should be prepared to pay out of pocket at the time services are rendered, in some instances even before care is received, and then provide insurers with copies of bills and invoices to initiate reimbursement afterward.
  • Travelers should plan for potential emergencies in advance by identifying health care providers at the destination who see international travelers.

TRAVELER RESPONSIBILITIES

Before travel

  • Review domestic health insurance policies to determine what medical services are or are not covered overseas.
  • Purchase supplemental travel health insurance coverage based on potential medical needs and health risks.
  • Identify medical service providers at destination (for a directory of English-speaking health care providers, see International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers .
  • Check with the insurance company to confirm they reimburse for out-of-pocket payments made to healthcare providers abroad. In most cases, health care providers abroad do not accept payment from insurance carriers, and travelers must pay up front (with cash or credit card) for all services received.

During travel

  • Carry insurance policy identity cards (including supplemental travel health insurance) and insurance claim forms while traveling.
  • Have contact information of medical providers at destination(s).
  • Keep copies of all charges and receipts for medical care received.

After travel

  • Promptly seek medical attention upon return to the United States and at the first sign of any unexpected complications from care received internationally.
  • Bring copies of all summary records, charges, and receipts for medical care received abroad.
  • Give the US health care provider the following details: dates of travel, dates medical care received, contact information for the facility and all international health care providers seen.

Travel insurance protects the traveler's financial investment in a trip, including lost baggage and trip cancellation. Travelers who become ill before departing are more likely to avoid or postpone travel if they know their financial investment in the trip is protected. Depending on the policy, travel insurance might not cover medical expenses abroad, so travelers need to carefully research the coverage offered to determine their need for additional travel health and medical evacuation insurance.

Travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance are 2 types of short-term supplemental policies that cover health care costs incurred while abroad. Each is relatively inexpensive. Many commercial companies offer travel health insurance; travelers can purchase such policies separately or together with medical evacuation insurance. Some recommended features to consider when purchasing supplemental travel health and medical evacuation insurance include whether the insurer arranges with hospitals to guarantee direct payment; provides assistance via a 24-hour physician-backed support center, which is critical for medical evacuation insurance; offers emergency medical transport to facilities in the home country (repatriation) or to facilities equivalent to those in the home country; and covers high-risk activities (e.g., scuba diving).

Although travel health insurance covers some international health care costs, the quality of care might be inadequate and medical evacuation (sometimes referred to as "medevac") from a resource-poor area to a hospital delivering definitive care might be necessary. The total cost of medevac varies by location, ranging from $25,000 for transport within North America to ≥$250,000 for more distant and remote locations. Costs increase when the patient being evacuated is critically ill or needs complex infection control measures. In such cases, medevac insurance covers the cost of transportation, including transportation to another country if necessary.

Some medical evacuation companies have more extensive experience working in some parts of the world than others; travelers should ask about a company's resources in each region of travel, especially if planning trips to hard-to-reach locations in a region. Even if travelers select their insurance provider carefully, unexpected delays in care can still arise, especially in remote destinations. Thus, if the health risks are too high, a traveler might want to postpone or cancel their international trip.

Several organizations provide information about purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance, including the US Department of State ; International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers ; US Travel Insurance Association ; and the American Association of Retired Persons , among others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not endorse any provider or medical insurance company.

Travelers with underlying medical conditions should discuss any concerns with the insurer before departure. In a study of international travelers with travel health insurance claims, insurance companies fully paid only 2/3 of claims, and the main reasons for coverage refusal were preexisting illness and poor documentation of expenses incurred.

Beyond purchasing supplemental travel health insurance coverage, encourage travelers with medical conditions to take additional steps before departure. To facilitate ease of access to health records when overseas, travelers should store copies of their health records with a medical assistance company. Instruct travelers to obtain letters from their health care providers listing all medical conditions and current medications, including generic drug names, written in the local language if possible. Travelers should pack medications in the original packaging in carry-on luggage during transport. To facilitate ease of entry through customs, travelers should check with the destination country's embassy before departure to ensure that none of the medications they are bringing are considered illegal in that region. Anyone with a known heart condition should carry a copy (paper or electronic) of their most recent electrocardiogram.

Medicare beneficiaries are no different from other travelers; they need to examine their coverage carefully and supplement it with additional travel health insurance, as required. Except in limited circumstances, the Social Security Medicare program does not provide coverage for medical costs incurred outside the United States, nor does it cover medical evacuation. Medicare beneficiaries can purchase supplemental Medigap plans to fill gaps, including for travel coverage. Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover some emergency care received outside the United States. After meeting the yearly $250 deductible, this benefit pays 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of international travel. The coverage has a $50,000 lifetime maximum. International travelers can find more information on Medicare and Medigap options at www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/medigap-travel.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Rhett J. Stoney

Bibliography

American Association of Retired Persons. Overview of Medicare supplemental insurance 2010. Available from: www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-10-2008/overview_medicare_supplemental_insurance.html .

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medigap & travel. Available from: www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/medigap-travel .

Flaherty G, De Freitas S. A heart for travel: travel health considerations for patients with heart disease and cardiac devices. Ir Med J. 2016;109(10):486.

Leggat PA, Carne J, Kedjarune U. Travel insurance and health. J Travel Med. 1999;6(4):243–8.

Leggat PA, Leggat FW. Travel insurance claims made by travelers from Australia. J Travel Med. 2002;9(2):59–65.

Teichman PG, Donchin Y, Kot RJ. International aeromedical evacuation. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(3):262–70.

US Department of State. Emergency financial assistance for U.S. citizens abroad. Available from: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/emergency-financial-assistance.html .

US Department of State. Insurance providers for overseas coverage. Available from: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad/insurance-providers-overseas.html .

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Do travel insurance check medical records?

When you file a claim due to a medical condition, the travel insurance company will look at your medical records . They will need to determine if/when this condition started to happen. ... If they see that you were diagnosed for the condition, that would be a pre-existing condition and coverage would be denied.

Do travel insurance companies check medical records?

How do insurance companies check medical history.

How do life insurance companies check my medical background? The insurer will ask for your written consent . If you agree, your doctor will then provide only the records that relate to your life insurance application. It's possible your insurer will ask for access to your entire medical record.

What happens if you don't declare medical conditions for travel insurance?

If you don't provide your travel insurance provider with information about a medical condition you have, you may not be covered if you need to make a claim on your policy . ... That could prove extremely costly if you need medical treatment while you are overseas, as bills can often run into thousands of pounds.

Why would a travel insurance claim be denied?

Illegal or reckless behaviour . Any claim made that arises from illegal, fraudulent or dishonest behaviour will not be covered by travel insurance. Travel insurance companies share information on such claims as an industry wide fraud prevention and detection measure.

Travel Insurance: What are pre-existing medical conditions?

Can I claim on travel insurance for illness?

Yes, you can . The aim of travel insurance is to cover the cost of the unforeseen, such as illness and injury or theft of your personal possessions while you're on holiday. It's also designed to cover you if you have to cancel your trip before you go, or if you need to return early due to an emergency.

Do travel insurance companies pay out?

Depending on the policy, travel insurance pays out in a wide range of circumstances . Most policies include cover for: lost or stolen bags (with baggage cover an extra in some policies) emergency medical expenses, such as the cost of treatment and getting you home.

What counts as a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance?

Pre-existing medical conditions are usually defined as an illness or injury you had before or when you take out a travel insurance policy. This includes physical conditions such as cancer, diabetes or respiratory issues, as well as non-physical conditions such as anxiety and depression.

What is classed as a pre-existing medical condition?

As defined most simply, a pre-existing condition is any health condition that a person has prior to enrolling in health coverage . ... Or it could be more serious or require more costly treatment – such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

What is classed as a medical condition?

A medical condition is a broad term that includes all diseases, lesions, and disorders . While the term medical condition generally includes mental illnesses, in some contexts the term is used specifically to denote any illness, injury, or disease except for mental illnesses.

Do car insurance companies check medical records?

Auto insurance companies often request an accident victim's medical records before agreeing to pay on a claim . They may do this for multiple reasons, such as verifying that your injuries were caused by the wreck and not by a pre-existing condition.

How far back can an insurance company request medical records?

When it comes to personal injury cases, insurance companies typically request 10 years of medical history .

Should I release medical records to insurance company?

An insurance company should not be provided any medical records associated with a pre-existing medical condition. ... Individuals should always carefully review their medical records before sending them to the insurance adjuster. It's important for accident victims to not provide too much information.

What information can insurance companies access?

Insurance companies will ask for personal information such as your Social Security number and birth date to confirm your identity. They may also want to know what your salary is because they might limit how much insurance you can get based on your annual earnings. It's important to answer questions honestly.

Can insurance deny claim for pre-existing condition?

Under current law, health insurance companies can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

High blood pressure is considered to be a 'pre-existing medical condition' by insurers . That means it's an important fact that will directly affect the kind of policy you need, and the chances of you claiming are going to be higher.

Is Fibromyalgia a pre-existing condition?

Summary. Fibromyalgia is not on the list of pre-existing conditions that appear to make COVID-19 more severe. Put another way, fibromyalgia has not emerged as one of the conditions healthcare providers and hospitals are seeing in a lot of people they're treating for COVID-19.

Can I get travel insurance if I am under investigation?

If you have an undiagnosed condition that's being investigated, then we may still be able to cover you . ... This means that you will still be covered for medical emergencies and cancellation, as long as they aren't related either directly or indirectly by your pre-existing or undiagnosed conditions.

Do you have to declare anxiety on travel insurance?

Any diagnosed medical condition, being physical or psychological (such as personality disorders, anxiety or depression), will need to be declared on the policy to ensure that you are fully covered when you travel.

Will taking statins increase my travel insurance?

People with high cholesterol end up paying significantly higher travel insurance premiums even though the price increase is not justified by the cost of insuring them, an investigation by The Times has found.

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Baggage delay, damage, and loss policies don't cover everything in your bags. Common travel insurance exclusions include glasses, hearing aids, dental bridges, tickets, passports, keys, cash, and cell phones .

What does Hospital benefit mean on travel insurance?

Hospital benefit is a fixed benefit that an insured person can claim if they are hospitalised for more than 24 hours during their holiday . It is designed to cover additional expenses that you may incur as a result of being in hospital, for example: 1. food.

Can I claim a refund on my travel insurance?

If you are dealing with a UK company you can insist on a full cash refund, you don't have to take a voucher or rebook your holiday. ... If your holiday provider refuses a refund (if they are non-UK based) and tells you to claim on your travel insurance or with your credit card, make sure you get this in writing.

What if I get ill abroad?

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you desire, inform your family and/or friends.

Why would an insurance company request medical records?

Insurance companies frequently request medical records when evaluating claims . The adjuster needs to corroborate your records with the medical bills you submitted for compensation.

Travel Erudition

Do travel insurance check medical records?

Do travel insurance check medical records?

When deciding whether or not to purchase travel insurance, one important factor to consider is whether or not the insurance company will check your medical records. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is important to know if the insurance company will require a medical examination before they will provide coverage. Some insurance companies may also require you to disclose any medications you are taking.

There is no short answer to this question as it depends on the specific travel insurance policy in question. Some policies may require that the Insurer check the medical records of the insured person before providing coverage, while others may not have this requirement. It is important to read the fine print of any travel insurance policy before purchasing to ensure that you are aware of any medical record requirements.

Does travel insurance ask for medical records?

When filing a travel insurance claim, you will need to submit supporting documentation. This could include receipts, medical bills, and police reports. Having these documents readily available will help to make the claims process go more smoothly.

There are a few things that travel insurance does not cover. These include fear of travel due to a pandemic or other reason, natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance, some last-minute changes, bad weather, and trip cancellation or interruption insurance.

Can travel insurance be denied

Do travel insurance check medical records?

If you have a legitimate claim that is denied by your travel insurance company, you may want to consider appealing the decision. You will need to gather any documentation that you have to support your claim and make your case to the insurance company. If you are still unsuccessful, you may want to consult with a lawyer to see if you have any legal recourse.

The good news is that travel coverage can still be available for pre-existing health conditions. One of the ways we provide coverage is with a stability period. This means that as long as your health condition is stable and you have been symptom-free for a certain period of time, you will be covered.

What happens if you don t declare medical conditions for travel insurance?

When taking out travel insurance, it is important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions in order to ensure that you are covered in the event of an incident. Failure to do so may result in a claim being declined.

This is an important topic for insurers because they are always looking for ways to improve their underwriting capabilities. By understanding the trends in health and life insurance, they can better predict future claims and losses.

What are three things you should look out for when buying travel insurance?

Do travel insurance check medical records?

When buying travel insurance, make sure to get the right duration for your trip. Ensure that all of your destinations are covered by the policy. Pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered by some policies, so make sure to check beforehand. If your trip includes any dangerous activities, make sure to get extra cover. Also, make sure you can afford the policy excess in case of any claims. Lastly, check that all of your belongings are covered in case of theft or loss.

Your travel insurance should cover the following: medical expenses, personal injury, accidents, lost or damaged items, and lost or delayed baggage.

What are various medical reasons that covered by travel insurance

No one plans on getting sick or injured while on vacation, but it unfortunately can happen. That’s when travel insurance can come in handy. If you need emergency medical or dental care while traveling or an emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital or back home, travel insurance can cover the costs. The types of medical expenses usually covered are: Hospitalization Outpatient services for medical emergencies Prescribed medicines. So, if you’re planning a trip, be sure to get travel insurance to protect yourself in case of an emergency.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan can protect your nonrefundable reservations, which can include prepaid excursions in addition to airplane tickets and hotel stays. If your trip doesn’t involve any nonrefundable reservations, you may not need travel insurance.

Does travel insurance need health?

Do travel insurance check medical records?

Traveling abroad can be a great experience, but it’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency. One way to do this is to purchase travel health insurance. This type of insurance will cover you in case you need medical care while you’re abroad. It’s a simple way to save money in an emergency, and anyone can benefit from the coverage.

There are many different types of travel insurance, so it’s important to choose the right policy for your needs. If you’re traveling for business, you’ll likely need a different policy than if you’re taking a leisure trip. Make sure to read the fine print and understand what’s covered before you purchase a policy.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered in health insurance

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses that were present before an individual’s health insurance coverage went into effect. Many insurers don’t cover pre-existing diseases because they are expensive to treat.

A pre-existing condition is any medical condition or injury that you’ve been diagnosed with and are being treated for prior to filling out your travel insurance or health care plan. This can include things like heart conditions, joint problems and any type of cancer.

What is considered a pre-existing condition?

Do travel insurance check medical records?

It’s important to know that if you have a pre-existing health condition, insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more. This is true even if your condition is something like asthma, diabetes, or cancer. So if you’re worried about being covered, be sure to check with your insurer before signing up for a new plan.

When traveling, it is always important to have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen events. When purchasing travel insurance, you will need to declare any existing medical conditions in order to be covered. If you are unsure about whether or not to declare a condition, it is always best to ask your insurance provider. Otherwise, you risk having any claims you need to make being rejected.

Do you have to tell insurance about medical conditions

If you have any medical conditions that could impact your ability to drive safely, be sure to tell your insurance provider. If you don’t and you need to make a claim, your insurance could be invalidated.

If you have any pre-existing diseases, it is important to disclose them when applying for health insurance. If you do not disclose them and the insurance company finds out later, the policy may become null and void and the insurer may refuse to pay any claims.

Do travel insurance check medical records?

No, travel insurance companies do not generally check medical records when someone applies for a policy. However, they may ask general questions about an applicant’s health and medical history in order to assess the risk of insuring them.

There is no clear consensus on whether or not travel insurance companies check medical records when issuing policies. Some companies may request access to medical records as part of their underwriting process, while others may not. It appears that the decision to check medical records varies from company to company, and potentialpolicyholders should check with their travel insurance provider to find out their policies and procedures.

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Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson is passionate about traveling. He loves exploring new cultures and places, and discovering the world around him. He believes that travel can open up new perspectives and opportunities for growth and development. Scott has visited many countries in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, and he continues to seek out new destinations for his adventures.

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Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

What does travel insurance cover, what does credit card travel insurance cover, what travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for, choosing the right travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions, understanding what travel insurance covers.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

  • Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
  • Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
  • When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

  • Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
  • Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
  • Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
  • Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
  • Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex, for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

do travel insurance companies check medical records

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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More From Forbes

Safe travels: here’s what’s new in medical and security memberships.

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Membership programs like Covac Global, Medjet, Global Rescue and International SOS can supplement ... [+] travel insurance by adding valuable services.

Glenn Davis says he's grateful for his medical and security membership, which he bought as an afterthought three days before his recent trip to Italy.

Davis, a partner at an executive recruiting firm in Tampa, Fla., was visiting his daughter in Rome when he stepped off a train platform and fell onto a track, shattering his leg.

Two men rescued him seconds before a train arrived. An ambulance transported him to an Italian hospital, where he says no one spoke English.

"It was so frustrating," he says.

Fortunately, Davis' Medjet membership provides medical evacuation services. He called Medjet, which quickly arranged for an air ambulance to fly him directly back to a hospital in Tampa.

"They were lifesavers," he adds.

What's next for medical and security memberships?

Membership programs like Covac Global , Medjet , Global Rescue and International SOS can supplement travel insurance by adding valuable services such as an emergency response hotline, translation and evacuation to your home hospital. (Travel insurance often will only transport you to the nearest hospital when you have an accident.) But in post-pandemic travel, medical and security memberships are adapting to meet new challenges, say observers — and in the near future, they'll be able to do more than get you to the nearest hospital.

Ross Caldwell Thompson, CEO of Covac Global, says medical and security memberships are on the verge of a tectonic shift. The legacy medical and security membership companies are busy upgrading their products with improved technology and integrations to add value in a new age of travel. However, our core mission of bringing our members home without complex requirements is paramount.

Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best covid travel insurance plans.

"The industry needs to look at its core offerings — the things that will bring their members home proactively," he says.

What kind of train is coming for subscribers, and indeed, for the industry itself? The last few months offer some clues.

Covac Global adds search and rescue coverage

In January, Covac launched a priority location and extraction benefit that for all of its members, which is unique in the industry, because it does not require Covac to know the member's whereabouts. "It could be a teen that doesn’t return from a nightclub in Spain or an executive that never came back from that business dinner in Mexico City," says Thompson. "Our location based global response resources have the capacity to initiate and investigative a search before any required policy wait times many police, rescue, and park rangers are bound."

Global Rescue's new GRID 2.0

One of the newest developments in medical and security membership is Global Rescue's GRID 2.0 system, introduced last month. The new system pushes event notifications and alerts to customers. They include alerts for civil unrest, disease-related developments, safety issues, transportation disruptions, communications blackouts, and natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanic activity.  In an emergency, the GRID 2.0 app connects travelers with the medical teams and military special operations veterans who staff Global Rescue's global operations centers.

Paul Mullen, vice president of enterprise sales at Global Rescue, says business leaders, security chiefs and human resource officials asked for a more robust notification system after the pandemic.

"They have been on the lookout for something like this," he says.

GRID 2.0 is meant to be used by companies to track their travelers. They can superimpose a traveler's location on a map and note any potential threats. The information is also available to travelers so they can steer clear of trouble. In a world of increasing uncertainty, it's an invaluable tool, says Mullen.

International SOS adds new Chinese language services

International SOS, which provides corporate medical, health, and security risk management services, in late 2023 added new Chinese language services in response to rapidly growing overseas market demands of Chinese enterprises. International SOS' team of medical, health, and safety consultants now has 24/7 global coverage with native Chinese language assistance support."There has been a significant increase in demand from Chinese clients in overseas markets," notes Nicolas Sommer, managing director of International SOS China.

Global Guardian integrates with Concur

Global Guardian , which provides international duty of care to corporations, organizations and high net worth individuals, recently teamed up with Concur Travel . The company is offering Concur, a travel expense and travel management software, as a way to fulfill their duty of care needs through a suite of travel, medical, and security-related services.

“International travel is becoming more challenging than ever for businesses and their employees," says Dale Buckner, CEO of Global Guardian. He says integrating with Concur Travel will improve traveler experiences and help them access real-time support.

Also new: Leisure travelers are getting on the medical and security memberships train

Perhaps one of the biggest changes in medical and security memberships is who is buying them. Once the domain of corporate executives and ultrahigh net worth individuals, these memberships are also appealing to international leisure travelers and families.

"They're discovering that not only is the cost affordable," says Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of Global Secure Resources . "But integrating reliable support services also helps alleviate the stress of navigating unpredictable geopolitical and environmental challenges."

Exact numbers are difficult to come by in this industry, since most of the major companies are privately held. But in interviews, key insiders confirm that much of the new growth is coming from leisure travelers who see the benefits of these medical and security memberships. And more growth may lie ahead.

"Always looking to evolve"

So what's next?

"We are always looking to evolve our services to reflect what our travelers are most concerned about," says Mike Hallman, Medjet's CEO.

How does a medical and security membership evolve? During the pandemic, Medjet added transport for COVID-positive patients. It was not easy, according to Hallman. The biggest challenge was finding a way for its aircraft affiliates to equip aircraft and train flight staff on proper protocols.

Hallman dropped a clue about how a company like Medjet might evolve. In its latest customer service survey, it found that the overwhelming majority (99.7%) of travelers are concerned about safety — and 57% of them are more concerned about safety than ever before. When asked which events cause the most concern during travel, 27.9% said political unrest, 27.7% said terrorism, and 13% cited crime.

Hallman says those concerns have led to an increase in sales of MedjetHorizon, a product that also includes security evacuation and crisis response to a wide range of threats, including riots, violent crime, acts of terrorism, kidnapping, and disappearance.

But there might be even more these companies can do to address traveler fears.

What will happen?

Like travel insurance, medical and security memberships are slow to change. Their core products, like emergency medical evacuation and security services, have been staples in the corporate travel world and are making inroads in leisure travel. But technology is advancing rapidly and we may be at a tipping point where a new product or service could change everything.

Christopher Elliott

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Home > Finance > How Far Back Do Life Insurance Companies Look At Medical Records?

How Far Back Do Life Insurance Companies Look At Medical Records?

How Far Back Do Life Insurance Companies Look At Medical Records?

Published: October 15, 2023

Discover how far back life insurance companies look at medical records and get the facts you need to make informed financial decisions.

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for LiveWell, at no extra cost. Learn more )

Table of Contents

Introduction, importance of medical records in life insurance, general lookback period for medical records, exceptions to the general lookback period, factors that impact lookback period, how far back do different medical conditions require, how life insurance companies access medical records, the role of medical exams in determining coverage, tips for preparing for a life insurance application.

When applying for life insurance, it’s common for insurance companies to request access to your medical records. This is because your health plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for coverage and the premium rates you will be offered. But just how far back do life insurance companies look at medical records?

Medical records provide valuable insight into your overall health and any pre-existing conditions you may have. Insurance companies review these records to assess the level of risk you pose as an applicant. By analyzing your medical history, insurers can determine the likelihood of you making a claim in the future.

The lookback period for medical records refers to the timeframe that insurance companies typically consider when assessing your health history. The purpose of this review is to evaluate any potential risks and predict the likelihood of future health issues that may affect your life expectancy.

Understanding the importance and extent of the lookback period can help you navigate the life insurance application process more effectively. In this article, we will explore how far back life insurance companies usually look at medical records and the factors that can impact the extent of this review.

Medical records play a crucial role in the life insurance underwriting process. They provide vital information about your health history, enabling insurance companies to assess the level of risk you present as an applicant.

Insurance companies carefully analyze your medical records to determine if you have any pre-existing conditions or underlying health issues that could potentially impact your life expectancy. Conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure are frequently taken into consideration.

By examining your medical history, insurers can accurately evaluate the potential risk you might pose as an insured individual. The presence of certain health conditions can increase the likelihood of making claims in the future, and as a result, insurers may adjust their coverage terms or charge higher premium rates.

Moreover, medical records give insurers insights into your lifestyle choices and habits. Information about tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use can significantly affect the underwriting process, as they are correlated with a higher risk of health issues.

It is important to note that the primary goal of insurance companies is to accurately assess risk and set appropriate premium rates. This helps ensure that the insurance pool remains financially viable and able to provide coverage for policyholders.

While medical records are an integral part of the underwriting process, it’s essential to understand that insurers also consider other factors when determining coverage. These factors may include your age, gender, occupation, family medical history, and lifestyle choices.

Overall, the availability and thorough examination of medical records allow insurance companies to make more informed decisions about your eligibility for coverage and the terms of your insurance policy.

The general lookback period for medical records in the life insurance industry typically ranges from three to ten years. This means that insurers will typically review your medical records from the past three to ten years to assess your health history. However, it’s important to note that there can be variations in the specific timeframe depending on the insurance company and the type of policy you are applying for.

The reason for the lookback period is to evaluate your health history within a reasonable timeframe. Reviewing records from the past few years allows insurers to gain an understanding of any recent health issues or changes in your medical condition. This helps them assess the potential risk you pose as an insured individual.

During the lookback period, insurance companies mainly focus on significant medical events such as surgeries, major illnesses, and diagnoses of chronic conditions. They also pay attention to the treatments and medications you have been prescribed. This information helps insurers determine the stability of your health condition and the potential impact on your life expectancy.

It’s worth mentioning that some insurance policies, especially those with longer terms or higher coverage amounts, may require a more extensive review of medical records. In these cases, insurers might consider looking back further than the general timeframe to obtain a complete picture of your health history.

When reviewing medical records, insurers also take into account any gaps in healthcare coverage or breaks in medical records. These gaps in information can lead to further inquiries or requests for additional documentation. The goal is to ensure that the entire health history is thoroughly assessed, and there are no significant gaps or hidden health issues that could affect the coverage decision.

It’s important to be transparent and provide accurate information about your health history to insurance companies during the application process. Failure to disclose relevant medical information can result in policy cancellation or denial of coverage later if it is discovered during a claim investigation.

Understanding the general lookback period for medical records can help you prepare for the life insurance application process and gather the necessary documentation to support your health history accurately.

While the general lookback period for medical records in the life insurance industry falls within the range of three to ten years, there are some exceptions to this timeframe. These exceptions primarily depend on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the insurance company’s policies.

One common exception is for certain chronic or ongoing medical conditions. If you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease, insurers may request access to your medical records for a longer period, often more than ten years. This extended review allows insurers to assess the stability and management of your condition over a significant timeframe.

Another exception applies to individuals who have undergone major surgeries or have a history of significant medical events. In these cases, insurance companies may require access to medical records for a longer period to gain a comprehensive understanding of your health and recovery process.

Furthermore, if you have had a history of substance abuse or addiction, insurance companies may delve further into your medical records and treatment history. This is to assess your current condition and level of recovery, as substance abuse can have long-term health implications.

Insurance companies may also consider any periods of disability or extended leave from work due to health reasons. If you have experienced a significant interruption in your ability to work or an extended period of disability, insurers might look back further in your medical records to assess the severity and long-term effects of the condition.

It’s important to note that the exceptions to the general lookback period can vary from one insurance company to another. Some insurers may have more lenient policies, while others may have stricter requirements. It’s crucial to consult with an insurance professional or directly with the insurance company to understand their specific policies and any exceptions that may apply.

Remember that honesty and transparency are key when applying for life insurance. Providing accurate and complete information about your health history ensures that you receive appropriate coverage and helps you avoid any legal or financial consequences in the future.

The lookback period for medical records in life insurance can be influenced by several factors. While the general timeframe for reviewing medical records is three to ten years, certain factors may impact the extent of this review. Understanding these factors can provide insight into the specific lookback period that insurance companies may consider for your application.

One important factor that can impact the lookback period is the type of insurance policy you are applying for. Different types of policies, such as term life insurance or permanent life insurance, may have different requirements regarding the review of medical records. Generally, policies with longer terms or higher coverage amounts may warrant a more detailed health history review, potentially extending the lookback period beyond the standard timeframe.

Age is another influential factor. Insurance companies often consider the age at which you are applying for coverage when determining the lookback period. Applicants who are younger may have a shorter lookback period compared to older individuals due to the assumption that they have fewer health issues and a shorter medical history.

Furthermore, the presence of any pre-existing conditions or chronic health conditions can impact the lookback period. If you have a documented medical history of a specific condition, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, insurers may review your medical records beyond the general timeframe to assess the stability and management of the condition.

The underwriting guidelines of the insurance company also play a role in determining the lookback period. Each insurer may have its own specific policies and criteria for assessing an applicant’s health history. This can result in variations in the extent of the review, including the lookback period for medical records.

Lastly, the level of coverage you are applying for can affect the lookback period. If you are seeking a higher amount of coverage, insurers may conduct a more thorough review of your medical history to ensure that they accurately assess the risk associated with providing you with a higher benefit amount.

It’s important to note that these factors are not exhaustive and that the specific lookback period can vary between insurance companies. Consulting with an insurance professional or directly contacting the insurance company can provide you with the most accurate information regarding the lookback period for your application.

When it comes to reviewing medical records for different medical conditions in the life insurance underwriting process, the lookback period can vary. Some conditions may require a more extensive review, while others may have a shorter review period. Here are a few examples:

  • Cancer: For individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, insurance companies typically review medical records for a period of five to ten years following the successful completion of treatment. The specific timeframe depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment received.
  • Heart disease: If you have a history of heart disease, including heart attacks or bypass surgeries, insurers may review medical records for up to ten years. This allows them to assess the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of any treatments or interventions.
  • Diabetes: For individuals with diabetes, insurance companies generally look back around five to seven years. They examine factors such as blood glucose control, complications, and any related health conditions.
  • High blood pressure: Chronic high blood pressure is a common health condition that insurers consider. They typically review medical records from the past three to five years to assess the stability of blood pressure levels and any related health complications.
  • Depression or anxiety: Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may require a review of medical records ranging from three to five years. Insurers are particularly interested in treatments received and the impact of the condition on daily functioning.

It’s important to note that these are general timeframes and can vary depending on the individual circumstances and the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines. The severity and management of the condition, as well as the overall health history, play a role in determining the specific lookback period for each medical condition.

Life insurance companies typically require access to an applicant’s medical records as part of the underwriting process. The goal is to assess the individual’s health history and determine their eligibility for coverage. There are several ways through which insurers can access medical records:

  • Medical Information Bureau (MIB): Life insurance companies often check the MIB database, a central repository for medical information that enables insurers to access a summary of an applicant’s medical records. The MIB provides insurers with information about any previous applications for insurance and any flagged health conditions.
  • Authorization and consent: Applicants must provide signed authorization and consent forms to allow insurance companies to access their medical records. These forms grant insurers the right to request records from healthcare providers, including hospitals, doctors, specialists, and diagnostic facilities.
  • Attending Physician Statements (APS): Insurance companies may request Attending Physician Statements, which are documents completed by an applicant’s healthcare providers. APS forms provide detailed information about an individual’s medical history, current health status, and any treatments or medications.
  • Medical release forms: Applicants may be required to sign medical release forms provided by insurance companies. These forms enable insurers to contact healthcare providers directly to request and obtain medical records.
  • Tele-interviews and medical questionnaires: Insurance companies utilize tele-interviews and medical questionnaires as part of the application process. Applicants are asked detailed medical questions, allowing insurers to gather information about their health history, pre-existing conditions, and any medications they may be taking.

It’s important to note that insurers only request and access medical records with the applicant’s consent and in compliance with applicable privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Additionally, during the underwriting process, insurance companies take steps to safeguard an applicant’s sensitive medical information. They maintain strict confidentiality protocols and comply with legal and ethical standards regarding the handling and storage of medical records.

Overall, access to medical records enables insurers to make informed decisions about an applicant’s health status and eligibility for coverage. By reviewing these records, insurance companies can accurately assess the risk an individual presents and determine the appropriate premium rates and coverage terms.

Medical exams play a significant role in the life insurance underwriting process, as they provide insurers with valuable information about an applicant’s current health status. These exams help insurers assess the level of risk an individual poses and determine their eligibility for coverage. Here’s how medical exams contribute to the coverage determination:

Evaluating overall health: Medical exams allow insurers to assess an applicant’s overall health by checking various vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body mass index (BMI). These measurements provide insights into the individual’s overall health and can help identify any potential underlying health conditions.

Identifying risk factors: Medical exams help identify risk factors that may affect an individual’s life expectancy and likelihood of making a claim. Blood tests may reveal information about cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, liver and kidney function, and other important health markers. This information assists insurers in evaluating the applicant’s risk profile.

Detecting pre-existing conditions: Medical exams can uncover pre-existing medical conditions that may impact an individual’s insurability. The medical examiner may look for signs or symptoms of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disorders. Identifying and documenting pre-existing conditions accurately helps insurers determine the appropriate coverage terms and premium rates.

Assessing lifestyle choices: Medical exams provide an opportunity to assess an applicant’s lifestyle choices and habits that may impact their health. The examiner may inquire about smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and drug use. These factors can influence an individual’s risk profile and may affect the coverage decision or premium rates.

Additional diagnostic tests: In some cases, insurers may request additional diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, or imaging studies, to gather more detailed information about an applicant’s health. These tests can help identify or rule out specific health conditions and provide a more comprehensive picture of an individual’s health status.

The results of the medical exam, along with the review of medical records and other underwriting factors, assist insurers in determining the individual’s coverage eligibility and setting appropriate premium rates. It’s important for applicants to be honest and transparent during the medical exam process, as any inconsistencies or non-disclosure of information could result in complications during the underwriting process or potential denial of coverage later on.

Ultimately, the information gathered from medical exams helps insurers make well-informed decisions, ensuring that the coverage provided is appropriate for an individual’s health condition and ensuring the stability and financial viability of the insurance pool.

Applying for life insurance can be a significant step towards securing financial protection for yourself and your loved ones. To ensure a smooth and successful application process, here are some essential tips to consider:

  • Gather necessary documentation: Collect all relevant documents before starting the application process. This includes identification documents, social security number, and any medical records or test results that may be required.
  • Review your medical history: Take the time to review your medical history and be prepared to provide accurate information about any pre-existing conditions, surgeries, or treatments you have received. This will help ensure that you provide complete and honest responses during the application process.
  • Consider the timing of the application: If you have recently undergone a major medical event or procedure, it may be wise to wait until you have fully recovered before applying for life insurance. This can help improve your chances of securing better rates and coverage terms.
  • Disclose all relevant information: Be open and transparent about your health history, lifestyle choices, and any other pertinent details requested by the insurance company. Providing accurate information helps avoid any discrepancies or issues during the underwriting process.
  • Prepare for the medical exam: If a medical exam is required, prepare by getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding any unhealthy habits, such as smoking or consuming excessive alcohol, in the days leading up to the exam. This can help ensure accurate test results and present you in the best possible light.
  • Shop around and compare quotes: Don’t settle for the first insurance company you come across. Take the time to research and obtain quotes from multiple insurers. Compare the coverage options, premium rates, and underwriting requirements to find the policy that best suits your needs and budget.
  • Consider working with an insurance professional: Insurance can be complex, and it can be beneficial to seek guidance from a licensed insurance professional. They can provide expert advice, help navigate the application process, and ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of the policy you choose.

By following these tips, you can better prepare for your life insurance application, increase your chances of obtaining favorable coverage terms, and make a well-informed decision to protect yourself and your loved ones financially.

Understanding how far back life insurance companies look at medical records is crucial when applying for coverage. The general lookback period typically ranges from three to ten years, but this can vary depending on various factors such as the type of policy, age, and presence of pre-existing conditions.

Medical records play a vital role in the underwriting process, allowing insurance companies to assess an applicant’s health history and determine their eligibility for coverage. By reviewing medical records, insurers can evaluate the potential risks an individual may pose and set appropriate premium rates and coverage terms.

Exceptions to the general lookback period exist for individuals with chronic health conditions, major surgeries, substance abuse history, or periods of disability. In such cases, insurers may review medical records beyond the standard timeframe to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s health history.

Insurance companies access medical records through various means, including the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), authorization and consent forms, Attending Physician Statements (APS), and medical release forms. These processes are carried out with the applicant’s consent and in compliance with privacy laws.

Medical exams also play a significant role in determining coverage, as they provide insurers with current health information. These exams help evaluate overall health, identify risk factors, and detect pre-existing conditions that may impact an individual’s insurability.

To prepare for a life insurance application, it is important to gather necessary documentation, review your medical history, and be transparent about your health and lifestyle choices. Timing your application and shopping around for quotes are also essential steps to ensure you obtain the best coverage for your needs.

In conclusion, an understanding of how life insurance companies evaluate medical records is crucial for a successful application process. By being prepared, honest, and proactive, you can increase your chances of obtaining favorable coverage terms and provide financial protection for yourself and your loved ones.

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Can insurance companies access medical records Canada?

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In Canada, car insurance companies do not have automatic access to an individual’s medical records. However, if a person is making a claim related to an injury from a car accident, the insurance company might request access to relevant medical information to verify the claim. In such cases, they would generally need the claimant’s explicit consent to obtain this information.

If someone is seeking compensation for injuries or making a personal injury claim, they might be asked to sign a consent form allowing the insurer to access medical records directly relevant to the injuries claimed. But without this consent, the insurer would typically not have the right to access an individual’s medical records.

Still, it’s important to read any documentation or forms carefully before providing consent and, if unsure, to seek advice from a legal professional or advocate.

Who can access my medical records in Canada?

In Canada, your medical records are considered private and are protected by various provincial and territorial laws, as well as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) at the federal level for private-sector organizations. However, there are specific individuals and entities that can access your medical records under certain circumstances:

  • Yourself: As a patient, you generally have the right to access your own medical records, although there might be a few exceptions (e.g., if providing the information might result in harm).
  • Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals directly involved in your care can access your records as necessary for providing medical services.
  • Explicit Consent: If you provide written consent, certain individuals or entities can access your medical records. This could be for insurance claims, legal cases, or other purposes.
  • Legal Requirements: In some situations, medical records may be accessed due to court orders or specific laws that require their disclosure.
  • Healthcare Administrators: People who are responsible for processing billing, managing databases, or carrying out administrative tasks might access your records, but usually, they do so without viewing the clinical details.
  • Public Health Reasons: Under certain circumstances, relevant health authorities may access medical records for disease tracking, epidemics, or other public health concerns.
  • Medical Research: Researchers might access medical records for studies, but typically, the information is de-identified to maintain patient privacy.
  • Transfer of Care: If you switch healthcare providers, your new provider might get access to your past records to ensure continuity of care.

Any unauthorized access or misuse of medical records can lead to serious consequences for the individual or entity responsible. If you’re ever concerned about the privacy of your medical records, you should discuss the matter with your healthcare provider, a privacy officer, or legal counsel.

How far back can an insurance company request medical records in Ontario?

In Ontario, when you’re making a claim following an auto accident or a personal injury situation, the insurance company may request access to your medical records to verify the extent and cause of your injuries and to understand any pre-existing conditions that could influence your current health status.

The length of time for which they can request records typically depends on the nature and extent of your injuries, and what you’re claiming for. If a pre-existing condition could have potentially influenced your current injuries, an insurance company might want to look further back into your medical history. However, this usually pertains to records that are directly relevant to the injuries or conditions you’re claiming for.

Generally, there isn’t a specific “cut-off” date that applies to all situations. Instead, the period for which records can be requested depends on the relevance and necessity of those records to the claim being made.

If you ever feel that an insurance company is making an unreasonable request, or if you’re unsure about what you should provide, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer or legal expert familiar with insurance claims in Ontario. They can provide guidance on what you’re required to submit and ensure that your rights are protected.

Should I release my medical records to car insurance company?

health insurance checkup

Deciding whether or not to release your medical records to a car insurance company is an important decision. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Pros of Releasing Medical Records:

  • Claim Verification: To process a claim related to an injury from an auto accident, the insurance company may need to verify the injury. Providing relevant medical records can help expedite this process.
  • Demonstrating the Extent of Injury: If you’re pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, medical records can provide evidence to support your claim.

Cons and Concerns:

  • Privacy: Medical records contain sensitive information. By releasing them, you might feel like you’re compromising your privacy.
  • Broad Requests: Sometimes, an insurance company might request a broad range of medical records, some of which might not be directly related to the accident. This can lead to concerns about why they’re asking for such extensive records.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing condition, the insurance company might attempt to argue that your current injuries or medical issues are due to that pre-existing condition rather than the accident. This can affect the amount they’re willing to compensate.

Recommendations:

  • Seek Legal Advice: Before releasing any medical records to an insurance company, especially if you have significant injuries or a complex medical history, it might be beneficial to consult with a personal injury lawyer. They can advise you on what’s appropriate to release and how to handle the insurance company’s requests.
  • Limit the Scope: If you do decide to release medical records, make sure the release is limited to records directly related to the injuries from the accident. You can specify dates and types of records in your release.
  • Explicit Consent: Remember that insurance companies generally need your explicit consent to access your medical records. Ensure you read and understand any forms or documentation they provide before signing.
  • Direct Communication: Consider allowing your medical provider to communicate directly with the insurance company regarding specific questions. This can sometimes prevent the need to release entire records.

Remember, every situation is unique. The most important thing is to make an informed decision that protects both your rights and your personal information.

How long are medical records kept in Canada?

  • Alberta: Adult records are kept for 10 years after the last entry in the record, while records for minors are kept for 10 years after the patient turns 18.
  • British Columbia: Physicians are advised to keep adult records for 16 years from the date of the last entry or 6 years after the patient’s death. For minors, it’s 16 years after the age of majority (which is 19 in BC), making it until the patient turns 35.
  • Manitoba: Records must be kept for 10 years after the last contact or, in the case of minors, 10 years after they turn 18.
  • New Brunswick: Adult records should be retained for 10 years from the date of the last entry. For minors, the record should be retained for 10 years after the patient reaches the age of majority, which is 19 in New Brunswick.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: Adult records are kept for 10 years after the last entry, and for minors, 10 years after they turn 18.
  • Nova Scotia: Physicians are advised to retain records for at least 10 years from the date of the last entry for adults. For children and minors, they should be kept for 10 years after the date the patient reaches or would have reached the age of majority (19 in Nova Scotia).
  • Ontario: The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recommends retaining records for 10 years from the date of the last entry for adults, and for minors, 10 years from when they turn 18.
  • Prince Edward Island: PEI’s Medical Society suggests retaining medical records for 10 years after the last entry or, in the case of minors, 10 years after they turn 18.
  • Quebec: For adults, records are kept for at least 5 years after the last entry. For minors, the record should be retained until they turn 18, and then for another 5 years (so at least until the minor turns 23).
  • Saskatchewan: Records should be retained for at least 6 years after the last entry for adults. For children and minors, they should be kept for at least 6 years after the date the patient turns 18.
  • Northwest Territories and Nunavut: Both territories suggest retaining records for 10 years after the last contact or, in the case of minors, 10 years after they turn 18.
  • Yukon: The Medical Profession Act doesn’t specify a time period but keeping records for 10 years from the last entry or, in the case of minors, until they turn 28, is a reasonable approach that aligns with practices in other jurisdictions.

These guidelines are set by the medical regulatory bodies in each province or territory. It’s also essential to note that there may be specific situations or other types of records that have different retention requirements.

How to get my medical records online free Canada

record

In Canada, accessing your medical records, whether online or offline, is your right. However, the availability of medical records online varies by province, territory, and even by specific healthcare institutions. Here’s a general guide on how you might be able to access your medical records online in Canada:

  • MyChart in parts of Ontario is a free service that lets patients view their medical records online.
  • Connect Care is a patient portal system being rolled out in Alberta.
  • eHealth Ontario is Ontario’s program to establish EHRs for all its residents.
  • Health Gateway in British Columbia provides residents with access to their health information.
  • Registration: Typically, you’ll need to register for an online account. This might involve verifying your identity, setting up a username/password, and agreeing to terms of use.
  • Login: Once registered, you can log in to view your records. The type of information available can vary, but it might include lab results, medical imaging, prescription histories, and more.
  • Request Directly from Healthcare Provider: If your healthcare provider or local health network offers online access but you’re unaware of it, contact them directly. They can guide you on how to access your records online.
  • Fees: While accessing your medical records is your right, some institutions might charge a fee for processing or providing copies. However, viewing them online through official portals is typically free.
  • Privacy and Security: Ensure that any platform you’re using is secured and officially affiliated with a legitimate healthcare provider or the government to prevent unauthorized access to your personal medical information.
  • Physical Records: If online access isn’t available, you can still request your medical records in physical or electronic format from your healthcare provider. There might be a fee associated with producing copies.

While the movement towards digital health records and online accessibility is growing in Canada, not all records may be available online in every jurisdiction or institution. If you’re unsure about the online availability of your records, it’s a good idea to contact your primary care provider or the health ministry of your province or territory for guidance.

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Health-care hack spreads pain across hospitals and doctors nationwide

The fallout from the hack of a little-known but pivotal health-care company is inflicting pain on hospitals, doctor offices, pharmacies and millions of patients across the nation, with government and industry officials calling it one of the most serious attacks on the health-care system in U.S. history.

The Feb. 21 cyberattack on Change Healthcare, owned by UnitedHealth Group, has cut off many health-care organizations from the systems they rely on to transmit patients’ health-care claims and get paid. The ensuing outage doesn’t appear to affect any of the systems that provide direct, critical care to patients. But it has laid bare a vulnerability that cuts across the U.S. health-care system, frustrating patients unable to pay for their medications at the pharmacy counter and threatening the financial solvency of some organizations that rely heavily on Change’s platform.

Change Healthcare is a juggernaut in the health-care world, processing 15 billion claims totaling more than $1.5 trillion a year, the company says . It operates the largest electronic “clearinghouse” in the business, acting as a pipeline that connects health-care providers with insurance companies who pay for their services and determine what patients owe. It supported tens of thousands of physicians, dentists, pharmacies and hospitals, handling 50 percent of all medical claims in the United States, the Justice Department wrote in a 2022 lawsuit that unsuccessfully tried to block UnitedHealth from acquiring the company.

Citing internal company documents, prosecutors wrote that Change had concluded that the “health care system … would not work without Change Healthcare.”

The hackers, a ransomware gang once thought to have been crippled by law enforcement, stole data about patients, encrypted company files and demanded money to unlock them. The company shut down most of its network in February as it tries to recover.

U.S. prescription drug market in disarray as ransomware gang attacks

Quantifying the impact remains a moving target, with the severity depending on how much organizations relied on Change. But three senior officials at the Department of Health and Human Services described it as serious.

Adding to the urgency was Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, who sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Friday, asking it to make accelerated payments to hospitals, pharmacies and other providers who have been impacted by the outage. Patients can’t get information on whether insurance will cover a treatment, while hospitals are struggling to bill patients and receive payments, the New York Democrat wrote.

“The delay in payments is costing hospitals across America millions for every single week this continues, and people are even struggling to get prescriptions filled at their local pharmacy,” Schumer said in a statement Sunday. “That’s why I am calling on CMS to use its authority to cut through the red tape and provide accelerated and advanced payments to impacted health care providers just as they did during covid.”

“We recognize the impact this attack has had on health-care operations,” an HHS spokesperson told The Washington Post, adding that the agency is working with UnitedHealth to avoid disruptions to patient care. The incident underscores the “urgency of strengthening cybersecurity resiliency across the ecosystem,” the spokesperson said.

Molly Smith, group vice president for public policy at the American Hospital Association, said Sunday that as of now: “Our assessment is that this is the most significant attack on the health-care system in U.S. history.”

At one point, Smith said, the association heard from hospitals that were not discharging certain patients because they couldn’t get their medications filled. Much of that disruption is being worked out, as health-care providers resort to submitting claims manually, she added.

Workarounds

Optum, a health-services company that is also owned by UnitedHealth, said it has established a temporary assistance program to extend cash to organizations whose payment systems have been affected — short-term loans that would need to be repaid once Change is back up and running. A senior HHS official said the agency is working with UnitedHealth to make sure the program is effective.

A UnitedHealth spokesperson said it had no updates Sunday but noted it has enlisted consultants and is working with law enforcement. Since the hack, UnitedHealth has said that it has made “multiple workarounds to ensure people have access to the medications and the care they need.”

Simply switching from Change to another vendor is sometimes complex, according to industry officials and pharmacists, due to contractual agreements and technical reasons. In addition to routing claims to insurance companies, Change also scrubs the claim information to make sure the codes and other details are correct. While some rival vendors have created some alternatives, Smith said, they don’t have the same cleanup function that Change provides, and many providers are getting lots of rejections.

“We have very, very imperfect workarounds at this point, which means that the cash flow problems persist,” she said.

Jose Arrieta, former chief information officer of HHS, said the cyberattack was among the most serious in health care in recent years, building on prior breaches.

“The size of the attack doesn’t matter. What matters is the impact,” Arrieta said. “And when you have the wherewithal to target a Fortune 5 company … everybody in the United States, no matter what sector you work in, should take that as a warning.”

At his solo practice in southern New Jersey, Craig Wax said his billing is “backward, upside-down and on fire.” The doctor cares for patients of all ages and accepts multiple types of insurance, relying on a small billing company that uses a software provider dependent on Change’s platform.

“We’re going to dump to paper” — submitting claims on paper forms — “and hope that insurance companies respond to paper claims,” he said.

Some of the most persistent critics of the U.S. health system, like the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons — which opposes programs such as Medicare , the federal government’s health insurance program for older Americans — point to the Change Healthcare hack as another reason to be skeptical of the current payment model.

The group’s executive director, Jane Orient, said the incident “shows the catastrophe that can result from dependence on centralized networks and third-party payment.”

Hospital impact

Midsize to large hospital systems across the country were affected to varying degrees by the cyberattack, hospital groups say.

The Minnesota Hospital Association said the billing systems of some of its members have been hamstrung, unable to process claims and receive reimbursement. The Change Healthcare hack follows another local cyberattack that struck a radiology practice in Minnesota.

“There is a growing concern regarding the prolonged impact on patient care and operational stability,” the association said in an email. “This places a significant burden on the financial sustainability of the health care system.”

In an update to its members that was scheduled to go out Monday, the association representing Massachusetts hospitals said many of its members disconnected from all of Change Healthcare’s systems after they learned of the hack.

Hospitals were scrambling to set up alternative payment pathways with insurance companies in the state, the association said. “It’s yet another layer of financial distress on a system that is already struggling to stay above water,” Karen Granoff, the Massachusetts Hospital Association’s senior director of managed care policy, said in the update.

In the University Hospital system in Cleveland, the outage hobbled patients’ ability to get prescription medications from retail and specialty pharmacies, although the hospital system’s internal pharmacies were not affected, a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

In Florida, meanwhile, hundreds of millions of dollars in weekly billings have dried up and the damage could soon hit $1 billion, according to Mary C. Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association.

“These hospitals built their operations around daily payments for the care that they are providing, and that has come to a screeching halt — and we’re now on day 11 since the attack,” she said.

A lack of substantial information from UnitedHealth has made the situation worse, she added, noting that switching to manual submission of claims or finding another clearinghouse are not palatable solutions. The latter could take 90 days, according to one of her member hospitals, she said.

And while larger systems may be able to ride out the crisis by tapping reserves, Mayhew warned that most community hospitals are finding themselves victimized by an attack on a business entity that created vulnerabilities through its marketplace dominance.

“If you are a small or medium-sized hospital that is already dealing with a very small margin and challenging cash flow situation, this is disastrous,” she said.

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Cyberattack Paralyzes the Largest U.S. Health Care Payment System

The hacking shut down the nation’s biggest health care payment system, causing financial chaos that affected a broad spectrum ranging from large hospitals to single-doctor practices.

A portrait of Molly Fulton, who sits in the waiting room of one of the urgent care centers she runs. She wears a blazer over a black blouse with her hands folded in her lap.

By Reed Abelson and Julie Creswell

An urgent care chain in Ohio may be forced to stop paying rent and other bills to cover salaries. In Florida, a cancer center is racing to find money for chemotherapy drugs to avoid delaying critical treatments for its patients. And in Pennsylvania, a primary care doctor is slashing expenses and pooling all of her cash — including her personal bank stash — in the hopes of staying afloat for the next two months.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Open this article in the New York Times Audio app on iOS.

These are just a few examples of the severe cash squeeze facing medical care providers — from large hospital networks to the smallest of clinics — in the aftermath of a cyberattack two weeks ago that paralyzed the largest U.S. billing and payment system in the country. The attack forced the shutdown of parts of the electronic system operated by Change Healthcare, a sizable unit of UnitedHealth Group, leaving hundreds, if not thousands, of providers without the ability to obtain insurance approval for services ranging from a drug prescription to a mastectomy — or to be paid for those services.

In recent days, the chaotic nature of this sprawling breakdown in daily, often invisible transactions led top lawmakers, powerful hospital industry executives and patient groups to pressure the U.S. government for relief. On Tuesday, the Health and Human Services Department announced that it would take steps to try to alleviate the financial pressures on some of those affected: Hospitals and doctors who receive Medicare reimbursements would mainly benefit from the new measures.

U.S. health officials said they would allow providers to apply to Medicare for accelerated payments, similar to the advanced funding made available during the pandemic, to tide them over. They also urged health insurers to waive or relax the much-criticized rules imposing prior authorization that have become impediments to receiving care. And they recommended that insurers offering private Medicare plans also supply advanced funding.

H.H.S. said it was trying to coordinate efforts to avoid disruptions, but it remained unclear whether these initial government efforts would bridge the gaps left by the still-offline mega-operations of Change Healthcare, which acts as a digital clearinghouse linking doctors, hospitals and pharmacies to insurers. It handles as many as one of every three patient records in the country.

The hospital industry was critical of the response, describing the measures as inadequate.

Beyond the news of the damage caused by another health care cyberattack, the shutdown of parts of Change Healthcare cast renewed attention on the consolidation of medical companies, doctors’ groups and other entities under UnitedHealth Group. The acquisition of Change by United in a $13 billion deal in 2022 was initially challenged by federal prosecutors but went through after the government lost its case.

So far, United has not provided any timetable for reconnecting this critical network. “Patient care is our top priority, and we have multiple workarounds to ensure people have access to the medications and the care they need,” United said in an update on its website .

But on March 1, a bitcoin address connected to the alleged hackers, a group known as AlphV or BlackCat, received a $22 million transaction that some security firms say was probably a ransom payment made by United to the group, according to a news article in Wired . United declined to comment, as did the security firm that initially spotted the payment.

Still, the prolonged effects of the attack have once again exposed the vast interconnected webs of electronic health information and the vulnerability of patient data. Change handles some 15 billion transactions a year.

The shutdown of some of Change’s operations has severed its digital role connecting providers with insurers in submitting bills and receiving payments. That has delayed tens of millions of dollars in insurance payments to providers. Pharmacies were initially unable to fill many patients’ medications because they could not verify their insurance, and providers have amassed large sums of unpaid claims in the two weeks since the cyberattack occurred.

“It absolutely highlights the fragility of our health care system,” said Ryan S. Higgins, a lawyer for McDermott Will & Emery who advises health care organizations on cybersecurity. The same entity that was said to be responsible for the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, a pipeline from Texas to New York that carried 45 percent of the East Coast’s fuel supplies, in 2021 is thought to be behind the Change assault. “They have historically targeted critical infrastructure,” he said.

In the initial days after the attack on Feb. 21, pharmacies were the first to struggle with filling prescriptions when they could not verify a person’s insurance coverage. In some cases, patients could not get medicine or vaccinations unless they paid in cash. But they have apparently resolved these snags by turning to other companies or developing workarounds.

“Almost two weeks in now, the operational crisis is done and is pretty much over,” said Patrick Berryman, a senior vice president for the National Community Pharmacists Association.

But with the shutdown growing longer, doctors, hospitals and other providers are wrestling with paying expenses because the steady revenue streams from private insurers, Medicare and Medicaid are simply not flowing in.

Arlington Urgent Care, a chain of five urgent care centers around Columbus, Ohio, has about $650,000 in unpaid insurance reimbursements. Worried about cash, the chain’s owners are weighing how to pay bills — including rent and other expenses. They’ve taken lines of credit from banks and used their personal savings to set aside enough money to pay employees for about two months, said Molly Fulton, the chief operating officer.

“This is worse than when Covid hit because even though we didn’t get paid for a while then either, at least we knew there was going to be a fix,” Ms. Fulton said. “Here, there is just no end in sight. I have no idea when Change is going to come back up.”

The hospital industry has labeled the infiltration of Change “the most significant cyberattack on the U.S. health care system in American history,” and urged the federal government and United to provide emergency funding. The American Hospital Association, a trade group, has been sharply critical of United’s efforts so far and the latest initiative that offered a loan program.

“It falls far short of plugging the gaping holes in funding,” Richard J. Pollack, the trade group’s president, said on Monday in a letter to Dirk McMahon, the president of United.

“We need real solutions — not programs that sound good when they are announced but are fundamentally inadequate when you read the fine print,” Mr. Pollack said.

The loan program has not been well received out in the country.

Diana Holmes, a therapist in Attleboro, Mass., received an offer from Optum to lend her $20 a week when she says she has been unable to submit roughly $4,000 in claims for her work since Feb. 21. “It’s not like we have reserves,” she said.

She says there has been virtually no communication from Change or the main insurer for her patients, Blue Cross of Massachusetts. “It’s just been maddening,” she said. She has been forced to find a new payment clearinghouse with an upfront fee and a year’s contract. “You’ve had to pivot quickly with no information,” she said.

Blue Cross said it was working with providers to find different workarounds.

Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Gainesville resorted to new contracts with two competing clearinghouses because it spends $300 million a month on chemotherapy and other drugs for patients whose treatments cannot be delayed.

“We don’t have that sort of money sitting around in a bank,” said Dr. Lucio Gordan, the institute’s president. “We’re not sure how we’re going to retrieve or collect the double expenses we’re going to have by having multiple clearinghouses.”

Dr. Christine Meyer, who owns and operates a primary care practice with 20 clinicians in Exton, Pa., west of Philadelphia, has piled “hundreds and hundreds” of pages of Medicare claims in a FedEx box and sent them to the agency. Dr. Meyer said she was weighing how to conserve cash by cutting expenses, such as possibly reducing the supply of vaccines the clinic has on hand. She said if she pulled together all of her cash and her line of credit, her practice could survive for about two and a half months.

Through Optum’s temporary funding assistance program, Dr. Meyer said she received a loan of $4,000, compared with the roughly half-million dollars she typically submits through Change. “That is less than 1 percent of my monthly claims and, adding insult to injury, the notice came with this big red font that said, you have to pay all of this back when this is resolved,” Dr. Meyer said. “It is all a joke.”

The hospital industry has been pushing Medicare officials and lawmakers to address the situation by freeing up cash to hospitals. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the chamber’s majority leader, wrote a letter on Friday, urging federal health officials to make accelerated payments available. “The longer this disruption persists, the more difficult it will be for hospitals to continue to provide comprehensive health care services to patients,” he said.

In a statement, Senator Schumer said he was pleased by the H.H.S. announcement because it “will get cash flowing to providers as our health care system continues to reel from this cyberattack.” He added, “The work cannot stop until all affected providers have sufficient financial stability to weather this storm and continue serving their patients.”

Audio produced by Jack D’Isidoro .

Reed Abelson covers the business of health care, focusing on how financial incentives are affecting the delivery of care, from the costs to consumers to the profits to providers. More about Reed Abelson

Julie Creswell is a business reporter covering the food industry for The TImes, writing about all aspects of food, including farming, food inflation, supply-chain disruptions and climate change. More about Julie Creswell

IMAGES

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  1. Do travel insurance providers check medical records?

    Insurance providers, including travel insurance providers, cannot access your medical records or apply for a medical report from your GP without your consent. Your medical information is legally protected under the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 (AMRA) . Your insurance provider can request access to your medical records if they feel it's ...

  2. Can Health Insurance Companies Access Medical Records?

    Health insurance companies don't have access to your full medical records. No insurance company can contact a hospital or doctor and ask to see your full medical history. However, insurance companies do have the right to access specific medical information needed to perform key functions and provide services to you.

  3. Can Travel Insurance Ask for Medical Records

    Travel insurance companies may request medical records for a variety of reasons, such as to determine if a pre-existing condition is covered under the policy or to verify that the policyholder is healthy enough to travel. Medical records can be obtained from a variety of sources, such as a primary care physician, hospital, or insurance company.

  4. Who Can Access Your Medical Records?

    Insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, workers comp, disability, the VA, or any institution that pays for part of your healthcare can ask for your records. Life insurance and prescription databases can also access your records. Even the government can view your medical records in some circumstances.

  5. Do Travel Insurance Check Medical Records?

    Travel insurance does not cover cancellations for 'everything' Cancellation and interruption coverage is provided by travel insurance, however the reason for the cancellation matters because not everything is covered. A list of covered causes for trip cancellation is included in most travel insurance policies.

  6. How Do Travel Insurance Claims Work?

    Check your policy for the required delay time to get reimbursement. For example, this could be three, five, six or 12 hours, depending on the travel insurance plan. Here, too, check your policy ...

  7. Travel Medical Insurance: What to Know

    Travel medical insurance can help fill in coverage gaps if you require emergency or routine medical services while traveling overseas. Even if you have international health insurance that includes care when traveling abroad, it won't always cover the cost of medical treatments such as X-rays, lab tests, or ambulance services in a foreign country.

  8. Can travel insurance companies access medical records?

    No, travel insurance companies cannot directly access an individual's medical records. They may, however, request access to these records from the individual or the individual's physician. Does travel insurance ask for medical records? If you are filing a travel insurance claim, you will need to submit supporting documentation.

  9. Can travel insurance ask for medical records?

    Conclusion. Yes, travel insurance companies can ask for medical records as part of the application process. This information is used to determine whether or not you are eligible for coverage and to help assess your risk profile. In some cases, you may be able to provide other information that will satisfy the insurer's request.

  10. Can Travel Insurance Ask for Medical Records?

    Travel insurance is an excellent investment for any traveler, providing peace of mind and financial security in the event of an unexpected event. While travel insurance companies may request medical information, they rarely request full medical records. Instead, they look for specifics about pre-existing conditions or ongoing treatments in ...

  11. How Do Travel Insurance Claims Work?

    Travel insurance claims are the system through which a traveler submits documentation to their insurance provider for reimbursement of a covered expense. This reimbursement is not guaranteed ...

  12. Travel insurance and pre-existing conditions: How to get the ...

    Travel insurance companies consider medical conditions within a specified look-back period, or length of time. The medical condition must be stable to qualify for a claim.

  13. Does Travel Insurance Cover Medical Expenses?

    The card covers both emergency medical and dental expenses up to $2,500 (with a $50 deductible). What's more, if your doctor deems it necessary for you to rest and recover for a few days before ...

  14. Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation

    Travelers with underlying medical conditions should discuss any concerns with the insurer before departure. In a study of international travelers with travel health insurance claims, insurance companies fully paid only 2/3 of claims, and the main reasons for coverage refusal were preexisting illness and poor documentation of expenses incurred.

  15. Do travel insurance check medical records?

    Insurance companies frequently request medical records when evaluating claims. The adjuster needs to corroborate your records with the medical bills you submitted for compensation. When you file a claim due to a medical condition, the travel insurance company will look at your medical records. They will need to determine if/when this.

  16. Do travel insurance check medical records?

    No, travel insurance companies do not generally check medical records when someone applies for a policy. However, they may ask general questions about an applicant's health and medical history in order to assess the risk of insuring them. ... There is no clear consensus on whether or not travel insurance companies check medical records when ...

  17. Travel Medical Insurance: How it works

    Some travel medical policies pay for dental expenses and emergency medical care not covered by your primary health insurance. Typically, travel medical insurance policies provide short-term ...

  18. 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Travel Insurance Claim

    We'll take a look at four of the most common mistakes people make in the travel insurance claim process. 1. Exaggerating your losses. You're having a miserable time on your Bahamas vacation. The weather's cool and rainy, your resort has seen better days, and now you have a bad stomachache, too.

  19. What Does Travel Insurance Cover? Key Features Explained

    Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling. Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.

  20. How Far Back Do Insurance Companies Check Medical Records?

    Why Insurance Companies Check Medical Records. Insurance companies have a vested interest in thoroughly reviewing an applicant's medical records before issuing a policy. The primary reasons for conducting these checks include: Assessing Risk: Insurance is all about risk management. By reviewing medical records, insurance companies can ...

  21. Think twice before disclosing full patient records to insurance companies

    MPS has recently heard from members that some insurance companies, when deciding insurance policies for individuals, are now asking GPs to disclose a patient's full medical record for their own assessment rather than a general practitioner report (GPR) from the GP. In both instances, patients sign a consent form authorising the insurance ...

  22. What Is Travel Insurance Medical Coverage?

    The two most common types of travel insurance to purchase for medical coverage are comprehensive plans and medical-specific plans. Each covers medical-related costs differently. Comprehensive travel insurance: With a comprehensive travel insurance plan, travelers will have travel medical coverage as a part of their coverage. If you experience ...

  23. Safe Travels: Here's What's New in Medical And Security ...

    The legacy medical and security membership companies are busy upgrading their products with improved technology and integrations to add value in a new age of travel. ... Like travel insurance ...

  24. Medical information requests to GP practices from insurers

    The Association of British Insurers published a set of high level principles on requesting and obtaining medical information electronically from GPs. The principles were developed with input from the BMA and the ICO. Compliance with these principles will ensure that the release of electronic medical information for insurance purposes will be in ...

  25. How Far Back Do Life Insurance Companies Look At Medical Records

    Medical Information Bureau (MIB): Life insurance companies often check the MIB database, a central repository for medical information that enables insurers to access a summary of an applicant's medical records. The MIB provides insurers with information about any previous applications for insurance and any flagged health conditions.

  26. Can insurance companies access medical records Canada?

    In Canada, car insurance companies do not have automatic access to an individual's medical records. However, if a person is making a claim related to an injury from a car accident, the insurance company might request access to relevant medical information to verify the claim. In such cases, they would generally need the claimant's explicit ...

  27. Change Healthcare hack cripples payment systems across health providers

    Change Healthcare is a juggernaut in the health-care world, processing 15 billion claims totaling more than $1.5 trillion a year, the company says.It operates the largest electronic ...

  28. Cyberattack Paralyzes the Largest US Health Care Payment System

    The hacking shut down the nation's biggest health care payment system, causing financial chaos that affected a broad spectrum ranging from large hospitals to single-doctor practices.