Westworld Alberta

34 W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Practice good form Answering the travel medical insurance questionnaire is a precise exercise BY BARB SLIGL WHILE FILLING OUT a travel medical insurance form might not be as fun as plotting your next cross-country road trip or choosing which muse- ums in Paris to visit, it is the most important travel planning you'll do before you leave home. It can protect against unexpected medical expenses, like a $2,400 visit to a doctor for the flu, or a $26,000 bill for emergency surgery. Here's how to fill out your travel medical insurance declaration form properly. Because if you don't, you may not be covered at all for any condition, whether it's related to a preexist- ing condition or not. And, you won't know you're not covered until you make a claim. 1. Answer honestly. Review the policy guide carefully and answer the medical questionnaire truthfully. Refer to the medical definitions on the back of the AMA form to help you understand the questions. In the event of a claim, your insurer has full access to your medical history and it will be reviewed. Any omissions and/or errors will result in coverage that's null and void. 2. Seek help if you're unsure. If in doubt about how to answer questions about your medical condi- tion, ask the agent who is selling you the coverage. ey can provide some guidance on what condi- tions are asked on the form. How- ever, the agent is not a trained medical professional and no one knows your medical history better than your physician. If you have specific questions, consult your physician. Don't guess and don't downplay your health or think it won't matter. Your answers are used to determine the premiums based on your health history. 3. Report all your medications. Anything prescribed, whether you filled the prescription or not, should be fully disclosed. If you've been prescribed medication, even "as-needed," it means you are being treated for a medical condition. 4. Purchase an annual plan. Make frequent travel easier by purchasing a multi-trip annual pol- icy. You'll only have to fill out the medical question- naire once a year and you can cross one more thing off your to-do list. You must contact your insurer if your health changes throughout the year. You are still obligated to advise the insurance company of any health and medication changes regardless of what it's related to. If you plan to travel for a longer period, let your insurer know. An agent can discuss your options to ensure you are properly covered for the length of your trip and this may mean another questionnaire is required to be completed for the extra days you are adding on. 5. Advise of changes. It is critical that you are aware of what you are covered for and what you are not especially when your health status or medica- tions change after purchasing your policy. If any- thing varies in your medical status before departure, contact your insurer so they can advise you how this impacts your coverage. is requirement applies whether you buy a single-trip policy or a multi-trip annual policy. W What catches people off guard the most? If you are 69 and younger, any pre-existing medical condition (like high blood pressure) must be stable three months prior to your departure. If you're 70 or older, the stability period is six months before you leave. Once you've purchased a medical insurance policy, you must stay stable in order for it to cover you. When we talk about stability, this means no medical changes, doctors' visits (other than a routine check-up) or medication adjustments during the time period applicable to your age category before your purchase date AND after you have purchased your policy. When you fill out your medical question- naire just be honest and truthful. It doesn't pay to fudge the information for a lower rate because it will mean you have no coverage at all for any claims regardless of the condition you need medical assistance for. TRAVEL No matter what part of the world you are travelling to, you will need travel medical insurance coverage. It's as little as $24 a day to protect you and the things you care about most! AMATravel.ca/ TravelInsurance Save 50% on travel vacci- nation consultation fees, plus save $15 on injection fees. AMARewards.ca/ RemedysRX Benefits of Travel Medical Insurance • Emergency hospital/doctors expenses • Return of vehicle to your home • Expenses for a family member to travel to your bedside • Return of deceased • Emergency dental treatment • Air ambulance • Evacuation expenses • Return of pets to your home • Emergency vision or hearing aid expense Plus a whole lot more . . .

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