FEATURE ARTICLE
Staying Healthy with Global Medical Insurance
TIPS & ADVICE
Healthy air travel tips
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Miller Insurance Specialty Ltd.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Scholars health program
DID YOU KNOW
Staff biographies
ON A GOOD NOTE
A word from our clients
Staying Healthy with Global Medical Insurance
by Yan Bui
Group Medical
Transferees who are traveling overseas for work may have their health insurance covered by their employer or organization. Group medical plans typically offer similar benefits as an individual health insurance plan at reduced rates. For example, some group medical plans will offer a lifetime benefit of $5 million for each covered person, which is a typical limit for some individual health plans as well. Group medical plans, like individual health plans, will also provide coverage for medical evacuation expenses.
Unlike a typical individual health plan, group medical plans will provide coverage for such benefits as bridge coverage and continuance. Bridge coverage allows medical benefits to extend for three months during job transition periods at the group rate. Thus, the transferee will be able to enjoy the same medical benefits at the same group rate at which they paid during employment. After three months, continuance coverage is available to the transferee; however the transferee will not be considered part of the group, and thus higher rates may apply. The rates, however, may still be lower than if the transferee sought coverage independently.
When a transferee moves to another job or returns to their home country, a prerequisite to securing new health insurance is that there was no lapse in medical coverage at any time. Bridge and continuance coverage will help ensure that there is no lapse in coverage, and will therefore help the transferee secure new health insurance coverage in the future.
Group medical plans will typically offer a direct payment network to transferees, allowing claim payments to be handled directly by the insurance program; thus, it alleviates financial burden to the transferee, who will not have to pay for any upfront charges. Transferees may also have the ability to search international physicians and healthcare providers from around the world on a designated website, where they can also schedule appointments online.
Transferees who are part of a group medical plan may also be able to submit their claims online as necessary through a centralized website, and view the status of their claims in process. Some group medical plans will also offer a centralized website on which they can research generic names of their prescription drugs, as well as learn critical medical terms in nine common languages. As part of their group medical plan benefit, transferees can also access a health website to review up-to-the-minute health and security information for more than 297 destinations worldwide. Group medical plans offered to transferees by their employer or organizations offer a variety of benefits; however, transferees should understand their coverage, and seek other or additional medical coverages if necessary.
Tips to know before you go
Before traveling or moving overseas, transferees should take the necessary steps to ensure they are prepared for any health and medical emergencies that may arise. Here is a summary of tips to know before going abroad:
Research medical issues in the destination region(s). Before going overseas, transferees should properly research their destination region(s) to learn more about any prominent medical issues, illnesses, diseases, or warnings (if any). Transferees should be aware of any vaccinations or other precautions recommended.
Research healthcare facilities. It is recommended that transferees research the various health care facilities in their destination region(s) to ensure that their needs will be adequately met in the event an emergency medical situation arises. For example, transferees should keep note of which facilities follow international standards for health care. Transferees should also try to find physicians, nurses, and other practitioners who speak their language(s).
Secure proper healthcare coverage. Transferees must ensure that they secure proper healthcare insurance before leaving. Domestic health insurance will cover “usual, customary, and reasonable,” but will not provide coverage for emergency services like medical evacuation, family reunion, etc. Transferees should find the right healthcare coverage to suit their needs and the needs of their family, and choose the appropriate plan duration (i.e. short- or long-term).
Bring an adequate supply of prescription drugs. If transferees have prescription drugs, then they should be prepared to bring an adequate supply with them abroad. However, if this is not realistic or feasible, then transferees should ask their physician for a copy of the prescription, and know the drug’s generic name as well.
Understand group medical coverage. For transferees whose multinational organization provides a group medical plan, they should understand the coverages available to them. Transferees should also find out if bridge or continuance coverages, which provide extension on coverage in the event of a job transition, are available in their group plan.
When going overseas to travel, live, or work, transferees should be proactive by researching their destination to ensure they are adequately informed on the medical risks and the available health care options. Transferees should learn how to protect their health from any local illness and disease prevalence. It is also strongly recommended that transferees secure appropriate health and medical insurance; if the transferee’s organization does not provide them with a group medical plan, then the transferee should seek individual health coverage. Staying informed about health issues and understanding the medical coverage options available will ensure that a transferees experience overseas is safe and rewarding.
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Healthy Air Travel Tips
We've all been there. You're on a 6am flight and you’ve got 8 hours of air time ahead of you. Whether traveling for work or pleasure, your primary concern on the plane is to just get where you are going as healthy and safely as possible. You’ve already put your safety in the hands of your chosen airline; now your health is in your hands. Here are some tips on how to travel healthy:
How to avoid catching a cold
A common concern among travelers is the air quality in the cabin. The air quality is almost equal to that of hospitals, so the risk of catching a cold from breathing the air inside an airplane is little. Typically, rather, airborne illness is caused by the passenger sitting next to you. So make sure you wash your hands, drink plenty of liquids, get plenty of sleep before your flight, and asked to be moved if the person next to you is sick!
Stay Hydrated
The humidity in the cabin is about 20% which is dry. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of liquids before and during your flight. Take advantage of the beverage service, but make sure you stay away from alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they tend to dehydrate.
Avoid Motion Sickness
If you are prone to motion sickness, ask your doctor about medications to alleviate these symptoms in flight. There are also a variety of over-the-counter drugs you can take a few hours before you board. A few tips we heard were to ask for a seat near the wings of the plane, eat lightly before and during your trip, and focus on the horizon during turbulence.
Jet Lag
According to Boeing, “For each time zone you cross, it takes your body about one day to adjust to the new day-night cycle.” To minimize your jet lag get a good nights sleep before your trip. It also sometimes helps to start adjusting your schedule slightly before your trip. Once you are at your destination adjust as quickly as possible to the new schedule. If you are only going to be there for 48 hours or less, remain on your “home schedule.”
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Miller Insurance Specialty Limited
Clements is pleased to provide an update on our developing relationship with Miller Insurance Services Limited.
Founded in 1902, Miller is the largest independent insurance and reinsurance broker in the UK today and is focused on expanding its business opportunities abroad. The partnership with Clements International combines Clements’ expertise in expatriate insurance with Miller’s strategic alliances in the UK, including its relationship with Lloyd’s; thus aligning Clements’ vision as an international insurance solution provider with Miller’s focus as an internationally linked independent broker.
The Clements and Miller relationship is built on the shared principle that it is important to provide excellent customer service and retain independence in the marketplace. Miller, in 1983 established a unique Employee Trust that underpins the Company’s independence. This trust can veto any proposed sale, dividend payments or winding up of the Company. Miller does not have external shareholders, so customers can be confident that they are free to act in your best interests, with transparency integral to everything they do. This level of independence and dedication to great customer service parallels Clements’ vision on a highly productive platform.
Clements acts as a managing general agent (or “MGA”) and through this partnership will provide its clients with access to Miller’s specialty products and facilities. Miller’s position as an accredited Lloyd's broker allows Clements access to the Lloyd’s market place.
Lloyd’s was founded in 1771 and is the world’s largest specialist insurance market today. Lloyd’s world renowned reputation has been built on its unique structure and approach. Lloyd’s is not an insurance company but is organized as a society of members, both corporate and individual, who underwrite in syndicates on whose behalf professional underwriters accept risk. Supporting capital is provided by investment institutions, specialist investors, international insurance companies and individuals.
“We are pleased to have this opportunity to work with Miller. The alliance between our companies offers expatriates and the global community new solutions in international insurance,” Dan Tuman, Vice President of Commercial Insurance for Clements International.
For more information about Miller Insurance Services, please visit their website at http://www.miller-insurance.com/. For more information about Lloyd’s of London, please visit their website at http://www.lloyds.com/.
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International schools searching for the right coverage for their teachers should research their options carefully to ensure that the right benefits are provided. The following coverages should be considered when selecting a group medical plan:
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Scholars Health Program
We have designed the Scholars Health Program to meet the specific needs of the international school community. With Scholars, members may seek care from any qualified physician, anywhere in the world. In 2006, we have enhanced the program to include an online suite of resource tools to assist members in locating and receiving quality medial care. For a preview of the new program, please visit http://www.scholarshealthprogram.com/.
For more information on group medical coverage or the Scholars Health Program, please contact your dedicated Clements International representative today at +1(202) 872-0060 or via email at info@clements.com.
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Meet Our Staff
We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and promoting a greater awareness of insurance needs to our customers; with that in mind, we’ve dedicated two of our account executives to international schools and the Scholar’s program. Over the next year you’ll be seeing them in your schools, at your tradeshows and in other places around the world, so we thought you might like an introduction to kick things off! |
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We had a successful move! CLEMENTS INTERNATIONAL Our phone and fax numbers, email, and web addresses remain the same. For your reference, here they are below: PHONE: 202.872.0060 |
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Here is what our clients have to say...
Dear Clements,
I was traveling in Africa for the Peace Corps. I lost my laptop, which was my only real contact to home. I vaguely remembered a policy I had bought from Clements and called to see if I could report the claim. The lady was so nice and I got a response so quickly, I was very impressed with your service.
Thanks!
Peace Corps Volunteer
Cameroon, Africa
Dear Clements,
This is just a quick note to express our gratitude and satisfaction for the efficient and client friendly manner in which you very capably managed our recent automobile claim. Managing the insurance is of course a necessary step in resolving details in the aftermath of a traumatic experience, and we are grateful for all your assistance in this matter.
Very Best,
Foreign Service Officer
Colombia
Dear Clements,
I would highly recommend Clements International Insurance... My claims experience was hassle free as Clements demonstrated their flexibility in the claims process as there is no easy explanation for every incident here in Peru, or anywhere else in the world for that matter. They were also more than willing to handle everything through my parents in the states which made the process much easier for me in the field.
In my case, I had a laptop ruined underneath a bus which tried to cross a river. A police report which is usually required was not appropriate in this case. Instead, I was allowed to write a statement of loss and include a modified incident report from Peace Corps to process my claim. In less than two weeks time, my family received a check for the claimed amount with no questions or hassle.
I think Clements understands the rather bizarre nature in which things get ruined, stolen, eaten, etc. in the places volunteers serve, and for that reason are more than willing to accommodate PCV claimants. I feel they also realize how difficult communication can be for us, and seemed more than happy to deal with a third-party in the US. And like I said, I would recommend Clements International Insurance to any perspective or current volunteer.
Regards,
Peace Corps Volunteer
Ancash, Peru
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