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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHowever, after spending years hearing nothing but coronavirus this and that, you often forget there are other diseases out there. Unfortunately, while traveling to one of the islands of the Philippines, I started feeling very sick. By the time we reached our hotel, I knew something was very wrong as the pain on my abdomen wouldn\u2019t subside. Finding myself sick, in a country where I didn\u2019t know the language nor how the healthcare system worked, was daunting to say the least. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing the job I do day in and day out, however, I\u2019m luckier than most as it has prepared me for situations like this and most importantly to have an insurance plan to cover my medical expenses. Before our trip, I bought a Patriot Travel International Lite plan<\/a> to cover my spouse and I in case the unexpected happened. From this experience, I gained a few nuggets of wisdom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Documents? Check!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When we entered Japan, we were asked to present our travel insurance documents. Being the diligent insurance agent that I am and having heard others’ experiences while traveling, I purchased an insurance plan ahead of time. I also read my insurance documents and downloaded my documents to my phone to have on hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking back, I don\u2019t recall reading anywhere that Japan would ask for proof of insurance but I am glad I was prepared for this question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know? <\/em><\/strong>– When you purchase an insurance plan through ISI, you\u2019ll be issued an ID card as well as a visa letter. The visa letter is an official document that can be presented to an embassy, consulate or at a port of entry and it highlights the most important benefits of your plan.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check Your Benefits<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As I work with insurance plans every day, I had a pretty good idea how to use my plan and what I would be covered for. However, normal people usually don\u2019t spend their days reading through insurance documents! A simple phone call to the insurance company will help you verify your benefits. They can explain to you how to use your plan abroad and how to locate a doctor or clinic. I was able to contact the international phone line before going to the clinic and they informed me what my coverage would be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use Online Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Every insurance plan offered through ISI gives you access to an online portal<\/a> where you can find providers, file your claims, extend your coverage and much more. I was able to locate a clinic in their international provider search<\/a> and after going to the clinic, I took a picture of the documents and receipts the doctor gave me and uploaded my claim to the myIMG portal offered through our Patriot International plan<\/a>. I\u2019ve been able to follow up on my claim right online and upload any documentation that was missing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know? <\/em><\/strong> – You can find international providers right through your account when you buy a Patriot International plan. Create your account before your trip and access the international provider search <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring Extra Cash<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this day and age, many places accept credit cards or bank transfers. As convenient as that sounds, if you\u2019re visiting remote locations, cash is still needed for day-to-day transactions. My husband and I were in El Nido, Palawan, a beautiful yet remote island of the Philippines. One of the days, there was a whole island outage and thus, ATMs didn\u2019t work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On top of that the clinic did not accept card payments. Thankfully, we had extra cash that we could use to pay for my visit to the clinic as well as prescription medication<\/a>. Generally, for minor conditions like mine, you will be expected to pay out-of-pocket and then file a claim for reimbursement. For major conditions that may require emergency procedures or life-saving treatment, you or the hospital can contact the insurance company to arrange direct billing. <\/p>\n\n\n