UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE TERMINOLOGY AND PLANS

About the Resource Library

This page contains dozens of short articles that will help you quickly understand international insurance. For example, terminology, purchasing details and managing your insurance coverage are topics that are all covered within these articles. Choose an Article From the Topics Below

DEDUCTIBLE IS NOT A DIRTY WORD

HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) and PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations), to say the least, are not the best of friends! One thing HMOs do in their marketing is to claim that they have "no deductibles." Of course this is a slam at PPOs that have deductibles. Yet HMOs don't mention that if a client goes into the hospital on many of their policies there is a co-pay of $250 or $500. This large co-pay in some ways is similar to and often larger than some deductibles.

Also, most people don't realize that even though you may have a $500 deductible with a PPO you still have small co-pays if you visit a doctor. Generally, the doctor's office visit, lab work, and x-rays are all covered with just the co-pay with no extra charge to the insured. This is very similar to how HMOs work.

So, when does the deductible kick in? Usually for outpatient surgery, emergency room, and in- hospital stays.

"Deductible" is not a dirty word. In many ways it is just a variation of a large co-pay.

Most international policies are "classical" PPOs, and, according to my knowledge, none have co-pays. They could all be classed as “traditional” insurance; that is insurance that works from a deductible, co-insurance, and then total coverage.

International Health Insurance Support Quote
Get Your International Health Insurance Quote Hassle Free in Minutes

Health Insurance in the USA

"Jeff, I just wanted to say a quick "Thank You" for the newsletter, or "Quarterly E-Bulletin." I don’t know if this is all your work or a team, or you buy content, or just who puts it together; but I’ve gotta say it’s one of the few pieces of its kind that I actually *read* top-to-bottom. [The "Quarterly Bulletin" is written by Jeff, assisted by the GNI staff.]"

(DS, Pennsylvania)

"Nelma, Thank you so much for your immediate help in getting my credit from the insurance company. It’s this kind of service from you and your partners that keeps me coming back to GNI for ALL my international insurance needs. "

(KD, California)

"Trish, Thanks so much for your follow-up on this. We actually got a check in the mail already, covering all the charges minus the $250 deductible. I was surprised and pleased that we got it so quickly! Thank you again for taking care of us. You have been extremely helpful, Trish."

(AR, Indiana)

"Doug, I wish to thank Pei for the first class service I received. I value great customer service having worked for a Japanese airline for 17 years. I believe the service reflects the management."

(TM, New York)

Library of International Medical and Health Insurance Information and Resources