Travel 3 - Medical Insurance

Were you properly insured during your last overseas vacation?

A piece of investigative journalism, by CBC’s programme, ‘Market Place’, recently focussed on some much ignored facts regarding medical insurance related to overseas travel.

Firstly, the programme interviewed some victims who had their claims rejected by the insurance companies, thus, subjecting them to huge hospital bills ... one bill as high as $346,000.00.  In this case, the victim (I use that word advisedly) required multiple-bypass surgery, which was covered by the policy but, when the company checked with his doctor, it was revealed that he had previously had some gastrointestinal tests which he did not disclose — the fact that these tests were, in no way related to his heart condition, was considered irrelevant ... in other words, he had lied on the application, a totally unjust accusation. Obviously, these retired people have, now, had their lives ruined by so much debt.

The case for the insurance companies is that applicants are filling in the forms incorrectly but, as Susan Ang of the advocacy group CARP expressed, the complicated application forms require the knowledge of both a medical doctor and a lawyer to interpret them ... and there is no accountability.  In addition, a persons actual knowledge of their medical record may not be identical to the doctor’s file.

Additionally, the programme used hidden cameras to visit four different, well-known, travel agencies (Carlson Wagonlit, Marlin Travel, Thomas Cook), and all (except FlightCentre) gave incorrect advice to customers which, if claims had been made, could have resulted in huge bills.  The only advice that should be given by a travel agent is, “We are not medical professionals, please consult with your doctor”.

I recently visited my GP and discussed the subject with him.  He seemed unaware of the CBC programme, and seemed too quick to blame the patient for incorrectly filling in the insurance form and, then, with a smile on his face said, “Of course, [the court case] is no longer a medical problem, but a legal problem.”  Then, he went on to say, “The insurance companies do this all the time with impunity.”  I was far from impressed with his virtuous attitude.  Not to mention the 80-minute delay with my appointment ... that lasted five minutes.

Should you consult with your doctor?

P.S.;  It will be of additional interest that I have now been given my travel insurance policy by the 21st Century insurance company, and was amazed to discover the following warning attached,  "You must contact the Assistance Centre before receiving treatment.  Failure to do so will limit liability to 75% of eligible expenses."  I really pray that I maintain consciousness, following my first heart attack emergency, long enough to delay the surgeon's enthusiasm to start the life-saving procedure.