Florida Medical & Travel Insurance Info B4 You Go!

dacouch

What are the odds on it being an Axa or White Horse policy

luci

Just what I was thinking............

FH_Brit

KINGLA - sorry for the delay - I've been out of the office for a few days and I just read your post - Ok I probably can help but I'll need a few bits of information first - Please PM me with the Hospital name (to see if it is mine) and your account number (if I am not genuine I wont be able to see your info and reply!)

Then we'll be able (at least) to see if I can do anything at this end, or (at least) let you know how to "treat" your insurers.

LUCI & DA - we are 3 of the same minds here!

Just for your info, 99.9% (Including Axa, Insure & Go, Fortis, and basically every Insurer I have past comment on here!) of travel insurers in the UK use third party cost-containment agents. These agents, or the actual IC's join pre-arranged discount schemes that allow them access to various discount arrangements.

The reason these exist is that they (hospitals and insurers) agree to a PROMPT settlement in return for a discount. So their argument to "save" the claims to get a discount is the biggest "BS" story going.

Insurers invest their money, and, although your $30k, $10k, or $200 bill may be "a drop in the ocean of claims" if you think about it, they may have 500, 1000, 5000 claims and that "drop" becomes a huge chunk and a lot of money, when you think about interest or even exchange rates in paying us.

Then there is always the claims hanlers/assistance people just not doing their job properly.

Under Florida Law (FS 627.6131(4), 627.6131(4)(c)2(e),(5)©2(e), 641.3155(3)(e),(4)(e) applies) - Insurers have 140 days maximum (120 if electronically filed claim) to pay or deny in writing the medical provider from the date of submition. Failure to pay or deny (valid reason) means that the insurer "creates an uncontestable obligation to pay the claim" (in full no discount).

Ah, I hear you (and others who have been told by their insurers) but they are in the UK and Florida law does not count, wrong! If you do business in Florida you MUST comply to Florida law. "When in Rome - do as the Romans!" as the old saying goes.

(simple examples);

As an American tourist breaking the law in London then claiming "I am American and UK law doees not affect me" - tell that to all the foreign prisoners!
or
The Brit who commits murder in Florida and claims they can't get the death penalty as UK does not have death penalty - Wrong again! Tell the 3 Brits that are on Death Row here at the moment!

kingla

FH Brit - thanks for the message, have PM'd you with the details you requested.
Much appreciated.
Oh - and for the others that asked, my insurance policy was with Club Direct Travel Insurance.

weepo75

I have a European Policy free with my A & L account that I can upgrade.

Any experience with Fortis?

katies_mum

weepo75 I didn`t know you could upgrade the A & L policies (we have these!).

FH Brit we currently have Insure and Go annual policy what do you reckon to these? had to make a claim when in Egypt 2 years ago (bit of hasstle forms to fill out but settled no problem) Cover seems quite good for Worldwide travel.

FH_Brit

Update Kingla - I have good news for you and I have left a phone message on your home number - listen and call me.

FH_Brit

weepo75 wrote: »

I have a European Policy free with my A & L account that I can upgrade.

Any experience with Fortis?

My favorite, Fortisa are way above average where claims service is concerned.

FH_Brit

Katies Mum - I have no problem (that is after I become involved) Insure & Go use an assistance company in Southend-on-Sea and I am "training" them!)

They are better than most but still far from the "Top of the pile" - Paperwork etc you are gonna get whoever you claim with. As far as Worldwide I can't say but that's my view of their Florida business with me.

dacouch

Out of interest FH, whats the biggest medical bill your hospital have had for a U.S National or Tourist and whats the biggest travel medical claim you have seen?