Planning Medical Treatment Abroad? Don’t Overlook Insurance
Each year, approximately 14 million patients around the world choose to travel abroad for medical treatment.
For many patients, travelling abroad opens the door to advanced technology, innovative treatments, and specialised care that may not be available at home.
Whether you're planning a complex procedure or responding to a medical urgency, choosing to seek treatment overseas can be life changing.
However, since international treatment often comes with high costs, it is crucial to confirm whether your health insurance will cover care in another country.
1. Does Health Insurance Cover Medical Treatment Abroad?
Yes, certain health insurance plans, especially global health insurance policies, can cover the cost of receiving medical treatment abroad.
These plans are specifically designed to support both emergency and elective treatments outside your home country.
However, if you're travelling abroad intentionally for a planned surgery or advanced treatment it's important to know that coverage is only valid if specific conditions are met and not all policies include this benefit by default.
For planned treatment overseas, most global health plans require prior approval from the insurer. This usually includes:
- Sharing your full medical reports
- Getting a treatment recommendation from your local doctor
- Submitting your chosen hospital’s treatment cost estimate
- Verifying that the facility is within your insurer’s international network
Once approved, the insurer may cover the surgical costs, hospitalisation, diagnosis, and post operative care at an approved hospital abroad.
This allows you to access world class treatment without overwhelming out of pocket expenses.
2. What Types of Overseas Medical Treatments Are Typically Covered?
When it comes to planned medical travel, most global health insurance plans are designed to cover complex treatments and procedures that cannot be easily accessed or afforded in the patient’s home country.
However, coverage depends on the specific policy, the insurer’s terms, and whether the treatment is pre-approved.
Here are some of the most covered procedures when treatment abroad is recommended and authorised in advance:
Cardiac Surgeries
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- Heart valve replacement or repair
- Congenital heart defect correction
- Minimally invasive cardiac interventions (e.g. TAVI)
Orthopaedic Surgeries
- Total hip and knee replacement
- Spine surgeries (e.g. scoliosis correction, disc replacement)
- Complex fracture reconstruction
- Joint revision procedures
Cancer Treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Oncosurgery (e.g. mastectomy, prostatectomy)
- Bone marrow transplants
- Radiotherapy (e.g. proton therapy)
Organ and Tissue Transplants
- Kidney transplant
- Liver transplant
- Corneal transplant
- Paediatric transplants (depending on facility)
Neurological and Neurosurgical Care
- Brain tumour surgery
- Deep brain stimulation
- Epilepsy surgery
These procedures are often sought abroad for reasons such as:
- Better success rates
- Access to specialised surgeons or centres of excellence
- Reduced waiting periods
- More affordable pricing in countries like India or Turkey
* Not all insurers cover every type of treatment abroad.
For example, cosmetic procedures, fertility treatments, or elective surgeries without a clear medical need are often excluded even under global plans. It's crucial to confirm coverage before going for treatment.
3. How to Check If Your Insurance Covers Treatment Abroad
Before you pack your bags or begin planning treatment overseas, it’s critical to confirm whether your health insurance policy supports planned medical care abroad.
Many patients mistakenly assume that a “global policy” means access to treatment anywhere but that’s not always the case.
To avoid claim rejections or out of pocket surprises, follow this practical verification process:
Step 1: Review Your Policy Documentation Thoroughly
Start by reading your policy terms and conditions (T&Cs), focusing on:
- “International coverage” or “overseas treatment” clauses
- Specific inclusions and exclusions for planned treatment abroad
- Whether you need pre-authorisation before receiving care
Step 2: Contact Your Insurer or Insurance Advisor
Call or email your insurer’s customer support or international desk. Ask the following:
- Does my plan cover planned overseas medical treatment?
- What procedures are eligible?
- Which countries and hospitals are included?
- Is direct billing available, or must I pay and claim later?
Request a written summary or confirmation email for documentation purposes.
Step 3: Verify Regional Coverage and Geographic Limits
Many global plans restrict where you can receive care. For example:
- Some exclude the USA or high-cost regions.
- Others only allow treatment within specific regions (e.g., “Asia only” or “Middle East and North Africa”).
Ask your insurer to confirm:
- Countries where treatment is authorised
- If your chosen country is in the covered network
- Any regional exclusions or required upgrades
Step 4: Confirm Approved Hospitals and Networks
Most insurers have a network of pre-approved hospitals abroad where they can offer:
- Cashless admissions
- Negotiated rates
- Faster claims processing
Ask:
- Is [hospital name] covered under my plan?
- Are there any preferred hospitals for this procedure in [country]?
If your desired hospital is out of network, you may have to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later or be denied coverage entirely.
Step 5: Understand Pre Authorisation Requirements
For planned treatment, you must usually provide:
- Medical diagnosis and referral letters
- Diagnosis and imaging reports
- Estimated cost from the overseas hospital
- Proposed treatment dates
Submit these to your insurer for pre-approval at least 2 to 4 weeks before travel, depending on the policy.
Need Help Navigating This Process?
My 1Health has a network of insurers and top hospitals in the UAE, India, Turkey, and other destinations. We:
- Guide you through verification and preauthorisation
- Help you choose hospitals that match your coverage
- Coordinate documents between you, your doctor, the insurer, and the hospital
- Provide on ground support in the treatment country
4. How My 1Health Facilitates Insured Treatment Abroad
For patients planning medical treatment abroad, having global health insurance is only one part of the solution.
The real challenge lies in navigating how to use that insurance from verifying coverage and gaining pre-authorisation to coordinating with overseas hospitals. That’s where My 1Health steps in as your dedicated medical facilitation partner.
We work alongside patients, hospitals, and insurance companies to make cross border care accessible, stress free, and cost effective especially when your treatment is covered by insurance.
Bridging the Gap Between Insurance and Treatment
Many insurance policies come with complex conditions, pre-authorisation requirements, and regional limitations.
Patients often struggle to interpret policy wording, identify covered hospitals, or compile the right documents. My 1Health simplifies this process by:
- Interpreting your insurance policy in the context of your medical needs
- Identifying which countries and hospitals your insurer recognises
- Coordinating with insurers and hospital administrators for smooth approvals
Access to a Trusted Global Network of Hospitals
Once your coverage is confirmed, we help match you with accredited, insurer recognised hospitals in leading medical destinations such as:
- UAE
- India
- Turkey
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- UK
- Germany
- Spain
These hospitals meet international standards and often have direct billing relationships with major global insurers.
Managing the Pre Authorisation Process on Your Behalf
Planned medical care abroad usually requires pre-authorisation from your insurance provider. My 1Health works on your behalf to:
- Share your medical records securely with your chosen hospital
- Obtain medical opinions and cost estimates
- Submit the full case to your insurer with the required justification
- Follow up until treatment approval is granted
Without proper pre-authorisation, even eligible claims can be rejected. We ensure you meet all the criteria before you board your flight.
Coordinating the Treatment Journey: Before, During, and After
Beyond insurance, international treatment involves multiple moving parts. My 1Health provides support across the entire journey:
- Pre travel support: Medical visa assistance, travel guidance, and appointment scheduling
- On ground coordination: Communication with the hospital, translation support, and treatment updates
- Post treatment follow up: Coordination of discharge summaries and return care planning
This hands-on support ensures you and your family remain focused on healing.
A Partner You Can Trust
My 1Health is not an insurance company. We are your advocate and ally, ensuring you make the most of your insurance benefits to access lifesaving treatment abroad.
Our relationships with global hospitals and insurance teams are built on trust, professionalism, and a shared commitment to patient care.
