FAQ’s
What is a companion?
A companion is your spouse, civil or co-habiting partner, mother, father, sibling or child(ren) who is a resident of Australia and travelling with you, the patient, who you wish to cover under the same policy. A companion cannot be anyone who is also having a cosmetic, elective, dental or IVF/fertility procedure.
Why can I not get cover to the USA or Canada for my procedure?
Due to the high costs associated with medical treatment in the USA and Canada, we are unable to provide cover for anyone travelling for cosmetic, elective or dental procedures. We are however able to cover those individuals travelling for IVF treatment in the USA or Canada.
I am having a gastric band/sleeve/bypass, is that cosmetic?
Bariatric procedures are classed as elective for the purpose of this insurance.
I have a pre-existing condition, will this policy cover it?
Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded under all of our policies and therefore the will be no cover in place.
What if something goes wrong during my procedure?
Medical Travel Shield Australia is a travel insurance and there are benefits relating to the procedure, however, it is not the actual procedure that is covered. Any complications that may occur should be covered by your clinic, hospital, surgeon, doctor or dentist. We suggest that you discuss this further with your surgeon.
So what is covered?
Standard travel insurance cover applies, including lost or stolen items, accidental illness or injury, cancellation or curtailment. The added benefits include repatriation and emergency medical treatment as a result of a life threatening complication. We also cover a return trip within 12 months following the diagnoses of a complication when in Australia.
Can I pay over the phone?
All payments must be made online using our secure platform.
Are there any excesses to be paid?
The maximum limits payable and excesses can all be found in your quotation document.
How is Medical Travel Shield Australia different from normal travel insurance?
Most travel insurance providers will not provide you with insurance if it is known that you are travelling for a medical procedure. Medical Travel Shield Australia provides you, the patient, with all of the travel insurance essentials. There are also added benefits for your procedure.
Do I need to insure my “companion”?
We would always recommend exploring the market as companions may be able to travel under standard travel insurance cover. However, for them to benefit from your policy with a potential return trip within 12 months to correct a complication or to stay with you for delayed recovery, they would need to be an insured companion on your policy.
If I am not happy with the results of my procedure, how do I claim?
The policy does not cover patient dissatisfaction. If you are not happy with your results and choose to go back abroad for further surgery, you will not be able to claim on the policy and therefore you would be liable for the costs of your new trip and treatment.
Who do I call if there is an emergency?
If you are at your destination and there has been an emergency that you require immediate assistance with, please call our global assistance team on +61 (0) 2 9158 9071. Please note this is not for out of pocket expense claims, such as lost or stolen items.
How do I claim for non-emergencies?
Our dedicated claims team will assist you. Please call +61 (0) 3 9258 1770.
Can I travel for longer than 31 days?
Our policy will cover trips of up to 31 days as standard. If you are travelling for longer than this, please call us on +61 (0) 3 9258 1777.
Can I cover my child with Medical Travel Shield Australia?
Unfortunately, if you are travelling as a patient, the minimum age is 18. We can cover children as companions as long as they are aged over 12 months.
I am planning on travelling more than once. Can I get multi trip cover?
Medical Travel Shield Australia is a single trip insurance. You would need to take out a new policy each time you travel.
I am unsure which type of cover I need for my procedure. What should I choose?
If you are ever in doubt whether to choose elective, cosmetic, dental or IVF/fertility, please contact us on +61 (0) 3 9258 1777 and we would be happy to help.
How long is my quote valid for?
All quotes are valid for 14 days from the date of issue.