Overview
The Global Citizen Health Plan is designed for people traveling to or from the U.S. for extended periods of time for either business, education or travel.
Global Citizen provides the security of a high quality health plan with unique online tools. These tools allow members to research nearly 600 destinations in more than 150 countries for health and safety information and look up carefully selected English speaking doctors in a wide range on specialties.
Plan Features
Global Coverage – Coverage is available worldwide including the United States.
HIPAA Compliant –Global Citizen is the only HIPAA administered international health insurance plan for individuals. HTH will acknowledge and issue a Certificate of Creditable Coverage that will reduce or eliminate waiting periods for pre-existing conditions when enrolling to a subsequent HIPAA compliant U.S. insurance plan.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created in part to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual market. View more information about HIPAA.
Pre-existing Conditions – If you are approved for coverage and have a pre-existing condition, HTH will impose a 180-day waiting period before they will offer benefits for that specific condition. However, if you had prior HIPAA compliant coverage and can provide a valid Certificate of Credible Coverage, the waiting period may be reduced or eliminated.
No U.S. Residency Limit – Most U.S. health insurance plans restrict length of coverage outside the U.S. to 6 months. Once approved for the Global Citizen plan the member can keep coverage up to age 84 no matter where they live.
U.S. Style Benefits - Those familiar with U.S. benefits will feel comfortable with Global Citizen’s easy to use low co-pays for office visits and deductible options for major services.
Elite Provider Community – HTH has 4,500 carefully selected medical providers covering 112 specialties in almost every country in the world. Due to HTH’s rigorous selection criteria, they only accept 2% of the doctors screened. Members can search the Provider Community database online to review detailed profiles of each provider.
U.S. In-Network Providers (Aetna PPO Network)– Global Citizen members purchasing worldwide coverage including the U.S. will gain access to the Aetna Open Choice Network with over 700,000 doctors and 4,000 hospitals.
City Health and Security Profiles – HTH provides city health and security profiles with critical healthcare information, including vaccination requirements and emergency listings. This also includes up-to-date information on politics, crime and terrorism, plus a list of reliable hotels and cultural tips for over 925 destinations worldwide.
Medical Phrases and Drug Translation Guide – Members have access to online tools for assisting with translations of hundreds of medical terms and phrases in the 10 most widely spoken languages. Also available are brand name equivalents for 300 common over-the-counter and prescription drugs in 24 of the most frequently visited countries.
Optional Benefits – Prescription Drug and Dental Benefits are available at an additional premium and are subject to underwriting approval. The member may apply for maternity benefits after 12 months of continuous coverage.
Additional Plan Options
If you only need benefits outside the U.S., the Global Citizen EXP plan is a great option. This plan excludes coverage in the U.S. and is designed for those who will be continuing their U.S. health coverage while overseas (i.e. through a self-funded health insurance plan or Medicare). If you will be continuing your U.S. health benefits, we encourage you to review the EXP plan.
Carrier Information
HTH Worldwide is a recognized leader in helping travelers gain access to quality healthcare and emergency services around the globe. HTH maintains unsurpassed resources designed to promote personal safety by giving members access to vitally important news, health and safety analysis and medical translation tools.
The Global Citizen plan is underwritten by HM Insurance Group and UniCare. These companies are two of the largest health insurance companies in the United States. HM Insurance Group & Unicare receives an A- (excellent) rating from A.M. Best.
Why Do I Need International Coverage?
If you are intending to reside overseas or planning a trip longer than six months, we encourage you to review your current health insurance policy for key residency and overseas coverage clauses. Ask your benefits specialist or insurance agent to clarify if necessary. These clauses typically apply to both individual and group health plans.
- Residency Clause – The primary function of a residency clause is to ensure people live in the state where they are purchasing the policy. Example: A resident of New York may not purchase insurance in Wyoming. These clauses typically require the member to be a resident at least 6 months during a 12-month policy period. If the residency clause is violated, the policy may be void and the insurance company no longer responsible for paying claims.
For American expatriates and long-term travelers this creates a serious problem. International health insurance plans avoid this problem by allowing the member to reside outside the U.S. for indefinite periods of time.
- Coverage Outside the U.S. with Your Current U.S. Health Plan - The majority of U.S. health plans offer emergency care only when outside the U.S. In addition to this dramatic reduction in benefits, most U.S. health insurance companies are not able to assist members outside the U.S. It will be your responsibility to arrange care if you have a medical emergency and require medical evacuation or access to a doctor or hospital.
The advantage and purpose of purchasing travel medical and international health insurance is to avoid placing the burden of care on the member by offering services such as, 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance, networks of overseas providers and the ability to navigate foreign healthcare systems.
Benefits Summary
HTH Global Citizen offers excellent and comprehensive benefits for American citizens living outside the U.S. and foreign nationals residing in the U.S. For an outline of benefits, rates, general exclusions and information about deductibles & co-insurance please review the following PDF documents.
Sample Policy
For more detailed information about HTH Global Citizen, please contact ITG Worldwide for a sample policy.
Optional Benefits
Prescription Drug Coverage - Rx
Basic prescription drug benefits are included with the Global Citizen plan. Basic benefits cover 50% of actual charges up to $500 for prescriptions issued and received outside the U.S. Rx coverage is not provided in the U.S. under the basic prescription drug benefit.
Purchasing the optional Rx Benefit will increase your prescription coverage to a $5,000 maximum benefit per insured person per policy period inside and outside the U.S. The deductible is waived for this benefit. Outside the U.S., the optional Rx benefit pays 100% of actual charges. Inside the U.S., coverage is also 100% with co-pays of $10 for Generics and $25 for Brand Name.
Dental
Global Citizen automatically includes basic dental coverage for accidents only (see policy for more details). The optional Dental Benefit, is only available with the Elite deductible and dramatically enhances coverage by including the following:
- Preventative and Diagnostic Examination Services
- Basic Restorative, Endodontic, Periodontic, Prosthodontic (maintenance) and Oral Surgery Services
- Major Restorative and Prosthodontic (installation) Services
- Orthodontic Dental Care
The optional dental benefits are subject to an annual maximum benefit amount and co-insurance. Some benefits are also subject to a waiting period before services are covered.
Maternity (After 12 Months)
You may apply for the Optional Maternity Coverage after your policy has been in effect for 12 continuous months. At renewal, the member has the option of adding maternity coverage provided the member and any dependents are not pregnant at the time of application.
Please note: Optional benefits are not guaranteed to be issued, and if approved, an additional premium will be required.
Global Citizen EXP Plan Summary
HTH also offers Global Citizen EXP, which excludes coverage in the U.S. The EXP version is very similar to the regular Global Citizen with the following key distinctions:
- No U.S. Coverage – The Global Citizen EXP does not have any U.S. coverage. If you are considering purchasing the EXP plan ITG Worldwide recommends you keep your U.S. coverage. For example, someone on Medicare would be a match for EXP because Medicare would provide coverage in the U.S.
- Lower Premiums – Removing U.S. coverage lowers the premiums significantly. The premium savings can be as high as 50%.
- Optional Rx Benefit – Optional Rx benefits are lowered to a maximum of $3,000 per insured per policy period covering 80% of actual charges.
Benefit summary for Global Citizen EXP (PDF)
Deductible & Co-insurance for the Global Citizen EXP (PDF)
Providers & Services
HTH provides all the tools a Global Citizen needs to manage health and safety risks, including finding the right doctor and clearly communicating medical conditions. HTH maintains a 24/7 toll free call center to assist members with everything from routine requests to medical emergencies.
Emergency Assistance
HTH Worldwide offers members multilingual emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need to reach HTH immediately please call;
Toll Free in the U.S. - 877 865 5979
Collect Call outside the U.S. - 610 254 8772
Global Physician Networks
Elite Provider Community
HTH’s expanding International Provider Community includes more than 4,500 carefully selected medical providers in almost every country in the world. Less than 2% of the providers screened outside the U.S are accepted due to HTH’s rigorous selection criteria. Covering 112 specialties and subspecialties, members can review the provider’s detailed profile on the Provider Community database. View a Doctor Search demonstration.
U.S. In-Network Providers– Aetna
HTH Worldwide utilizes the Aetna Open Choice PPO network in the United States. The Aetna PPO Network has over 700,000 preferred providers including more than 4,000 hospitals. You may access the list of doctors by following the link above and selecting the Standard Aetna Open Choice PPO option.
U.S. Out-of-Network Providers
HTH members can seek care outside the provider network but should be aware they may incur additional expenses as out-of-network providers are not contracted with HTH. For example, the deductible will be increased and the co-insurance percentages are higher. Also, costs exceeding HTH’s UCR charges will be the member’s responsibility.
Appointments and Hospital Admissions
Physician Appointments
Global Citizen members have the freedom to seek care worldwide. By using HTH’s established provider network, members can reduce issues with reimbursement of claims.
Outside the U.S. HTH’s Elite Provider Community will bill HTH directly for covered services when the services are pre-authorized and guaranteed by HTH in conjuncture with HTH’s appointment scheduling service. Please note direct billing may not be available in all situations.
Request an Appointment
Requesting an appointment with an Elite Provider can be done online though the Appointment Scheduling tool, by contacting HTH at 610 254 8772 or emailing globalhealth@hthworldwide.com.
Letter of Guarantee Payment for Planned Hospital Admission
HTH members have the unique ability to access over 850 leading international medical facilities worldwide. These HTH Partner Facilities have agreed to bill HTH directly for pre-authorized inpatient services. These facilities can be found online at City Health Profiles and are noted with an HTH logo. Please note direct billing may not be available in all situations.
To arrange a letter of guarantee payment to the HTH Partner Facility, the member must contact HTH by emailing globalhealth@hthworldwide.com or calling 610 254 8772. The request should be made at least 2 business days prior to the scheduled treatment. If an HTH member seeks treatment at an HTH Partner Facility without notifying HTH in advance, the Facility may expect payment in full at the time of service.
Online Tools
Global Citizen provides the security of a high quality health plan with unique online tools. These tools allow members to research nearly 600 destinations in more than 150 countries for health and safety information and look up carefully selected English speaking doctors in a wide range on specialties. For a demonstration of these tools, please see the links below.
HTH Contact information
HTH Worldwide
One Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087 U.S.A.
HTH Email Address for General Questions
customerservice@hthworldwide.com
Eligibility
General Eligibility
U.S. citizens living abroad and legal residents of the U.S. who are age 74 or younger at the time of application are eligible if they live in one of the approved states listed below:
States Underwritten by HM Life Insurance Company
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
States Underwritten by Unicare Life and Health Insurance Company
Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont
Coverage may not be available in all states. If you live in a state not listed above, please contact ITG Worldwide.
Eligible Dependents
All eligible dependents must apply for coverage. An eligible dependent must be younger than 74 years of age, be a legal U.S. resident or citizen and meet one of the criteria listed below:
- spouse married to the insured;
- unmarried natural child, stepchild or legally adopted child who has not yet reached age 19;
- own or spouse's own unmarried child, of any age, enrolled prior to age 26, who is incapable of self support due to continuing mental retardation or physical disability and who is chiefly dependent on the Eligible Participant. The Insurer requires written proof from a Physician of such disability and dependency within 31 days of the child's 26th birthday and annually thereafter;
- unmarried child, from their 19th to their 22nd birthday who is a full-time student attending an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school, and who is fully dependent upon the Eligible Participant for support. The Insurer may require proof of student status, but not more than once a year;
- grandchild, niece or nephew who otherwise qualifies as a dependent child, if: (i) the child is under the primary care of the Insured Participant; and (ii) the legal guardian of the child, if other than the Insured Participant, is not covered by an accident or sickness policy;
- The term "primary care" means that the Insured Participant provides food, clothing and shelter on a regular and continuous basis during the time that public schools are in regular session.
Maternity Benefits
You may apply for the Optional Maternity Coverage after your policy has been in effect for 12 continuous months. At renewal, the member has the option of adding maternity coverage provided the member and any dependents are not pregnant at the time of application. If approved, maternity benefits are treated the same as any other illness.
Important Note – All applications are subject to Underwriting. Eligibility does not guarantee the application will be accepted and a policy issued. Do not terminate any existing insurance until receipt of written approval from HTH Worldwide.
Claims
HTH has developed several tools to simplify the claims process. By following these procedures and utilizing the Provider Networks, your claims will be expedited. Many of these tools are web based through a special member website. We highly recommend that you set up your HTH Member Profile so you can access these tools and services.
Filing Claims
HTH’s goal is to process claim forms within 30 days of receipt. Incomplete claim forms may result in delay of payment. You may fax or mail your claim; contact information is provided below. You may also choose to have your reimbursement wired to your bank free of charge excluding any inbound fees your bank may charge. For more detailed information, please refer to the instruction and claim form links below:
Contact Information
HTH Worldwide Insurance
Attn: International Claims Department
One Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
U.S.A.
Toll Free in the U.S.: 888 243 2358
Collect from outside the U.S.: 610 254 87699
Fax: 610 293 3529 Attn: Claims Department
Claims & General Questions: Customerservice@hthworldwide.com
How to Apply
Applying for the HTH Global Citizen plan is easy. You can apply online or download the application from the link below. Either method is straightforward. However you choose to apply, please provide accurate and current information. It is also very important you complete the entire application. Unanswered questions will slow the process.
Current Coverage – Please do not terminate any current health coverage until you have received written confirmation by HTH Worldwide that your Global Citizen coverage is effective and you accept HTH’s terms and conditions.
Online Application
To apply online, please click on the application link below. You will be asked some general information and receive a quote before moving on to the application page. Select a premium and deductible option that best suits your needs and budget. You will then start the online application process. The online system allows you to save the information entered and return at a later time for completion. Simply click the save button at the bottom of the page.
We encourage you to review the brochure and policy before applying online. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to help.
Link to apply online
Download Application
To download the application, click the application link below. Completed applications may be faxed or scanned and emailed to ITG Worldwide. Our staff will review your application for completeness and may contact you if additional information is required.
PDF of the brochure
PDF of the application
Please mail the original application to our Novato office:
Mailing Address
ITG Worldwide
Attn: Application Department
500 Professional Center Drive
Suite 515
Novato, CA 94947
| Phone |
|
| Toll Free |
877 598 8646 |
| Novato Office |
415 898 0584 |
| San Diego Office |
858 271 5300 |
| Dallas Office |
972 722 6399 |
| Fax |
415 373 0786 |
Email
info@ITG Worldwide.com
The Underwriting Process
HTH’s underwriters will review applications for health history, eligibility and completeness. Before making a final decision, the underwriters may require additional information such as medical records.
Once the process is complete the underwriters will issue one of three outcomes;
- approved as applied for;
- with an additional premium “load” and/or benefit change for health condition(s); or
- declined.
ITG Worldwide works hard to make sure applicants receive fair and equitable treatment in the underwriting process. Ultimately, it is HTH’s final decision on whether or not applications are approved.
Please allow at least 5 business days while a decision is reached or a request for additional information is made.
Contact ITG Worldwide
If you have questions or concerns, we suggest contacting an ITG Worldwide broker before applying for coverage. We can help verify that the plan you are considering will best meet your needs. Our staff can also assist and advise you during the underwriting process. We’re here to answer questions and guide you through the process.
