Overview
IMG’s Global Medical Insurance plan offers worldwide coverage for a wide variety of international clientele. Whether you are working, living or studying abroad or traveling frequently, IMG has a plan designed to fit your needs.
Focusing exclusively on the international market gives IMG the ability to offer unique services that many domestic plans cannot provide. IMG has on-site medical advisors available 24/7 to assist with emergencies, medical evacuation and pre-certification. Their multilingual customer service representatives are there to ease the burden and stress of communicating in a second language during an illness or injury.
Plan Features
Global Coverage (All Plans) – Coverage is available worldwide including the United States.
International Provider Access (IPA) (All Plans) – Members have access to the online IPA database with over 8,600 facilities outside the U.S. You can search by facility, physician, specialty, dentist or location.
First Health PPO Network Inside the U.S. (All Plans) – IMG uses the First Health network in the U.S. The network has approximately 500,000 physicians and 4,700 privately owned and operated hospitals.
Pre-existing Coverage – On the Platinum plan option, conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered the same as any illness. After 24 months of continuous coverage, the Silver and Gold plans provide a $50K lifetime benefit for eligible pre-existing conditions that existed at or prior to the effective date, subject to a $5,000 per period of coverage.
Up to Six Months U.S. Residency (All Plans with U.S. Coverage) - You may reside in the U.S. up to 6 months out of a 12 month policy period, or up to the renewal date, whichever is first.
Rx Coverage (All Plans) – Prescription coverage is included at no extra charge. IMG will cover Usual Reasonable and Customary charges at 100% subject to deductible and co-insurance.
Optional Maternity Benefits After 10 months of Continuous Coverage (All Plans) – The Platinum plan treats the pregnancy the same as any illness. An additional $1,000 deductible applies and the lifetime benefit is $50K. The Silver and Gold plans are also available after 10 months. However, the benefit will be reduced by 50% for births occurring in the 11th or 12th months. There is also a $50K lifetime maximum with a maximum benefit of $5,000 for a normal delivery and $7,500 for a C-section.
Global Concierge Service (Platinum Plan) – The Platinum plan option includes IMG’s Global concierge and Assistance Services offering the knowledge and information they need to keep them healthy and safe. Services available 24/7 include: Dedicated service line, dedicated claims team, bag tracking, drug translation services, embassy and consulate referrals, emergency cash transfers, emergency message relay, emergency travel arrangements, legal referrals, lost passport/travel documents assistance, prescription drug replacement assistance, pre-trip health and safety advisories and security updates and country profiles.
Dental and Vision Included (Platinum Plan) – Dental includes a calendar year maximum of $750 with a $50 deductible. Vision includes exams up to $100 per 24 months and materials up to $150 every 24 months.
Carrier Information
International Medical Group has been a leader and innovator in the international health and travel insurance marketplace since 1990. IMG has provided medical security for hundreds of thousands of expatriates and travelers in more than 150 countries.
IMG maintains a European service and assistance center in the United Kingdom to ensure they are available when and where needed. IMG Europe, Ltd. provides administration support, emergency medical assistance and the world class services of IMG, plus the added benefits of similar times zones, timely postal delivery and services unique to local practices and administration.
The Global Medical Insurance plan is underwritten by Sirius International Insurance. Sirius is a globally recognized underwriter offering the financial security and stability of a well established insurance company. SIRIUS International has received the high rating of A (excellent) by A.M. Best and an A- by Standard & Poor’s. SIRIUS International is a White Mountain Re company.
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
IMG has created three variations of the Global Medical Insurance plan, (Silver, Gold and Platinum), to accommodate various needs and budgets. You may also choose the coverage area that best fits your situation. All three plans may be issued with or without U.S. coverage.
Sample Policy
For more detailed information about Global Medical Insurance, please contact ITG Worldwide for a sample policy.
Below are brief descriptions of the benefits and differences between the Silver, Gold and Platinum plan options.
Silver – Basic Coverage
The Silver offers members quality benefits at a reasonable premium.
- $5,000,000 lifetime per individual
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Outpatient
- Rx Coverage
- Emergency Room Accident
- Emergency Room Illness
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Return of Mortal Remains
- Transplants
- Child Wellness
- Other Services
- Mental / Nervous
Gold – Value Plan
Includes all benefits of the Silver plan plus:
- Emergency Reunion
- Recreational SCUBA
- Adult Wellness
- Complementary Medicine
Platinum – Executive Level Benefit
Includes all benefits of the Silver and Gold plan plus:
- $8,000,000 lifetime per individual
- Remote Transportation – This benefit enhances the emergency medical evacuation benefit. Medical evacuation is available in the event of a diagnosis of a critical medical condition which is not immediately life threatening but severe enough to result in death or a permanent disability if not treated at once.
- Political Evacuation – In the event the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs issues a travel advisory that becomes effective on or after the Insured’s arrival date in the Host Country, IMG will pay up to $10,000 for transportation to the nearest place of safety or for repatriation to the Insured’s home country provided the Insured contacts IMG within 10 days of the travel advisory and the Political Evacuation and Repatriation is approved and coordinated by IMG.
- Vision – Provides a limited benefit for vision examinations, frames, lenses and contacts.
- Dental – Includes coverage for diagnostic, preventative and basic services after a 6-month waiting period.
- High School Sports Injury – Up to $5,000 for injuries that occur during sanctioned and organized sports at the high school level and below.
Global Concierge and Assistance Services
IMG has created a dedicated team to assist Platinum members. IMG’s Global Concierge and Assistance Services are available to Platinum members 24/7 with a variety of non-insurance related services.
- Dedicated Service Line for Platinum Members
- Dedicated Claims Team
- Bag Tracking
- Drug Translation Services
- Embassy & Consulate Referrals
- Emergency Cash Transfers
- Emergency Message Relay
- Emergency Travel Arrangements
- Legal Referrals
- Lost Passport / Travel Document Assistance
- Prescription Drug Replacement Assistance
- Pre-Trip Health and Safety Advisories
- Security Updates and Country Profiles
Optional Benefits
The Global Medical Insurance plan offers a number of optional benefits to enhance coverage. These benefits are subject to approval and do require additional premium. Please see the brochure for more details about optional benefits
Maternity
The Global Medical Insurance Platinum plan has maternity benefits included after 10 months of continuous coverage. Maternity benefits can also be added to the Gold and Silver plans after 10 months of continuous coverage as an optional rider. Additional premium will apply. Silver, Gold and Platinum plans all have a $50K lifetime maximum. Gold and Silver have a 50% reduction in benefits for births occurring in the 11th or 12th month of continuous coverage.
Basic Life
IMG has made it easy to buy international life insurance and AD&D coverage. Approved applicants are eligible to purchase coverage ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 depending upon the applicant’s age.
Supplemental Life
The Supplemental Life benefit doubles the amount of the Basic Life coverage. Another advantage is the premium savings of 25%.
Global Daily Indemnity
Accidents and Illnesses can create unforeseen financial liabilities. The Global Daily Indemnity benefit is designed to offset expenses not covered by insurance. The benefit pays the member $100 directly for every overnight stay in a hospital (maternity related overnight stays not covered). Eligible members must be between the ages of 31 days and 69 years.
Providers & Services
International Medical Group has developed many services to assist Global Medical Insurance members’ with quick access to quality care.
Emergency Assistance
International Medical Group offers members multilingual emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need to reach IMG immediately please call;
Toll Free in the U.S.: 800 628 4664
Collect Call outside the U.S.: 317 655 4500
IMG Europe: 44 (0)1 444 465577
Global Physician Networks
International Providers
IMG offers Global Medical Insurance members the ability to locate international healthcare professionals by utilizing the online International Provider Access (sm) (IPA) database. Members can locate over 8,600 facilities outside the U.S.. Searches can be viewed by facility, physician, specialty, dentist or location.
U.S. In-Network Providers – First Health
Under the Global Medical Insurance plan, you may seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of your choice. However, in the U.S. there are advantages to using providers in the PPO network. IMG uses the First Health Group PPO network with 500,000 physicians and 4,700 hospitals. By using an in-network provider, you will save money as your deductible will be reduced by 50% and any applicable co-insurance will be waived.
U.S. Out-of-Network Providers
IMG members may seek care outside the provider network but should be aware they may incur additional expenses as out-of-network providers are not contracted with IMG. For example, the full deductible and co-insurance will apply. Also, costs exceeding IMG’s UCR charges will be the member’s responsibility.
Appointments and Hospital Admissions
Physician Appointments
IMG members are free to seek treatment with any provider they choose. IMG is ready to assist the member in finding the appropriate provider for the situation and area 24/7.
International Medical Group
2960 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208-4715 United States of America
Telephone: 317 655 4500 or 800 628 4664
Fax: 317 655 4505
Email: insurance@imglobal.com
IMG Europe Ltd.
36 - 38 Church Road
Burgess Hill
West Sussex RH15 9AE United Kingdom
Telephone: 44 (0)1444 465577
Fax: 44 (0)1444 465550
Email: info@imgeurope.co.uk
Pre-certification
Prior to receiving treatment, you may need to contact IMG to pre-certify your treatment and/or verify benefits. Pre-certification means calling IMG’s Utilization Management and Review Company to receive a determination of medical necessity for the proposed treatment or service. It is important to note that Pre-certification is only a determination of medical necessity, not an assurance of coverage, verification of benefits or a guarantee of payment. Pre-certification may be undertaken by you, the doctor, a hospital administrator or a relative. The following treatments and services must be pre-certified or certain reductions of benefits will result:
- Any surgery or treatment requiring hospitalization
- Outpatient surgery
- Within 48 hours after an emergency admission to the hospital
- Care in an extended care facility
- Home nursing care
- CAT scans, MRIs
- Durable medical equipment including artificial limbs
- Transplants
The Pre-certification process is administered by Akeso Care Management, a subsidiary of International Medical Group. Akeso Care Managements averages a 2 day turn-around time for pre-certification. Akeso’s staff is available 24/7 to assist Global Medical Insurance members.
Telephone: 317 655 4500 or 800 628 4664
To help simplify the process, Akeso Care Management has developed an online Pre-certification Form.
View a brochure outlining the IMG Pre-certification process.
Verification of Benefits
Verification of benefits is the process of verifying your general coverage and the available benefits under the plan. You may do this by contacting IMG’s Customer Care department whether or not your treatment or service require pre-certification. Verification of benefits is not a guarantee of payment or assurance of coverage, and all medical expenses must meet eligible payment guidelines in accordance with the terms and conditions of the plan. While pre-certification and verification of benefits are separate determinations, both are made with the reliance on the completeness and accuracy of the information provided by you and your healthcare providers to IMG.
Online Tools
As an IMG insured, you have the ability to access the information you need to manage your account online 24/7 from anywhere in the world with MyIMG. Some features of this cutting-edge tool include:
- Claim status check
- Read announcements
- Initiate pre-certification
- Obtain certificate documents
- Get explanation of benefits
- Request ID cards
- Search for U.S. physicians within the First Health Network (PPO)
- Search for overseas physicians with the International Provider Access (IPA)
Log onto MyIMG.
Eligibility
General Eligibility
The Global Medical Insurance plan is available to individuals and families of all nationalities who are between 14 days and 74 years of age. U.S. citizens must reside outside the U.S. as of the effective date and plan to reside outside the U.S. a minimum of 6 of the next 12 months. Non-U.S. citizens may reside anywhere, including their country of citizenship. Certain restrictions may apply to non-U.S. citizens residing in the U.S.
Eligible Dependent
Eligible families may receive free coverage for the first two children between 14 days and 9 years of age providing both parents are insured under the same plan. Each family member applying for coverage must complete the information required in the application.
If you have questions about eligibility, please contact ITG Worldwide.
Important Note
The above is a summary of eligibility requirements for the Global Medical Insurance plan. All applications are subject to underwriting. There is no guarantee the applications will be approved and a policy issued. Do not terminate any existing insurance until receipt of written approval from International Medical Group.
Claims
Filing Claims
If you need to be reimbursed for medical expenses, complete the claim form and submit your original itemized bills and paid receipts within 90 days to IMG. Do not hold your bills or receipts until the end of the year.
Note that some conditions require members to pre-certify their claims. Please click here for a PDF of the Pre-certification Process.
Mail the completed claim form and all required information to:
International Medical Group, Inc.
Claims Department
P. O. Box 88500
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-0500 U.S.A.
Overnight Packages
International Medical Group, Inc.
Claims Department
2960 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Instructions on Pre-certification
Medical Claim Form
Interactive Claim Form
Contact Information
International Medical Group
2960 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208-4715 United States of America
Telephone: 317 655 4500 or 800 628 4664
Fax: 317 655 4505
Email: insurance@imglobal.com
IMG Europe Ltd.
36 - 38 Church Road
Burgess Hill
West Sussex RH15 9AE United Kingdom
Telephone: 44 (0)1444 465577
Fax: 44 (0)1444 465550
Email: info@imgeurope.co.uk
How to Apply
Instructions
Applying for the IMG Global Medical Insurance plan is easy. You can apply on-line or download an application from the link below. Either method is straight forward. 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 current health insurance coverage until you have received written confirmation by International Medical Group that your Global Medical Insurance coverage is effective and you have accepted IMG’s terms and conditions.
Online Application
To apply online, please click on the application link below. You will be asked general information and receive a quote before moving on to the application page. From the quote, select a premium and deductible option that best suits your needs and budget. You will then start the online application process.
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.
IMG Global Medical Insurance brochure
IMG Global Medical Insurance 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@ITGWorldwide.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 IMG’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 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.
