You can get emergency medical insurance to cover you for medical treatment if you have an immediate need. But, you may not be covered when you go to an out of-network hospital. While the out-of-network hospital doesn't require prior approval from your insurance company, there are rules and deductibles that you should be aware of before using their services.
Catastrophic coverage for health
Catastrophic medical insurance plans will cover your emergency medical costs in the case of a major catastrophe. These policies pay up to the maximum deductible. However, catastrophic plans will cover your entire medical bill if necessary. Such plans provide emergency coverage as well as free preventive and primary care visits.
If you don't have any major medical coverage, catastrophic coverage is a good option. Catastrophic plans can be affordable and usually require lower monthly premiums. These plans also have higher deductibles but are generally not as expensive as traditional medical insurance plans. They're ideal for individuals who don’t have any income or who aren’t insured.
Catastrophic medical insurance for travel
You may want to consider a catastrophic insurance plan if your goal is to find affordable travel medical coverage. These plans come with low monthly premiums and high-deductible options, which makes them an excellent way to protect you in the worst scenario. It is important to remember that your annual deductible (usually a few thousand dollars) will be required to cover all medical expenses.
A catastrophic travel medical plan might be an affordable option, but it is not for everyone. Basic catastrophic plans are only for emergencies and may not suit chronic conditions. They may not be suitable for senior citizens who regularly need medical supervision. They might not be able to cover preventive services such as an annual check-up.
Temporary coverage for non-immigrants
Emergency medical insurance is available to temporary non-immigrant residents of the U.S., including undocumented aliens and students. It covers any emergency condition in which the patient may need emergency medical care. The policy does not include preventive care. Pre-approval is recommended if you are not sure if you are eligible. This will allow you to receive a pre-approval letter up to 12 months in advance. To enroll, go online or call 311 to learn more about the application process. Additionally, you will need proof of identity, income and residency in the State.
Temporary non-immigrants might also be eligible to receive Medicaid emergency medical treatment. They must prove their immigration status through the USCIS. Even though the documents might have expired, it will not stop you from getting emergency medical attention.
With emergency medical insurance, cost-sharing
In the event that you need emergency medical care but don't have the appropriate insurance coverage, you may have to pay out-of-network fees. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, as well as emergency room services. This includes the hospital bill as well as any bills from doctors or other providers that are not part of the network. It applies to in-hospital services that are provided by doctors outside of their network, such as pathology or anesthesia.
Many health plans offer some type of cost-sharing. These costs will vary depending upon the type of insurance and the service. Cost sharing is generally in the form a copayment or coinsurance. The policy will outline the copayments and deductible amounts. Some plans also require that you pay a copayment to cover emergency room visits.