Do clients insured by EHO need Travel Insurance?

Executive Health Options vs Travel Health Plans

Executive Health Plans by CAPCO Health Group include both our international major medical coverage, Executive Health Options and an excellent out-of-country travel insurance plan, Atlas.

Executive Health Options international health insurance plan is designed for Canadians and other citizens of the world who prefer western-style major medical insurance coverage whether living at home or living and working abroad.*

In general, our Executive Health Options (EHO) insureds do not feel that they need  additional travel insurance. The coverage is, comprehensivel, and includes any pre-existing conditions which have not been specifically excluded. EHO coverage is worldwide and includes evacuation coverage to the nearest hospital that is qualified to provide the medically necessary treatment, services and supplies to prevent the loss of life or limb. In other words, if the insured is involved in a catastrophic accident, we will get them to the nearest hospital and if required, get them back to Canada.

Pre-existing Conditions

Travel insurance in general does not apply at all to Pre-existing Conditions. It tends to be much more post-claim underwriting. Charges resulting directly or indirectly from any Pre-existing Condition are excluded from Atlas Travel plans. However, insureds under age 70 are covered for an Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition — a sudden and unexpected outbread or recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition which occurs spontaneously and without advance warning.

Two Considerations:

Emergency Room coverage: EHO provides coverage for the Emergency Room charge and treatment if an injury occurs. In the case of a sickness, the insured must be admitted for us to pick up the Emergency Room charge; however, the treatment costs are still considered eligible expenses. This may be a problem for your clients who prefer to go to an emergency room when they become sick away from home.

Atlas does cover medical expenses for Emergency treatment of an illness internationally; but, in the United States the charge for use of the emergency room itself is not covered unless the insured is directly admitted to the hospital as an inpatient for further treatment of that illness.

Hospitalization: Under EHO if a person has been admitted to the hospital, he can stay in that hospital as long as he needs to. A travel policy usually covers emergency out-of-country events and is designed to get the patient back into the provincial health system; therefore it will fly him back as soon as he is stable. It’s less expensive that way. Almost all patients want to stay where they are on holiday unless the accident or illness is catastrophic.

*In all cases the claims must be for covered expenses and are subject to claims review. Deductibles and coinsurance apply.