Discovery Health has confirmed that its International Travel Benefit meets the visa requirements of European embassies, specifically with regards to its Schengen states.
This follows after certain European embassies had earlier this year declined the visa applications of certain medical schemes' members, including Discovery Health members. These embassies indicated that they were unable to issue visas because the out-of-hospital, medical emergency travel cover offered by certain medical schemes was insufficient.
Discovery Health's Alan Pollard says that Discovery Health's International Travel Benefit is one of the most generous travel benefits in the industry, and that the medical scheme is committed to providing its members with quality benefits, peace of mind and convenience. The health care funder met with embassy representatives to understand their concerns and ensure that Discovery Health's International Travel Benefit continues to meet their requirements.
"We engaged in positive discussions with the embassies, leading to a change in how we cover emergency day-to-day expenses overseas. Whereas the member would previously pay the provider and then claim back, Discovery will now make direct payment to providers, even for out-of-hospital expenses."
The European embassies have confirmed that Discovery Health's International Travel Benefit meets their requirements for proof of medical insurance.
Discovery Health's International Travel Benefit covers the emergency medical treatment of its members travelling overseas. The benefit provides cover for 90 days from the date of departure from South Africa, up to R5 million (R10 million on the new Executive Plan) per person per trip.
Hospital expenses are covered in full. Out-of-hospital claims are covered but with the first R1 000 payable by the member, Discovery Health will facilitate guaranteed, direct payment to overseas health care providers through its international operational support partner, International SOS.
The International Travel Benefit applies to all Discovery plans except for the KeyCare option.
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