International toll free support
originally posted: 11/22/2006 reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.
Q: The toll-free telephone number of my health insurance company does not work when I am out of the country. What number do I call to get help if I need emergency treatment?
A: Regular health insurance does not provide protection outside of the U.S. so there is little need for U.S. health insurers to provide international telephone support. It is important to take out a supplemental insurance policy that provides this protection when traveling outside of the U.S. This coverage costs less than $20 for a typical one week vacation and covers medical and emergency dental expenses, and also provides protection for trip interruption and loss of luggage. The international medical insurance policies listed at FreedomBenefits.net provide toll-free international "800" numbers. This phone service uses AT&T Direct that works virtually anywhere in the world where you can dial an access code. The number for domestic and international support is listed on your ID card and policy certificate.
Summary
More resources:
http://FreedomBenefits.net/international-health-insurance.htm