Expat health insurance is accident, emergency and new illness coverage only. This means that routine check-ups (without symptoms), visits to the doctor which are related to preexisting conditions and/or preventative treatments wouldn't be covered.
We are aware that coverage details mentioned above might seem vague, and determining eligibility isn't always straightforward. If you're uncertain about whether your expat policy will cover a specific treatment, it's essential to make an informed decision before committing to a treatment. In such cases, you can request a cost plan (known as "Kostenvorschlag" in German) from your treating doctor.
What is a cost plan and how to obtain one?
A cost plan is a document provided by your treating doctor that outlines the anticipated expenses associated with a particular treatment or procedure. It typically includes the cost of treatment, the history of the medical issue (including the onset), and the medical necessity of the proposed treatment. This document gives you a clear understanding of the financial aspects of the treatment and helps you assess whether it aligns with your insurance coverage.
Simply ask your treating doctor or healthcare provider for a cost plan for the proposed treatment. They will be able to provide you with a detailed breakdown of the expected costs, along with any relevant medical information.
How to request a review for your cost estimate?
Once you have the cost plan in hand, the next step is to submit in your Feather account for assessment!
Click on your expat health insurance policy
Click on 'submit a claim or cost plan'
Fill out the form and include your cost plan
That's it!
We will review the document and assess whether the proposed treatment meets the criteria for coverage outlined in your insurance policy. If all required documents are submitted and no further information is required, then it typically takes 2 weeks to process the cost plan, but can take up to 4 weeks. You will receive a notification of your outcome once your claim has been processed.
If it is determined that the treatment is not covered under your current policy, we will typically provide you with an explanation of the decision. If your cost post is approved and confirms coverage for the proposed treatment, you can proceed with with the treatment plan knowing that your insurance will help cover the costs.
You can learn further information about the claims process in our comprehensive claims FAQ here.
If you have additional questions or concerns about insurance coverage for a specific treatment, don't hesitate to contact our support team and we will help assist you further. 🙂