So what happens when a mistake is made on a Medical Health Questionnaire?
We’ve all seen what can happen when customers make mistakes filling out their Medical Health Questionnaire forms. Recent media coverage has highlighted numerous cases where travel insurance companies have voided coverage and denied claim payments. In doing so, they have financially devastated some customers; all because of an honest mistake made when completing an MHQ.
At Travel Underwriters, we are the only major travel insurance provider in the country to offer an added level of protection, in the form of an MHQ deductible. If the claim is payable, rather than deny the claim based on an error in answering the questionnaire, Travel Underwriters will apply a $10,000 deductible. As a result of the mistake, the largest financial loss the customer will have is $10,000.
Let’s take a look at a real-life example:
A 78-year-old man travelled to Texas to visit family and friends. While there, he had a sudden onset of acute chest pain and was rushed to the hospital where he was admitted for 3 days and treated for Pneumonia. He was discharged with medications.
When processing the claim, it was noted the man took 3 medications for a lung condition. These medications were not disclosed on the Medical Health Questionnaire at the time of application, and he indicated No to all questions.
He should have indicated Yes to 3 or more medications taken for a lung condition on the MHQ. However, instead of denying coverage for inaccurate information, Travel Underwriters applied a $10,000 deductible.
Hospital fees $32,793.72 CAD
Physician fees $2,170.00 CAD
Pathology cost $148.00 CAD
Ambulance cost $1,240.00 CAD
Prescription cost $212.79 CAD
Cost prior to deductions$ $36,563.72 CAD
Provincial Health Plan contribution – $523.07 CAD
Deductible applied. – $10,000.00 CAD
Final amount paid by TU $26,041.44 CAD
We strongly recommend that if your customers have any questions they are unsure of, they should review the MHQ with their doctor. Alternatively, our Customer Service team is always available to assist with any interpretations required, toll free: 1 800-663-5389.
Questions?
Kristina Van Ameyde
Regional Account Manager
Travel Underwriters
Direct: 780-990-1972
Toll-free: 1-866-912-2437
Email: [email protected]
www.travelunderwriters.com
Copyright © 2013 Travel Underwriters, All rights reserved.
