Important Information for Treatment Abroad Patients
We know that traveling overseas for medical treatment can be hard on patients, especially if this is because of a medical emergency. Please take the time to read the information below which we are providing to help make your travel and return home as smooth as possible.
While there are a number of issues that can delay a medical transfer, some of the key things are:
- Not having up-to-date travel documents and identification.
- NHIP Contributions are not up-to-date
- The arrival of an Air ambulance may be delayed.
- Current contact information not available.
a) If your number changes you notify the registration department
b) Ensure that your case manager has a working email address or up-to-date contact number for patient so that they can receive their overseas transfer documents via email. Due to the COVID pandemic, office visits have been restricted.
Patients must return to TCI Hospitals when they return from overseas treatment for a follow up. They should call and make an appointment.
Patients should download the discharge instructions to take with them on treatment abroad. This is a form that makes sure that their doctor writes their treatment plan in a way they can understand.
https://tcinhip.tc/wp-content/uploads/Patient-discharge-instructions.pdf
Travel authorization is necessary for travel to both the visiting country and returning to the TCI for all treatment abroad patients. There may be fees attached.
The following expenses are not covered by the NHIP for treatment abroad:
- Hotel accommodation and meals
- Visa fees
- Travel authorization costs
- Other miscellaneous expenses
A subsistence is given to assist patients with overall costs. Travel expenses (including COVID testing) and medical expenses for the approved treatment are paid directly by NHIB.
1. Accompanying persons are only approved if they are necessary to ensure the person can safely get the treatment they are being transferred for. This is usually on the basis that the person is unable to give consent for treatment or they need assistance to take care of themselves. This is determined by the referring Doctor.
2. If an accompanying person is approved, the patient or family is responsible for finding a family member who can make decisions or provide assistance on the patient’s behalf if necessary.
3. Accompanying persons must be beneficiaries of the plan.
Persons are subject to the laws of the country they are transferred to. Please ensure you adhere to regulations. NHIP cannot help you if you run afoul of the law.