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Answered questions

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Travel insurance

My policy is reimbursement-only—will the hospital make me pay first?

My policy is reimbursement-only—will the hospital make me pay first?

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Answered by SchengenSure

Reimbursement cover may require the traveller to pay and claim later, subject to policy terms. Compare it separately from direct billing and make sure the visa certificate still meets the legal requirements.

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Travel insurance

My hospital in Europe asks for a deposit even though I have insuranc…

My hospital in Europe asks for a deposit even though I have insurance—what does that mean?

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Answered by SchengenSure

A deposit can reflect provider billing practice, policy limits, authorisation, or reimbursement structure. Contact the insurer’s assistance line and hospital billing team; do not assume “insured” means cashless treatment.

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Travel insurance

Does “cashless” on an insurance comparison page guarantee the hospit…

Does “cashless” on an insurance comparison page guarantee the hospital will bill the insurer?

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Answered by SchengenSure

No. Direct settlement depends on the policy, assistance approval, hospital network, emergency circumstances, and local billing arrangements. Read the policy wording and assistance procedure.

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Travel insurance

My insurer says I needed pre-authorisation for treatment—what should…

My insurer says I needed pre-authorisation for treatment—what should I have done at admission?

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Answered by SchengenSure

Follow the assistance number and authorisation instructions on the certificate, unless it was impossible in an emergency. Keep admission notes, invoices, prescriptions, and communication records.

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Travel insurance

I was admitted to hospital and could not call the insurer immediatel…

I was admitted to hospital and could not call the insurer immediately—can the claim be denied?

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Answered by SchengenSure

Emergency treatment should come first, but notify the insurer as soon as reasonably possible and keep records explaining the delay. Notification and pre-authorisation requirements are policy-specific.

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Travel insurance

My certificate shows €30,000 but does not mention repatriation—shoul…

My certificate shows €30,000 but does not mention repatriation—should I ask for a wording letter?

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Answered by SchengenSure

Yes, ask the insurer for a certificate or policy wording that clearly confirms the required medical, hospital, and repatriation benefits. The monetary limit alone does not demonstrate every required element. It may raise a compliance question. Obtain clear evidence of emergency hospital treatment and repatriation rather than relying on a broad marketing description. The key issue is adequate,…

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Travel insurance

My certificate shows €30,000 but does not mention repatriation—shoul…

My certificate shows €30,000 but does not mention repatriation—should I ask for a wording letter?

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Answered by SchengenSure

Yes, ask the insurer for a certificate or policy wording that clearly confirms the required medical, hospital, and repatriation benefits. The monetary limit alone does not demonstrate every required element.

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Travel insurance

My return flight moved by two days after buying insurance—do I need…

My return flight moved by two days after buying insurance—do I need a new policy?

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Answered by SchengenSure

The policy should cover the entire intended stay or transit period, including the actual arrival date. Correct the dates before submission or travel rather than assuming an overnight arrival is ignored.

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Travel insurance

My policy covers France and Italy but excludes Switzerland—can I use…

My policy covers France and Italy but excludes Switzerland—can I use it for a Swiss itinerary?

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Answered by SchengenSure

No, not if Switzerland is part of the intended stay and the policy territory excludes it. Obtain cover whose territorial wording matches every relevant destination.

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Application process

My certificate says “Europe” but does not name Schengen countries—wi…

My certificate says “Europe” but does not name Schengen countries—will it be accepted?

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Answered by SchengenSure

The certificate should clearly establish that the policy is valid throughout the required Schengen territory. Ambiguous geographic wording can create an avoidable deficiency; ask the insurer for compliant wording before submission.

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