If you are applying for international health insurance, there is an optimal time for when you should submit your application.
Below are 3 simple guidelines.
A woman called us from a pay phone in the airport terminal hours before her plane was to depart.
She was applying for insurance coverage and didn't want to pay for an extra day of insurance before her trip overseas.
Fortunately for her she was able to get it.
Nevertheless, we strongly advise against this kind of procrastination.
Short-Term International Travel 1.
The rule of thumb for international short-term individual and team plans is to get your application in two weeks before you leave.
This allows the insurance company enough time to send you your letter of confirmation, medical ID card and policy.
You can also apply for your short-term plans up to three or four months before you go if you wish.
But if you do, you will need to know the specific dates for when you leave the US and when you return to the US.
Insurers want to know the exact dates for short term international health and travel coverage.
Career International Insurance 2.
Thirty Days Before Departing the US.
The principle is that international insurers will not accept an application that has been signed more that thirty days before the effective date of the coverage.
The rule of thumb for career or long term international insurance is to submit your application within 30 days of your departure date.
3.
Sixty Days Before Departing the US.
Most career insurance plans will provide one month's coverage in the USA before you leave.
If you want to be covered with insurance during those last 30 days before you leave for overseas, then you should apply for your career plan 60 days before you leave.
Your application will have to go through underwriting, and the insurance company may ask for medical records.
This process can take weeks.