Your policy probably works here.
Whether your insurer pays the hospital directly (cashless) or reimburses you after discharge depends on the policy and destination. We confirm which applies to your case before you fly — so the surprise doesn't come at the billing desk.
What we handle, end-to-end.
Pre-authorization
We coordinate with your insurer before admission — pre-auth letters, medical necessity justification, cost estimates.
Claim-ready docs
Itemised invoices, discharge summary, operative notes and test reports in English, in the format insurers usually ask for.
Dedicated manager
One named person from admission to settlement. They follow up with your insurer on reimbursement delays.
Cashless eligibility depends on policy + destination · We confirm before admission
How insurance for medical travel actually works
- Verify your existing coverage
Most domestic insurance excludes elective international procedures. Some international policies (Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA, Bupa Global) reimburse at JCI hospitals. Confirm pre-authorization requirements.
- Pre-authorization (if applicable)
If your insurer covers any portion, pre-auth is typically required. We handle the documentation: clinical justification, hospital quotes, expected outcome data.
- Direct-billing vs reimbursement
Some insurers settle bills directly with the hospital (cashless); many international cases work on reimbursement — you pay first, then claim. Which applies depends on your policy and the hospital.
- Documentation for claims
Itemized invoices with diagnosis (ICD-10) and procedure (CPT) codes, discharge summary, operative note, pathology. Translation may be required.
- Travel insurance separately
Standard travel insurance covers emergency medical events during your trip — not the planned procedure. Worth carrying for unrelated emergencies (which can happen).
Don't plan international travel based primarily on insurance reimbursement. The cost savings vs domestic care are usually large enough that the trip makes sense without insurance — any reimbursement is a bonus.
The realistic insurance landscape
UK patients
NHS doesn't cover elective international. Private UK insurance typically excludes — some policies have global cover with strict pre-auth.
EU patients
Cross-Border Healthcare Directive provides reimbursement at home-country rates within EU. Outside-EU travel (Turkey, India) typically not covered.
What insurance never covers
Cosmetic-only procedures, fertility (sometimes excluded), travel costs, accommodation. Verify exclusions before relying on coverage.
Insurance questions, answered
Can I use my international insurance at Medcasts partner hospitals?
Often, yes — it depends on your policy and the hospital. Some insurers pay the hospital directly, others reimburse you afterwards. Send us your policy details and we will check with the hospital and help with the pre-authorisation paperwork.
What if my policy requires reimbursement rather than cashless?
You pay the hospital and claim the money back. We make sure you leave with the documents claims usually need: itemised invoice, discharge summary, operative notes and test reports in English.
What isn't covered by standard international policies?
Cosmetic procedures, fertility treatment, and experimental therapies are usually out-of-pocket. Dental is covered only with dental add-ons. We flag these upfront in your quote.
Plan around what's reimbursable
The pages below help you estimate out-of-pocket cost where insurance falls short — by procedure, by destination, or by hospital.
Cost calculator
Estimate the cost of a procedure by destination before you talk to your insurer.
Price index
Compare hospital-reported prices for common treatments across countries.
Compare countries
Costs, travel and visas side by side for each destination.
Second opinion
Have a specialist review your plan before you pay out of pocket.
Not sure what your policy covers?
Share your insurer and policy details. We check what applies to your treatment before you travel, free.