While many young families and adults consider emigration or allowing their kids to study abroad in recent years, they may wonder if their medical insurance subscribed in Hong Kong is still effective or how they can file a claim. Using Cigna HealthFirst Elite 360 Medical Plan as an example, Cigna Smart Health explains to you how to make a medical claim overseas.
Why Is Medical Insurance Important for Emigrants?
Obtaining permanent residence is usually a lengthy process, taking several years and depending on which route you are applying under. Before becoming a permanent resident, you are not entitled to universal public health services with lower costs, such as the NHS in the United Kingdom. In case of medical needs, you could only rely on the private sector, which generally incurs high treatment fees. Therefore, you definitely need a comprehensive medical plan to have you covered!
Post-Emigration Medical Claim - Areas of Coverage
Cigna HealthFirst Elite 360 Medical Plan has an extensive worldwide network of 7,000+ hospitals providing comprehensive medical coverage across the globe. The plan offers 3 areas of coverage options, including Asia only, Worldwide (excluding the US) and Worldwide (including the US), so you can choose where you want your coverage.
How to File a Claim Overseas Via MyCigna
You could file a claim with ease after migration by using MyCigna, the e-claim service provided by Cigna.
Cigna makes claims simple for those living abroad. With MyCigna mobile app or log-in at the portal, you could finish the claiming process in just three easy steps, which take you only a few minutes.
- Cigna’s policyholders can enter claim details on the MyCigna app or online portal.
- Upload photos of your related proofs and supporting documents.
- After the claim has been processed, we will reimburse you directly to your bank account.
Cigna’s e-claim service - MyCigna simplifies the procedures of making a medical claim and offers a fast and easily accessible online platform for handling all Cigna’s policies, including the VHIS.
Procedures of Applying for a Claim Overseas
Making a medical claim overseas is not as complex as you may think. Whether minor surgeries or critical illnesses, every Cigna policyholder can enjoy comprehensive and tailored coverage with straightforward claim procedures. Let’s take a look at the two following case illustrations.
Case 1: A Hong Kong Migrant in London with Kidney Stone
One day, Kathy, who has resided in London for a year, suffered from severe lower back pain, felt nausea and vomited all of a sudden. She then sought medical advice at a private hospital.
During the examination, her doctor discovered an 8mm kidney stone in her body and suggested removing it immediately by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) due to the size.
The operation was conducted in a day surgery centre. After that, Kathy made a claim with MyCigna app by uploading the supporting documents, such as the related medical receipts, Medical Expenses Doctor Form completed by your attending doctor etc. Since the Optional Outpatient Benefits was included in her Cigna HealthFirst Elite 360 Medical Plan, she could also claim the fees incurred from the specialist consultation via MyCigna.
Case 2: A Hong Kong Migrant in New Zealand with Colon Cancer
Mr and Mrs Leung moved to New Zealand after their retirement. At the age of 60, Mr Leung was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer during his annual body check-up. His doctor suggested him removing the malignant tumour by surgery.
With doubts and concerns, Mr Leung contacted Cigna Customer Service Department to inquire about the coverage of the medical insurance he had. Cigna Customer Representatives referred his case to Nancy, Cigna Care Manager and a former senior registered nurse. In a short period of time, she arranged the cashless hospitalisation service with a local medical organisation and had consistently checked in with him since then.
Although Nancy could only share medical information about colon cancer with Mr Leung by phone calls, he got to understand complex medical and pathological information with Nancy’s explanation in his mother tongue. Living abroad and diagnosed with a critical illness, the dedicated Cigna Care Manager Service allowed him to recover with peace of mind and solely concentrate on the recovery.
After Mr Leung decided his attending doctor and private hospital for the surgery, Nancy kept coordinating between parties via local medical institutions and followed up on his hospitalisation.
Nancy continued offering tailored and timely assistance to Mr Leung after his discharge from the hospital. Apart from sharing post-operation caring tips, she also provided emotional support to him and his wife for reliving their pressure and fostering his recovery.
With MyCigna e-claim platform, Mr Leung filed a claim for a premium waiver due to cancer, cancer treatment, hospitalisation expenses and post-hospitalization outpatient expenses accordingly. Several hundred thousand dollars of medical expenses were reimbursed to him afterwards.
Cigna Health Services For Emigrants
Wherever you choose to settle, you are well covered by Cigna’s extensive medical network throughout Hong Kong and the globe with the use of Cigna Telehealth Service and Chat with Cigna Customer Service Chatbot – Chloe for virtual consultation and health tips, respectively.
Cigna Telehealth Service
Cigna partners with DoctorNow to provide conveniently virtual consultation. By downloading and installing the app, you could gain access to virtual consultations with general practitioners all at your fingertips. If you need a specialist doctor, we could also send you a referral letter.
Cigna Customer Service Chatbot – Chloe
Looking to receive health information while staying at home or abroad? Chat with Chloe – our 24/7 Customer Service Chatbot – via WhatsApp at 6601 3136. Besides getting various health tips, Chloe can help you local and make an appointment with a nearby general practitioner or specialist doctor in Hong Kong.
Cigna HealthFirst Elite 360 Medical Plan offers comprehensive and personalized medical coverage across the stage prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery, with a range of hospital and surgical benefits, optional insurance benefits with an annual limit of up to HK$50 million, personalized health assessment, three critical illnesses(cancer, stroke and heart attack) all-rounded care and international medical concierge service. A 360-degree total health protection that spans across all the key stages of your health journey. Learn more here.
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