Overseas Treatment

Medical Treatment Overseas

Here are some answers to your questions:

STEP 1 - THE REFERRAL PROCESS

Q1. Can I be seen overseas by a physician without a referral from a Physician in Cayman?

A1. Yes. However if you travel without a referral from a Physician you probably will be responsible for the ENTIRE cost of the trip including medical expenses. Please check with your insurance company before making this decision.

Q2. How does my Physician refer me overseas?
A2. During your visit your Physician will discuss the need for an overseas referral. You will be given the opportunity to let us know if you have a preferred overseas hospital. This information will be relayed to your insurance company on your behalf but please understand they will make the decision based on their network partnerships. The Physician will then complete a referral form to start the referral process.

Q3. What happens next?
A3. You need to contact your insurance company to determine your overseas healthcare benefits. In the meantime your referral will be electronically sent to your personal case manager in our overseas referral office. Once they have confirmed your overseas arrangements, your case manager will contact you to come in to the office. During your appointment your case manager will advise you of your overseas itinerary and travel information, and will be happy to answer all your questions. You will receive an information booklet, please review this information booklet before leave and write down any questions you may need answered.

STEP 2 – INSURANCE COVERAGE

Q4. What does my insurance plan cover?
A4. You must contact your insurance company immediately to understand your healthcare benefits. They will inform you about any co-payments you will be responsible for. These vary from company to company and from plan to plan. Be sure to ask your insurance company about coverage for accommodation, ground transportation, meals and return flights.

STEP 3 – PREPARING FOR TRAVEL

Q5. How do I get there?
A5. When you return for your appointment with your personal case manager they will provide you with all the necessary travel information.

Q6. Where will I stay?
A6. Your personal case manager will assist in recommending hotels in close proximity to your overseas referral facility. Then you will make your own reservations based on your personal choice. Contact your insurance company to determine if this is a covered benefit.

Q7. Can my family members accompany me?
A7. Yes. Please contact your insurance company to find out if the cost of travel of family members is covered by your insurance policy.

Q8. What do I need to travel?
A8. Medical itinerary
Passports (Valid for at least 6 months from the travel date.)
VISA (British passport holders are unable to use the VISA waiver form when travelling to the USA for health purposes.)
Cash / Credit cards
Healthcare benefits card from your insurance company.
This information leaflet.

STEP 4 – PREPARING TO RETURN TO CAYMAN

Q9. What happens when I am discharged from hospital but am asked to remain overseas for medical treatment as an out-patient?
A9. Contact your insurance company as your healthcare benefits may alter with the change in your situation. Your insurance company will be able to explain the costs that you may be required to pay as an out-patient that were not relevant during your stay in hospital.

Q10. What do I need to bring back to Cayman?
A10. Ask your Physician for copies of your in-patient records or your out-patient notes. Please request that your physician completes the discharge information summary enclosed with your information pack, so that we may understand your medical requirements clearly.

Q11. Is the medication prescribed by my Physician overseas available in the Cayman Islands?
A11. You are responsible to ensure that your overseas Physician only prescribes medication that is available from the Pharmacy Department at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority. To find out what drugs are available from our Pharmacy Department phone the Pharmacy Overseas Co-ordinator at 1-345-244 2713.

Q12. What if my Overseas Physician needs to prescribe a drug that is not available from the Pharmacy Department at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority?
A12. If your physician needs to prescribe medication that is not available on our on-line formulary your Physician MUST contact the Medical Director or the Pharmacy Overseas Co-ordinator at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority. This is to request approval prior to prescribing this drug for you. If this is not done you will be responsible for the entire cost of the medicines.

Q13. How do I get my medication?
A13. At the time of discharge the overseas facility should provide you with enough medication to last until you return to Cayman. As soon as you return to Cayman bring your prescription to be filled at the Pharmacy Department at the Cayman Islands Hospital.

If you have been prescribed a drug that is not available from our Pharmacy Department you should bring a 30 day supply back with you. Remember you need to get approval before buying medications that are not available from our Pharmacy Department. Without approval you will be responsible for the entire cost of this medication.

STEP 5 – RETURNING TO CAYMAN

Q14. What should I do when I get back to Cayman?
A14. Please contact our reintegration co-ordinator immediately to arrange your priority follow up on Grand Cayman or Cayman Brac. Your reintegration co-ordinator will then arrange for the pharmacy department to dispense a supply of your prescribed medication.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
•    If you have any questions whilst overseas contact your insurance company immediately. Contact telephone numbers can often be found on the back of your Healthcare benefits card.
•    Once you are overseas if there are any changes to your scheduled medical appointments please contact your insurance company immediately.
•    If you do not attend your scheduled medical appointment contact your insurance company immediately.
•    Remember ground transportation and meals are not usually covered by insurance plans, please contact your insurance company to find out exactly what your insurance treatment plan covers.