What to do in a medical emergency abroad
Firstly, if you are in an emergency then you will need to call the local equivalent of 999, which for the USA is 911 and in the EU is 112 for a local ambulance service.
You should then contact the 24 hour emergency medical assistant provider listed in your policy documents by calling 0333 005 1084 and quoting your policy refenece number.
When you call the 24 hour emergency medical assistance provider, you will speak to a member of their team who will guide you through the process, explain what information they need and advise how they may be able to assist. They will assess your circumstances and be responsible for making decisions about the most appropriate and reasonable course of action in line with the terms and conditions of your policy.
You will need to have some basic information for them to hand:
- Your telephone number (and email).
- The name and age of the patient and as much information about the medical situation as possible.
- The name of the hospital, the ward, the treating doctor, and the telephone numbers if you have them.
- Tell them that you have a Lighthouse policy, policy number, the date you brought it and your booked travel dates.
- The patients UK GP details, name, address, and phone number (in case more information on current medical conditions and treatment is needed).
Here’s how the emergency medical assistant provider can help:
- The emergency medical assistant provider is on a call 24/7, 365 days a year to help when you need it most.
- Liaise directly with hospitals on your behalf about your treatment and bills.
- Arrange your repatriation back to the UK.
- Make travel arrangements for other members of your party or your immediate relative.
- Arrange ambulance transfer if needed, once you’re back in the UK.
Please note, in some cases it may be easier to pay for minor medical expenses yourself. If you don’t know whether specific medical costs will be covered, please contact our appointed Assistance team on: 0333 005 1084.
Remember to keep all receipts and medical reports you’ll need them if you want to submit a claim for any medical expenses.
Outpatient Treatment
If you are in Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Egypt, Bulgaria or Turkey and need out-patient medical treatment, please provide a copy of your policy documentation to the treatment facility, and any expenses will be paid by Global Excel in line with your policy terms and conditions.
As your treatment will be paid by Global Excel, you will be asked to fill in a simple form to confirm what treatment you have had. Your treating doctor will send the form to Global Excel together with the balance of the medical bill after deduction of the excess you may have paid to the medical practitioner.
If you need to return home early (curtail your trip)
Please call the assistance number 0333 005 1084 if you need to return early for any reason covered within your policy wording.
If you have any further questions regarding the Emergency Assistance information above, please contact us.
