- Why it is advised to buy travel insurance?
Traveling abroad can be risky, both financially and medically speaking. While preparing for an accident is impossible, travelers can reduce risks and/or the cost of a medical emergency by purchasing travel insurance. We propose various insurance plans depending on your trip: holidays, world trip, long-term stay, studies and training abroad, working holiday etc.
Our insurance policies can be bought before your departure on your trip on our website: https://www.avi-international.com/en
- What are the advantages of travel insurance?
Even if not mandatory, travel insurance entitles you to compensation for damage that you may suffer or cause during your trip abroad. It can cover the costs of stolen luggage, accident or medical problems.
- How to choose your travel insurance?
To choose suitable travel insurance, it is important to define all the details of your trip (stay duration, destination, kind of trip, etc.). Please carefully read :
- the benefits in details
- the exclusions in details
- the information related to the additional services (Emergency Center and assistance 24/7, medical providers network, multilingual services, procedures when seeking for reimbursem*nt).
- I will travel in Europe, in a country of the European Union/ European Economic Area (EU / EEA) or in Switzerland. Am I covered by my European Social Security?
Before departure, be sure to get the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your local Social Security center. This card will provide proof of coverage and rights to health insurance on place if you need medical care. Coverage will be applied according to the laws and procedures in force in your European host country and reimbursem*nt will be accepted as per the current schemes back in your country of usual residence.
- Is the EHIC sufficient if I travel in a country of the European Union/ European Economic Area (EU / EEA) or in Switzerland?
The EHIC does not guarantee any free services. Health care system is different from one country to another; some services provided free in France may not be free elsewhere.
The EHIC does not replace travel insurance.
Also note that the reimbursem*nt rate is defined by the Social Security schemes of the country of destination and it is likely that some expenses will remain your responsibility.
Also, Social Security does not cover you for medical evacuation/repatriation, baggage loss or private health care.
Other advantages: our travel insurance is not limited to coverage for medical expenses (unlike the Social Security). In case of hospitalization of more than 5 nights, transportation expenses for a family member to come to your sickbed will be covered. Same for the cost of lodging.
- I will travel outside Europe. Am I covered by my European Social Security?
It will never replace travel insurance.
If you are in an emergency and depending on the case, the medical officer of the Social Security Center you are affiliated with will validate the refund of your medical expenses of not. Anyway, your medical expenses will never be refunded in full, only in accordance with the Social Security scheme, that is almost nothing compared to what the cost can be.
Note: this is a possibility, not an obligation as per the Social Security portal
In addition to the Social Security, we recommend you to buy an assistance or insurance contract, which covers the medical expenses incurred abroad as well as the medical evacuation in case of illness/accident overseas.
- I am not affiliated to Social Security in France, can I still take out one of your insurance for my trip?
Yes, our insurance solutions do not depend on the Social Security Scheme and are not considered as additional Health packages.
- Am I insured with my credit card during my trip?
Most credit cards include an insurance coverage for the first 90 days of travel.
The insurance and assistance benefits included in credit cards depend on the type of card and the destination of travel. The compensation levels are limited, deductibles will often apply even for the "Gold / Premier" cards.
- In case of medical evacuation/repatriation, what is the coverage level ?
We will cover all your expenses. For medical evacuation and repatriation of remains we provide an unlimited coverage.
- In case of medical evacuation, can my friend be repatriated with me?
Yes, if you purchased the AVI International insurance for you and your friend at the same time and you live in the same country, we will bring you both back to home country.
- I go to Australia for studies. I benefit from the local Social Security, why should I subscribe travel insurance
In Australia, foreign students benefit from the governmental health insurance OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). However, drug costs are not covered beyond $ 300 a year and $ 50 per prescription. Refunds are based on the Australian conventional rate. For medical consultation, you will pay for example between $60 and $80 dollars (40 to 55 euros). The OSHC will cover only $14 dollars ... or less than 10 euros. A simple ankle fracture will cost about $5000 dollars!
Furthermore, OSHC does not cover a possible medical evacuation, or ticket expenses for a family member if you are hospitalized for several days, your return in case of death of a family member, hospitalization of a person you hurt by car, or your lost luggage ...
To summarize, the OSHC corresponds to the Social Security in France.
- How can I extend my travel insurance?
You can extend your policy from your personal account on our website https://www.avi-international.com/en
Your insurance documents will be sent to you by email.
It is important to extend your insurance a few days before the end of your contract. If you do not do this you will be forced to wait a 15- day waiting period.
- I have already started my travel. Can I subscribe the AVI International coverage ?
You can subscribe the insurance even if your journey has already begun, however the expenses related to an illness occurring within 15 days of your subscription are not covered. You will have to wait 15 days before you can begin to use your coverage
This is why we suggest you to arrange the travel insurance before departing
- Is the country I am travelling to covered by your insurance ?
Our insurance is valid worldwide. Of course, it does not cover you while in your home country
- I'm leaving on a cruise. Can I purchase the AVI International travel insurance ?
Yes, of course.
- Can I go to a doctor of my choice?
Yes, you can visit a doctor of your choice.
If you do not know which doctor to visit, you can call our Assistance Center to help you.
- What shall I do in case of hospitalization or further medical examination?
In such a case, we advise to call the assistance center who will confirm the coverage and cover your medical expenses.
- Shall I need to have my insurance documents while traveling?
Yes, we recommend you to take your insurance documents with you, because in case of medical treatment, we will ask for the information located on the insurance documents.
However, if you loose your insurance documents, please go back on your private space on the website to re-print them
- My hospitalization abroad is likely to last more than expected. Can a family member come to my sickbed and visit me?
Yes, if your hospitalization lasts longer than five days, we will cover the visit of a family member (airline return ticket) and his/her lodging expenses.
- If I pay my doctor's bill directly, will I be reimbursed quickly?
A reimbursem*nt claim is managed in 3 to 4 weeks as an average. However, claim management is much faster if you send us a complete file.
- How will I be reimbursed?
According to circ*mstances, payment can be done:
- By check in US $ or Euros
- By Bank Transfer
- By credit on your credit card if you are still abroad and do not have a bank account in you host country.
- I have paid medical expenses. How can I get reimbursed?
Contact our claims office at AVI International by email or via our contact form to open a file.
To file your claim, you must include the following documents:
claim form
original bills
payment receipts
medical records if the diagnosis is not stated on the physicians' bill
X-rays (for dental claims).
bank details for reimbursem*nt
Here is our postal address:
AVI INTERNATIONAL Immeuble Colisée Gardens, 10 avenue de l'Arche, CS 70126, 92419 Courbevoie Cedex, France.
