At China health insurance we understand that some of the terms and phrases used in an international health insurance policy can be confusing. In order to better help you understand your plan we have provided a list of common terms and definitions.

Acute conditions: A disease, illness or injury that is treatable.

Anniversary date: The date of the renewal for your International Medical Insurance Plan.

Applicant: The person named on the Application Form and the Medical questionnaire as a potential policyholder for the International Health Insurance Plan.

Application: The completed forms presented to the Insurer before acquiring a policy. An application usually includes an Application Form and a Medical questionnaire.

Claims: A claim is the financial demand covered in whole or in part by the health insurance company.

Commencement date: The date indicated in the policy schedule on which the insurance coverage starts, unless otherwise states in the Policy Conditions.

Deductibles or Excesses: The amount stated in the policy schedule which the insured has to pay towards the cost of treatment before being reimbursed by an International Medical Insurance Company.

Due date: The date on which a premium is due to be paid.

Gingivitis: Periodontal disease that can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form of the disease, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Dependants: Can be a spouse, partner, or unmarried children, who are financially dependant on the insured person and are named in the Insurance Certificate.

Diagnostic tests: Investigations, such as x-rays or blood tests, to find or help to find the cause of your symptoms.

In-patient: Treatment which for medical reasons requires you to be admitted to a medical facility overnight or longer.

Insured person: The individual named on the Insurance Certificate

Out-patient: surgery or medical treatment that does not require a patient to be admitted to a medical facility.

Periondontitis : Untreated gingivitis can advance to Periondontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Policy Conditions: The terms and conditions of the purchased International Medical Insurance.

Policy schedule: Policy details showing the type of insurance purchased, deductibles and any special terms.

Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition for which symptoms have been shown at some point during the 5 years prior to commencement of cover is said to be pre-existing. This is irrespective of whether any medical treatment or advice was sought. Pre-existing conditions may affect the Insurance Company's decision to insure, not to insure or to impose special terms.

Reimbursement rates: The maximum amount of money which will be paid by way of reimbursement on medical expenses one year from the commencement date or from each anniversary date.

Region: The name of the region as stated on the policy schedule determines the area of cover.

Renewal: The process of updating and paying the premiums on an International Health Insurance Policy.

Surgery: Any invasive procedure or intervention excluding endoscopies or scanning.

Terminal phase: When death is highly probable and medical opinion has rejected active therapy in favor of the relief of symptoms. This opinion must be confirmed by the insurance company's medical consultants.

Waiting Period: A waiting period is the time from the commencement date where the global health insurance plan provides no cover.

If you need further clarification about your international health insurance plan, or you would like to receive a free quote, please contact us.