BootsnAll Travel Network



FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Your One-stop Guide to Buy & Understand Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance in General
  1. Why buy travel insurance?
  2. Should U.S. citizens or expatriates living abroad buy international medical insurance?
  3. Why is Trip Cancellation or Trip Delay coverage important?
  4. Won't my Medical and Homeowner's Insurance provide protection for my trip?

    MNUI – Your Travel Insurance Provider

  5. Who is the administrator for your plans and packages for trips over 31 days?
  6. What is "home country"? How is that defined?
  7. Am I eligible for the Atlas Series?
  8. Which plan should I purchase?
  9. When does coverage become effective and when does it end?
  10. What is covered?
  11. What is excluded?
  12. What if I plan to participate in a sport or athletic activity that is excluded?
  13. What if I have an acute onset of a pre-existing condition?
  14. What are the pre-certification requirements?
  15. Who is the insurer?
  16. How quickly will I get my policy?
  17. Why should I use MNUI?

    Travel Insurance in General

  1. Why buy travel insurance?
    The answer is easy. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, international travel involves risk. You may arrive at your destination to find that your uggage with personal items has disappeared. A personal emergency may necessitate your early return to your home country. A medical emergency may require hospitalization or even air evacuation. In most cases, your existing insurance will not provide adequate protection for these and other risks. Without appropriate travel insurance, you may be exposed to significant financial liability. Our worldwide travel, health and medical insurance packages help take the risks out of international travel, so you can have an enjoyable and productive trip.
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  2. Should U.S. citizens or expatriates living abroad buy international medical insurance?
    If you are a US citizen living abroad, traditional sources of US private health insurance will not meet your needs. Geographical exclusions and provider limitations common to these policies will restrict or even eliminate the coverage available to you while you are outside the US. At the same time, you may not be eligible for participation in the government-sponsored plans in the country where you reside. Or you may wish to have access to health care in other countries, including the US, in the event you become seriously ill. If you are a non-US citizen, you may need an international medical insurance policy to supplement the coverage available to you through your government sponsored plan, or to provide coverage while you are outside your home country. If your lifestyle knows no geographic limits, you need health insurance that knows no boundaries as well.
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  3. Why is Trip Cancellation or Trip Delay coverage important?
    Travel suppliers (travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, hotels, and cruise lines, etc.) have cancellation penalties. Travel suppliers apply their penalties to your trip when you cancel, and these penalties increase as your departure date gets closer. If you cancel, the travel supplier may hold all or a large percentage of your money (down payment, deposit or final payment). You will lose this money. Trip Cancellation and Trip Delay reimburses you for your losses if you cancel or delay for a covered reason (up to the maximum amounts stated in the Listing of Benefits).
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  4. Won't my Medical and Homeowner's Insurance provide protection for my trip?
    We recommend that you review your insurance program and the coverage offered when you travel. Many insurance plans offer little or no coverage when traveling outside their coverage area, and often offer no coverage when you travel outside your country. The U.S. State Department advises U.S. clients that Medicare and most U.S. health insurance companies do not provide coverage for them abroad (on page 3 of U.S. Passport).
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    MNUI – Your Travel Insurance Provider

  5. Who is the administrator for your plans and packages for trips over 31 days?
    MultiNational Underwriters, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a full service organization, offering a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products designed specifically to address the insurance needs of international citizens. With over 40 years of experience in the international insurance market, the staff of MultiNational Underwriters, Inc. is ready to serve you. Our international claims specialists, medical professionals and customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and respond to your needs. Whether you have a question about your coverage, or are in need of emergency medical evacuation, you will find our service team to be prompt, compassionate, and of the highest professional quality.
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  6. What is "home country"? How is that defined?
    If you are traveling outside of your Home Country and are at least 14 days old, you are eligible for coverage. If you are under age 70, you may select your Overall Maximum Limit, ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. If you are age 70 to 79, the Overall Maximum Limit available is $50,000. If you are age 80 or older, the Overall Maximum Limit available is $10,000. The minimum coverage period is 15 days and the maximum coverage period is 12 months. You may purchase coverage in a combination of monthly and 15-day increments, depending on your needs.
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  7. Am I eligible for the Atlas Series?
    If you are a US citizen traveling abroad for 6 months or less, you should purchase Atlas International. If you are a non-US citizen traveling outside your Home Country for 6 months or less, you should purchase Atlas America. Regardless of your citizenship, if you are planning on traveling for 6 months or more, you should purchase Atlas Extra.
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  8. Which plan should I purchase?
    If you are a US citizen, your Home Country is the United States, regardless of the location of your Principal Residence. If you are not a US citizen, your Home Country is the country where you principally reside and receive regular mail.
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  9. When does coverage become effective and when does it end?
    Your coverage becomes effective on the latest of: the date we receive your application and correct premium, the moment you depart from your home country, or the date you request on your application. Your coverage will end on the earliest of: the end of the period for which you have paid a premium, the date requested on your application, or the moment of your arrival upon return to your home country (unless you have started a benefit period or are eligible for home country coverage under the Atlas Extra plan).
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  10. What is covered?
    All benefits, except Lost Checked Luggage, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Common Carrier Accidental Death, are subject to the Deductible and Coinsurance. Policy Limits apply to all benefits:

    Medical:

    1. Inpatient and Outpatient charges made by a Hospital.
    2. Charges made by a Physician, surgeon, radiologist, anesthesiologist, and any other medical specialist to whom the Physician has referred the case.
    3. Charges made for dressings, sutures, casts or other supplies prescribed by the attending Physician or specialist.
    4. Charges for diagnostic testing using radiology, ultrasonographic or laboratory services.
    5. Charges for oxygen and other gases and anesthetics and their administration. Charges for prescription drugs, for treatment of a covered Injury or Illness, but not for the replacement of lost, stolen, damaged, expired or otherwise compromised drugs.
    6. Charges made by a licensed Extended Care Facility upon direct transfer from an acute care Hospital.
    7. Emergency local ambulance transport incurred in connection with Injury or Illness resulting in hospitalization.

    Emergency Dental:

    1. Emergency Dental treatment and Dental surgery necessary to restore or replace sound natural teeth lost or damaged in an Accident which is covered under this insurance.
    2. Emergency Dental treatment necessary to resolve acute, spontaneous and unexpected onset of pain.

    Emergency Evacuation:
    If recommended by your attending Physician, who certifies that Evacuation is necessary to safeguard your life and that Medically Necessary treatment is not available locally, and if approved in advance and coordinated by MultiNational Underwriters, Inc., the Atlas Series will provide the following benefits: emergency air and ground transportation to the nearest Hospital that is qualified to provide the Medically Necessary treatment.

    Emergency Reunion:
    In the event of a covered Emergency Evacuation, the Atlas Series will provide the following benefits: The cost of an economy round trip air or ground transportation ticket for one of your relatives (parent, spouse, sibling or child age 18 or older) for transportation to the area where you are hospitalized following Emergency Evacuation, and reasonable expenses for lodging and meals for your relative, for a period not to exceed 10 days.

    Trip Interruption:

    1. If, after you have departed, you learn of the death of a parent, spouse, sibling or child, or you learn of the substantial destruction of your Principal Residence by fire or weather, the Atlas Series will provide the following benfit: The cost of an economy one way and/or ground transporation ticket for you to the area of your Principal Residence; or
    2. Following a covered Emergency Evacuation, the attending Physician states that it is Medically Necessary for your return to your Home Country or to the area from which you were initially evacuated for continued treatment, recuperation and recovery, the Atlas Series will provide the following benefit: The cost of a one way economy air and/or ground transportation ticket for your transporation from the area where you were hospitalized following the Emergency Evacuation, to the area where you were initially evacuated from, or to the terminal serving the area of your Principal Residence.

    Repatriation of Remains:
    In event of a covered Injury or Illness resulting in your death, the Atlas Series will provide the following benefit: air and/or ground transportation of bodily remains or ashes to the area of your Principal Residence, and reasonable costs of preparation of your remains necessary for transportation .

    Lost Checked Luggage:
    In the event your checked luggage is permanently lost by the carrier, the Atlas Plan will provide the following benefit: up to $250 for replacement of clothes and personal hygiene items, not to exceed $50 for any one item. You must file a formal claim with the transportation provider, and provide the Plan Administrator with copies of all claim forms, and proof that the transportation provider has paid you its normal reimbursement for the lost checked luggage.

    Accidental Death and Dismemberment:
    In the event of your Accidental Death (except while traveling on a common carrier) or Dismemberment resulting from a covered Injury, the Atlas Series will provide the following benefit:

    1. Accidental Death - Principal Sum of $25,000 to the Beneficiary designated on your Application. The Principal Sum shall reduce by 50% (to $12,500) if you are age 70 to 74 at time of Death, and an additional 50% (to $6,250) if you are age 75 or older at time of Death.

    2. Accidental Dismemberment

    1. Loss of 2 or more eyes or limbs - Principal Sum of $25,000 to you.
    2. Loss of 1 eye or limb - One-half of the Principal Sum ($12,500) to you.
    3. The Principal Sum(s) shall reduce by 50% if you are age 70 to 74 at time of Dismemberment, and an additional 50% if you are age 75 or older at time of Dismemberment.

    Common Carrier Accidental Death:
    In the event of your accidental death while traveling on board a commercial common carrier, the Atlas Series will provide the following benefit: Principal Sum of $50,000 to the Beneficiary designated on your Application.

    Return of Minor Child(ren):
    If you are the only person age 18 or older, traveling with one or more Minor Children under the age of 18, who are also covered by the Atlas Series, and you are Hospitalized for treatment of a covered Illness or Injury, resulting in the child(ren) being left unattended for a period of time expected to exceed 36 hours, the Atlas Series will provide the following benefit: The cost of a one way economy air and/or ground transporation ticket for each covered Minor Child to the terminal serving the area of Principal Residence of each covered Minor child.
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  11. What is excluded?
    The following charges, treatments, surgeries, medications, conditions and circumstances:
    1. Pre-existing Conditions – Charges resulting directly or indirectly from any Pre-existing Condition are excluded from this insurance, except, if you purchase Atlas Extra or Atlas International, you are covered for charges resulting from an Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition, up to the limit set forth in the Schedule of Benefits and Limits. A Pre-existing Condition is any Illness, Injury or medical condition or chronic or recurring Illness or Injury or medical condition, including any associated complications or consequences, which existed during the 5 years immediately preceding your effective date. An Acute Onset is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition, which occurs spontaneously and without advance warning either in the form of Physician recommendations or symptoms.
    2. Treatment for or related to any congenital condition.
    3. Pregnancy, child birth, birth control, artificial insemination, infertility, impotency or sexual dysfunction, sterilization or reversal thereof.
    4. Mental or Nervous Disorders or Substance Abuse.
    5. Not incurred during the Certificate Period or the applicable Benefit Period, and charges which are not presented to Underwriters for payment within 60 days from the end of the Certificate Period or the applicable Benefit Period.
    6. Charge for use of Emergency room for treatment of Illness unless the patient is directly admitted to the Hospital as Inpatient for further treatment of that Illness.
    7. Not Medically Necessary and administered or ordered by a Physician.
    8. Provided at no cost, or by a family member, or by a person who ordinarily resides with you, or which are attributable to or recoverable from any other party including government sponsored plans.
    9. Charges which exceed Usual, Reasonable and Customary.
    10. Investigational, Experimental or for Research purposes.
    11. While confined primarily to receive Custodial Care, Educational or Rehabilitative care.
    12. Venereal Disease, AIDS or ARC.
    13. Dental treatment, including treatment of the temporomandibular joint, except for Emergency Dental treatment necessary to replace sound natural teeth lost or damaged in an Accident covered hereunder or for the relief of Acute, spontaneous and unexpected onset of pain.
    14. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, hearing implants, eye refraction, visual therapy, orthoptics or visual eye training or eye surgery (including cataract surgery and radial keratotomy) or for any examination or fitting related to these devices or procedures.
    15. Injury sustained while taking part in the following activities: Amateur or professional sports or athletics, except this does not include Amateur sports or athletics which are non-contact and undertaken solely for leisure, recreational, entertainment or fitness purposes unless such sports or athletics are otherwise excluded by this provision. The following are excluded: mountaineering where ropes or guides are normally used or at elevations of 4,500 meters or higher. Aviation, except when traveling solely as a passenger in a commercial aircraft. Hang gliding, sky diving, parachuting or bungee jumping; Snow skiing or snowboarding, except for recreational downhill and/or cross-country snow skiing or snowboarding (no cover provided whilst skiing away from prepared and marked in-bound territories and/or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body); Racing by any animal or motorized vehicle; and spelunking; and subaqua pursuits involving underwater breathing apparatus unless NAUI/PADI certified, accompanied by a certified intructor, and at depts of less than 10 meters; jet skiing; and Any other sport or athletic activity which is undertaken for thrill seeking and exposes you to abnormal or extreme risk of Injury.
    16. Injury sustained while under the influence of or due wholly or partly to the effects of intoxicating liquor or drugs other than drugs taken in accordance with treatment prescribed and directed by a Physician but not for the treatment of Substance Abuse.
    17. Willfully self-inflicted Injury or Illness and immunizations and Routine Physical Exams.
    18. The Deductible, and Coinsurance and charges which are not included as Eligible Expenses as described in the Master Policy, and charges which exceed the policy limits.
    19. Treatment required as a result of complications or consequences of a treatment or condition not covered hereunder.
    20. Charges for travel or accommodations, except as provided for in the Local Ambulance, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Repatriation of Remains, Emergency Reunion and Trip Cancellation sections of this insurance.
    21. Treatment incurred as a result of exposure to non-medical nuclear radiation and/or radioactive material(s).
    22. Organ or tissue transplants or related services.
    23. War, insurrection, riot or any variation thereof.
    24. Treatment by a Chiropractor.
    This is a summary of exclusions. For more details, or for a complete copy of the Master Policy, contact MultiNational Underwriters, Inc.
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  12. What if I plan to participate in a sport or athletic activity that is excluded?
    The Optional Hazardous Sports Rider is available for the adventurous traveler. This Rider adds coverage for the Amateur sports, listed in exclusion #15. The maximum policy limit for Injuries under this Rider is $25,000 and the Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit is deleted during the course of the activity.
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  13. What if I have an acute onset of a pre-existing condition?
    If you purchase Atlas Extra, you are covered, up to $2,500; or Atlas International, you are covered up to $1,000 for a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition, which occurs spontaneously and without advance warning either in the form of a Physician recommendation or symptoms, and which occurs while this coverage is in effect.
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  14. What are the pre-certification requirements?
    All hospitalizations, Emergency Evacuations, Emergency Reunions, Trip Cancellation, Repatriation of Remains must be Pre-certified. Simply call, or have your Physician call, MultiNational Underwriters, Inc. with all information relative to your claim. Be sure to have your ID number available. If you do not Pre-certify, medical expenses will be reduced by 50%, and all other expenses will be forfeited.
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  15. Who is the insurer?
    Lloyd's, the largest and oldest insurance market in the world is the insurer of the Atlas Series. Rated A- by AM Best Company, and A by Standard and Poor's, Lloyd's provides financial strength and security that is unparalleled in the worldwide insurance market. Lloyd's is recognized as a market leader in the accident and health insurance arena, and is well known for its innovative products and services. Presently, Lloyd's provides accident and health insurance to millions of individuals in almost every country of the world.
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  16. How quickly will I get my policy?
    If you select Online Fulfillment in your online quoting process and submit your electronic application, the process is virtually instantaneous. Delivered to both your desktop and to the email address you insert in your electronic application, you will receive:
    • Your receipt for the credit card transaction,
    • Your statement of benefits,
    • Your printable identification card with MNUI contact information.
    Orders received by 3:30 P.M. Central Daylight Time are routinely processed the following business day. By the close of business the day the order is processed, and the credit card is approved for the amount specified, a confirming email is generated and sent to the applicant which contains the applicant's certificate number and means with which to contact us if the insured needs to pre-certify an emergency hospital admission or scheduled procedure. The fulfillment kit, consisting of the plastic identification card, copy of the insurance certificate and claim form is then forwarded in the regular mail.

    When overnight delivery is specified, orders received by 3:30 P.M. Central Daylight Time on a business day will be given priority processing, the credit card debited and approved, and the confirming email sent - all on the same business day. The fulfillment kit will be sent by overnight courier and will be delivered by the close of business the following business day.

    Please be aware that U.S. Holidays may affect processing times.

    Please note that International overnight courier deliveries may take as many as 5-6 working days to arrive.
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  17. Why should I use MNUI?
    Here are just three of the reasons why MNUI stands apart:
    1. We offer high limits on medical, repatriation, and emergency evacuation, up to USD$1 million.

    2. All of our products are fully insured by Lloyds of London, and we can accept direct billing from any hospital, in any language and any currency.

    3. Most international travel insurances work strictly on a "pay up front, then get reimbursed later" arrangement. That is only the worst-case scenario with us, as we prefer to be billed direct by the medical provider. This helps us contain costs, and of course helps limit the out-of-pocket expense to our insureds.

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