INDIA NETWORK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Pre-existing Condition Rider - Rev. 5/07/2010

New Higher Limits for Pre-existing Conditions

Members when choose pre-existing condition coverage along with the policy, the following benefit for offered for acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition for any pre-existing condition, effective May 1, 2010.

Age Group	Policy Max	Pre-ex Deductible	Pre-ex Amount	Additional Premium
2-69 years	100K	$1,000	$20,000	25%
2-69 Years	100K	$5,000	$40,000	23%
2-69 years	150K	$1,000	$25,000	25%
2-69 years	150K	$5,000	$50,000	23%
70 Plus	50K	$1,000	$10,000	25%
70 Plus	50K	$5,000	$20,000	23%
70 Plus	100k	$1,000	$15,000	25%
70 Plus	100K	$5,000	$25,000	23%

1. Does the program cover doctor visits related to pre-existing problems?

No. However, every policy holder with pre-existing coverage can use the physician consultation service (on Phone) offered by India Network Foundation during their stay in the United States for a small fee of $35 per consultation. The consultation can be requested by completing the Consult A Doctor Form. The Physician consultation can be used for prescription refills, discussion of current medications, seeking second opinions, or non-emergency illnesses. All participating physicians are USA Board Certified and practicing physicians in USA.

2. What are pre-existing conditions? Can you provide some examples?

A health or medical condition is categorized as pre-existing condition if that condition is known to the insured,a Physician was consulted, or for which treatment or medication was prescribed prior to the effective date of an Insured Person's coverage. Diabetes, Blood Pressure (BP), chronic back pain, high cholesterol, kidney stones, skin problems are some examples of pre-existing conditions.

3. Why pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage?

No insurance company can afford to cover these sure losses with few premium dollars. The insurance premiums are determined on the basis of probabilities, and not the sure or near certain probabilities obtained from pre-existing conditions. Hence there is no insurance company that would cover the pre-existing conditions. Many insurance companies in the US will not even underwrite coverage if pre-existing conditions are found in medical reports. The Consult a Doc Program of India Network Foundation is designed to help visitors with non-emergency nature problems arising out of pre-existing medical conditions. President Obama's health care reform, when enacted, may help people with pre-existing conditions, who currently can not obtain private medical insurance.

4. What is this "Pre-existing Condition Rider?" How does work?

Pre-existing condition rider is an add-on option to India Network members who wish to insure their visitors or themselves. This rider when purchased would cover life threatening emergency situations due to any pre-existing medical condition. The Rider DOES NOT COVER maintainence of pre-existing problems such as prescriptions, lab tests, x-rays or doctor consultations or any outpatient services. If you have non-emergency nature of sickness, you may make use of India Network Foundation Consult a Doc program.

5. Can you give some examples of when rider would be of help?

For example, say someone has blood pressure problem which is under control with medication. Suddenly the insured become sick with brain hemorrhage and rushed to hospital. This would be a scenario where rider would be of help. If the visitor want to see either a specialist or a family physician to checkup blood pressure problem in ordinary circumstances, the doctor visit is not covered either by the rider program or the medical insurance. The India Network Program also offers Medical Evacuation benefit and Repatriation benefit (see program link for details).

6. How much does it cost? How much does it pay in case of emergency?

Please see the table at the top of this faq. The rider provides a maximum of $50,000 coverage with $150K policy and with a deductible of $5,000 for 2-69 Year old and $25,000 to 70 Plus members with $100K policy and with a deductible of $5,000. The pre-ex coverage offered by India Network Plan is the highest available in the USA.

The Rider is NOT available with $50,000 program for 2-69 years old. For example, a member purchases the pre-existing condition rider with $150,000 policy for parents. Mom got suddenly sick and rushed to emergency room. She was treated and stabilized. The emergency visit is related to pre-existing high blood pressure problem. The insurance will pay U&C charges as given in benefits schedule. The Insurance will pay to services related to the visit until it reaches $50,000 for this sickness (subject to $5,000 deductible) . IT IS NOT TEN PERCENT OF THE BILLS. ALL BILLS WILL BE SETTLED AS PER THE POLICY UNTIL THE AMOUNT REACHES $50,000 (with 150K policy).

7. We have used all our rider amount; is there anything else that would help with pre-existing problems?

India Network program offers up to $25,000 for medical evacuation (with $150K policy). This amount would still be available to the family should the family and attending physicians decide to shift the care to home country.

8. I am browsing various sites on internet and they authoritatively say that pre-existing conditions are not covered by any insurance company. Is that correct?

Unfortunately, there are many health insurance programs sold by insurance agents that do not serve consumer needs. These agents are contracted with various General Agents that DO NOT Offer any pre-existing coverage programs. No agent is allowed to sell or market India Network Health Insurance in the US or elsewhere. Hence Agents are not allowed to sell India Network Program on their web sites. There is no insurance program other than India Network Health Insurance that is designed based on member feedback and member welfare as the core of their program. India Network Program is the ONLY ONE that covers pre-existing conditions in case of life threatening emergencies for the elderly including 80 plus.

9. Are there any other companies that provide some coverage for pre-existing conditions for shorter durations ie less than 3 months?

Multinational Underwriters (HCC Medical Insurance) provide limited coverage for pre-existing conditions. The India Network Rider Program is much broader and provides blanket coverage for pre-existing condition related emergencies. Please read the policies carefully before you sign on. The Multinational program can be purchased for any duration. However, please read the following clarification provided by HCC Medical Insurance (formerly Multinational Underwriters):

Please keep in mind that in order for the Acute Onset of a pre-Existing Condition provision to take effect, the insured client must not have had any treatment for that pre-existing condition during the 2 years preceding the policy’s effective date, which is also known as the look-back period. If treatment has been had within the 2 years preceding the policy’s effective date, then there is no coverage for the Acute Onset of the Pre-Existing Condition. Otherwise, said provision applies at the coverage limit maximums described above.