Health insurance glossary
Assistance line and pre-authorization
Plain-English definition
Travel and visitor medical policies usually give you an emergency assistance phone line to call when you need care. Many require you, or someone with you, to call before treatment or as soon as reasonably possible so the claim can be pre-authorized. If you do not call when the policy says to, the insurer may pay less of the claim or limit where you can be treated.
By the HealthRate editorial desk
How it works
The assistance service can confirm coverage, direct you to a clinic or hospital and, in some cases, arrange payment with the provider directly.
Policies set their own rules on when you must call, for example before non-emergency treatment, before admission to hospital or within a set time after an emergency.
Keep the number with the policy wallet card and share it with whoever you are travelling or staying with.
Why it matters
Calling the line is often a condition of full payment. Knowing the rule before you need care avoids a reduced claim on top of a medical emergency.