How to Precertify with VUMI

Ensure you're covered & make claims easier

We hope it never happens, but there are times when we need to have emergency surgery or are involved in a major accident.

To make sure you’re fully covered for surgery or an accident, it’s imperative to contact VUMI (contact info is on your ID card you received in your welcome email from VUMI) or your broker to notify the company that you need surgery or that an emergency has occurred.

The wording from your policy is, “The insured must notify the company at least 72 hours prior to receiving those medical services that require precertification or notification. The company must also be given notice of all medical emergencies that require notification within 72 hours after the occurence that caused the emergency.”

The reasons for precertification are:

• To notify the insurance provider of a future medical event or emergency.

• To have the insurance provider verify that the procedure or treatment will be covered under your benefits, and not excluded by any exclusions on your policy.

• If applicable, to set up a direct pay arrangement with the hospital to pay them directly for your procedure so you don't have to. (There are some doctors, hospitals and facilities that do not work directly with any insurance company and in those cases, you will be responsible for all expenses, then filing claims for reimbursement.)

When do you precertify? When any of the following events take place:

• All hospital admissions

• All hospital or outpatient surgeries

• Any major procedures: MRI, CT scan, PET scan, gastroscopies, colonoscopies, biopsies, etc.

• Physical/rehabilitative therapy, home health care or private nurse

• Nasal surgery, cosmetic, reconstructive or bariatric

• Emergency transportation via Air Ambulance

• Use of durable medical equipment or special medical device

• Repatriation of mortal remains or local burial

If you aren’t sure, contact the Claims & Precert Department at Expat Insurance. There is a 30% penalization by VUMI if not notified.

How to Precertify a Surgery or Long-term Treatment

When you’re ready to precertify, you will need to provide the following documents from your doctor:

• Date of onset of symptoms. VUMI requires a numerical date on the Dr's medical notes/records, ie. M/D/Y, or D/M/Y

• All current medical notes regarding issue

• Any test results pertaining to future treatment

• Doctor's recommendation for care regarding the issue - diagnostic testing, surgery, etc.

• Estimate of cost of treatment, including a hospital breakdown of estimate of cost, eg. medical equipment, assistant, etc.

You can notify VUMI in one of two ways. The first way is going through your VUMI dashboard (your introductory email has the login information; contact our offices if you need help) and navigate to the Contact VUMI block.

Once there, you will see a blue button that says Medical Notification.

Click that button and fill out the form that pops up. Upload the documents needed and click the Accept button. VUMI's underwriting team will then evaluate the information and be in touch via email.

If you aren’t comfortable using your VUMI dashboard, you can email the documents and information directly to notify@vumigroup.com and they’ll be in touch via email. Please include claims@expatinsurance.com so that our office is aware of your situation and step in for assistance.

How to Notify/Precertify a Major Accident

In the event of a major accident that leaves you in the hospital, contact VUMI or your broker immediately. VUMI's toll free number is +1 855 276 VUMI (8864). The number is listed on the back of your card as well.

Be sure to have your ID somewhere on your person so someone can reach out in case you are unconscious or incapacitated. You have 72 hours (3 days) to notify VUMI of the accident. If the accident is deemed coverable, VUMI will coordinate the Guarantee of Payment with the hospital.

VUMI will send you a confirmation email that the precertification has been received and in process. If they need anything else, they’ll communicate with you via email. As always, Expat Insurance is more than happy to answer your precertification questions or assist you in collecting documents.