Pacific Cross International First Care 200 International Private Medical Insurance Plan in Review

In this iPMI Global plans and products review, we explore the Pacific Cross International First Care 200 international private medical insurance plan.

Pacific Cross International has been providing insurance solutions for over 75 years, serving clients from 60 nationalities in 90 countries. The company has a strong presence in Asia, with offices in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Looking at the First Care 200 plan design, Jean-Marc Herbet, Regional Business Development Officer at Pacific Cross Insurance told iPMI Global, "I’ve designed FC200 for all of you, I’ve been working in #IPMI for 26 years and I’ve seen countless times an inquiry that could not be satisfied because of pre-existing conditions. FC200 is the most affordable plan in the market, it’s a backup plan, buy it young, forget about it, and use it when you really need it. The coverage is not the highest, but it will protect you enough in case of emergency. Better safe then sorry."

First Care 200 Plan Overview

• Purpose: A comprehensive health insurance plan designed to offer extensive coverage at a minimal cost.
• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities, with full portability within the designated coverage zone.
• Maximum Enrolment Age: 55 years old.
• Lifetime Guarantee: Once enrolled, the plan can be renewed for life.

Key Features:

• Inpatient and outpatient treatment coverage.
• Coverage for cancer and chronic conditions.
• Out-of-area treatment and medical evacuation.
• Pre- and post-hospital care.

Coverage Zone

The plan operates within a unique zone, encompassing worldwide coverage excluding:

• North and South America.
• China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore.
• Israel, UAE, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Important Note: While the plan cannot be purchased or used for elective treatment in the excluded countries, emergency and evacuation coverage remain active globally.

Moratorium and Pre-existing Conditions

• Moratorium: The First Care 200 plan has a moratorium on pre-existing conditions. This means any disease, illness, or injury for which the insured received treatment, medication, advice, or experienced symptoms before the plan's start date will not be covered.
• Two-Year Continuous Membership: After two years of continuous membership, pre-existing conditions may become eligible for benefits, provided the insured hasn't sought medical attention, experienced further symptoms, or taken medication for the condition during that period.
• Permanent Exclusions: Certain pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, ischemic heart disease, cancer, thyroid disease, and auto-immune disorders, are permanently excluded from coverage.

Benefits Schedule

• Maximum Limit per Policy Year: USD 200,000.
• Deductible for Inpatient Only: USD 100 per person per year.

Key Benefits:

• Inpatient and Day-Patient Benefits: Full coverage for intensive care, coronary care, operating room, surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, kidney dialysis, and organ transplant (up to USD 100,000).
• Cancer Care: Includes outpatient, day-patient, and inpatient treatment up to annual limit.
• Chronic Medical Conditions: Covers acute treatment of chronic conditions and maintenance, prescribed drugs, and dressings up to USD 2,500 per year.
• Pre and Post Hospital Care: Covers doctor consultations, prescribed medicine, diagnostic tests, and physiotherapy within 15 days before and 30 days following hospital discharge.
• Outpatient Benefits: Full coverage up to 2500 USD per year with 10 USD co-payment per visit for physician and specialist consultations, prescribed drugs and dressings, laboratory tests, X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and USD 70 per visit for physiotherapist and chiropractor visits (up to 10 sessions).
• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Services & Out of Area Cover: USD 100,000

General Information

• Waiting Period: 30 days for elective treatment. Medical emergencies occurring after the effective date are covered immediately.
• Community Rated Premiums: Rates are calculated across the whole portfolio, ensuring fairness at renewal regardless of individual claims.
• 14-Day Free Look: Policyholders can return their policy within 14 days for a full refund.
• Child Coverage: Children must be included with a parent or guardian on the policy.
• Elective Treatment: Requires notification at least 5 working days in advance using the Guarantee of Treatment Procedure (GOP).

Exclusions

The policy does not cover expenses related to:

• Pre-existing conditions not declared and accepted.
• Treatment not requiring payment or provided by an immediate family member.
• Maternity and related complications (unless specifically covered).
• Cosmetic or reconstructive surgery (exceptions apply).
• Disability arising from substance abuse.
• Outpatient treatment for psychiatric disorders.
• Injuries sustained during hazardous activities.
• Venereal diseases.
• Weight management or bariatric surgery.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Treatment for Persistent Vegetative State exceeding 90 days.
• HIV/AIDS within the first five years of coverage.
• Prostheses, orthotic devices, and medical appliances not required for surgery.
• Participation in illegal activities.

Claims Process

• Notification: Policyholders or insured individuals must submit written notice within 90 days of the loss, providing details of the incident, policy number, and insured person's name.
• Claim Form: A complete claim form, including medical bills, certificates, and other supporting documents, must be submitted.
• Emergency Assistance: For urgent situations requiring hospitalization or evacuation, contact the emergency assistance company at +852 2807 1728.
• General inquiries: Contact Pacific Cross at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +852 2573 2535.

Application Process

• The application form requires detailed personal and medical information for each insured person.
• It's crucial to answer all questions truthfully and completely, as failure to disclose material facts may invalidate the policy.
• Applicants must sign a declaration confirming the accuracy of the information provided.
• The policy officially begins on the date the application is received and accepted by Pacific Cross.

First Care 200 FAQ

What is First Care 200?

First Care 200 is a comprehensive international health insurance plan designed to provide extensive coverage at the most affordable price. It is available to individuals of all nationalities and offers full portability within the covered zone.

What is the Zone of Coverage for First Care 200?

The plan provides coverage worldwide, excluding North and South America, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Israel, UAE, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. While elective treatment is not available in these excluded countries, you will still be covered for emergency medical situations and evacuations.

What are Pre-Existing Conditions and how are they handled under First Care 200?

Pre-existing conditions refer to any disease, illness, or injury for which you received medical advice, treatment, or experienced symptoms before the start date of your plan, regardless of whether it was officially diagnosed. First Care 200 does not cover pre-existing conditions initially. However, after two continuous years of membership without seeking treatment, experiencing symptoms, or taking medication for the pre-existing condition, it becomes eligible for coverage. Some conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, are generally excluded from coverage.

What is the maximum age of enrolment for First Care 200?

The maximum age of enrolment is 55 years old. You cannot purchase the plan once you reach the age of 56. However, if you enrol before 56, coverage is guaranteed for life, subject to premium adjustments.

What are the Inpatient and Day-Patient Benefits?

First Care 200 offers comprehensive coverage for inpatient and day-patient treatment, including:

• Full coverage for hospital room and board, surgeon fees, anaesthesiologist fees, and physician fees.
• Coverage for kidney dialysis, organ transplant with a limit of $100,000, home nursing, and hospice care.
• A maximum limit of $200,000 per year for inpatient and day-patient benefits.

What are the Outpatient Benefits?

The plan includes coverage for:

• Physician and specialist consultations.
• Prescribed drugs and dressings.
• Laboratory tests, x-rays, diagnostic tests, and procedures, including MRI and CT scans.
• Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment when referred by the attending physician.

What are the Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Services?

First Care 200 offers coverage up to $100,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation services, including:

• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
• Repatriation of mortal remains or burial expenses.
• One economy class return airfare for the insured.
• Accommodation for a compassionate visit by a relative.
• Return of minor children to their country of residence.

What is the Claims Process for First Care 200?

In the event of an emergency requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation, it is mandatory to contact the emergency assistance company at +852 2807 1728. For all other claims, you can submit a claim notification form, available on the Pacific Cross website, along with all necessary supporting documents, such as medical bills and reports, to the insurer's representative or your insurance broker. You can also contact Pacific Cross directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +852 2573 2535 for general inquiries.

Conclusion

In closing, Jean-Marc Herbet, Regional Business Development Officer at Pacific Cross Insurance told iPMI Global, "Nobody wants to spend money on something we hope not to use, FC200 is inexpensive, portable, lifetime, community rated. It’s your backpack for life. Stay safe and carry on."

iPMI Global CEO Christopher Knight adds, “The First Care 200 plan offered by Pacific Cross International provides comprehensive coverage for individuals and families seeking international health insurance. It is important to carefully review the policy document, paying particular attention to the coverage zone, moratorium, pre-existing conditions clause, benefits schedule, and exclusions before making a decision.”

Potential policyholders should carefully review the policy document to understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions before making a decision.

For more information, please contact Jean-Marc Herbet, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit their website www.pacificcross.com