Where can I access emergency medical support when travelling internationally on a South African medical aid?
When you’re a Profmed member venturing abroad, one of the questions likely on your mind is: where do I turn if I need emergency medical support? The good news is that Profmed offers an extensive International Travel Medical Assistance benefit, and you’re covered in more places than you might think, as long as you know how to access it and what limits apply.
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First, it’s important to note that every beneficiary registered on Profmed is covered under this benefit. You don’t have to opt-in or activate it before you travel. That said, there are a few boundaries. The cover applies when you are travelling outside South Africa, and the benefit is valid for up to 150 days per journey. During that time, Profmed will cover emergency, unplanned medical events; however, elective or prearranged treatment is excluded. If your trip exceeds 150 days, or if you need extra cover beyond what Profmed provides, you’ll need to arrange supplementary travel medical insurance in advance.
How do I access assistance while abroad?
Profmed works through a travel assistance partner called Europ Assistance. If you need treatment (in or out of hospital) you must call Europ Assistance before receiving care. If you do so, Profmed will fund eligible medical expenses, up to the limits set by your benefit option. If you don’t contact Europ Assistance in advance, then co-payments may apply. Profmed may also decline aspects of treatment if they’re found to be inconsistent with your medical status or if the charges exceed negotiated rates.
To reach Europ Assistance, use the number +27 11 991 8564. In emergencies, there is a WhatsApp number (for texts, not voice or video) at +2783 676 0411. Messaging that line can help initiate support when traditional calling is difficult.
You’ll want to be aware of how your particular Profmed option affects your out-of-hospital cover while abroad. Some options, like ProSelect and ProSelect Savvy, don’t include out-of-hospital expenses. Other options (ProSecure, ProSecure Plus, ProPinnacle and their Savvy equivalents) do provide out-of-hospital cover while travelling, but only up to R10 000 per beneficiary per journey, and a co-payment of R2 000 applies.
What cover do I have?
In terms of maximum cover levels, Profmed has tiered benefit limits depending on your option. For ProPinnacle and ProPinnacle Savvy, the overseas emergency cover is up to R8 million per journey. For ProSecure, ProSecure Plus and their Savvy versions, the limit is R5 million. For ProActive Plus, ProActive Plus Savvy, ProSelect and ProSelect Savvy, cover goes up to R2.5 million. These limits apply to both in-hospital and out-of-hospital medical expenses while you travel.
Another practical point is carrying chronic medication while travelling. If you’re registered for chronic medication, you can apply for an extended supply (up to five months) before you depart. You need to submit a request at least seven working days before your trip, using Profmed’s “Request for Extended Supply of Chronic Medication” form.
After receiving treatment abroad, you must submit your claim within four months. You’ll need to provide certain documents: your identity documents, a completed travel claims form, proof of travel (like flight tickets or passport pages), and a medical report from the attending doctor. Claims should be sent to internationalclaims@profmed.co.za or submitted via the Profmed app.
If your destination country requires proof of medical cover, you can request an embassy letter for visa purposes via the Profmed app, or get it from Client Services during their working hours.
From a Profmed perspective, the key to accessing emergency medical support while travelling is to reach out proactively. Make sure Europ Assistance is involved before treatment, keep within the 150-day limit, and know what your particular plan allows. Do that, and you’ll have a safety net in place when you’re far from home.
