Executive Director’s Commentary
By Don Eversmann, F240000
February 2007
You’ve told us regularly in member surveys that the most important FMCA member benefit to you is Family Motor Coaching magazine. Many members consider MEDEX PLUS to be the second most important and valuable benefit, and I’m often asked about it.
MEDEX PLUS is FMCA’s Emergency Medical Assistance Program, and it helps traveling members to effectively manage the complexities and expenses of out-of-area medical and travel emergencies. Since January 2001 FMCA has provided this coverage as a benefit to its members with no signup required. I encourage you to become familiar with this program by reading an article that was printed on page 181 of the January 2007 issue of Family Motor Coaching. Right now, I would like to share a couple of tips that might help you if you find that you need to use this member benefit.
Help MEDEX Help You
As an FMCA member you have access to emergency assistance services through the MEDEX PLUS program. Access is on a full-time basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means you always have someone to call if you experience a medical or travel emergency while you are away from home. MEDEX also can transport your motorhome and towed vehicle home, and even help you with arrangements for family members left behind during an emergency.
To help MEDEX help you, be prepared by understanding your MEDEX program and the MEDEX services available to you.
MEDEX PLUS provides travel, medical, and security assistance services, such as replacing prescription medication and coordinating emergency medical evacuations. These services are available to you when you are 100 miles or more away from the address listed on your driver’s license and the assistance requested is in compliance with the terms of the policy.
One of the most common misconceptions about the MEDEX PLUS program is that it includes medical insurance coverage. It does not. To take full advantage of MEDEX services, be sure to contact them as soon as possible after the onset of the emergency.
Dos and Don’ts for your MEDEX program
DO:
Carry both your primary insurance card and your MEDEX card with you.
Let a family member and your traveling companions know about your MEDEX program.
Provide a copy of your MEDEX card to a family member or traveling companion in case they may need to initiate a call to MEDEX on your behalf.
Consult with your physician before travel, especially if you have an ongoing medical condition.
In a medical emergency, call 911 for an ambulance. Call MEDEX (or have a family member or traveling companion call MEDEX) as soon as possible after you arrive at the hospital. Make sure you have the following information available when you call MEDEX for assistance:
- MEDEX group number, found on your card.
- Contact phone number and alternate contact information.
- Contact information for your next of kin.
- Name of your treating physician.
- Name of treating hospital or medical facility.
- Name of your home physician.
- Brief description of services you require. Are you having a medical emergency? Do you need assistance in returning your motorhome to your home base?
DON’T:
Travel without telling someone where you are going.
Travel against your physician’s advice.
Arrange for your own evacuation.
If you have any questions regarding your MEDEX PLUS program, please contact the MEDEX Emergency Response Center at (800) 527-0218 or (410) 453-6330.
TravMed Abroad Overseas Travel Insurance
In July 2006 FMCA introduced a new optional member benefit available for purchase when you travel anywhere outside of the United States. The new program is called TravMed Abroad.
This coverage will eliminate financial concerns about potential health issues while traveling abroad. Because most health insurance plans will not pay directly to foreign providers, nor will they usually cover 100 percent of medical bills incurred outside the United States, TravMed Abroad fills a gap in personal health insurance plans. TravMed Abroad is a comprehensive travel medical insurance program for residents of the United States who are traveling internationally and incur a sudden illness or injury.
Following are some of the important features of TravMed Abroad:
- TravMed Abroad offers $100,000 major medical coverage with no coinsurance and only a $25 deductible.
- TravMed Abroad pays directly to foreign providers.
- Evacuation coverage, not usually included in home health insurance plans, is included in TravMed Abroad.
- TravMed Abroad covers controlled pre-existing conditions.
- TravMed Abroad also offers 24-hour access to medical, travel, and security assistance services provided by MEDEX Assistance Corporation.
For people 70 years old and younger, TravMed Abroad costs just $4 per person per day of international travel. The cost is $5.75 per day for ages 71 to 80 and $8 per day for ages 81 to 85.
To learn more about TravMed Abroad or to arrange for enrollment, call TravMed at (800) 732-5309 or visit FMCA.com and click on the TravMed Abroad link. If you are not a U.S. resident, call TravMed at (800) 732-5309 for information about a similar program available to you.