Pre-Existing Conditions
Refers to medical conditions of policy holders that existed before the insurance policies were purchased: Usually, insurance providers will only provide minimal or no coverage for expenses related to such conditions.
Premium
The amount paid to purchase a travel insurance plan. The payment can be made in advance, once every month or year, or before every trip.
Primary Coverage
Form of coverage provides insurance for the policy holder even though you have other coverage.
Policy Year
The amount of time from the effective date of the policy that comprises one full year. For example, if the effective date begins April 14, 2009, the policy year will end at midnight, April 13, 2010.
Political Evacuation
Often lumped together with non-medical or security evacuation, political evacuation is for situations where one is either trapped, or expelled, or at risk due to civil uprisings, riots, military coups, political unrest, or being identified as a “persona non grata” in the country you are visiting. Security evacuations (necessary for impending natural disasters, etc.) are different from political evacuations. Political evacuations are for situations of political instability, civil unrest, or military action. Coverage is sometimes dependent on the United States Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, or similar government organization of the insured person’s home country, ordering the evacuation of all non-emergency government personnel from the host country.
Pre-certification
The need to check with the insurance company before receiving medical care, generally for major medical procedures, to confirm if the medical care received will be covered by the insurance company.
Premium
Payment for insurance, the amount paid by the insured to the insurance company for health insurance coverage.
Preventive Care
Medical care given in advance of symptoms to prevent illness or injury. Generally includes emphasis on healthy behavior, regular testing, screening for diseases, routine physical examinations, and immunizations.