FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about medical travel complication coverage, what it covers, who it's for, and how it works.
Understanding the Coverage
What It Is & Who It's For
Medical travel, also called medical tourism, health tourism, destination healthcare, or global healthcare, usually means traveling outside your home country to receive planned medical, dental, or cosmetic treatment.
People often travel for medical care because they want access to qualified providers, faster scheduling, specialized procedures, or lower treatment costs than they may find at home.
Common examples include dental implants, cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery, orthopedic procedures, fertility treatment, and other eligible medical procedures performed abroad.
Medical travel is different from ordinary vacation travel because the main purpose of the trip is to receive planned healthcare. That is why standard travel insurance or credit card travel benefits may not be enough. AviaProtect by GPS℠ is designed for eligible medical travelers who want recovery protection if a covered complication or related medical issue occurs during or after their medical trip. Final eligibility, benefits, exclusions, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, the claims manager, and the applicable policy terms.
People often travel for medical care because they want access to qualified providers, faster scheduling, specialized procedures, or lower treatment costs than they may find at home.
Common examples include dental implants, cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery, orthopedic procedures, fertility treatment, and other eligible medical procedures performed abroad.
Medical travel is different from ordinary vacation travel because the main purpose of the trip is to receive planned healthcare. That is why standard travel insurance or credit card travel benefits may not be enough. AviaProtect by GPS℠ is designed for eligible medical travelers who want recovery protection if a covered complication or related medical issue occurs during or after their medical trip. Final eligibility, benefits, exclusions, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, the claims manager, and the applicable policy terms.
Medical travel complication coverage is designed to help with the cost of unexpected medical issues related to a planned procedure abroad.
For example, if a surgery leads to an infection, blood clot, or requires a follow-up procedure, this type of policy may help cover treatment costs, including hospital care, additional surgery, or medically necessary transport.
Coverage depends on the specific policy terms and conditions. This is a fundamentally different product from standard travel insurance, which covers accidents and emergencies but explicitly excludes anything related to elective surgery.
For example, if a surgery leads to an infection, blood clot, or requires a follow-up procedure, this type of policy may help cover treatment costs, including hospital care, additional surgery, or medically necessary transport.
Coverage depends on the specific policy terms and conditions. This is a fundamentally different product from standard travel insurance, which covers accidents and emergencies but explicitly excludes anything related to elective surgery.
Standard travel insurance and credit card travel benefits are usually designed for vacations, business trips, delays, lost baggage, and unexpected accidents or illnesses. They are generally not designed for people traveling abroad to receive planned medical, dental, or cosmetic treatment.
Many standard travel policies exclude claims connected to medical tourism, elective procedures, or travel taken for the purpose of receiving medical care. Credit card benefits are often even more limited and may not include medical complication coverage at all.
AviaProtect by GPS℠ is different because it is designed specifically for eligible medical travelers who want recovery protection if a covered complication or related issue occurs during or after their medical trip.
Always review the exclusions in any standard travel policy or credit card benefit guide before relying on it for a medical trip. Final eligibility, benefits, exclusions, and claims decisions are determined by the applicable policy terms and the underlying insurer.
Many standard travel policies exclude claims connected to medical tourism, elective procedures, or travel taken for the purpose of receiving medical care. Credit card benefits are often even more limited and may not include medical complication coverage at all.
AviaProtect by GPS℠ is different because it is designed specifically for eligible medical travelers who want recovery protection if a covered complication or related issue occurs during or after their medical trip.
Always review the exclusions in any standard travel policy or credit card benefit guide before relying on it for a medical trip. Final eligibility, benefits, exclusions, and claims decisions are determined by the applicable policy terms and the underlying insurer.
Anyone traveling outside their home country for an elective surgical procedure. This includes cosmetic surgery (BBL, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, liposuction), bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, bypass), dental implants, hair transplants, orthopedic procedures (hip or knee replacement), eye surgery (LASIK, cataract), IVF, and more.
Patients from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and EU countries most commonly purchase this coverage because their domestic health plans either don't cover elective surgery at all, or won't cover complications from procedures performed abroad.
Patients from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and EU countries most commonly purchase this coverage because their domestic health plans either don't cover elective surgery at all, or won't cover complications from procedures performed abroad.
Most domestic health plans (US, Canadian provincial, NHS, Medicare, private) have two major gaps for medical tourists:
- Elective surgery exclusion. Complications from a procedure your plan considers elective are typically excluded entirely, regardless of where you are.
- Out-of-network billing. Even if your plan covers international treatment in principle, foreign hospitals are never in-network. You may face full out-of-pocket costs or lengthy reimbursement battles.
No. AviaProtect is a licensed insurance broker, not the insurance company.
AviaProtect helps clients review and enroll in AviaProtect by GPS℠, a medical travel recovery protection program designed for eligible procedures abroad. The coverage is issued and administered by the program provider, GPS. Final eligibility, pricing, benefits, exclusions, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
Our role is to guide you through the process, explain the coverage in plain English, and help you understand whether the program may fit your medical travel plans.
AviaProtect helps clients review and enroll in AviaProtect by GPS℠, a medical travel recovery protection program designed for eligible procedures abroad. The coverage is issued and administered by the program provider, GPS. Final eligibility, pricing, benefits, exclusions, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
Our role is to guide you through the process, explain the coverage in plain English, and help you understand whether the program may fit your medical travel plans.
AviaProtect is a newer client-facing service created to help medical travelers review recovery protection before planned surgery, dental, cosmetic, or medical treatment abroad.
The program behind AviaProtect by GPS℠ is arranged through GPS, whose medical tourism insurance programs trace back to 2008 and were designed specifically for the international medical travel industry.
AviaProtect is not an insurance company. We do not underwrite insurance, issue policies, administer claims, or make claims decisions. Final eligibility, pricing, benefits, exclusions, availability, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the applicable insurance provider, and the official policy documents.
The program behind AviaProtect by GPS℠ is arranged through GPS, whose medical tourism insurance programs trace back to 2008 and were designed specifically for the international medical travel industry.
AviaProtect is not an insurance company. We do not underwrite insurance, issue policies, administer claims, or make claims decisions. Final eligibility, pricing, benefits, exclusions, availability, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the applicable insurance provider, and the official policy documents.
AviaProtect may receive a standard broker or referral commission when a client enrolls in AviaProtect by GPS℠ through our website.
There is no added cost to you for using AviaProtect. Your price is not increased because you came through us.
Our compensation is for helping explain the program, answer questions, assist with enrollment, and support clients before and after they purchase. GPS and the issuing provider remain responsible for final eligibility, pricing, coverage terms, exclusions, administration, and claims decisions.
There is no added cost to you for using AviaProtect. Your price is not increased because you came through us.
Our compensation is for helping explain the program, answer questions, assist with enrollment, and support clients before and after they purchase. GPS and the issuing provider remain responsible for final eligibility, pricing, coverage terms, exclusions, administration, and claims decisions.
Yes. AviaProtect by GPS℠ is designed for international medical travelers, not only U.S. residents.
You do not have to live in the United States or be a U.S. citizen to apply. Medical travel is global, and this program is built for people traveling outside their home country for eligible medical, dental, or cosmetic procedures.
Availability depends on your country of residence, citizenship, destination, age, procedure, treating facility, and other program eligibility rules. Final eligibility, availability, pricing, benefits, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, the claims manager, and the applicable policy terms.
You do not have to live in the United States or be a U.S. citizen to apply. Medical travel is global, and this program is built for people traveling outside their home country for eligible medical, dental, or cosmetic procedures.
Availability depends on your country of residence, citizenship, destination, age, procedure, treating facility, and other program eligibility rules. Final eligibility, availability, pricing, benefits, and claims decisions are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, the claims manager, and the applicable policy terms.
Coverage Details
What's Covered & What's Not
Coverage may be available for a wide range of elective procedures, including:
- Cosmetic & plastic surgery: BBL, tummy tuck, breast augmentation/reduction/lift, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, arm lift, thigh lift, mommy makeover
- Bariatric surgery: gastric sleeve (VSG), gastric bypass (RNY), duodenal switch, gastric band
- Dental: implants, All-on-4, All-on-6, veneers, full-mouth restoration
- Hair restoration: FUE, FUT, DHI transplants
- Eye surgery: LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery
- Orthopedic: hip replacement, knee replacement, shoulder replacement
- Fertility: IVF, egg freezing
Covered complications may include (but are not limited to):
- Surgical site infections requiring hospitalization or IV antibiotics
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Anastomotic leaks (common after bariatric surgery)
- Fat embolism (a known risk of BBL)
- Hematoma or seroma requiring drainage
- Implant rupture or displacement
- Nerve damage requiring treatment
- Wound dehiscence (reopening)
- Respiratory complications requiring ICU care
- Reoperation due to any covered complication
- Medical evacuation back to your home country
- Continued treatment at home after repatriation
Common exclusions usually include:
- The cost of the original procedure itself
- Revision surgery for cosmetic dissatisfaction (unhappy with appearance results)
- Complications caused by failure to follow post-operative instructions
- Conditions that are not a direct result of the insured procedure
- Trip cancellation or non-medical travel disruptions
- Lost luggage, flight delays, or other standard travel inconveniences
Coverage is usually offered in different tiers, depending on the procedure and risk level.
Options typically range from lower limits for simpler procedures to higher limits for more complex or higher-risk surgeries. Our team can help you choose the right level of protection based on your specific situation.
Options typically range from lower limits for simpler procedures to higher limits for more complex or higher-risk surgeries. Our team can help you choose the right level of protection based on your specific situation.
Coverage typically begins around your travel departure date and continues during your medical trip and recovery period, subject to the policy terms.
Depending on the coverage selected, AviaProtect by GPS℠ may provide coverage for up to 180 days. Some plans may also include benefits after you return home, if the post-return coverage option is selected and the complication is covered under the policy.
Final coverage dates, benefit periods, and post-return benefits are determined by the program provider and the applicable policy documents.
Depending on the coverage selected, AviaProtect by GPS℠ may provide coverage for up to 180 days. Some plans may also include benefits after you return home, if the post-return coverage option is selected and the complication is covered under the policy.
Final coverage dates, benefit periods, and post-return benefits are determined by the program provider and the applicable policy documents.
If you have a covered medical complication related to an approved medical tourism procedure, AviaProtect by GPS℠ provides benefits for medically necessary corrective treatment for up to six months after the procedure date, subject to the policy terms.
You may receive corrective treatment locally where you are, or you may return to the original treatment facility. If the return-home coverage option is elected, eligible corrective treatment may also be available after you return home.
Corrective treatment should be reported to the assistance or claims team as early as possible, especially before receiving non-emergency care. Final approval, treatment location, benefit limits, required documentation, and payment decisions are determined by the claims manager, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
You may receive corrective treatment locally where you are, or you may return to the original treatment facility. If the return-home coverage option is elected, eligible corrective treatment may also be available after you return home.
Corrective treatment should be reported to the assistance or claims team as early as possible, especially before receiving non-emergency care. Final approval, treatment location, benefit limits, required documentation, and payment decisions are determined by the claims manager, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
In many cases, yes, if you choose this coverage.
AviaProtect by GPS℠ may allow you to include eligible travel companions, such as a spouse, family member, or friend traveling with you. Companion coverage depends on the coverage selected, the companion's eligibility, and the applicable policy terms. It is typically added during the enrollment process.
Final availability, pricing, benefits, and eligibility are determined by the program provider and the policy documents.
AviaProtect by GPS℠ may allow you to include eligible travel companions, such as a spouse, family member, or friend traveling with you. Companion coverage depends on the coverage selected, the companion's eligibility, and the applicable policy terms. It is typically added during the enrollment process.
Final availability, pricing, benefits, and eligibility are determined by the program provider and the policy documents.
Coverage is available for procedures in most major medical tourism destinations including Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, Thailand, Costa Rica, India, Hungary, South Korea, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and many others. Coverage is not available for procedures performed in your country of residence. Contact us if you have questions about a specific destination.
AviaProtect by GPS℠ does not provide a guarantee of workmanship, cosmetic results, or satisfaction with the outcome of your procedure.
Coverage is designed for covered medical complications, not dissatisfaction with appearance or results. For example, a covered complication may involve a separate medical diagnosis related to the procedure, such as an infection or other medically necessary complication. The program also does not guarantee the outcome of any corrective treatment.
Once you enroll, you should review your confirmed coverage limits, benefit summary, exclusions, and policy documents carefully. Final claim approval, covered complications, exclusions, corrective treatment benefits, and benefit payments are determined by the claims manager, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
Coverage is designed for covered medical complications, not dissatisfaction with appearance or results. For example, a covered complication may involve a separate medical diagnosis related to the procedure, such as an infection or other medically necessary complication. The program also does not guarantee the outcome of any corrective treatment.
Once you enroll, you should review your confirmed coverage limits, benefit summary, exclusions, and policy documents carefully. Final claim approval, covered complications, exclusions, corrective treatment benefits, and benefit payments are determined by the claims manager, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
Yes. The treating facility must meet the program's facility eligibility requirements.
In general, the facility must be properly qualified or licensed in the country where it is located. It may also need to hold an international accreditation from an ISQua member organization or another recognized international accrediting body.
This is important because AviaProtect by GPS℠ is designed for eligible procedures performed at qualified medical facilities. Before enrolling, you should confirm that your planned facility meets the program requirements.
Final facility eligibility, accreditation requirements, benefit availability, and claim approval are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, the claims manager, and the applicable policy terms.
In general, the facility must be properly qualified or licensed in the country where it is located. It may also need to hold an international accreditation from an ISQua member organization or another recognized international accrediting body.
This is important because AviaProtect by GPS℠ is designed for eligible procedures performed at qualified medical facilities. Before enrolling, you should confirm that your planned facility meets the program requirements.
Final facility eligibility, accreditation requirements, benefit availability, and claim approval are determined by GPS, the underlying insurer, the claims manager, and the applicable policy terms.
Enrollment & Claims
Getting Covered & Filing a Claim
You must enroll before your departure date. Coverage cannot be purchased after you have already traveled or after your procedure has been performed. We recommend enrolling at least a week before you leave to allow time for your policy to be issued and confirmed.
Pricing is based on the coverage amount you choose, plus your procedure, destination, dates, and number of travelers, not a fixed share of your procedure price.
Entry-level plans commonly start in the low hundreds of dollars, and higher coverage limits cost more. You can use our quote tool to receive an estimate in a few minutes. Final pricing, eligibility, benefits, and availability are determined by GPS and the underlying insurer, based on the information submitted and the applicable policy terms.
Entry-level plans commonly start in the low hundreds of dollars, and higher coverage limits cost more. You can use our quote tool to receive an estimate in a few minutes. Final pricing, eligibility, benefits, and availability are determined by GPS and the underlying insurer, based on the information submitted and the applicable policy terms.
Use our online quote tool to walk through your procedure details, travel dates, and coverage preference. Once submitted, we help connect your application with a third-party provider for review. If approved, your policy documents will be sent by email. The whole process typically takes about 10 minutes.
In some cases, more complex procedures may require a custom quote. You can also chat with Ava, our AI concierge, if you have questions before you start.
In some cases, more complex procedures may require a custom quote. You can also chat with Ava, our AI concierge, if you have questions before you start.
If you have a medical emergency during your trip, seek care immediately at a properly qualified medical facility.
Your issued ID card will include 24-hour emergency assistance contact information. When calling, identify your policy ID number and/or group name shown on your ID card.
For emergency medical assistance or emergency evacuation support, contact:
Health Case Services
24/7 Phone: +1 (305) 893-9433
Email: [email protected]
For other claims, contact the claims manager as soon as practical and before receiving non-emergency care whenever possible:
Optimum Global Limited
21 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 3TP, United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 1444 473405
International access and charges may apply. You may need to provide authorization for medical records so the claims manager can assess the claim. For non-emergency care, seek pre-approval whenever possible, receiving non-emergency care without pre-approval may reduce the benefits available under the policy.
Final claim decisions, required documentation, approvals, and benefit payments are determined by the claims manager, GPS, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
Your issued ID card will include 24-hour emergency assistance contact information. When calling, identify your policy ID number and/or group name shown on your ID card.
For emergency medical assistance or emergency evacuation support, contact:
Health Case Services
24/7 Phone: +1 (305) 893-9433
Email: [email protected]
For other claims, contact the claims manager as soon as practical and before receiving non-emergency care whenever possible:
Optimum Global Limited
21 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 3TP, United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 1444 473405
International access and charges may apply. You may need to provide authorization for medical records so the claims manager can assess the claim. For non-emergency care, seek pre-approval whenever possible, receiving non-emergency care without pre-approval may reduce the benefits available under the policy.
Final claim decisions, required documentation, approvals, and benefit payments are determined by the claims manager, GPS, the underlying insurer, and the applicable policy terms.
Collect as much of the following as possible, ideally before leaving the treating facility:
- Itemized medical bills with dates, procedures, and costs
- Medical records including diagnosis, treatment notes, and surgical report from the original procedure
- Physician's written description of the complication and how it relates to your surgery
- Receipts for medications, supplies, and any out-of-pocket expenses
- Proof of payment (receipts or bank/card statements)
- Contact information for the treating facility
- Photos if relevant (wound condition, visible complications)
The insurance provider may be able to arrange direct payment for larger claims if the facility accepts it.
In other cases, you may need to pay upfront and request reimbursement later. Contact the provider as early as possible so they can coordinate payment directly where possible.
In other cases, you may need to pay upfront and request reimbursement later. Contact the provider as early as possible so they can coordinate payment directly where possible.
Chat with Ava, our AI concierge, using the button in the corner, she can answer detailed questions about your specific procedure, destination, and coverage options. Or start a quote and we'll follow up directly.
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Request a QuoteEstimates are for informational purposes only. Final eligibility, pricing, benefits, and approval are determined by the issuing provider and policy terms.
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Avia Protect is a service of Expat Venture Holdings LLC. Avia Protect is not an insurance company and does not issue policies, underwrite coverage, administer claims, or make eligibility, benefit, or claims decisions.
Coverage is arranged through Global Protective Solutions℠ and issued, administered, or serviced by the applicable insurance provider, administrator, assistance provider, or related program party. All coverage terms, conditions, exclusions, limitations, eligibility, pricing, availability, benefit determinations, and claims decisions are governed by the official policy documents and determined by the applicable provider.
Expat Venture Holdings LLC acts only as an insurance broker/referral service to help clients review available medical travel recovery protection options.
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