Everything you always wanted to know about insurance

• COVID COVERAGE

  Which coverage offers AVI International regarding COVID?

  AVI International offers a complete assistance coverage in case of covid.

  Our COVID insurance policies include:

  - Medical expenses up to 300 000 € (hospitalization, medical consultations, pharmacy, laboratory)
  - Family member visit in case of hospitalization
  - Medical evacuation 100%
  - Extended stay: 75 € / night /Insured - Maximum 525 €
  - Return flight ticket
  - Return flight ticket of an insured accompanying person
  - Repatriation in the event of death
  - Family member visit in the event of death
  

  Once subscribed you will receive the insurance documents and your insurance certificate that states assistance coverage related to covid-19 is included.

  In order to discover which insurance is the best for your trip: CLICK HERE

  Can I travel everywhere?

  We advise you to verify travel restrictions in both your country of residence and destination before planning your trip.

  - If an insured travels to an « orange » or « red » country or area, the assistance will be applicable only if the insured meets the official requirements.
  - If an insured travels to a « deep red » (prohibited) country or area, the assistance will not be applicable unless the insured can prove that the trip was an absolute necessity.

  Frequently Asked Questions: Covid guarantees

  I am covered if:
  I am tested positive during my trip and I have to pay for medical expenses (hospitalization, medical consultations, pharmacy…)
  YES, AVI covers your medical expenses up to:

  - 300 000 € if you are under 61 years old
  

  - 100 000 € if you are over 61 years old
  
  I am tested positive, and I must extend my stay abroad.
  YES, AVl covers accommodation costs up to 75 € /Night /Insured - Maximum 525 €/Insured. We will also take charges of your new return flight ticket.
  
  I must quarantine myself after testing positive to Covid.
  YES, AVl covers accommodation costs up to 75 € /Night /Insured - Maximum 525 €/Insured as well as your new return flight ticket.
  
  I am hospitalized because of COVID.
  YES, your medical expenses will be covered, and you can ask for the visit of a family member. If needed, AVI will also cover all the costs for medical evacuation to your home country.
  
  A family member is hospitalized or just died because of COVID, and I have to shorten my trip to visit my family.
  YES, your return ticket is covered by AVI.
  
  During my stay, local authorities close the borders and ask tourists to leave the country.
  YES, your return ticket is covered by AVI.
  
  I cannot return to my home country because of border closure, local quarantine or flight cancelation.
  YES, AVl covers accommodation costs up to 75 € /Night /Insured - Maximum 525 €/Insured as well as your new return flight ticket.
  
  The airline company ask me for a PCR test before flying.
  NO, AVI does not cover preventive tests.
  
  The quarantine is mandatory while arriving to destination following authorities' restrictions.
  NO, AVI does not cover preventive quarantine.
  
  

• BEFORE YOU LEAVE

  Why it is advised to buy travel insurance?

  Traveling abroad can be risky, both financially and medically speaking. While preparing for an accident is impossible, travelers can reduce risks and/or the cost of a medical emergency by purchasing travel insurance. We propose various insurance plans depending on your trip: holidays, world trip, long-term stay, studies and training abroad, working holiday etc.

  Our insurance policies can be bought before your departure on your trip on our website: https://www.avi-international.com/en

  What are the advantages of travel insurance?

  Even if not mandatory, travel insurance entitles you to compensation for damage that you may suffer or cause during your trip abroad. It can cover the costs of stolen luggage, accident or medical problems.

  How to choose your travel insurance?

  To choose suitable travel insurance, it is important to define all the details of your trip (stay duration, destination, kind of trip, etc.). Please carefully read :

  - the benefits in details

  - the exclusions in details

  - the information related to the additional services (Emergency Center and assistance 24/7, medical providers network, multilingual services, procedures when seeking for reimbursement).

  I will travel in Europe, in a country of the European Union/ European Economic Area (EU / EEA) or in Switzerland. Am I covered by my European Social Security?

  Before departure, be sure to get the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your local Social Security center. This card will provide proof of coverage and rights to health insurance on place if you need medical care. Coverage will be applied according to the laws and procedures in force in your European host country and reimbursement will be accepted as per the current schemes back in your country of usual residence.

  Is the EHIC sufficient if I travel in a country of the European Union/ European Economic Area (EU / EEA) or in Switzerland?

  The EHIC does not guarantee any free services. Health care system is different from one country to another; some services provided free in France may not be free elsewhere.

  The EHIC does not replace travel insurance.

  Also note that the reimbursement rate is defined by the Social Security schemes of the country of destination and it is likely that some expenses will remain your responsibility.

  Also, Social Security does not cover you for medical evacuation/repatriation, baggage loss or private health care.

  Other advantages: our travel insurance is not limited to coverage for medical expenses (unlike the Social Security). In case of hospitalization of more than 5 nights, transportation expenses for a family member to come to your sickbed will be covered. Same for the cost of lodging.

  I will travel outside Europe. Am I covered by my European Social Security?

  It will never replace travel insurance.

  If you are in an emergency and depending on the case, the medical officer of the Social Security Center you are affiliated with will validate the refund of your medical expenses of not. Anyway, your medical expenses will never be refunded in full, only in accordance with the Social Security scheme, that is almost nothing compared to what the cost can be.

  Note: this is a possibility, not an obligation as per the Social Security portal

  In addition to the Social Security, we recommend you to buy an assistance or insurance contract, which covers the medical expenses incurred abroad as well as the medical evacuation in case of illness/accident overseas.

  I am not affiliated to Social Security in France, can I still take out one of your insurance for my trip?

  Yes, our insurance solutions do not depend on the Social Security Scheme and are not considered as additional Health packages.

  Am I insured with my credit card during my trip?

  Most credit cards include an insurance coverage for the first 90 days of travel.

  The insurance and assistance benefits included in credit cards depend on the type of card and the destination of travel. The compensation levels are limited, deductibles will often apply even for the "Gold / Premier" cards.

  In case of medical evacuation/repatriation, what is the coverage level ?

  We will cover all your expenses. For medical evacuation and repatriation of remains we provide an unlimited coverage.

  In case of medical evacuation, can my friend be repatriated with me?

  Yes, if you purchased the AVI International insurance for you and your friend at the same time and you live in the same country, we will bring you both back to home country.

  I go to Australia for studies. I benefit from the local Social Security, why should I subscribe travel insurance

  In Australia, foreign students benefit from the governmental health insurance OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). However, drug costs are not covered beyond $ 300 a year and $ 50 per prescription. Refunds are based on the Australian conventional rate. For medical consultation, you will pay for example between $60 and $80 dollars (40 to 55 euros). The OSHC will cover only $14 dollars ... or less than 10 euros. A simple ankle fracture will cost about $5000 dollars!

  Furthermore, OSHC does not cover a possible medical evacuation, or ticket expenses for a family member if you are hospitalized for several days, your return in case of death of a family member, hospitalization of a person you hurt by car, or your lost luggage ...

  To summarize, the OSHC corresponds to the Social Security in France.

  How can I extend my travel insurance?

  You can extend your policy from your personal account on our website https://www.avi-international.com/en

  Your insurance documents will be sent to you by email.

  It is important to extend your insurance a few days before the end of your contract. If you do not do this you will be forced to wait a 15- day waiting period.

  I have already started my travel. Can I subscribe the AVI International coverage ?

  You can subscribe the insurance even if your journey has already begun, however the expenses related to an illness occurring within 15 days of your subscription are not covered. You will have to wait 15 days before you can begin to use your coverage

  This is why we suggest you to arrange the travel insurance before departing

  Is the country I am travelling to covered by your insurance ?

  Our insurance is valid worldwide. Of course, it does not cover you while in your home country

  I'm leaving on a cruise. Can I purchase the AVI International travel insurance ?

  Yes, of course.

  Can I go to a doctor of my choice?

  Yes, you can visit a doctor of your choice.

  If you do not know which doctor to visit, you can call our Assistance Center to help you.

  What shall I do in case of hospitalization or further medical examination?

  In such a case, we advise to call the assistance center who will confirm the coverage and cover your medical expenses.

  Shall I need to have my insurance documents while traveling?

  Yes, we recommend you to take your insurance documents with you, because in case of medical treatment, we will ask for the information located on the insurance documents.

  However, if you loose your insurance documents, please go back on your private space on the website to re-print them

  My hospitalization abroad is likely to last more than expected. Can a family member come to my sickbed and visit me?

  Yes, if your hospitalization lasts longer than five days, we will cover the visit of a family member (airline return ticket) and his/her lodging expenses.

  If I pay my doctor's bill directly, will I be reimbursed quickly?

  A reimbursement claim is managed in 3 to 4 weeks as an average. However, claim management is much faster if you send us a complete file.

  How will I be reimbursed?

  According to circumstances, payment can be done:

  - By check in US $ or Euros

  - By Bank Transfer

  - By credit on your credit card if you are still abroad and do not have a bank account in you host country.

  I have paid medical expenses. How can I get reimbursed?

  Contact our claims office at AVI International by email or via our contact form to open a file.

  To file your claim, you must include the following documents:

  claim form

  original bills

  payment receipts

  medical records if the diagnosis is not stated on the physicians' bill

  X-rays (for dental claims).

  bank details for reimbursement

  Here is our postal address:

  AVI INTERNATIONAL Immeuble Colisée Gardens, 10 avenue de l'Arche, CS 70126, 92419 Courbevoie Cedex, France.

• ASSISTANCE

  How can I be repatriated?

  In some emergencies, the emergency center in connection with a doctor can arrange your medical evacuation/repatriation, depending on your health condition and local medical facilities.

  What shall I do in case of loss, theft, luggage damage or delay, flight delay, civil liability, disability due to an accident?

  Contact AVI International claims office by email or via our contact form to open a file. We will inform you on the documents necessary for your file management according to the type of coverage.

  Here is our postal address:

  AVI International Immeuble Colisée Gardens, 10 avenue de l'Arche, CS 70126, 92419 Courbevoie Cedex, France.

  Which illnesses are covered?

  Any illness that is not pre-existing, i.e. that have not been contracted prior to your trip departure (in case of insurance subscribed during the trip, please refer to the appropriate section).

  Illnesses that are not congenital nor epidemics covered (Ebola, influenza A, etc.) are covered.

  Consequences of HIV and hepatitis C are not covered.

  Are car accidents covered?

  This coverage will only act secondary to any existing insurance policies that you may have subscribed or may benefit from, and after any car, private or legally requested insurance providing coverage for medical, hospital or therapy expenses.

  Therefore, any claim will have to be submitted first to the car insurance company(ies) of all drivers involved in the accident.

  To benefit from AVI International coverage for pending fees, a written statement from the insurance companies(s) involved that all coverage included on the policies have been provided, whatever the nature of the coverage: medical expenses, uninsured motorist, or if applicable, that no cover was provided. By filling-in a claim form, you agree to provide all information requested by the insurance company.

  Only original invoices will be accepted as proof of the services provided.

  IN NO EVENT this travel insurance can cover the vehicle you use, or material or physical consequences of an accident for which you are responsible.

  Is dental care consecutive to an accident covered?

  Dental expenses consecutive to an accident are covered up to € 500 per tooth.

  What shall I do in case of emergency?

  Call our Emergency Center, please identify yourself with your subscription ID and policy number. This information is stated on your insurance certificate and in your personal account.

  Is dental care consecutive to an accident covered?

  Dental expenses consecutive to an accident are covered up to € 500 per tooth.

  In case of assault abroad, am I covered?

  Yes, we will consider an assault as an accident.

  After an accident, I have ugly scars, can I receive compensation for that?

  Yes, if an accident leaves you with a disgraceful disability or ugly scars, in addition to all your medical expenses, you may receive a compensation (included in disability compensation).

  The Medical Expert evaluation will determine the percentage of disability, once your condition is stable and consolidated.

• LUGGAGE INSURANCE

  Is my luggage covered?

  Yes, with all our insurance policies.

  We provide coverage for your luggage during transport, going and coming home, according to the coverage dates you gave, but also during all your trip abroad.

  "Note that in case of loss by the transportation company, you must immediately submit your claim to the transportation company for the loss of your luggage, because the primary coverage is provided by this company. In fact, in cases when the transportation company's liability is obvious, our coverage will be secondary the transportation company's insurance. If the transportation company denies your claim based on the fact that you did not file a claim or that the claim was not filed in time, we will also deny your claim since we will not have proof of the loss of your luggage. In all other cases of luggage loss, you must immediately report the loss to the police and provide us with a copy.

  My luggage was lost by the transportation company, what should I do?

  We may provide compensation in addition to the transportation company liable for the loss only if the transportation company accepts your complaint.

  You MUST report the loss to the Airport Claims/Airlines Company Desk and request compensation from them. They will give you a P.I.R. (Property Irregularity Report) when you report the luggage loss. As per the Warsaw Convention, any passenger on an international flight is entitled to a compensation in case of luggage loss. A baggage is considered as lost after 21 days and compensation is approximately of 20 US$ per kilo of checked luggage.

  Once you received the transportation company's answer, please send to our claims center:

  filled-in and signed claim form

  copy of your flight ticket

  original invoices of lost items

  P.I.R. (Property Irregularity Report) : report which you are given when you report the luggage damage to the Airport Claims/Airlines Company Desk

  copy of the compensation check issued by the Airlines Company.

  My luggage was damaged by the transportation company, what should I do?

  We may provide compensation in addition to the transportation company liable for the damage only if it accepts your complaint.

  You MUST report the damage to the Airport Claims/Airlines Company Desk and request compensation from them. They will give you a P.I.R. (Property Irregularity Report) when you report the luggage damage.

  Once you received the transportation company's answer, please send to our claims center:

  filled-in and signed claim form

  copy of your flight ticket

  list of damaged items, their original invoices or their date and value of purchase.

  P.I.R. (Property Irregularity Report) : report which you are given when you report the luggage damage to the Airport Claims/Airlines Company Desk

  copy of the compensation check issued by the Airlines Company. When a suitcase is damaged, the Airlines Company may propose repair or replacement.

• PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

  Why should I be covered for Third party liability when I travel abroad?

  You may be held liable for unintentional damage to others or to others' property.

  In case of unintentional injury or damage caused to others or others' property, you may be liable for the following expenses: medical expenses, compensation, direct damage to property, etc.

  The costs mentioned above will be covered if you are actually liable for the damage or injury.

  If I unintentionally hurt someone, what should I do?

  You must report the accident and submit your claim to our claims office within two weeks by sending us the following documents:

  filled-in and signed claim form

  Certificates from you and the person injured, with detailed circumstances (date, place, time, etc.).

  Police report, or, if unavailable, a written statement from witnesses.

  Medical bills and medical reports of the victim.

  What is a deductible?

  A deductible is an amount that remains your responsibility. Insurance contracts that include deductibles are cheaper than those which do not apply any.

• DEFINITIONS

  What is a deductible?

  A deductible is an amount left to your charge. Insurance policies that include deductibles are usually cheaper than policies without any deductible.

  What is a waiting period?

  A waiting period refers to the minimum time that must elapse between the effective insurance date and the date the full insurance coverage is provided.

  A waiting period is applied if the subscription is made from the country of travel or in case of late extension.

  What is my country of residence?

  Your country of residence is the one of your permanent home. It is the country where you would be repatriated to in case of serious medical problem.

  What is covered under the search and rescue expenses?

  Search and rescue expenses include costs for resources used (helicopter / small plane / 4WD / etc.) by local authorities in case of accident of the insured and when he/she is located in a defined geographic area.