FAQs
Our members come in all shapes, sizes, ages and nationalities. They all share the same desire to have an instantly available team of physicians dedicated to them and their healthcare needs.
When I call, how quickly can I speak with a physician?
Unlike nearly all travel medical companies, you will not have to talk with a call center and then get bounced around or wait for long before you actually speak with a physician. With WorldClinic, you will ALWAYS SPEAK IMMEDIATELY with one of our physicians.
What if my WorldClinic Physician is not available during an emergency?
All WorldClinic physicians work as part of a care team. Just like in any group medical practice, there is a second physician as a back up at all times. Your doctor as well as the on call physician will have access to your medical record and to physician & hospital resources database.
What about my primary care physician (PCP) or family doctor? How do WorldClinic physicians work with that person?
The WorldClinic physician acts as an additional medical resource to your PCP by being immediately available when your PCP is not or by providing levels of time and access that most PCP's cannot offer. When a WorldClinic physician provides you with care, advice or advocacy, they will contact your PCP to let him or her know of their contact with you so there is continuity of care and information.
What are the major differences between the "Always On" and "Away From Home" service plans?
The Always On service contains all of the Away From Home services including: physician-accompanied medical evacuation, language translation services, prescription medical kits, electronic medical record archive, emergency medical contact card, proprietary international hospital/physician database and 24/7 physician access. In addition, the Always On service includes 24/7 physician access on an unlimited basisboth when you are at home and when you are more than 100 miles from home. This Always On service also includes a fully pre-paid physician second opinion service for comprehensive evaluation of a medical illness, condition or injury.
What if I am traveling and need medication for an illness immediately?
You have two options: both start with a call to WorldClinic. If it's an acute problem, chances are good (95%) that your personal prescription medical kit has the medication you need and your physician will guide you in its use. If you need a medication not in the kit, WorldClinic will contact and refer you to an appropriate resource to begin treatment.
Are the services that WorldClinic offers paid for through my health insurance provider?
WorldClinic services are usually not covered by conventional health insurance. However, if you have a health savings account (HSA), you may be able to obtain reimbursement.
Is there any limit to the number of times I can contact WorldClinic physicians?
You will not be billed for each contact and you can contact your WorldClinic physician as many times as you would like.
How does WorldClinic find me a reputable and competent physician overseas?
WorldClinic has built a proprietary database of US-trained and board certified physicians in nearly every country on the globe. See WorldClinic Physician & Hospital Resources.
How does my WorldClinic physician work with the referred doctor when I become ill or have an emergency?
Your WorldClinic physician will discuss your situation with this doctor, provide your medical record information with your consent, continue to monitor your progress and collaborate on your care while you are in the hospital.
When and how will my WorldClinic physician inform my primary care doctor about my illness or emergency while traveling?
For emergency situations, your WorldClinic physician will notify your primary care doctor about the details of your situation immediately. For routine illnesses, your WorldClinic physician will contact and inform your PCP when you have either returned home or have completed your recovery.
What role will my WorldClinic physician play during the second opinion service process?
WorldClinic offers clients access to expert medical second opinions with specialists from Mass General, Duke, Lahey Clinic, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital. Your WorldClinic physician will help you select the best providers for your specific situation, assist you in completing the application and obtaining materials to send to the service such as medical record, xrays, etc. After the second opinion service completes your report, your WorldClinic physician will review the recommendations with you and discuss your options.
Can I use the prescription medications in my prescription medical kit without first calling WorldClinic?
No. Your prescription medications from your prescription medical kit can only be dispensed to you after you've consulted with a WorldClinic physician and have been instructed on which medications to take and in what quantity and frequency.
Do you have a family plan? Do you have an extended family plan?
Yes. Our family plan provides WorldClinic's services for up to five members of a family. Additional family members and extended family members can be added as needed for an additional fee. The principal benefit of the family program is that the family receives a family prescription medical kit that is customized to the ages and medical histories of the family members.
How can I update my WorldClinic medical record and wallet medical card with new information such as medications and immunizations?
Updating your medical records at WorldClinic is easy. You can call WorldClinic directly (603-526-9003) and relate the changes to our staff in person, who will transcribe the changes into your permanent file. If it is major change i.e. surgery or a new serious condition, please have the surgeons' or specialists' name and phone number ready, so we can request your records.
You can also update your information on line at Update My Medical Record you will need your user name and password to enter the secure update web page. If you don't know your username and password, please call our offices during regular business hours (EST) or send an e-mail. You will shortly thereafter receive a new WorldClinic medical wallet card reflective of the new changes.
Does WorldClinic provide all of the services such as the medical evacuation and translation?
Members of WorldClinic enjoy a broad array of Evacuation and International Resources. Among them are global medical evacuation and critical care physician escorts, to ensure your care is provided at a modern facility capable of delivering your definitive medical treatment. Additionally, our members are all provided with a $50,000 emergency hospitalization policy to cover any costs arising from an unanticipated hospitalization overseas. Other support services include a 24/7 on-call translation service, rapid replacement of lost glasses and emergency re-supply of regular daily prescription medication, if you should run out while abroad.
What is "destination medical planning" and how does it work?
If you have a serious medical condition and you still wish to travel abroad, WorldClinic can help you. Our staff will research the physicians and special resources you might need at your intended destination. You can travel abroad knowing that the plan and people are in place to care for your condition. This service is a unique feature of Worldclinic. You can find out more by following this link: Medical Destination Planning.
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