Volunteer Global Travel Accident/Medical Plan

The plan, which was approved by the IEEE Executive Committee and went into effect on 1 January 2001, provides IEEE Volunteers with protection equal to 80% of reasonable and customary charges for medical expenses incurred while traveling on IEEE business subject to the following conditions:

• Coverage begins when the Volunteer leaves his or her country of permanent residence on authorized IEEE business travel (defined as travel that is paid for by IEEE), and ends upon return to that same country. This plan does not apply to travel to and from a conference, unless that travel is for authorized IEEE business purposes.
• The individual's personal insurance, employer group medical insurance, and / or national / government health plan, to the extent coverage is available outside the home country, is considered primary. If an individual does not have a policy that provides this type of coverage, then the IEEE Plan becomes the primary coverage.
• Pre-existing conditions will be covered unless it is deemed that the individual traveled for the primary purpose of obtaining medical treatment.
• Please note the following deductibles: No deductible for in Hospital expenses, $100 deductible applies to out of hospital expenses.

The IEEE Plan is paid for by the Institute, and is provided to IEEE Volunteers at no charge.

Please note : Before an individual plans to travel on IEEE business outside of his or her country of permanent residence, that individual should be sure to check with their own insurance carrier concerning coverage outside the home country. Information pertaining to personal insurance coverage should be taken on the trip.

The plan also includes:

• 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance services.
• Coverage for transportation expenses associated with an emergency medical evacuation or repatriation of mortal remains in the event of death while traveling on IEEE business.
• Survivor benefit of US$5,000 in the event of accidental death.

Medical evacuation or repatriation must be arranged through the assistance services provider. Contact information is as follows:

• Outside U.S., call Collect +1 713 267 2525;
• Inside U.S., call Toll-Free +1 800 626 2427.

If medical evacuation (certified as necessary by the attending physician) or repatriation is needed, the assistance services provider will make all arrangements with the appropriate transportation services, and arrange for accompanying medical staff (if necessary), including coordinating medical case monitoring with attending and/or home country physician.

In the event that an incident occurs, please contact the IEEE Insurance Office immediately at +1 732 562 5541 or ieeeinsurance@ieee.org. IEEE has the duty to report all claims to the insurance company in a timely manner.

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Questions concerning plan coverage, including how your personal insurance will be coordinated with the IEEE Plan, or how to submit claims should be directed to the IEEE Insurance Office at ieeeinsurance@ieee.org.

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Why was the IEEE Travel Accident / Medical Plan established?
There are times when IEEE Volunteers travel for IEEE business outside of their home country. The plan was established to protect IEEE Volunteers in the event that immediate medical attention is required while traveling on authorized IEEE business outside of their country of permanent residence.

What constitutes authorized IEEE business travel?
Authorized IEEE business travel is travel that is paid for, or reimbursed, by the IEEE.

Is this plan applicable to an IEEE Volunteer who travels to and from an IEEE conference?
No. However, if the Volunteer is attending the conference in an official capacity (e.g. Section Chair), and the trip is paid for by the IEEE, the coverage would apply.

Do I have to submit claims to my own insurance company first?
Yes. Your personal insurance, employer group medical insurance, and / or national / government health plan, to the extent coverage is available outside the home country, remains your primary insurance. It is important to understand how your own insurance will respond in the event of a medical emergency, and you should check this with your insurance carrier before you travel outside of your home country. If you do not maintain any of these types of insurance described above, IEEE's Travel Accident / Medical Plan is then considered primary. In no event will the coordination of benefits exceed 100% of eligible expenses incurred.

When is the IEEE Travel / Medical Plan in effect?
The IEEE's Travel / Medical Plan becomes effective when the Volunteer leaves his or her country of permanent residence on authorized IEEE business travel, and ends upon return to that same country.

Is there anything I need to do at the time of illness or injury to secure coverage for medical expenses?
If applicable, you must first file a claim with your own insurance company. To coordinate your personal insurance coverage with that of IEEE's, or if you do not maintain the types of personal travel medical insurance described above, then please contact the IEEE Insurance Office at ieeeinsurance@ieee.org.

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