What is the International Second Opinion in Health Insurance?

If you are unsure about the diagnosis or treatment plan offered by the healthcare provider, you may want to consider getting a second opinion. A health insurance plan with international second opinion helps you get your case reevaluated without you travelling internationally. You might think - Why should I invest in health insurance with an international second opinion? How does it work? Let’s explore all aspects of second opinion in detail.

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International Second Opinion in Health Insurance

An international second opinion is an additional cover added to your health insurance policy. You pay a small amount of premium for this add-on service. It makes you eligible to get your case re-evaluated globally. You don't need to travel to another country to avail this benefit. Therefore, irrespective of expensive charges or a lengthier consultation process, you can opt for it without any hassle.

Why You Should Invest in Health Insurance With International Second Opinion?

When you opt for a second opinion for your diagnosis or treatment plan, it does not convey distrust for your healthcare service provider. It helps you make an informed decision about your treatment plan. Here are some of the reasons for you to consider a health insurance plan with an international second opinion:

A Risky Medical Procedure

When you are advised of a significantly risky medical procedure as a treatment such as open heart surgery, major joint replacement surgery, or oncological surgery, seeking a second opinion will be a good choice. These medical procedures are complicated, and you need peace of mind and assurance before saying “yes” to these procedures as your treatment plan.

A Persistent Ailment

If you are suffering from a long-term ailment, you need not settle for it as the treatment plan might not be sufficient to cure. When you seek an international second opinion in such cases, you might come across as a unique treatment option to improve your health and overall well-being.

Critical Illness

If your family member is diagnosed with a critical illness, seeking a second medical opinion becomes necessary. Critical illness is life-threatening, and identifying the stage of the disease helps understand treatment plans. Therefore, it is important to seek a second medical opinion in such cases.

Costly Treatment

If your healthcare provider suggested a costly treatment plan, you might want to seek a second opinion before you commit to it. It helps you understand your condition in a better way, and from another doctor’s perspective, too. After taking a second medical opinion, you can make an informed decision.

Lack Of Clarity

When you do not have a complete understanding of the diagnosis or treatment plan offered, it is best to seek a second opinion, globally. Lack of clarity does not lead you in the proper direction, and it is essential to seek clarity before committing to a treatment plan. Therefore, a second medical opinion helps you get a complete understanding of your condition.

Details About International Second Opinion At ACKO

At Acko, we consider chronic illnesses for second medical opinion coverage. Here are a few diseases which qualify under this coverage:

Cancer
Last - Stage Lung Failure
Tumor
Paralysis
Heart Valve Replacement
Stroke
Renal Failure
Neuron Disease
Total Blindness
Coma
Third Degree Burns
Major Organ Transplants

Here are the terms and conditions for the second opinion in health insurance:

As an insured person, you should have been hospitalised for at least 24 hours, and your insurer must approve your claim under inpatient hospitalisation.
Second opinions are based on medical reports and documents. The coverage will not be given if the doctor only physically examines you.
The insurance company will not be liable for any complications arising due to the second opinion. You will not be allowed to take any legal action against any insurer.

Conclusion

An international second opinion is advisable in case of critical health conditions and those involving complex surgeries or treatment options. It helps you consider all aspects of treatment plans from both the healthcare providers you have consulted. When you move forward with 100% clarity in your treatment plan, you win half the battle, and the rest is treatment and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does international second opinion become important?

It is advisable to go for an international second medical opinion for critical illnesses, complicated procedures, or persistent ailments. It helps you evaluate your treatment options with clarity and offers you mental peace.

Does a second medical opinion indicate distrust in my healthcare provider?

Absolutely no. You may seek a second medical opinion for various reasons. You or your family member might be suffering from a critical illness. So, your doctor understands your condition as they are empathetic, and they do not take it as distrust in their treatment.

What to say when getting a second medical opinion?

It is better to be open about it with your specialist about getting a second opinion. You can explain about your illness, and tell them what clarity you want regarding available treatment options, and if there is any other treatment option possible. When you are open, and express yourself clearly, it becomes easier for your doctor to solve your queries.

Is seeking a second opinion beneficial?

It depends on your illness and available treatment options. If you are not satisfied with your current options and seek more clarity, it is best to take a second medical opinion to have clarity. It is important to trust the treatment option before committing to it.

Written by Roocha Kanade

2.5K Linkedin Followers

Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya

Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!