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Faculty Handbook
Information on MEDEX for MSU faculty and staff
Frequently Asked Questions From Faculty, Staff & MSU Authorized Travelers
Note: These questions are applicable only to the medical assistance program provided for MSU faculty, staff and authorized travelers. MSU Study Abroad students are covered under a different program that is mandatory for those students.
- Does the MEDEX program pay for any medical services while I am traveling abroad?
MEDEX does not pay for any medical services, but will coordinate all billing and insurance verifications between your primary insurance carrier and the treating facility. This ensures that there is no delay or denial of medical treatment if you are unable to pay upfront or your insurance is not recognized by that facility. Upfront payments are advanced by MEDEX after a payment guarantee is issued from the traveler or insurance carrier.
MEDEX provides assistance services, as indicated in the brochure provided by the MSU Travel Office. These services help individuals traveling abroad receive appropriate medical care and/or travel-related assistance. In the event there is not adequate medical care available in the immediate area, as determined by MEDEX, MEDEX will pay for the evacuation costs associated with transferring the person to the nearest appropriate medical facility. In the event of death, MEDEX also covers the repatriation costs to ship the remains to the home country. All covered costs are subject to coordination and approval by MEDEX. There is no provision for reimbursement if the evacuation is arranged by the traveler.
- How does MEDEX help locate proper medical care?
MEDEX has a database of over 40,000 international providers. These providers include doctors, hospitals, clinics, air ambulance companies, and others. Providers are carefully selected based on the specialty needed: location, language, office hours, etc. All providers are regularly reviewed to ensure quality standards. In addition, all coordinators who will assist on your case are multilingual and highly trained.
- What happens in the event of hospitalization?
MEDEX must be notified as soon as possible. Call the appropriate MEDEX number based on your location (see MEDEX card issued to you with your travel advance). Alternatively, call the U.S. 24-hour Emergency Response Center collect at 1-410-453-6330. A MEDEX Assistance Coordinator will immediately assess your situation, and will arrange for a MEDEX Physician Advisor (MPA) to speak with your treating doctor to evaluate your condition, your treatment plans, and whether or not evacuation is necessary. MEDEX will update your family, employer and personal physician as appropriate. In addition, MEDEX will coordinate all insurance verifications and admission details.
- What if the local facilities are not capable of treatment?
If the local facility is unable to provide appropriate treatment, the MPA report will convey the necessity of conducting an evacuation, any medical needs required during the evacuation and the plan of action. MEDEX will consult with all parties involved and fully manage issues surrounding the evacuation. In evaluating the local facilities MEDEX also considers such issues as the quality of blood supply, needle usage and medical technology available.
- If there is not adequate medical care available in the immediate area I am located, will MEDEX fly me back to the United States?
The MEDEX policy will pay for evacuation costs to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Due to the need for immediate treatment, most cases will not allow for the flight time required traveling back to the United States.
- If it is necessary to evacuate me to another country and I can receive treatment on an outpatient basis, will MEDEX pay for my lodging, meals, and travel costs to and from the medical facility?
MEDEX only covers the immediate evacuation costs. MEDEX will assist you with all incidental arrangements; however, the costs are your responsibility.
- If I am denied airline-boarding access because I am contagious, will the MEDEX program pay for any expenses I incur due to the extended stay and will they change my flight?
The MEDEX program would not cover the aforementioned expenses. MEDEX only pays evacuation costs if appropriate medical care is unavailable. However, MEDEX can assist in making arrangements for interrupted or disrupted travel plans resulting from an emergency situation.
- If I am injured or ill and I decide not to follow MEDEX’s advice to evacuate me to a different medical facility, what future assistance am I entitled to through MEDEX?
Once a person does not follow MEDEX advice, MEDEX will not pay for any future evacuation costs. If the member does later wish to be evacuated, MEDEX will help the individual coordinate travel arrangements to another medical facility, but they will not pay for the associated costs.
- Once I am released from the hospital, do the services end?
MEDEX assists with your case until you have returned home or have received final treatment.
- If I am injured abroad and my family decides to travel to be with me, will MEDEX pay for the costs associated with their travel?
If you are hospitalized for more than seven days, the MEDEX program will arrange and pay for the economy round trip flight for one family member to the place of your hospitalization. MEDEX can also assist with other family members' travel arrangements to be with the patient; however, the program only pays for one ticket.
- If MEDEX evacuates me to another country for medical care, what should I do when I am ready to return to my original location abroad?
You should work with MEDEX directly to arrange your return travel. By following this procedure, you can be assured MEDEX will pay for the return transportation costs. If you fail to coordinate your return with MEDEX and you experience future complications, MEDEX will not pay for any additional evacuation costs.
- Does MEDEX offer any coverage for my spouse and dependents or my personal travel?
You may purchase MEDEX coverage for a spouse and/or dependents by contacting MEDEX directly at 1-800-537-2029, or online at the MEDEX Web site.
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