
Major medical insurance is a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers all essential health benefits, including preventive care, emergency room visits, surgical procedures, inpatient hospital stays, and prescription medications. It is designed to provide extensive coverage for significant healthcare needs, particularly in cases of serious illness and hospitalization. Excess insurance, on the other hand, is an option within a health insurance policy where the policyholder agrees to pay a certain amount towards their medical bills, ranging from £0 to £5,000, in addition to their premium. This excess amount is paid upfront before receiving hospital treatment, and it is separate from deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. In the context of travel insurance, excess insurance becomes particularly important as it complements the policyholder's primary health insurance plan and covers medical expenses incurred while travelling.
Excess Major Medical Insurance Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Excess insurance is a type of travel medical insurance that covers medical expenses after other primary or secondary insurers have paid their portion. |
| Purpose | To minimize out-of-pocket costs for the insured by covering medical expenses that other insurance plans may not cover. |
| Coverage | Covers expenses associated with serious illness or hospitalization, including preventive care, emergency room visits, urgent care visits, surgical procedures, inpatient hospital stays, prescription medications, and other routine medical expenses. |
| Accessibility | More accessible than other health insurance policies, even for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. |
| ACA Compliance | Complies with the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) regulations, enabling policyholders to avoid tax penalties for not having health insurance. |
| Potential for Subsidies | May qualify for subsidies during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment period, making it more affordable by reducing premium costs. |
| Payment Rules | The insured must typically pay the excess amount upfront before receiving hospital treatment. |
| Deductible | Usually includes a deductible, a set amount the patient must pay before the insurance plan covers the remaining expenses. |
| Coinsurance | After the deductible is met, the patient pays a percentage of the bill (often 20%), and the insurance company pays the rest. |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit | In 2025, ACA-compliant plans must cap in-network out-of-pocket costs at $9,200 for an individual and $18,400 for a family. |
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What You'll Learn

Excess insurance is the last to pay
Excess insurance is particularly important when travelling, as many overseas medical providers demand upfront payment. In the case of a medical emergency while travelling, it is important to contact both your primary and excess insurers. The medical case managers associated with your travel insurance carrier are likely to be more experienced in international medical care and payment. They can work with your health plan and medical providers so that you can get the treatment you need.
Excess insurance is also an option for private health insurance. It is a way to save money on premiums, as you agree to pay a certain amount towards your medical bills. This is usually a one-off payment every calendar year, ranging from £0 to £5,000, depending on the insurer and policy. However, you must be able to cover the expense if you need to make a claim. Most insurers require you to pay the excess upfront before admission and treatment.
Major medical insurance is a specific type of health insurance plan that covers comprehensive and essential medical expenses. It is what people generally consider "real" health insurance. It covers serious illnesses and hospitalisation, as well as preventive care, emergency room visits, prescription medications, and routine medical expenses. It is designed to minimise out-of-pocket costs for individuals and families.
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It covers travel medical insurance
Excess major medical insurance is a type of health insurance plan that covers medical expenses for unforeseen circumstances. It is a one-off payment made every calendar year to claim hospital treatment. This means agreeing to pay a certain amount towards your medical bills, which usually range from £0 to £5000, depending on the insurer and health policy.
Travel Medical Insurance
When it comes to travel, excess medical insurance is a valuable addition to your standard health plan. It is especially important if you are travelling outside the US, as your US health insurance will likely not cover you abroad. Travel insurance companies offer medical-specific policies that allow you to choose your level of medical coverage and whether to pay a deductible.
Excess travel insurance is important because it covers medical expenses that your primary health insurance may not. When travelling, your primary insurance is the one that covers your medical bills first. If you have health insurance through two different entities, such as your regular health insurance and a travel plan, your regular health insurance will usually be the primary carrier. However, travel insurance companies differ in how they designate their medical coverage, so it is important to check before purchasing.
Excess coverage works by coordinating benefits with your regular insurance provider, who may also be responsible for your treatment. This type of coverage will continue to cover your medical expenses for up to one year after your illness or injury, which is beneficial if there are extenuating circumstances or a lengthy recovery period.
Excess coverage provides better financial protection than primary coverage, as you won't have to pay your regular deductibles and co-pays. It is also essential if no other insurance is available.
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It can be added to any medical insurance policy
Excess insurance is an option that can be added to any medical insurance policy to lower your premium. It is a one-off payment that you make every calendar year to claim hospital treatment or hospital care. This means agreeing to pay a certain amount towards your medical bills, which usually ranges from £0 to £5,000 depending on the health insurer and health policy. However, the amount is no more than the excess agreed upon when signing the insurance policy.
For example, if your hospital treatment amounts to £2,500 and you agreed on a policy with a £250 excess, you would need to pay £250, while your current health insurance provider will cover the remaining health care costs of £2,250.
Excess insurance is also important when it comes to travel medical insurance. If you have health insurance through two different entities, such as your regular health insurance and a travel plan with health coverage, the primary carrier is the one that pays or reimburses your medical bills first. However, travel insurance companies differ in how they designate their medical coverage, so it is important to check before purchasing.
Major medical insurance, on the other hand, is a specific type of health insurance plan that covers medical expenses associated with serious illness or hospitalization. It provides comprehensive coverage, including preventive care, emergency room visits, urgent care visits, surgical procedures, and inpatient hospital stays. It often covers preventive care services, urgent care visits, emergency room visits, prescription medications, and other routine medical expenses.
Major medical insurance plans are typically more accessible, even for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. They comply with the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) regulations and are designed to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for individuals and families.
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It's a one-off payment each calendar year
Excess insurance is a type of health insurance that can be added to any medical insurance policy. It is a one-off payment made every calendar year to claim hospital treatment or hospital care. This means agreeing to pay a certain amount towards your medical bills, ranging from £0 to £5,000, depending on the health insurer and health policy. The amount is never more than the excess agreed upon when signing the insurance policy. For example, if your hospital treatment costs £2,500 and you agreed to a policy with a £250 excess, you would pay £250, and your insurance provider would pay the remaining costs of £2,250.
Excess insurance is also beneficial when it comes to travel medical insurance. In this case, excess insurance pays after other primary or secondary insurers have covered their portion. If you have health insurance through two different entities, such as your regular health insurance and a travel plan with health coverage, the primary carrier will pay or reimburse your medical bills first. However, travel insurance companies differ in how they designate their medical coverage, so it's important to check before purchasing.
Major medical insurance is a specific type of health insurance plan that covers medical expenses associated with serious illness or hospitalisation. It provides comprehensive coverage, including preventive care, emergency room visits, urgent care visits, surgical procedures, inpatient hospital stays, prescription medications, and other routine medical expenses. It does not cover cosmetic procedures. Major medical insurance plans are typically more accessible, even for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, and they comply with the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) regulations. These plans often include a broad range of medical services and treatments, providing a safety net for various healthcare needs.
When it comes to payment procedures, most insurers require you to pay the excess upfront before admission and hospital treatment. This is usually the case with traditional excess cover types, as the specific amount is already known. Once you have the insurer's authorisation, you can make arrangements with specialists and private hospitals that accept payment from your specific insurer. After receiving the required healthcare services, you will receive a bill that includes a detailed breakdown of the hospital costs.
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It's a way to save money on insurance
Excess major medical insurance is a way to save money on insurance. It is a type of health insurance that covers the expenses associated with serious illness or hospitalisation. When choosing a health plan, understanding the term "major medical" is important, as it refers to comprehensive health plans that cover most necessary care.
Excess insurance is a way to lower your premium. It is a one-off payment made every calendar year to claim hospital treatment or care. This means agreeing to pay a portion of your medical bills, which is usually a known amount ranging from £0 to £5000, depending on the insurer and policy. For instance, if your hospital treatment costs £2500 and you have a policy with a £250 excess, you pay the excess, and your insurer covers the remaining costs.
Excess insurance is also beneficial when it comes to travel medical insurance. When travelling, having excess travel medical insurance ensures that your medical bills are covered by your regular health insurance and a travel plan. This is especially important as many overseas medical providers demand upfront payment. By having excess insurance, you can rest assured that your medical case managers will work with your health plan and medical providers to ensure you receive the necessary treatment.
Additionally, major medical insurance plans are designed to be comprehensive and accessible. They often cover preventive care, emergency room visits, prescription medications, and routine medical expenses. These plans are typically easier to obtain, even for individuals with pre-existing conditions, and can be sold through licensed private brokers. Major medical insurance helps minimise out-of-pocket costs for policyholders, ensuring that essential medical expenses are covered.
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Frequently asked questions
Excess major medical insurance is a type of health insurance that covers the expenses associated with serious illness or hospitalization. It often covers preventive care services, emergency room visits, urgent care visits, prescription medications, and other routine medical expenses. Excess insurance is not a bad thing when it comes to travel medical insurance.
A traditional insurance excess is a one-off payment you need to make every calendar year to claim your hospital treatment or hospital care. This means agreeing to pay a certain amount towards your medical bills, usually ranging from £0 to £5,000 depending on the health insurer and health policy.
Primary, secondary, and excess refer to the sequence in which different insurance plans pay your medical bills. Excess insurance pays after other primary or secondary insurers have covered their portion. If you have health insurance through two different entities, like your regular health insurance and a travel plan with health coverage, the primary carrier is the one that pays or reimburses your medical bills first.











































