LaLaLayla

OK, so I have started a new job. It's a really fab job, but the Health Insurance is not very good. However, my last job (of lunch vouchers fame) had really great insurance.

I have discovered that I need some expensive medication that is not available in this country and which my new insurance does not cover. My old medical card expires at the end of the year and that insurance would - in theory - cover it.

My question is, can I use my old medical insurance from lunch voucher job for my medication? Or is that a bit cheeky? Or illegal?

Thanks.

Meow

Cover is linked to your employment if you are a member of a group scheme. Your employer will notify the insurance company that you are no longer on the payroll so your cover will cease when you stop working for them.

LaLaLayla

Blimey! I am glad I asked now! Thanks Meow

nottmbantam

Yes, as Meow says. I work in HR, we used to inform the Medical Insurance people of all terminations. One of the exit processes was to obtain the medical insurance card from the employee. If they still have it in their possession, it'll probably take a day or two for the cancellation to kick in. Sometimes, if we "ask" someone to leave, we can leave the insurance in place for a few months as part of the deal.

Most times though, when you leave your job, that medical cover also goes.

Millhouse

Did you seriously think it would work any other way?!

Norm_uk

Surely a call to your old insurance company to confirm you are still covered would be enough (confirming basically if your old employer has already cancelled it or not).

N.

busybee2

it stops when you stop working for them, sometimes you have to give back the card when cancelling visas etc.

LaLaLayla

I thought it lasted until it ran out as it had been paid until the end of the year.

seven seas

If you forget and use the old card, what's the worst that could happen?

Meow

Your employer will get a refund and your cover is technically invalid once you leave service as corporate plans are for employees, and their dependents, only.

shiva

prosecution for insurance fraud and a criminal case opened along with travel ban and UAE blacklisting.

Meow

Unlikely but it is certainly possible.

Attempting to use an invalid medical card, when you know you are no longer covered, is effectively fraudulent. A person attempting this would be attempting to defraud both their previous employer and the insurance provider, as well as the hospital or clinic.

busybee2

nope its connected to your employment! (especially in auh where its mandatory for you to have it).

busybee2

also they would know once they get all the paperwork back if you were direct billing etc, and if not direct billing you wouldnt get the approval from the insurance company anyways.

shiva

they did say "what was the worst"

in all likelyhood it would just be a declined bill and a phone call