What’s the difference between a reimbursement claim and a direct billing claim?
Reimbursement and direct billing are the two main ways a claim can be settled with Expatriate Group, and understanding the difference helps you know which route applies to your situation.
What is a reimbursement claim?
A reimbursement claim is where you pay for treatment or another covered cost yourself, then submit a claim afterwards to recover the money. This is typically done through expatriate.claims, and is the standard route for:
- Outpatient treatment
- Smaller medical expenses
- Travel insurance claims, such as baggage or travel delays
What is a direct billing claim?
A direct billing claim is where Expatriate Group settles the cost directly with the hospital or treating facility, so you do not need to pay upfront at all. This is arranged through the 24-hour assistance line and generally applies to:
- Hospitalisation
- Treatment likely to exceed €1,000
- Emergency situations, where the assistance team arranges authorisation on your behalf
Reimbursement claim vs direct billing
| Route | Who pays first | When it applies | What to do |
| Reimbursement claim | You pay and claim back | Smaller or outpatient costs | Submit invoices and documentation |
| Direct billing | Expatriate Group pays the facility directly | Hospitalisation and higher-cost treatment | Requires pre-approval before treatment takes place |
Which route is right for you?
If you are unsure which applies, the simplest guide is cost and setting, as lower-cost or outpatient claims are usually reimbursed, while hospital admissions and higher-cost treatment should be pre-approved in advance to take advantage of direct billing. If in doubt, the best approach is to contact the assistance line before treatment.
