Health care in the United States works differently from many other countries and it is expensive without insurance. Knowing where to go and how your plan pays can save you a lot of money and stress. This guide explains when to use urgent care or the emergency room, how to find an in-network doctor, when to use telehealth, and how to file a claim. The examples use IMG plans sold by TaiAn, but most of the advice applies to any plan.
Before you need care
- Keep your insurance ID card with you, on your phone or printed. Doctors and hospitals will ask for it.
- Create a MyIMG account at imglobal.com. You'll use it to find doctors, request precertification, submit claims and check claim status.
- Save the phone numbers on your ID card, including the 24-hour assistance line.
Urgent care or the emergency room?
| Where to go | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Doctor's office or clinic | Checkups, ongoing conditions, prescriptions and anything that can wait a few days. Usually needs an appointment. |
| Urgent care center | Problems that need same-day care but aren't life-threatening: fever, flu, minor cuts, sprains, ear or urinary infections. No appointment needed, and many are open evenings and weekends. |
| Emergency room (ER) | Serious or life-threatening problems: chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, severe bleeding, serious injuries, or sudden severe pain. In an emergency, call 911. |
An ER visit usually costs many times more than urgent care, and some plans pay less, or charge more, when the ER is used for something that isn't an emergency. If you're not sure, call your doctor or a nurse line first. But in a real emergency, go to the ER right away; don't wait to check your insurance.
How to find an in-network doctor
Inside the U.S., IMG's Patriot plans use the UnitedHealthcare Options PPO network. Doctors and hospitals in that network have agreed on prices with the plan and can often bill IMG directly, so you pay less up front.
- Search for doctors through MyIMG or the provider search link on your ID card.
- Call the office before your visit and ask: "Do you accept UnitedHealthcare Options PPO through IMG? Is your office in-network?" Networks change, so confirm each time.
- Show your ID card when you arrive.
You can also see a doctor outside the network. Your plan may still pay, but usually less, and you may have to pay the bill first and file a claim.
Telehealth
Telehealth means a video or phone visit with a doctor. It's useful for minor illnesses, prescription refills and questions after hours. Telehealth benefits depend on your plan. TaiAn Exchange Select (Plan S) includes Teladoc visits with no deductible and no coinsurance. For other plans, check your plan certificate or MyIMG to see what's included. If your plan doesn't include telehealth, many urgent care companies offer paid virtual visits. Keep the receipt and ask about filing a claim.
Precertification: ask first for big procedures
Some care must be approved in advance, which is called precertification. It usually includes hospital stays, surgery, and advanced scans such as CT and MRI. Request it through MyIMG or by calling IMG. If you are admitted to the hospital in an emergency, contact IMG within 48 hours. Without the required precertification, your plan may pay less. Your plan certificate lists exactly what needs it.
How to file a claim
- In-network providers often bill IMG directly. You pay your deductible or share, and IMG pays the rest.
- If you paid the bill yourself, submit a claim in MyIMG. Include the claim form, the itemized bill showing each service, the diagnosis, and your proof of payment.
- Submit claims promptly. Plans have time limits for filing claims, often 180 days from the date of service. Check your certificate for yours.
- Track the claim in MyIMG. If IMG needs more information, they'll contact you there, so check it often.
- Need help in Chinese? IMG can provide translation help with claims, and TaiAn's bilingual agents can walk you through the process.
Questions about your coverage?
The FAQs for each plan are in our Help Center. If you need help finding a doctor, understanding a bill or filing a claim, contact TaiAn. Our live agents speak English and Chinese, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time.