Companion
If indicated, SZV will approve for one companion to assist the Insured abroad. A companion is approved if amongst others:
- The Insured is incapacitated, physically or mentally;
- The Insured will undergo a surgery or procedure that will prevent them from being able to take care of themselves (perform ADLs - activities of daily living).
The companion is expected to assist the Insured with bathing, dressing, eating if necessary and will have to accompany the Insured on a full time basis in the hospital, if the Insured is hospitalized. If the insured does not have a companion to travel with them, SZV can provide a sitter or nurse assistant in the country of treatment. However, family members or friends living in the country of treatment who assist the Insured are not eligible for companion benefits as they are not displaced from their living environment. The selected companion should be available to stay with the Insured for at least 3 weeks to 1 month. The companion if employed should take vacation days because volunteering to be a companion does not entitle the companion to sick-leave or loss of wages.
If the Insured chooses to bring a companion that is not assigned or approved by SZV then the Insured and his/her companion are responsible for paying hotel costs, transportation charges and meals for the non-assigned, non-approved companion.