Pre-authorisation
Also known as: Prior authorisation, Pre-approval, Pre-auth, Guarantee of payment, GOP
Pre-authorisation is your insurer’s advance approval for a specific treatment, required before the hospital proceeds.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You need knee surgery in a Bangkok hospital after a trekking injury. The hospital estimates the cost at $8,000. Before scheduling surgery, your insurer requires pre-authorisation. You call the assistance line, they review the medical reports, and issue approval within 4 hours. Without pre-authorisation, the insurer could refuse to cover the surgery even if it was medically necessary.
Why travellers need to know
Pre-authorisation is required by most travel insurers for non-emergency hospital admissions, planned surgeries, and expensive diagnostics (MRI, CT scans). Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons large claims are reduced or denied. In genuine emergencies, insurers expect you to seek treatment immediately and notify them within 24 hours. For anything planned or non-urgent, call the assistance line first.
Country-specific notes
US hospitals often require pre-auth for admissions
US hospitals routinely require pre-authorisation from any insurer (domestic or foreign) before non-emergency admissions. The hospital's billing department and your insurer's assistance line handle this together. Without pre-auth, you may be asked to pay a deposit.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
How Nomedic helps
Your Nomedic record gives your insurer’s assistance line immediate access to your medical history, speeding up the pre-authorisation process when time matters.
Your health records, anywhere you go
Speed up pre-authorisation with records already shared.
Free to start. No credit card required.