By Shimon Cohen
Chagim are here, marking the official end of the summer. Let’s take a look at some complicated claims that came our way this summer.
Claim #1:
Two teenage girls were in Singapore. They saw a stand advertising an hour ride on electric three-wheeler golf carts. They asked the owner if they needed a driver’s license for the carts, and he assured them that they didn’t. Unfortunately, they crashed, and one girl broke her jaw. When we started to process the claim, we discovered that, in fact, one did need a motorcycle licence in Singapore for these carts, and the insurance company refuted the claim. (There is a specific clause in the travel policy that in a place where a license is needed, there is no coverage if you drive without it.)
Try to sue the stand owner? Forget it!
Result: A large claim for the parents
Moral of the story: Always check the insurance requirements of any car, golf-cart, or motorcycle that you plan to drive.
Claim #2:
Our client took out extended coverage for emergency pregnancy care. While in New York, she needed to see a gynecologist. She contacted one doctor after the other but not one was prepared to accept a new or, even worse, a temporary patient. This, of course, was with the understanding that the insurance would cover full private rates. This is the sad situation—the doctors are so nervous about liability claims that they simply refuse to see new patients! (Our client could have gone to the emergency room but all she needed was a simple appointment).
Result: She waited until her return to Israel.
Moral: Don’t complain about Kupot Cholim!
Financial Summaries
How many of us have worked in a few places, have had different pensions taken out, have bought policies over the phone or have policies overseas?
This often results in a large number of debits on our credit cards/bank accounts with us usually having no real idea of what we have or need.
Egert-Cohen steps up to the plate!
Today, we can get a summary of all your Israeli pensions and insurance policies. This is done through a government site called Har HaBituach, which collects information from all the insurance companies based on your teudat zehut number.
Once we have this information, we prepare a detailed summary and, if necessary, will meet with you in person to discuss your options. Our experience has been that we can usually save our clients hundreds (and sometimes, thousands!) of shekels a year.
A classic example was an older widow who asked us for this service. Upon going through her policy, we found that she had no less than five personal accident policies. One would be reasonable, but five!? We saved her a lot of money that should go to more pressing needs.
The cost for this service is 1,000 NIS for non-clients and 750 NIS for Egert-Cohen clients. Contact us for details.
Calendars
We have a limited number of Egert Cohen’s beautiful wall calendars for the coming year. Please email [email protected] to get your free copy.
Shimon Cohen is the manager of Egert & Cohen Insurance. Egert & Cohen is a family business that specializes in serving the Anglo and new olim populations. They provide a friendly and professional one-stop-shop for all your insurance needs. Egert & Cohen can be reached at 02-622-7999 or through their website www.egertcohen.co.il.
