Pre-authorisation: when do you need authorisation before receiving medical care?
1. Introduction
There are many healthcare providers available worldwide. In some situations, you need to ask us for authorisation before receiving treatment. This page shows you when you need pre-authorisation and what this means for you. This applies from 1 January 2026.
2. What is pre-authorisation?
Pre-authorisation means you need to contact the OOM Assistance Centre before undergoing certain medical treatments. They will find the most suitable provider for you. If necessary, we will give the hospital a payment guarantee. We will settle the costs afterwards directly with the healthcare provider. This way, you can be sure that you will be helped by the right provider and that the costs will be taken care of.
3. Why does OOM work with pre-authorisation?
- You know in advance where you can receive safe and reliable care.
- If necessary, we can provide the hospital with a payment guarantee.
- We will handle the costs directly with the hospital.
- We offer thorough and effective assistance.
4. Three types of treatment
We distinguish between three types of treatment. This helps clarify when you need to apply for pre-authorisation from the OOM Assistance Centre.
First, we’ll explain the three types of treatment, then we’ll show you per country when you need pre-authorisation.
A. In-patient (admission)
You spend one or more nights in hospital because of an operation, childbirth or other procedure.
For example:
- Operation with overnight stay
- Childbirth in hospital
- ICU or CCU
B. Day-care (day-care patient)
Day admission for planned treatment or a procedure without overnight stay.
For example:
- Keyhole surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Chemotherapy
- ENT procedures
C. Out-patient
You visit a doctor or specialist without admission to hospital.
For example:
- Consultation with a GP, doctor or specialist
- Blood tests, ultrasound, X-ray
- Minor medical procedures (e.g. sutures, treatment through a small incision, or the application of a cast)
5. When do you need pre-authorisation?
United States of America
You need to contact OOM Assistance Centre before all types of treatment (in-patient, day-care and out-patient). If you use the UHC patient card, this counts as authorisation.
IMPORTANT: Without authorisation or the UHC pass, you will not be entitled to reimbursement.
In Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mexico and the UAE
- Pre-authorisation is mandatory for in-patient and day-care treatment
- For out-patient treatments, you have free choice of care providers, and pre-authorisation is not required
IMPORTANT: Without authorisation you will not be entitled to reimbursement.
All other countries
In all other countries, you are free to choose a provider for any in-patient, day-care or out-patient treatments. This means you don't need to call us beforehand, unless this would put you more at ease. You can rest assured that we are here to help and support you.
Acute care
You don’t need pre-authorisation in the case of acute care. For example, in situations where you need immediate medical attention to prevent serious damage to your health, or death.
Of course, in the case of an emergency, we are here to help you in any way we can!
6. How do you apply for pre-authorisation?
- Call the OOM Assistance Centre (available 24/7) on: +31 (0)70 353 21 35
- For customers in the US, call this toll-free number: 1-866-700-1144
- Send an email to: expats@sosinternational.nl (in case of emergency, email: ma@sosinternational.nl)
- “Smartmelden” via the website of SOS International
Always have the following at hand:
- Your policy number
- Your case number (if the case has already been reported)
- A short description of the treatment or symptom
- Medication you are currently using
If applicable:
- Medical report or recommendation from your doctor
- The location of the hospital where the treatment will take place
- The date of the treatment
- The name of the treating physician