Frequently Asked Questions

To complete registration you will need your Health Certificate Number. You must also provide a jpg of a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license. Click here to register and, after reading the requirements, click ‘Next’.

Fill the form with the requested details and press ‘Next’. Once you have uploaded your ID, agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and press ‘Submit’.

Once completed, a confirmation will appear onscreen. After your account is verified and approved, you will receive an activation link via email.

You can also register for Argus Vantage to access your Pensions account or to renew your car and bike policies online. Simply follow the steps above and provide your Social Insurance Number to register with your Pensions account or your motor policy number to review and renew your bike or car policy.

Sign In to Argus Vantage, click ‘My Account’ and then click the ‘Change Email’ button. Enter the email you currently use to sign in to Vantage and the new email address you wish to use, and press ‘Submit’. You will receive an email to your new email address prompting you to press the ‘Reactivate Now’ button. You will not be able to sign into Vantage until you have reactivated your account via this email.

At the top right of the Argus website, click the green ‘Sign In’ button to access a drop-down menu. Under ‘Members’, click ‘Argus Vantage’. On the Vantage Sign In page click 'Don’t remember your password?'. Enter your email address and you will receive an email with a link to reset your password. Your chosen password must contain a capital letter, a symbol, a number, and be at least 8 characters long.

Sign In to Argus Vantage, click ‘My Account’ and then click the ‘Reset Password’ button. Enter the email address you use to sign into Vantage and press ‘Submit’. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password. Your chosen password must contain a capital letter, a symbol, a number, and be at least 8 characters long.

In order to deactivate your account, please call the Argus Customer Service Centre on (441) 298-0888.

The telenurse advice line is a free phone service (441-298-0430) providing Argus health insurance clients with greater access to medical advice and guidance. Registered nurses are available to assist callers with non-emergency health situations and direct them to the appropriate level of care.

Telenurse is available at any time- day and night, including holidays and weekends.

Telenurse is intended for those experiencing acute illness or injury, requiring basic medical advice or an opinion on whether further medical care is needed. Callers can get care advice after hours and prevent unnecessary ER visits, while adhering to shelter-in-place guidance. A telenurse call can help you:

• Decide when to visit your doctor, get urgent or emergency care*
• Manage common or everyday health concerns including, but not limited to, mild fever, rashes or minor burns, ear or sinus problems, etc.
• Learn about preventive care

*The telenurse advice line is not a substitute for emergency care.

Call 911 if you or someone else is experiencing any of the following:

• Chest pain/pressure or difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness, fainting or seizures
• Bluish lips or face
• Fever above 104 degrees
• Serious wounds/bleeding that won’t stop
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe cuts or burns
• Poisoning
• Broken bones
• Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy
• Severe allergic reactions

During your call, a registered nurse will ask a few questions and give you information and recommendations to help you decide what to do next.

You should always follow the advice of your general practitioner (GP) and other healthcare professionals. Argus is covering phone and online video calls with local and overseas regulated healthcare providers for insured members**. You should not have a co-pay for these services. Contact your GP or other healthcare providers directly if:

• You are managing a chronic condition or need assistance with managing your medications
• You have follow up appointments and services, including routine wellbeing or maintenance, getting test results, reviewing medications and requesting refills.

**For insured members with Home & Office (HO) benefits. Check your insurance card for coverage details.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to or suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call your doctor directly or the Bermuda Government help line at 441-444-2498 (WhatsApp 441-504-6045) for advice.

Those who do not have a regular local GP have the option of being directed to our medical partners, Island Health Services, if they are advised by a telenurse that the need further evaluation. Telenurse will assist with scheduling your phone or online video appointment with a doctor at Island Health Services to address your health needs. You will not have a co-pay for this service.

We understand at times that our clients may require assistance for a travel companion when accessing your Argus health benefits. Benefits for a travelling companion are approved in the following circumstances:

• When the Insured Person is a minor Dependent Child,or has surgery or mental incapacity.

Customer Service Centre:
For routine health claims questions, call 298-0888 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives. 

Worldwide Call Centre (if you require treatment overseas):
Before making any arrangements to travel overseas for medical treatment, please call us for pre-approval.From Bermuda, Canada and USA, call 1-800-720-7315 (toll free) or 1-905-532-2954 (collect) or email overseascare@argus.bm. Argus Representatives are available to provide assistance with emergency medical care, emergency medical evacuation, discharge planning, loss of travel documents and insurance verification.

Your spouse (including legally married or common law spouse or legal domestic partner) and children. 

Your child must be an unmarried, natural child, step-child, child of a dependent spouse or a legally adopted child who:

• is under the age of 19; or
• is over the age of 19 but under age 26, if the child is in full-time attendance in a recognised school, college or university; or
• is over the age of 19, and is impaired by reason of mental illness, physical illness or disability or intellectually disabled and unable to meet the requirement for physical health, safety or self-care

In general, your dependents will have the same health insurance benefits as you. Please note:

• your non-working/unemployed spouse must be insured for full coverage
• your working spouse may be insured for everything except Health Insurance Act benefits which must be provided by your spouse’s employer
• your self-employed spouse may be insured for full coverage
• dependent children may be insured for full benefits although they may be entitled to Bermuda government subsidies for the Health Insurance Act benefits

Providing you enrol in the plan within 31 days of first becoming eligible:

• coverage begins on the date that you commence active work or, if you are not actively at work on that date, on the date you return to work
• coverage for a non-working/unemployed spouse begins on the date your coverage begins
• coverage for any other dependent begins on the date your coverage begins or, the date you first enrol an eligible dependent, whichever is later
• coverage for any subsequent eligible dependent begins on the date of eligibility provided the dependent is not in hospital and is actively pursuing normal activities
• coverage for a new born child begins at birth provided enrolment is made within 31 days of the birth

If you or your dependent enrol in the plan more than 31 days of first becoming eligible:

• we may require proof of good health and coverage will become effective on the date we approve such evidence
• if dental coverage is provided, you and your dependent will be limited to $1,000 maximum in the first 12 months of coverage

Immediately. To ensure coverage is kept up to date, complete the Change of Information Form and submit it to your employer’s plan administrator for:

• Change in coverage
• Change of dependent status
• Change of name

Complete the Change of Information Form for Individual Coverage
Complete the Change of Information Form for Group Coverage

Yes. If your coverage terminates under this group policy you may apply, without providing evidence of insurability, for an individual health insurance policy within 31 days of your termination date. The individual policy we will issue may provide more limited coverage than the group policy. The premium due for the individual policy will be based on the rates in effect at that time for your gender and age.

Complete the Application for Conversion to Individual Health Plan Form.

We will continue coverage for eligible expenses incurred as a result of the total disability, without premium payment, for up to 3 months. This extension will only apply if the group policy remains in force.

You should submit claims as soon as possible after the date of service. In order for benefits to be paid claims must be received within 12 months of the date of service.  Original itemized invoices and receipts should accompany the Argus Health Claim form.

Sign up for our Electronic Funds Transfer service to receive your health claims via direct deposit to your local Bermuda bank account.

Reference to “policy year” in the attached schedule of benefits refers to May 1 through April 30.

All medical pre-existing conditions are covered. Dental pre-existing conditions limitations apply to the provision of a crown, post, inlay, onlay, denture, bridgework or implant.  Please contact our Customer Service Centre for more information before you receive treatment.

Your Health Insurance Act benefits end on the last day of the month in which your employment terminates. The Health Insurance Act benefits will be extended, without premium payment, for up to 4 weeks following the end of the month in which employment terminates, provided you do not become employed or eligible for insurance as a non-working spouse.  All other benefits end on the date your employment terminates.  

Your dependents’ coverage will end on the earliest of the following:

• The date your coverage ends
• The date the policy is amended to terminate dependent insurance
• The date the dependent is no longer an eligible dependent

Submit health and dental claims online through Argus Vantage. After Sign In, click on 'Health Dashboard' and then 'Submit a Health Claim' to complete the form in a few easy steps. You will be required to upload digital copies of your itemised invoice and proof of payment. For dental claims you will also be required to upload a completed and signed Dental Claim Form.

You should submit claims as soon as possible after the date of service. In order for benefits to be paid claims must be received within 12 months of the date of service. All claims over $2,000 require original invoices to be kept by the main insured for a year. Argus reserves the right to request these forms at any time for audit and/or administrative purposes.
 

If you have not yet registered for Argus vantage, click here.

The following is a list of care, treatment, supplies or charges that your health policy does not cover:

• Cosmetic surgery that is deemed to be not medically necessary and is performed primarily to improve or change an insured person’s physical appearance
• Charges which arise from work-related injury or sickness that are required to be covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act 1965
• Charges resulting from liability which is established under the provisions of the Motor Car Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act, 1943, or other similar act or legislation
• Charges incurred when no charge would have been made if no insurance coverage had been in force
• Services performed by a person who ordinarily resides in the insured person’s home or who is a close relative or by a physician or nurse who is an employee of a hospital and is paid by the hospital
• Charges for investigational/experimental procedures, or for procedures which are not medically necessary
• Charges as a result of complications of any excluded procedure
• Charges for testing or training for educational, vocational or learning disabilities
• Charges resulting from the voluntary taking or being under the influence of any controlled substance, drug, hallucinogen or narcotic not administered or taken on the advice of a physician
• Charges resulting from injuries sustained while committing, or attempting to commit, an indictable criminal offence or felony, or when operating a vehicle while the blood alcohol level exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or as otherwise defined by the relevant legislation
• Charges resulting from war, declared or undeclared, insurrection or active participation in a riot or rebellion
• Charges for replacement of supplies or appliances which are lost, mislaid, stolen or broken
• Charges for services performed by a provider of services not licensed, certified, authorised or practising within the scope of his licence or qualifications, or whose qualifications do not satisfy the requirements of the policy to provide such treatment, or who has not been approved by us
• Diagnostic tests performed for the use of a third party including, but not limited to:
  • visa requirements
  • employment requirements
  • school entrance,
  • sports activities, and
  • life insurance examinations
• Services provided mainly as a rest cure, maintenance or custodial care
• Infertility, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilisation, or the services of a surrogate mother
• Treatment of sexual dysfunction or for sexual transformations
• Treatment in connection with the reversal of surgical sterilisation
• The amount in excess of the usual & customary charges
• The part of any eligible expense that is in excess of the amount allowable under the Health Insurance Act or the Bermuda Hospitals Board Act (Medical and Dental Charges) legislation or the applicable Bermuda fee schedule
• Charges for which benefits are payable by any programme or agency funded by any government, including the Mutual Reinsurance Fund, or for which the insured person is entitled by law to obtain benefits without charge
• Charges for missed appointments, advice by telephone other than approved telemedicine services, completion of claim forms, supplying of records, referral letters or reports, or transportation costs incurred by a physician or other provider
• Professional services billed by a nurse while the insured person is confined in a hospital or other institution
• Amounts in excess of the amount shown in the schedule of benefits
• A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, except as specifically provided under the dental benefit
• Ionising radiation or radioactive contamination from any nuclear fuel or waste
• Charges from a hospital or other facility if the insured person has discharged himself against medical advice or failed to complete the prescribed treatment plan
• Treatment, care or services that would expose Argus to any international or United Nations’ trade or economic sanctions, laws, prohibitions, restrictions or regulations
• Charges that do not comply with the Argus claims editing process or standards of medical practice
• Charges incurred following the failure of an insured person to obtain a second opinion when requested by us
• Care, services and supplies provided to alter the body’s genes, genetic makeup or the expression of the body’s genes except for correction of a congenital birth defect specifically provided for in this policy
• Removal or replacement of dental implants
• Specialty prescription drugs that are not approved by us
• Charges for any injury or sickness arising from improper use of the Argus Wellness Programme
• Charges as a result of complications of services:
  • provided by a provider who is not licensed, registered or certified or is not practising within the scope of his licence or qualifications, or has not been approved by us, or
  • if the services have not been pre-certified by us, if applicable

The Argus office at 14 Wesley Street is now open to the public 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. 

We want you to feel secure and comfortable when you visit Argus and we’ve followed the Government’s COVID-19 operations to create an environment that’s safe for all. New practices include, signage to remind and encourage social distancing protocols, the wearing of face masks, hand sanitiser stations and limited opening hours to allow for deep cleaning and sterilisation.

Argus will continue to support your needs online and by telephone. You can reach our Customer Service Centre on (441) 298-0888 between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm or email insurance@argus.bm for assistance.

We encourage our pensions and health members, corporate clients and personal motor policy holders to register for a Vantage online account to gain access to policy information and a number of self-service tools.

Pensions and health members and personal motor policy holders can register for a Vantage online account here.

Pensions and health corporate clients can register here for an online account.

Argus will cover treatment for COVID-19 based on your current health benefits plan. If you are travelling and your destination requires you to have a statement of insurance letter, please contact insurance@argus.bm.

Effective January 1, 2022, the administration of FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines by local private healthcare providers will be covered for insured members with Preventive & Diagnostic (PD) benefits at 100% of the Bermuda Health Council (BHeC) fee schedule. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines for Bermuda residents visit: https://www.gov.bm/vaccines

For insured members with Major Medical (MM) benefits, Argus will cover FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines received overseas at 100% of billed charges.

Check your insurance card for coverage details.

If you are an Argus Health client and experience any health issue overseas, you should immediately contact the Argus-owned One Team Health emergency hotline on 1-905-532-2954 or via the US toll-free number 1-800-720-7315 or email overseascare@argus.bm for assistance.

We will cover only PCR tests as the diagnostic test for COVID-19 for medical reasons, unless otherwise advised by the Government of Bermuda. Effective December 1, 2021, non-medical PCR sample collection and testing for travel (e.g. leisure or business) and group screening (e.g. SafeKey purposes, school or workplace) by private providers will not be covered services. Antigen and antibodies testing are not covered at this time.

Should you choose to have your PCR test sample collected at an authorised private facility by a private healthcare provider, there may be additional charges relating to sample collection, handling, patient assessment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Effective June 1, 2022 these charges will be covered at 50% of the Bermuda Health Council (BHeC) scheduled amount in accordance with your Home & Office (HO) benefits*

Argus Health will cover lab fees for local medically necessary diagnostic PCR tests processed at approved private labs at 100% in accordance with your usual diagnostic services (PD) benefit*.

*Check your insurance card for coverage details.

If you are travelling for non-elective medical reasons (i.e. treatment not available in Bermuda) PCR and observed antigen testing are covered locally and overseas if you are an insured member with Preventive & Diagnostic (PD) and Major Medical (MM) benefits*. Effective December 1, 2021 overseas non-medical COVID testing for leisure or business travel will not be a covered service.

*Check your insurance card for coverage details.

As part of your Travel Authorisation booking, you will be asked to pay a $40 fee* (*for individuals older than 2-years) by bank card to cover costs relating to COVID-19 public health monitoring.

Argus will reimburse insured members with Major Medical (MM) benefits for charges relating to the Travel Authorisation only if the member is returning to Bermuda after receiving medical treatment overseas not available in Bermuda and submits a receipt for the charges. Travel Authorisation fees for one approved travel companion will also be eligible for reimbursement. Members must contact One Team Health (OTH) for pre-authorisation and can submit a claim via their Argus Vantage secure member account.

Argus will continue to cover phone and online video calls with local healthcare providers for insured members with Home & Office (HO) benefits for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, or until further notice. Benefits are payable at the same amount as for in-person visits and are subject to annual benefit maximums and number of visits, if applicable. Coverage will be re-evaluated in light of government regulations and guidance. Coverage is for regulated healthcare professionals and approved non-regulated providers, including, but not limited to:

• Physicians
• Dentists
• Nurses
• Registered Dietitians
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Approved counsellors/therapists with clinical oversight by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist 
 

If you are an insured member with Major Medical (MM) benefits, Argus will cover initial consultation and follow-up telemedicine visits with overseas medical providers based on your current overseas care benefits. For pre-certification assistance with scheduling your appointment, contact One Team Health (OTH) and a Case Manager will be able to direct you to a provider based on your needs and to minimise out-of-pocket expenses.

Members who have recently received a challenging diagnosis (e.g. cancers, blood disorders, spinal surgery, etc.) may utilise the InfiniteMD virtual medical second opinion offered by Argus. Contact OTH at 1-800-720-7315 or email overseascare@argus.bm to get started.

Yes. Argus Health clients may obtain refills of prescribed medications from pharmacies up to a 90-day supply.

New and existing members can access their cards and policy information via Argus Vantage. For hard copy ID cards please contact our Customer Service Centre on (441) 298-0888 between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm or email insurance@argus.bm for assistance.

While every business has different needs, we recommend your company consider viewing the following https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-workplace

Argus Health will cover the administering of FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines at 100%, in accordance with Bermuda Health Council pricing guidelines, for insured members regardless if received locally or overseas*. For up-to-date information on the phased vaccine distribution in Bermuda visit: https://www.gov.bm/vaccines

*For insured members with Supplemental In-Hospital (SH) benefits. Not available to members with only legislated benefits (G & H classes). Check the Provider Portal for member coverage details.