VHI does have a 24 hour customer service hot line, and the number is on the back of your global membership card. I have had to get in touch with them a few times while over here and never had a problem getting in touch with them. If you want he number I used PM me and I will give it to you.

I have told them exactly what my story is when I took out the policy, and checked things again when I renewed my policy the last time. If I need hospitalisation I carry my card with me which has VHI contact details and my policy number on it. VHI Global is a health insurance policy in the region you purchase the policy for... e.g. Europe, America or Rest of world... (before anyone jumps on it they have assured me that Switzerland is covered as Europe!), and it ALSO works for travel insurance for up to 60 days in any of the other regions that you are not covered in.