Best Practices for Translating Insurance Policies 

Insurance agents and brokers are responsible for finding a policy that will serve you best! Their job is to get to know their client’s needs no matter where they are or what language they speak. Factor in different regulations across various stateliness and you can start to see where it becomes challenging. 

With so many different languages used around the country, insurance companies need to be able to accurately represent their services and liabilities in as many different languages and dialects as possible. So what are the best practices for translating insurance policies? We’ll lay out a handy guide for you below. 

Hire Professional Translation Services 

Creating accurate insurance paperwork for Limited English Proficient clients can be a difficult and time-consuming process.  

It requires an understanding of legal language and medical terminology, which is not always easy when dealing with those who speak only their native tongue. 

Gone are the days when you could count on your bilingual relative or Google for translating medical policies. In order to remain compliant with federal and state laws, medical insurance translation services are a critical part of the healthcare system. 

This is why hiring a professional translation service ensures compliance with federal and state law and increases the efficiency of your company’s administrative bottom line. 

The key to improving customer service is ensuring that the needs of each individual client are met. With a comprehensive understanding of LEP individuals, it’s easy for insurance providers and agents alike to take into account what they may need when servicing these vulnerable populations. If your materials have been professionally translated in advance, you can reduce waiting periods between claims acceptance and guarantee filing deadlines aren’t missed! 

Whether you’re a small or large employer, it’s important to have your website translated into as many languages as possible. Alongside your website, you’ve got to think of your online claim submission sytem. If you translate these platforms you will reduce expenses because people who can’t read English usually need help submitting their claims through paper form.  

LEP clients prefer doing business with companies where they can easily submit forms in their native language and access information. All of this is crucial for expense reduction!  

Misrepresentations Avoided by Translation Services 

Translation services are important for avoiding lawsuits and loss of life. Vague translations can lead to problems such as language barriers that can lead to multi-million dollar damages. 

The field of medical insurance is filled with complicated terms that can be difficult for the average person to understand. One major problem lies in misrepresentation, which occurs when an insurer does not cover expenses covered under their policy because they were either excluded or denied coverage – this makes people who need treatment incredibly frustrated and angry at whoever set up their plan!  

If you’re causing a client extra stress and strain due to not considering their language in addition to misrepresentation, then you’re setting yourself up for serious legal risk. 

Selecting the Right Translation Service Provider 

Selecting the right translation service provider can be daunting. Take time to research your options before deciding so that you get an idea of what’s involved and how much it will cost!  

You’ll want professional writers who are experienced with translating policies and contracts, with a solid background in legal translation. 

It is important to make sure the translation service you choose has been properly accredited. This will ensure high quality and accuracy in their work and guarantees that they are qualified enough for your needs! 

If you want to ensure that your translation is accurate and comprehensive, make sure it’s priced fairly. It can be difficult to determine the right price for a professional service like interpreting or translating; however, if clients are satisfied with their results, there should not be any issues regarding pricing. 

When it comes to your insurance, you should ensure that the provider has a localized understanding of regulations in any state or region where you offer services. 

Complying with ERISA Translation Regulations 

The U.S. government enacted the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) in 1974 to protect workers from being independently uninsured. The intention behind this law was that as our society grows more diverse, so should access and understanding of healthcare insurance among all people who need it. ERISA has worked wonders at reflecting these changes while still ensuring everyone can find the information they need when looking into their options for coverage.  

The U.S. Department of Labor has specified consumer protections mandating the availability of translation services in certain instances. Insurers must follow these standards, ensuring people with limited English proficiency have full access to their plan benefits and aren’t left out or shafted by insurers trying to see what they can get away with without paying. 

This is why it’s so critical to provide professional quality translations. They ensure that no matter what language your customers speak or write in, they will still have full participation and the ability to use all features included within each policy. 

The Census Bureau states that about over 20% of the population speak another  language besides English at home. You can see why ERISA was created to ensure that everyone has access to insurance information they can understand and use! 

Conclusion 

By following these Best Practices for Translating Insurance Policies, you can ensure that your documents are accurate and compliant with ERISA regulations.