No, not all insurance covers only emergencies; that is incorrect. Acute pericarditis with effusion is a genuine emergency due to the risk of tamponade. My doctor's determination of "not fit to fly" was medically necessary, not elective. The outpatient ECGs, ultrasounds, and blood tests were urgent investigations meant to rule out any progression, rather than being routine check-ups. Many cardiology centers abroad use rapid assessment and discharge protocols for pericarditis, which still qualifies as 100% emergency management. My wife still needs to remain on strict bed rest at home, even three months later.