• 21
  Oct
  2009

• Battling Anxiety and Depression with Student Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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In the United States, more than a quarter (26.2%) of adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Student life, especially the life of an international student, can be fraught with emotional stress and trauma. However, mental health care is expensive in the United States. International student insurance plans must also cover mental health care.

Many college-sponsored plans cover psychiatric care and insist that outside international student health insurance also provide the benefit to some extent. Alcohol and substance abuse dependency problems are also covered under most student health insurance plans.

If you are an international student suffering from depression or anxiety, the first stop will be the college student health center, where you will most likely meet the college mental health counselor. The counselor will prescribe a course of action. Check for extent of coverage and out-of-pocket expenses for the treatment suggested by the counselor.

However, remember that receiving mental health treatment under an insurance plan can prove costly in the long run. It could be recorded as a pre-existing condition, and subsequent insurance plans you purchase might increase the premium. Remember that several federal clinics and non-profits also help you receive treatment for free. Under any circumstance, do not avoid getting treatment in case of mental illness.

• 20
  Oct
  2009

• Blowing Hot and Cold: War Tourism and Coverage

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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A 75-year-old British traveler recently made an international trip—not to France, or Italy, or the United States, but to Iraq. And he’s not alone; several people are queuing up to visit conflict zones in what is called “hot war tourism." This type of travel includes people who want to travel to areas where war is active or recently concluded. Such travelers must purchase international travel health insurance with appropriate coverage.

Hot war terrorism is based on the need of a human being to watch humankind in action, rather than just symbols of humankind’s activities. The corresponding risks are also higher, which necessitate more comprehensive travel coverage.

One factor to consider before undertaking a hot war tourist trip is to purchase adequate insurance. You must purchase coverage for emergency evacuation, medical coverage for acts of war and terrorism, and for trip cancellation. If your trip cancellation policy has the option, purchase “Cancel for any reason” coverage.

Also remember to check the government advisory on travel to your destination. If there is a warning against travel to the destination, your international travel insurance might not be valid. While on your trip, take adequate care to protect yourself and follow basic precautions and local travel advisories.

• 19
  Oct
  2009

• Stolen Purses, Cancelled Flights: Making Valid Travel Insurance Claims

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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More than 10% of rejected insurance complaints are unfair, but only a tenth of the people making the claim actually question the rejection, according to a study. This figure is likely even higher when it comes to international travel insurance. Typically, the rate of rejection is higher with international travel insurance claims, for various reasons.

What can you do to make those claims more effective? Even before you go on that trip, at least skim through the fine print of your policy. It makes common sense that claims of accidents when under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be covered under international travel insurance, but in a recent survey, 70% of Britons did not know that.

When you’re at your destination, and a reason for claim appears, what do you do? Let’s say your wallet gets stolen. Report the matter immediately to the nearest authorities, and get a copy of the official complaint. Also call your travel insurance company and report the loss. You can also check the next steps with the agent on the phone.

Next, make sure you have filled out all the requisite paperwork for your international travel insurance claim. Have someone look over it once, if required. Make a copy of everything you send to the insurance company for your records. Mail the claim form, and keep your fingers crossed!

• 16
  Oct
  2009

• Missionary Insurance Types for a Variety of Benefits

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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Traveling abroad to spread the word of God can be fulfilling work. It’s important to take care of one’s health especially when undertaking missionary work. Often, missionary insurance is provided by the ministry that organizes the mission. Sometimes, you will have a choice to opt out of the program and choose one that fits your situation best.

Missionary insurance come in many types. Short-term missionary medical insurance covers you for short periods of time. The benefits are similar to short-term health insurance plans in the United States, but the plan works overseas. Long-term missionary health insurance is for missionaries who will work abroad for more than a year. The benefits are similar to regular U.S. health insurance.

The most common type of insurance for groups of missionaries is the group insurance plan, and it works similar to a regular group healthcare plan, as you would find in a company, for example. Benefits work the same way, and this is usually less expensive than plans bought individually.

Missionaries can also buy life insurance for the duration of their stay abroad, and also multi-trip mission insurance, for missionaries who make frequent trips to other countries. Ministries can also buy insurance for all their missionaries together, under a ministry insurance plan. As with every insurance plan, be sure to read the fine print and when in doubt, ask questions.