• 24
  Dec
  2009

• Ho-Ho-Ho Travels and Insurance-IV: Basically, Take Care

  
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  Author: Blog Writer
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Santa’s just saddling up his reindeer, and you are hopefully at your destination already, international travel health insurance in hand. As you get ready to celebrate Christmas local style, remember a few basic things that will help you ensure that your insurance remains unused, and you have a safe and healthy holiday.

In some parts of the world, it is common for folks to set off fireworks during festivals. Be aware of that, and participate only if you are confident of your safety. Remember that your insurance may consider setting off fireworks as a hazardous activity.

Also, remember that Christmas Eve is a night of partying for many, and the flow of alcohol might be at its height. Park in designated spots only. Else, if someone vandalizes your car, you will not be able to make a valid car collision insurance claim.

If you are planning to spend Christmas at a local charity event, ensure that you still follow basic hygiene. It is easy to forget basic principles such as washing hands often, and drinking only bottled water (or boiled water), when you are in the midst of the spirit of the holidays, but remember that a safe Christmas is a truly merry Christmas!

• 23
  Dec
  2009

• Ho-Ho-Ho Travels and Insurance-III: Home and Away

  
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  Author: Blog Writer
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In this post of the series on holiday travel and international travel insurance, let us look at how one can ensure a great holidays even when away from home. Many families with friends and relatives in a different continent (most popularly, Europe) travel overseas to spend Christmas and New Year abroad. Of course, one of the things you must purchase, before a Europe-worthy wardrobe, is international travel health insurance.

Also remember the following tips when traveling abroad during Christmas season: If you’ll be staying at people’s houses over the holiday, remember to pack in a few extra mementos or Christmas presents from your home country. Remember to not wrap any presents before your flight—you never know what will be checked by customs. If your schedule is packed, you may want to keep the "important" presents in your carry-on luggage.

Once you arrive at the destination, remember that your traditional Christmas may be different than your hosts’. Be open about different traditions, and do not try to enforce your traditions on them. If there are any new dishes that you are served, ask about their ingredients, if you or your children have food allergies. Illnesses arising from food allergies may not be covered under your insurance.

If you are traveling with kids, ensure that there is some part of the festival that they can connect with—maybe attending Midnight Mass, or singing a family favorite. If you have a packed schedule, ensure that you still set aside some time to stop and smell the spirit of Christmas all around you!

• 22
  Dec
  2009

• Ho-Ho-Ho Travels and Insurance-II: Driving Around

  
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  Author: Blog Writer
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Holidays are here, and it’s time to keep worries about your weight away—it is, after all, the time for feasting, not fasting! If you’re traveling abroad this holiday season, remember to purchase international travel health insurance, to ensure that your holiday remains stress-free.

It’s also time to remember that holiday parties are known for heavy drinking, and it is easy to be brave and take the car for a spin. If you are unfortunately in an accident, you might be tempted to think that you are covered because your schedule of benefits covers accidental death and dismemberment.

If you are determined to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, your policy will not cover the accident and resulting injuries. Many policies also exclude situations where the insured is involved in motorcycle riding, whether under the influence of alcohol or not.

If you will be riding a motorcycle at your destination, check that your insurance does not exclude it. If it does, you might be able to get coverage by purchasing additional hazardous sports coverage, which many plans offer. Also remember to familiarize yourself with the road rules of the destination, and to ensure that you are legally allowed to drive at the destination.

• 21
  Dec
  2009

• Ho-Ho-Ho Travels and Insurance-I: Taking Care of Baggage

  
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  Author: Blog Writer
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It’s time for that annual vacation—the delayed flights, the endless wait at the baggage carousel, and sleep-deprived passengers just waiting for their holidays to actually begin. The international travel insurance industry estimates that 32.8 million bags were lost last year, and the holiday season is one of the worst periods for lost baggage.

So, is there anything a passenger can do to minimize the fallout of lost baggage? First, experts say, is purchasing travel insurance with lost baggage benefits. This will help defray any additional expenses that may arise due to the baggage not arriving on time.

The most overlooked aspect of boarding a flight is reaching the airport on time. Ensure that you reach the airport with plenty of time, so that your baggage has time too. Also ensure that all earlier tags and barcodes are stripped off your luggage. It is also a good idea to use some distinctive markings to ensure that your luggage stands out.

Make a list of items inside your luggage and keep one inside the luggage, and one with you. It will help if your luggage needs to be matched with unidentified items. Remember too, to keep your most important items (camera, jewelry, prescription drugs, etc) in your carry-on luggage. And enjoy a hassle-free holiday!