• 03
  Mar
  2010

• Visiting the U.S.? Don’t Forget International Medical Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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The United States is currently evaluating a bill that would create a tourism promotion organization. This group would encourage travelers throughout the world to consider the United States as their next travel destination, and it would also work to educate international travelers on what requirements were needed to enter the country. If you're considering visiting the U.S., you'll want to be sure to arrive with international medical insurance.

In the United States, it's important to have a health insurance policy because without one, visits to doctors and hospitals can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The U.S. currently has a privatized health care system (though that may change in the near future, as this is a topic of much discussion), so not even basic care is afforded to native citizens or visitors.

An international medical insurance policy will absorb the high costs of coverage, leaving you to pay only a fraction of the bill out of your own pocket. You'll simply pay a small premium which will be determined by your age, where you're traveling to, and how long you are staying there. You'll often be able to recover your premium expenses just by using the policy one time during a visit to the U.S.

Whether you're planning a trip to the U.S. now, or you may be persuaded by the country's forthcoming efforts to market itself, be sure you arrive with an international health insurance policy in hand. Otherwise a trip to the hospital could end up ruining your vacation.

• 01
  Mar
  2010

• When Earthquakes Strike, Turn to Travel Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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The recent Chilean earthquake is just the latest natural disaster to grab the attention of international travelers. The 8.8-level earthquake has left over 700 victims dead and has cut off utility services to many Chileans. The threat of this type of disaster is a reality in pretty much any international locale you may consider traveling to. As such, you should always strongly consider travel insurance before departing.

Travel insurance policies will typically offer, either as standard elements or add-on benefits, travel assistance programs, which can help you communicate with friends and family in times of duress. This is extremely valuable because during natural disasters it can be very difficult to communicate through ordinary means, leaving those closest to you worried about what may have happened to you.

You may also be able to use your travel assistance features to find new flights and arrange other types of transportation if your original plans have been derailed because of a disaster. The ability to quickly, easily, and safely evacuate a country in crisis is something you quite honestly cannot put a price tag on.

While there is no way to prevent earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters from occurring, you can take precautions to increase your chances of being able to let loved ones know you are ok, and of being able to get out of the affected area in a timely fashion. Travel assistance features within your travel insurance program can help make it easier to address these issues when disaster strikes.