• 03
  Nov
  2009

• Where is my baggage?

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog-Contributor
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How many times does it happen? We make a million plans for the trip, take every document, book hotels, arrange rental cars, plan every single place we have to visit and anticipate a great time on that long-awaited trip - and on reaching the destination airport, our bags are nowhere to be found on that carousel. Down come all the plans crashing amidst the reality of the situation.

Did the baggage get left behind? Was it accidentally sent to another country - a few thousand miles away? Was the new camera in that bag? When, if ever, are we going to get that bag back? What if it's just lost, never to be found again? Lots of questions. Enter international travel insurance dealing with trip cancellation having a lost baggage coverage.

This kind of insurance will reimburse loss of baggage up to $2500 (which includes the cost of certain declared items in the baggage). Usually, lost baggage insurance is a complimentary benefit of a trip cancellation insurance, but it is always safe to verify that such is actually the case.

With more and more international flights being booked everyday, there are bound to be manual errors by the airline staff. It is best to stay covered for such an event, along with the medical coverage of a international health insurance.

• 02
  Nov
  2009

• Pre-existing conditions and travel insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog-Contributor
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With the cost of health care sky-rocketing all around the world, one of the most essential items you need to tick off the checklist before commencing travel abroad is international travel health insurance.

As the name suggests, the policy covers medical expenses when the insured is traveling overseas, during the time when his/her domestic health insurance policy generally doesn't offer coverage. Let us try to understand the terms of coverage offered by this policy.

Coverage is available for expenses incurred for visits to doctors; hospitalization, surgery and even prescription drugs. Intensive care is also covered. But there is an important clause here. The injury or illness has to manifest, or show first symptoms during the course of the travel within the period for which the coverage is sought.

According to the terms of most travel insurance policies, any disease/illness that has shown symptoms, been treated or received care before the start of the present coverage term is considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered. It is necessary to have a clear understanding of this clause while buying travel insurance.

• 30
  Oct
  2009

• Students Dreaming of a Sunny Winter Break

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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Come November, and international students are dreaming of winter break. Many students have already booked tickets, and are looking forward to meeting their cousins/friends/spouses/significant others who live elsewhere in the United States. In all the excitement, students sometimes forget how their international student insurance plan works.

Many college-sponsored plans work only within a specified geographic area. Some plans also have different terms for out-of-network healthcare providers. However, most other plans have a wide network and offer coverage anywhere in the United States. If you are a student, quickly check the coverage with a simple phone call.

Also remember some basic rules when traveling within the United States. While drunk driving may not attract much attention in many countries, U.S. law takes a serious view of the offence. If you are in an accident, and are deemed under the influence of alcohol, your insurance will not pay up.

Some international student insurance plans offer coverage in all countries other than the home country of the student, and if planning a trip to Canada, you may still be covered. Remember to always carry your student ID and your student insurance card with you when traveling.

• 29
  Oct
  2009

• Insurance Helps Missionaries Work in Peace, and War!

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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The recent kidnapping of an Irish priest in the city of Zambaonga in the Phillipines has once again brought into sharp focus the perilous lives of missionaries across the world. It is imperative that all missionaries and aid workers who work outside of their own country are adequately covered by missionary insurance or other insurance when they travel on missions.

Often, missionaries work under stressful and unhygienic conditions, with the threat of violence against them looming large. If you are a missionary, when your ministry offers limited or no insurance, it is in your best interest that you purchase insurance that offers a range of benefits.

Adequate health coverage is on top of the list, as studies show that missionaries are among the highest risk groups for illnesses during trips abroad. Coverage against extraneous circumstances, including accidental death and dismemberment benefits are also advisable. There are several kinds of missionary insurance, as Missionary Insurance Types for a Variety of Benefits details.

Research your destination as much as possible. While it makes sense to take out additional coverage related to kidnappings and other eventualities for a mission to the Philippines, it may not be necessary for a mission to Australia. Try to know more about the health insurance system of the destination before you purchase insurance.