• 23
  Oct
  2009

• Ensure It’s Not All Downhill with Ski Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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With winter just around the corner, skiers are waiting for the powder so that they can hit the slopes. Ski holidays in Europe are becoming more popular, and as a result, accidents are also becoming more common. Having adequate international travel insurance will ensure that a minor accident will not prove too costly.

If you’re going on a ski trip, you might need to purchase either an international travel insurance plan tailor-made for skiing, or one with hazardous sports coverage. Look for the following benefits in your travel insurance: emergency medical evacuation, physiotherapy, and trip cancellation and interruption. These will prove very handy, as an accident might influence many parts of your trip.

Regardless of whether you have insurance, following some basic guidelines when skiing can help you stay safe. Try and ski in a group, or at least have a ski partner on the slope who can check that you are back safe. Ski on runs that suit your ability, and make sure that you follow all signs and safety procedures outlined by the resort.

Remember not to drink any alcohol before skiing. Not only is it dangerous--in case of any accident, the presence of alcohol in your blood may be grounds for rejecting your insurance claim.

• 22
  Oct
  2009

• Insurance Deals with Illness Related To Longer-Term Travel

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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A recent study by scientists from the Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Mass. and the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network indicates that travel that extends beyond six months is associated with elevated health risks. The study underscores the importance of international travel health insurance for all those who undertake overseas trips.

Data collected from six continents over a period of 12 years suggest that those who traveled for over six months were more likely to suffer from fatigue, chronic diarrhea, malaria, and post-infectious bowel syndrome. Those undertaking longer trips also suffered from psychological problems such as depression, stress, and fatigue.

The study also found that a high number of missionary and volunteer workers suffered from stress and other ailments. Missionary workers often work under minimal sanitary conditions and stressful situations, and that doubtless contributes to the high percentage of illnesses among missionaries. Adequate missionary insurance will help deal with the problem.

The stress of dealing with the physical condition in an alien land begets psychological problems as well. While medical problems might be something that the traveler might not be able to totally eradicate, adequate international travel medical insurance will take the stress out of the equation. However, it is important to wash hands often and take care when traveling abroad.

• 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.