• 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.

• 15
  Oct
  2009

• International Student Insurance and Other Complex Issues

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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One of the biggest mysteries for students who study in American universities is the way international student health insurance works. Here’s a true story of how that insurance worked for an international student who was injured in college.

Anita (name changed), worked as a graduate assistant at a university’s Study Abroad program office. When walking down the steps while at work, she suddenly slipped, breaking her ankle. She was immediately rushed to the university hospital, where it was established that she had broken a bone.

The shocking news then awaited her: Her policy would only pay for half the $11,000 bill. Literally in tears, she was saved by the sound advice of one of her American friends—find out if the building had insurance for students who sustained injuries when at work. It turned out they had, and the policy paid for most of Anita’s medical costs, bar $1000 or so.

Lesson learned: The insurance world is quite complex and an event that might not be covered under one policy might be covered under another. It’s always a good idea to ask someone knowledgeable about these things. Especially when you’re a penurious student with minimal U.S. international student health insurance.

• 14
  Oct
  2009

• Parle Vous Français? Anyway, You’ll Need Travel Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Writer
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A visit to Paris is an enchanting experience for all—those in love, those out of it, and even those who aren’t sure! The French healthcare system is a bit different from the American. Before you go, be sure to purchase adequate international travel health insurance.

For one, the Parisian system of healthcare is funded mostly by employee contributions, and the quality of care is excellent. For minor ailments, you can even visit a local pharmacy, where you can get prescriptions. If you must call an ambulance, call 15. The ambulance will take you to the closest hospital that has the facilities to provide you with care.

You will be expected to pay only when you leave the hospital and not during admission. Although only a few doctors in hospitals can speak English fluently, in most cases, it will be sufficient for medical care. The American Hospital has English-speaking doctors, but the rates are typically higher, and may not be viewed as Usual, Customary and Reasonable by some travel insurance plans.

As with any international travel, keep the following information in your wallet: name, name of hotel, person/people to contact in case of emergency, and pre-existing medical conditions and allergies. Hopefully, you will never have to deal with hospitals during your visit, but if you do, be well-prepared for the task.