Posted on January 24th, 2012 by blindblom
In countries where there is political unrest, evacuation is a common consideration for many travelers. Those who are traveling should be aware of the political situation of where they are traveling to and if there are any warnings issued for their destination. This should be something that is as commonly looked into as the latest flight update.
If a political warning is issued by the United States government after your arrival in your host country, the Atlas Travel plan can provide coverage of up to $10,000 for political evacuation along with providing you other international travel medical coverage benefits like hospitalization/doctor visits, lost luggage, repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment, complications of pregnancy and prescription medication. This plan can be purchased for a minimum of 5 days and up to twelve months with renewability up to 3 years in total.
If you would like to explore your options by comparing plans that include political evacuation, you might also want to check out the Global Medical Platinum plan. The platinum plan option provides $10,000 lifetime maximum for political evacuation and repatriation. The Global Medical Platinum plan is a comprehensive major medical plan, other benefits include surgery, transplants, mental health, hospitalization, vision, dental and emergency evacuation.
If you already have medical insurance coverage, but are in need of political evacuation coverage, you are able to purchase a stand-alone emergency evacuation insurance plan. This plan will give you up to $10,000 in coverage to ensure you are able to evacuate to a location outside of your host country that the warning has been issued in. This plan also offers a few other key benefits like emergency medical evacuation, emergency reunion and repatriation of mortal remains. With this plan you are able to choose from three periods of coverage options: three months, six months and twelve months.
During your travels, ensure that you keep up to date on travel warnings and have proper coverage for any situation.
Tags: emergency evacuation, political evacuation
Posted in Evacuation Insurance | No Comments »
Posted on January 17th, 2012 by blindblom
Have you been itching for a visit down under? If so, now would be a good time to visit Australia to see how they show their Aussie pride. Many countries have a day that allows for celebration and recognition of their national achievement, and Australia is no different, their day to commemorate is January 26.
On this monumental day for Australians there are ceremonies, community events, live entertainment and of course fireworks.
Along with the celebratory events of this holiday are moments of recognition. The National Australia Day Council names one individual the Australian of the Year in each of the following categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.
If you do decide to visit Australia during this time, you will have plenty of events to choose from to celebrate with the locals. The National Australia Day Council is a group of 13 individuals who work year round for this special day. Any holiday that has a team dedicated to making sure it is spectacular is sure not to disappoint.
There are events throughout the country, below are a few that you won’t want to miss if you are in the area.
Brisbane:
If you attend the Australia Day Festival in The Parklands, South Bank at 10 am you can start you day off with a multi-faith ceremony that will have representatives from the Hindu, Jewish, Sikh, Baha’i, Taoist, Christianity, Buddhist and Islamic communities. You can follow this with attending a traditional flag raising ceremony. Throughout the rest of the day you can expect a variety of entertainers from the Cook Islands Cultural Dance group, to the Ferny Grove State High School Percussion Ensemble to the Cleveland Air Magic. From 7pm-9:30pm you can look forward to a firework show.
Canberra:
If you are more of an early bird, the Commonwealth Park in Canberra has performances starting at 7am and lasting to noon. Events will include entertainment from Kiwi G, a meet and greet from Fireman Sam and a traditional flag raising and citizenship ceremony.
Karoonda:
What better place to recognize Australia day than the Karoonda Football Clubroom for an Australian Day Breakfast January 25? Breakfast starts at 8am and a presentation of awards follows.
If you are not visiting one of these locations, don’t worry, you will not miss out on the festivities. There are other events in towns everywhere in-between. You will have comedy debates, firework shows, races, and a plethora of breakfasts to choose from.
Posted in Events for Expats | No Comments »
Posted on January 10th, 2012 by blindblom
Overseas travel is exciting but also involves a lot of preparation. One of the first things that should be established before your journey is your budget. Once a budget has been determined, you are able to take the next step in planning your trip by creating an itinerary.
Whether you are going to explore a continent for a year, a few countries for six months or one city for a few days, if you are trying to stay within budget it is useful to have an itinerary. A general guide of where you want to go can help you establish what you want to see and gain insight into your overseas travel expense.
Perhaps your financial budget is not of any concern to you, but budging your time is. Creating an itinerary will also ensure you are attacking your expedition with the best plan possible and not zig-zagging across the world. Adding or subtracting days to a trip is easier before it has started.
Once an itinerary is laid out, you are then able to select which mode of transportation would be most efficient. If your destinations have a long distance between them, flying would be a reasonable option. If you are town hopping through the countryside, a train would be best way to get where you need to go. Find out how you want to get there, then do research to ensure you are able to purchase the dates you need.
Another big chunk of your overseas travel can come from your accommodation fees. Booking your hotel or hostel ahead of time will give you a good idea how much of your budget is left after this necessity is taken care of. This is also a good way to ensure you won’t be stuck rushing around your entire trip searching for your next night’s resting spot.
This small amount of preparation ahead of time can make overseas travel more enjoyable.
Tags: Overseas Travel
Posted in International Travel Insurance | No Comments »
Posted on January 3rd, 2012 by blindblom
You have been preparing for weeks for your hiking trip by arranging for a guide, re-lacing your hiking boots and learning how to use your compass. Perhaps you have even researched the foreign area you will be exploring and made notes on the map you will use. Another important thing that you won’t want to forget to do is be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks.
Although the threat of mosquitoes and ticks might sound minuscule, these little creatures can carry big consequences such as diseases like yellow fever and malaria. To be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks the CDC recommends the following preventative measures:
Avoid Outbreaks: Before your adventure takes place, check the regional disease transmission patterns and outbreaks to ensure the area you are headed to does not have a warning.
Dress to NOT impress: The mosquitoes and ticks that is. To avoid giving them easy access to biting you, wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Long pants should be tucked into socks or boots and shirts should be long sleeved. It is best to avoid shoes that are open such as sandals.
Don’t Bring Home Guests: After your time outdoors ensure that you don’t have any ticks attached to your clothes or body. If one is found, remove it promptly.
Use a Repellent: Not all repellents are made equal. Ensure that your repellent is providing you with long-lasting protection. Look for repellents that contain the following ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD, or IR3535. When using a repellent ensure you read the safety precautions and instructions.
Be Aware: Research the time of day when the creatures you are trying to avoid bite most. Keep up your guard during the peak times and use preventative measures. You can also stay protected at night by using a bed net.
Tags: International Health Insurance, Mosquitoes and Ticks
Posted in International Health Insurance | No Comments »
Posted on December 27th, 2011 by blindblom
Living abroad might sound like a scary option to many, but to some it is an exciting thought for many reasons.
Just as you probably know your home town or city like the back of your hand, living abroad allows individuals the chance to learn foreign towns just the same. Perhaps there is somewhere you have always wanted to go, or a culture that you have been interested in for a long time. Living abroad allows you to become fully emerged in the other culture and even grants you the chance to “live like the locals.”
Of course “living like a local” does not always come automatically. It requires the individual living abroad to make conscious choices every day. If you would decide to live in another country for a year you would come across situations that allow you to make a choice to live as you do in your home country or to live as they do in the area you are visiting. For example, many locations around the world have the same fast food chains that are offered in multiple countries. Instead of frequenting what you have already become accustom to in the past, try something new that the locals frequent.
What you are going to eat for dinner might seem like a simple suggestion for living like the locals, but the advantages of this one act can be great. Not only will you be able to experience a new cuisine, but you might find a new favorite dish. Also, you might even run into the chance to meet new people who live within the culture you are trying to submerse yourself in. Making connections like these can open multiple doors for your cultural experience.
If you choose to experience living abroad ensure you have proper International Health Insurance as medical expenses should be the least of your worries while having the change to experience a new culture.
Tags: International Health Insurance, Living Abroad
Posted in International Expatriate Health Insurance | No Comments »
Posted on December 20th, 2011 by blindblom
With today’s travel guidelines restricting certain items such as liquids, and having luggage weight and size limitations it is obvious why travelers have limited what they bring on a trip to only the necessary items. Although having only a few items is sufficient enough to get you through a trip that goes according to plan, what about the trip to the destination of your choice, that doesn’t run as smooth as planned? What happens when you run into the unexpected and need more than what you brought?
You might be thinking what sort of tank top or toothbrush emergency could I possibly get in on my trip? However, imagine this, you are taking your ‘Sound of Music’ tour through Salzburg, Austria that you have been planning for months when all of a sudden you trip down the stairs of the church where Maria and the Captain got married. Your fall lands you in the hospital. Since you brought child size toiletries in order to meet airline regulations and had budgeted in the free hotel toiletries the rest of your trip, you might be in for a shock if the hospital you are staying at does not offer these free amenities like your hotel.
However, under the Atlas Travel plan there is a hospital indemnity benefit. Hospital indemnity will provide $100 for each night you spend in the hospital as an inpatient when receiving treatment for a covered illness or injury. Hospital indemnity benefits are not subject to a deductible or coinsurance and are in addition to the payments for other covered expenses. If you need to purchase toothpaste, meals or soap because the hospital does not supply these items free of charge this benefit will allow you to do so without tapping into your travel budget.
For more information on international travel medical insurance and hospital indemnity through the Atlas Travel plan please feel free to contact one of our licensed agents today.
Tags: Hospital Indemnity, international travel medical insurance
Posted in Expatriate Insurance Terminology | No Comments »
Posted on December 13th, 2011 by blindblom
An island that was first occupied predominantly by fisherman has changed its clientele over the years. Singapore just recently became the sixth most expensive city in Asia for an expat to live in according to a survey by consultancy ECA International. This new title has pushed it to pass Hong Kong for the first time as Hong Kong has dropped to ninth in the ranking of costliest cities for expats. However, Singapore expats still have a ways to go before they catch up with Tokyo as the most expensive Asian city for expatriates.
In terms of the housing market for Singapore expats, how does Singapore rank? It is in third for having the most costly rentals in Asia, not yet beating Hong Kong in this department. However, ECA International’s latest survey on this topic brought in results showing that the cost of apartments in areas where expats typically reside has spiked 15 percent in cost since 2005.
Even with a consumer price index rise of 5.4 percent in a year as of October, it hasn’t frightened away expats in Singapore. You might be wondering why they still make up 18 percent of the 4.4 million population in Singapore even with the cost of living increase. Perhaps it is thanks to Singapore ranking fifth as the highest net take-home pay location for expatriates in Asia, according to an ECA survey.
If you are leaving your home country to contribute to the 18 percent of Singapore expats, you might want to consider first looking into purchasing a health insurance plan that meets your needs. International Citizens allows you to compare expat health insurance plans side-by-side, and then download a brochure for more information on benefits and exclusions.
If you have questions regarding any of the plans you are able to contact one of our licensed insurance agents who would be happy to assist you.
Tags: expat health insurance, Singapore Expats
Posted in Expat News | No Comments »
Posted on December 7th, 2011 by blindblom
Imagine you are touring around a small, distant village that you have always dreamed about being in. You are walking the streets, soaking in the spicy smells that are wafting from the local restaurants while taking a mental picture of the foreign sights around. You are simply enjoying the atmosphere when all of a sudden you encounter a life-threatening situation that requires more medical care than the one local doctor says she can provide. What do you do? Emergency medical evacuation is more than likely the answer in an instance such as this.
Emergency medical evacuation can literally be a life saver; however it can also break the bank costing thousands of dollars if you have to pay out of pocket due to lack of coverage. To save yourself from dwindling away your life savings in paying the bills associated with this one accident, ensure you have proper international health insurance. One plan that provides this coverage is the Atlas Travel plan. It provides emergency medical evacuation with a $500,000 lifetime maximum ($25,000 if for acute onset of pre-existing condition). Medical evacuation coverage provides benefits for expenses associated with transporting you to the nearest medical facility that is qualified to treat your life-threatening condition.
Another benefit included in the event of a covered medical evacuation is emergency reunion. When a life threatening accident occurs most people want to have a support system nearby. The emergency reunion benefit will cover transportation, lodging and meal costs for a family member (parent, spouse, sibling or child age 18 or older) to join you when you are faced with a life-threatening condition. This benefit will cover them for up to 15 days.
Don’t let the thought of a life-threatening situation stop you from exploring the sights you have always wanted to see. Simply ensure that you are covered to prepare for the worst.
Tags: Emergency medical evacuation, International Health Insurance, medical evacuation
Posted in Evacuation Insurance | No Comments »
Posted on November 30th, 2011 by blindblom
When traveling there are certain factors that are out of our control. Of course the obvious come to mind such as flight delays and lost luggage, however there are also things that pose a more serious threat such as an act of terrorism. Since September 11, 2001 terrorism has become more of a reality than a distant topic and individuals have found that one way to battle it is by being prepared through purchasing insurance including act of terrorism coverage.
Purchasing International Travel Medical Insurance through the Atlas Travel plan provides $50,000 lifetime maximum medical coverage for injuries and illnesses resulting from an act of terrorism. However, there are certain conditions that need to be met for benefits to be provided from insurance including act of terrorism coverage:
1. The Injury or illness does not result from chemical, nuclear or biological weapons or events.
2. You have no direct or indirect involvement in the act of terrorism.
3. The act of terrorism is not in a country or location where the United States government has issued a travel advisory that has been in effect within the 6 months prior to your date of arrival.
4. You have not unreasonably failed or refused to depart a country or location following the date an advisory to leave that country or location is issued by the United States government.
Of course some use the term terrorism a bit differently than others. The man sitting next to you on the airplane clipping his toe nails is not considered an act of terrorism. The rental car company not giving you a free upgrade is not considered an act of terrorism. Just to clarify, for insurance including act of terrorism coverage through the Atlas Travel plan, an act of terrorism is defined as follows:
An act, including but not limited to, the use of force or violence and/or the threat thereof, of any person or group(s) of persons, whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) committed for political, religious, ideological or similar purposes including the intention to influence any government and/or to put the public, or any section of the public, in fear.
Tags: insurance including act of terrorism coverage
Posted in Expatriate Insurance Terminology | No Comments »
Posted on November 23rd, 2011 by blindblom
Are you looking for a memorable winter experience this year? With the plethora of festivities and natural scenery about, it isn’t difficult to find something to do to pass the time in Germany in December.
Perhaps one of the biggest draws to Germany in December is the numerous amounts of Christmas Markets. Throughout Germany in small villages and large cities alike, many gather for this annual gathering.
Christmas Markets bring a variety of handmade crafts and tasty German treats together to be experienced all in one place. For those visiting Germany in December the Christmas Market might seem like a crash course, or sneak peek into German Tradition. Whilst browsing through the intricate handmade items such as wooden smokers and ornaments, you are able to sip on warm mulled wine while nibbling on sausages and chestnuts. Most of these items are freshly prepared by those who live locally.
Although most Christmas Markets will have similar goods, visiting just one Christmas Market might not give you a good enough glimpse into this extraordinary pastime. From the most elaborate Markets in the bigger cities to the more personal Markets in the smaller villages, all have their unique touch that makes the shopping experience a fresh one with each visit.
If you are visiting Germany in December solely for the purpose of Christmas Market hopping, the Atlas Travel Insurance plan can provide international travel health insurance that includes doctor visits, hospitalization, lost luggage, emergency medical evacuation, trip interruption, etc. Only have one or two markets in mind you want to visit? You are able to purchase the Atlas Travel plan for a period as short as five days.
Whether your plans consist of visiting the Market of Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin, each brings its own individual spin on the holiday season tradition of the Christmas Market in Germany.
Tags: Germany in December
Posted in International Health Insurance | No Comments »
|
Discuss your insurance needs:
Instant Live Chat with our agents
Send us an email inquiry
RSS Post Feed