Archive for the ‘International Travel Insurance’ Category
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
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 »
Friday, October 28th, 2011
For any traveler making arrangements for a trip overseas, there is so much to consider! Travelers must adhere to the latest rules and regulations of flying, keep reservation documents organized and in some cases, map out an itinerary of must-see places. This is enough to make someone tired before their trip has even started.
Luckily, purchasing travel insurance can be the least of your worries as it just may be the simplest part of your pre-departure.
Purchasing your travel insurance can be done through a number of outlets. Of course when you need to speak to an agent, and prefer to just pick up the phone, we have both our USA toll free number (866) 758-4436 and our international direct line at +1 (904) 758-4420.
However, if calling is not an option, we have other ways for you to get in contact with an agent and get the information you need. For those who have access to internet, we have multiple ways of connecting you with the information needed when purchasing travel insurance, such as through Skype. If you decide this is a program you would like to try out or if you already have a Skype account, you are free to connect with us. Our Skype ID is international-citizens.
If you decide none of these methods are for you, there is still the option of connecting with an agent through live chat. This is a great feature on the site that allows you to be instantly connected with an agent to type questions and answers in an instant message, chat format. If by chance there are not any agents available to chat, you are always able to leave a message and you will receive a response in a timely manner.
If you don’t necessarily have any questions or concerns, but want to stay up to date, you can always follow Expat Plans on Twitter.
Tags: Purchasing Travel Insurance
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Friday, October 7th, 2011
Are you thinking of taking a sabbatical overseas, do you dream of retiring to a new nation, of working abroad or just travelling and seeing more of this wonderful world that we live in? If you’re an adventurous spirit, determined to get as much out of your life as possible, chances are you will have a desire to push boundaries, cross borders and explore the world.
The Internet, affordable airfares and even globalisation have made it easier for all of us to consider travel and relocation overseas, to research nations and plan a move. However, one of the last considerations on most people’s minds when they are practically planning out their move or their travel itinerary is worrying about their health.
Nevertheless, the reality is that not every nation in the world is as advanced as America, not every country has enough hospital beds and doctors to go around, and in some places the illnesses and diseases that we have eradicated in the US, through screening and vaccination programs, still kill thousands of people annually.
There are bugs and viruses, threats and dangers, risks and hazards in every country in the world – and they differ from nation to nation. As someone planning a move abroad or travel overseas it is imperative that you familiarise yourself with the dangers or risks you may face, that you prepare yourself practically so that your health is protected, and that you make preparations to ensure you stay safe.
The Department of State issues travel warnings and travel alerts and is a great place to begin your research into anything you may need to concern yourself with in relation to the country you’re moving to, or the countries you’re visiting. Your general medical practitioner or healthcare provider will be able to advise you about any vaccinations you need ahead of travel, or any drugs you need to take to stay healthy once you move abroad; and you can research your new nation and learn about the level and state of medical facilities on the ground before you go.
They say that ‘forewarned is forearmed,’ and in the case of your healthcare when moving or travelling overseas, the statement is absolutely true. If you’re aware ahead of your move that medical facilities in your new nation of residence are rudimentary, you can ensure that you have repatriation insurance as part of your healthcare cover. If you discover that only basic medical conditions are covered by any local health insurance, you can make sure you find a global health insurance provider to cover your back in the event that you fall seriously ill, have an accident or need more complex care or support.
In other words you owe it to yourself, your health and your long-term welfare to research the countries you will be living in or visiting ahead of travel – and you owe it to yourself, your health and your long-term welfare to get the correct level of health insurance in place to ensure your needs are met, no matter what may befall you, and no matter what the medical facilities are like on the ground.
Health insurance cover from a specialist global insurer like HTH Worldwide can be tailored for the individual to ensure they will be repatriated in the event it is required, that they will be taken to the nearest centre of excellence no matter what the medical emergency or complication, and that individuals and families get the coverage they need with the freedom to choose qualified doctors, hospitals and health services anywhere in the world.
Tags: How to Stay Healthy When You Travel or Live Abroad, HTH Worldwide
Posted in International Health Insurance, International Travel Insurance | Comments Off
Friday, September 30th, 2011
A recent notice published on the US State Department’s website captured reader’s attention on the upcoming hurricane and typhoon season this year. While this effects many people around the world at their home, this can also cause delays, trip cancellation, or evacuation if you are traveling overseas.
Hurricanes is a violent, tropical storm on the North Atlantic with wind speeds of 72 miles per hour (or 32 meters per second). Typhoons are similar, although occuring on the western Pacific and China area. If you’ve never experienced a hurricane or typhoon, the strength of the storm can vary – and so can the damage. Whether you are inland, or on the coast, hurricanes and typhoons are unpredictable and projected paths can vary hour by hour. Along with these natural occurences, you can expect wind, flying debris, flooding, and tornadoes.
Hurricane season is from June until November in the Atlantic and typhoon season overlaps from May until November. If you will be traveling during this time period, it is important to think of an emergency plan. One of these steps may include an travel insurance plan which is designed to cover you in case of a hurricane and typhoon.
Our trip cancellation plan, for example, considers the fact the weather is unpredictable and that you need to be protected and out of danger. This hurricane and typhoon insurance will cover your trip costs in case you are unable to get to your final destination because the common carriers are down or if natural disaster at the site of your destination renders that destination uninhabitable.
But what if you are already in your destination and you need to evacuate?
There are other travel and medical insurance plans that will assist you as a covered benefit. Our Atlas Travel plan, a comprehensive health and travel insurance, provides coverage for natural disaster. In the event of natural disaster (including a hurricane, flood, tornado, tsunami, typhoon, etc.), the plan will cover up to $100 a day for 5 days if displaced from planned, paid accommodations due to evacuation from forecasted disaster or following a disaster strike.
Tags: Hurricane and Typhoon Insurance, natural disaster insurance, trip cancellation plan
Posted in Expat News, International Travel Insurance | Comments Off
Friday, September 23rd, 2011
Are you planning to travel to Australia? Whether you plan to check out the Sydney Opera House, pet a kangaroo, or venture through the Kakadu National Park, traveling to Australia is an experience of a lifetime.
Whether you are going to backpack the outback or explore the culture of Melbourne, travelers should arrive with Australia travel insurance.
While there is no telling what adventurous activities you plan on doing before your arrival, having a travel and health insurance in place will make sure that you are properly covered in case the unexpected happens.
Loose your bags?
Catch the flu?
Or, have an emergency requiring you to go back home?
In any of these cases, Australia travel insurance is designed to protect you and your family from incurring expensive bills and getting you the care you need.
To provide you with additional information, the Australia Travel Insurance plan will cover you outside your home country – that’s right, you’ll be covered in New Zealand, Fiji, and Tasmania automatically. The plan is also designed to cover injuries and illness that occur overseas including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, labs, x-rays, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. While the plan is a health insurance plan, there are also travel benefits like trip interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency reunion, and much more!
While traveling to Australia, you can be assured that you are properly insured! Our Australia travel insurance is insured by Lloyd’s of London which is rated A+ by AM Best. Not only that, but there is a 24 hour travel assistance phone number available to you no matter what time zone you’re in!
Contact our licensed insurance agents for more information.
Tags: Australia Travel Insurance
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Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Are you a world traveler? Do you need coverage internationally? Does your career require extensive travel? You are not alone; in fact many professionals, retirees, and globe trotters spend time all over the world and need a global health insurance that can keep up with them. Whether you are looking for a comprehensive global health insurance, travel plan, or standalone emergency medical evacuation and repatriation policy, International Citizens works with you to find the most suitable option to best fit your needs. Because everyone is different, here are a few of the many plans that are popular among our international travelers:
Global Health Insurance
Our Global Medical plan is a comprehensive health insurance policy that provides worldwide coverage with the option to include or exclude coverage in the United States and Canada. The plan is available in four different levels to choose the coverage best suited for you. All plans cover doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, etc. Plan options also include coverage for vision and dental, maternity, pre-existing conditions, and wellness care. This global health insurance option provides individuals with a 24-hour travel and medical assistance phone number that you will have available should you need assistance.
International Travel Plan
If you plan to travel temporarily outside your home country, you may find the Atlas Travel plan to be well suited to your needs. This is not only a health insurance plan, but coverage also includes travel benefits. Lost checked luggage, terrorism, natural disaster, trip interruption or just a few of the travel benefits this plan includes. Unlike other plans that may just be emergency-only coverage, this plan covers accidents and illnesses – regardless of whether it is an emergency. We know that even the smallest cold can put a damper on your travels – which is why this policy is considered to be an important global health insurance policy.
Standalone Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
Do you already have a plan in place that will cover you overseas but does not include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation? If this is the case, then there is no point in purchasing a plan with duplicate coverage! Instead, we have a standalone emergency medical evacuation and repatriation plan so that you just purchase the coverage that you need!
Tags: Global Health Insurance
Posted in International Expatriate Health Insurance, International Health Insurance, International Travel Insurance, Uncategorized | Comments Off
Friday, August 26th, 2011
If you are planning to travel abroad, one of your most important considerations is overseas health insurance. By purchasing your own international plan, you can rest assured that you will have access to medical treatment in the event that you need assistance. Going abroad can be a new adventure, but you don’t want to take a chance when it comes to your health. Depending on how long you spend abroad, you can purchase a short-term or long-term overseas health insurance plan that can cover you internationally.
Our travel and health insurance plans provide coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, etc. International Citizens works with individuals traveling around the world whether for work, travel, studying or relocation. Because of our experience in the industry, we know how important it is to have a high level of customer service and quality products. Our overseas health insurance plans are all with A rated carriers that have 24-hour travel assistance to help you in the time of need. If you need medical assistance, medical referrals, or a translator, we are there to help you as you travel internationally.
If you have questions, please contact one of our licensed insurance agents to help choose the best plan for you! We look forward to assisting you no matter if you will be traveling to Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, North America, etc.
Tags: Overseas Health Insurance
Posted in International Expatriate Health Insurance, International Health Insurance, International Travel Insurance | Comments Off
Friday, July 8th, 2011
Are you planning to teach overseas? Whether you will be teaching English, business or another subject, you may want to consider purchasing a medical and health insurance before you depart your home country. Living overseas can be exciting – new culture, new language (in some cases!), and new places to discover! However, you do not want to be in a foreign country trying to learn the health care system when you are sick!
Because of this, we recommend purchasing a medical insurance for teachers overseas. If not already provided by your program/school, you will instead want to purchase a private international health insurance to have in place just in case you need it. If you will be purchasing your own health insurance, there are a few considerations that you will need to ask yourself:
- Do you plan on traveling to neighboring countries? If so, then you will need a plan that will cover you in multiple countries. Before purchasing a plan, you will also need to find out if you need to call in advance before going to another country. If your school/program offers insurance, make sure that it will cover you in your intended travel destinations (if not, you may consider purchasing a short-term travel plan).
- Do you need home country coverage? Many travel and health insurance plans have restrictions on coverage in your home country. Whether you have a plan or if you are looking to purchase an insurance for teaching internationally, make sure that you know what type of coverage you will have back home. Some medical insurance for teachers overseas allows individuals to add home country coverage to their new plan. Be sure to explore your options before you buy!
- How will coverage affect you when returning home? This is a question that many individuals have to ask themselves. For United States citizens, as an example, this may mean that you do not have a plan with “credible coverage” which may put additional waiting periods before you have full coverage. For these cases, you may want to consider the Global Citizen plan as your insurance for teaching internationally. As another example, Canadian citizens may have to waiting period when they return back to Canada before they are eligible for national health care. Check with your current plan to see how this will affect you and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
- What type of coverage do you want included in your health and medical insurance? Are you looking for an accident and illness policy or do you want more comprehensive coverage that includes routine check-up visits, maternity, mental health, etc.? There are many different medical insurance options for teachers overseas so it is important to find what you want – and also what you don’t want!
- How long do you anticipate needing coverage? Traveling overseas to teach is a wonderful, enriching experience. However, it may not be for everyone. If you are going to a new country or if this is your first time teaching overseas, you may want to purchase a plan that will be flexible with your dates of travel. You will want to know whether you can purchase the plan month-to-month, if you can extend coverage (and if so, how?), and what the cancellation policy is on the policy. If you plan to be overseas for a long-term stay, then you will want to find out if your plan is renewable (and if there is a limit on renewals), if there are any age caps preventing renewal, and what the process is if you will be renewing overseas.
Now of days, more and more people are moving overseas to be teachers. Most people say that your experience is what you make of it and also what type of program/school you select. It is important that you contact your program directly to see what types of accommodations are included and what you will need to secure on your own. Among the top priorities, many people suggest that you purchase a medical insurance for teachers overseas before your arrival so that you will have coverage just in case. Some plans even have translation medical services if you are in a country that speaks another language and you need immediate assistance. Contact one of our licensed agents to help find the best plan for you!
Tags: insurance for teaching internationally, Medical Insurance for Teachers Overseas
Posted in International Health Insurance, International Travel Insurance | 2 Comments »
Friday, June 24th, 2011
Ever dreamed of traveling to Albania? Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Albania is a traveler’s paradise if you are looking for a laid back, outdoors summer vacation. Enjoy the pristine coastline with its clear waters, hike the Dajti mountains for a captivating view of the capital city, learn ancient culture in the Butrint ruins, and explore castles that are scattered throughout the nation.
You may be asking yourself, why travel to Albania now? Summer season has encouraged the nation to ease its visa restrictions by making Albania even more accessible. Since May 13, 2011, the Albanian government is allowing citizens from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukrain, Russia, China, and Taiwan to travel to Albania for up to 90 days visa free. Visitors have until October 31, 2011 to enter without a visa as long as visitors have valid travel documents.
Ambassador Sokol Gjoka explained that this new temporary visa policy is “not only for tourist, but also for all other categories of citizens, including businessmen and participants in international and cultural events.”
This comes after last year’s statistics were published finding that the number of tourists grew 32% last year to 3.5 million visitors. Albania has no intention of stopping there – it is hoped that this temporary visa-free period will continue to attract visitors from around the world making Albania a top summer destination.
Tags: Travel to Albania
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
In what many hoped would not turn into another airline shut down, another volcano in Iceland is forcing flight cancellations due to ash in yet another repeat episode from last year. Iceland’s volcano Eyjafjallajokull sent ash in all directions last year stranding millions of travelers. This year, when news broke out about volcano Grímsvötn, many feared that this would be a repeat experience for many travelers. And let’s face it, the time could not be worse. May and June happen to be the beginning of the busiest travel season of the year (see chart).
So far, 250 flights have been canceled Tuesday mainly disrupting flights in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thousands of travelers were displaced due to the British National Air Traffic Service (NATS) restrictions in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Winds are carrying the ash to farther distances and Germany is next on the list with predictions that the ash will be in the air as early as Tuesday evening. The weather service is monitoring ash concentration and is expecting between 0.2 and 2.0 miligrams of ash per cubic meter of air in Germany. Airline regulators are assuring passengers that this volcano eruption will not be as devastating as last year since preventative measures have been taken. That being said, flight delays are expected in other areas depending on the wind patterns including in parts of Scandinavia.
If you are planning to travel to or from Europe, you may be concerned about flight cancellations due to ash. The RoundTrip International plan is designed to provide you with cancellation insurance coverage in case the unexpected happens and you need to cancel your trip. Because the volcano has already erupted, you would need to purchase the option to cancel for any reason which would allow you to cancel the policy in case you cannot make your trip. The Round Trip Choice offers trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains, accidental death and dismemberment, and other incidental coverage and services for persons traveling outside their home country. Don’t let flight cancellation due to ash force you to lose thousands of dollars – plan smart, plan ahead!
Tags: Flight Cancellations Due to Ash, Volcanic Ash Trip Cancellation, Volcano Flight Cancellation
Posted in Expat News, International Travel Insurance | 1 Comment »
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