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Archive for the ‘Study Abroad’ Category
Friday, May 4th, 2012
Italy is ranked as one of the top destinations for US students to study abroad. With its rich history, fine dining and exquisite shopping opportunity, it has the potential to provide students with a memorable experience that compliments their studies.
If you are one of the many students planning to study abroad in Italy in one of the upcoming semesters, you have probably already investigated the visa requirements that will need to be satisfied for your journey. Since Italy is included in the list of Schengen countries, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa, meaning you will need to purchase an insurance plan that meets the Schengen visa requirements.
The Atlas Travel plan meets the Schengen visa insurance requirements and provides you with flexibility, by allowing you to select your deductible and amount of coverage. This plan is also able to be purchased for a minimum of 5 days, up to 364 days with the option to extend coverage.
The Student Secure plan is another option for full-time students at a college or university in need of study abroad insurance for Italy that will meet the Schengen visa insurance requirements. The Student Secure plan allows you to choose from three levels of coverage, Smart ($200,000), Budget ($250,000) and Select ($300,000), each level will provide you with comprehensive coverage during your trip abroad.
Both plans will give you adequate study abroad insurance for Italy that meet the Schengen Visa requirements and will cover you anywhere outside of your home country if you decide to travel while studying abroad. Also, after you purchase your plan, you will have access to your visa letter that outlines your benefits and coverage amount.
If you would like more information on the Atlas Travel plan or Student Secure plan or would like to purchase your study abroad insurance for Italy, contact one of our licensed agents today.
Tags: international student insurance, Study Abroad Insurance for Italy
Posted in Country Requirements, Study Abroad | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
As of May 1st 2012, any new Atlas Travel Medical plan purchased now offers even more coverage than before. Whether you are studying, working or traveling abroad, this plan has been enhanced to offer even more benefits for anyone needing short term medical coverage. Here are the highlighted benefits added to the Atlas Travel Medical Plan this year:
- Adventurous and hazardous sport coverage is now automatically included (at no additional cost to you!)
The Atlas Travel plan now automatically covers adventurous and hazardous sports as a standard benefit on the plan. At no additional cost, this plan will now cover you if you decide to go snorkeling, skiing, white water rafting, etc.
Many travel insurance plans will charge you to include sports coverage – and many plans require that you include this when you purchase the policy (and cannot be added later). We understand that many travelers are unaware of their activities prior to their trip – and shouldn’t your plan keep up with you? No need to worry, the Atlas Travel is now designed with even more complete coverage so that you can participate in these activities and know that you’ll be covered.
The Atlas Travel plan continues to provide you with the flexibility to purchase only the days of coverage you need from 5 days up to 364 days. Don’t waste money on plans that require you to purchase more than you need. If your plans change, you also have the ability to extend coverage right online.
- Increased coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition
If you have a well maintained pre-existing condition, but are looking for coverage in case a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence to your condition occurs, look no farther than the Atlas Travel plan. Now, the Atlas Travel plan will provide $20,000 in coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
- Dental Pain coverage increased to $250
While the Atlas Travel plan is designed to be a medical health plan, we understand that your dental care is important and dental emergencies do happen. Newly purchased plans now have an acute onset of a dental pain up to $250.
As always, the Atlas Travel Medical Plan will still provide excellent coverage for anyone outside of their home country in case of a sickness or injury including:
- Medical Expenses/Doctor visits
- Hospitalization
- Prescription Medications
- Emergency Evacuation
- Repatriation
- And more…
If you have any questions about this plan or if would like more information about other plans, please feel free to contact us.
Tags: atlas travel insurance, Travel Insurance, Updates to the Atlas Travel Medical Plan
Posted in Product Information, Study Abroad, Travel Insurance | No Comments »
Friday, April 27th, 2012
If you are one of over 250,000 US students considering studying abroad next year, determining where to study abroad will be your first big decision of many.
When choosing where you will study, it is important to know that many universities and colleges have certain destinations where students can study abroad. Before you start planning your trip, check their list of countries and schools you are able to spend your semester or year abroad in, and then go from there.
After you find a university or college that you would like to study at, you will then want to make sure they have your field of study and that your program credits will transfer back to your US school as needed. Studying abroad can be a great experience but it can also mean an extra semester or year of school if credits received overseas are not accepted by your US school when you come back. Confirm your US school’s policy on this and obtain the syllabus for the classes you still need to take. This way, when you choose your classes abroad you can come as close as possible to finding a comparable class, meaning you will have a better chance of having that credit transfer back to your US school.
If you are still unsure about where to study abroad after this process, you might want to consider a few of the locations where a good portion of other students are selecting to study abroad according to the 2011 open doors report.
The United Kingdom: With a plethora for things to do in such a small territory, there is always weekend entertainment for international students. After a short flight, boat ride or Chunnel trip, the UK also provides students with easy access to explore Europe.
Italy: With lasagna, spaghetti and pizza abound, students with a love for food might find studying in Italy compliments their studies well.
France: Those studying art or architecture will have access to first hand examples of a few of the world’s most famous pieces including the Mona Lisa, Sunflowers, Venus de Milo, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
China: China is a good option if you are looking to be emerged in a culture different from western countries, but that still has western amenities available. This country has plenty of modern cities and traditional villages for students who are looking to explore.
Your decision on where to study abroad will impact your entire experience overseas. Before you decide, think about what you want out of your time abroad and where you will be able to accomplish that list.
Tags: where to study abroad
Posted in Study Abroad | 4 Comments »
Saturday, March 24th, 2012
Study abroad programs come in many different shapes and sizes. In today’s world of international education, you no longer have to study abroad for a semester or a year, many organizations now offer programs that last as little as a week. In many cases, your domestic health insurance policy may not provide coverage outside the US or may only offer limited coverage while you are abroad. Make sure to check with your insurance company as you may need to purchase a short term study abroad insurance if you are not already covered.
It doesn’t matter if you are going abroad for a year, a month or even 5 days. Anything can happen even on a short trip, it only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen or one bad meal to have food poisoning. Having a short term study abroad insurance can ensure that you receive the treatment and care that you need. Some schools may offer insurance to their students however these plans are often more expensive. Additionally, some school plans may require you to purchase a minimum of one month while alternative plans let you purchase just the days that you need even if you’ll be abroad for a few days.
Our short term study abroad insurance plan allows you to buy coverage for a trip as short as 5 days. The plan will provide you with comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, lost luggage, etc. $50,000 for a 7 day study abroad program can cost less than $8 total! Even if you choose $1 million worth of coverage, it would not cost more than $15 for 7 days.
If you have any questions about short term study abroad insurance, contact one of our licensed insurance agents. You may also want to read our advice on purchasing your Study Abroad Cancellation Policy.
* Quotes are based on 18-29 years old traveling outside of the US in April 2012.
Tags: Short Term Study Abroad Insurance
Posted in Student Insurance, Study Abroad, Travel Insurance | No Comments »
Saturday, March 10th, 2012
While traveling in a foreign country, eating the local food is one of the best ways to experience the culture. Whether you are studying abroad or on vacation, I recommend sampling as much food as you can try from street venders to 5 starts restaurants – and don’t forget about the local grocery store!
Be careful, however, since getting sick from eating contaminated food is no fun! In some cases, contaminated food can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers – all clear signs of food poisoning. This problem can range from mild irritation to severe diarrhea which could result in serious a medical condition.
Food poisoning can happen anywhere – even at home – but the risk increases overseas, especially if you are traveling to a developed country where food hygiene standards are different. Do research before you leave so that you can prepare and take measures to stay healthy while abroad.
To safeguard against this problem here are some food safety while traveling:
Personal hygiene – Just like what your parents always told you, wash your hands with soap and water before eating. If soap is hard to come by, you may find that carrying hand sanitizer is an easy way to clean up on the move! Personally, I prefer a sanitizer wipe over just the liquid solution.
Food – Avoid raw or under-cooked food especially when it comes to meat and seafood. If you are eating fruits, look for one that have skin that you can peel off such as bananas or oranges. Avoid fruit that has already been peeled or that has damage to the skin. When eating at a restaurant, look for a place that is busy with fresh food served up from the kitchen. Many guides warn travelers against eating food from street vendors. Personally I enjoy eating street food, but if you choose to do this, use your best judgment to determine if the food is fresh, hygiene clean, and food is thoroughly cooked.
Water – Watching out for what you drink is also important. In many countries the tap water is not suitable for drinking. Make sure you boil your water before drinking it to kill of any germs, or buy bottles of water and check to see that the seal is intact. Choose canned drinks if they are available as many bottles can easily be refilled by untrustworthy sources. Remember, avoid ice in your drinks as well.
Even if you are mindful of food safety while traveling, this may not guarantee that you will not get a food-related illness. So if you do get sick, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking fluids. Take over the counter medication with you (see tips for traveling with medication) to help prepare for the unexpected. If severe, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible, especially if the problem persists. Having a good travel medical insurance can also make medical treatment simpler and can help cover the medical expenses.
Having good food can make your travel more enjoyable, but staying healthy is fundamental to a great experience.
Tags: eating while traveling, Food Safety While Traveling
Posted in Health & Safety, Study Abroad | No Comments »
Friday, March 9th, 2012
With international travel becoming more convenient students that want to study abroad are making their dream become a reality. In the 2009/2010 academic year there were 270,604 US students that studied abroad for academic credit. This was a 3.9 percent increase from the previous year according to the Open Doors report. Although the number of individuals studying abroad is on the incline, there are many who still wonder why study abroad.
Why study abroad? There are many reasons why students choose to study abroad. The most common is for the cultural experience. Studying abroad gives individuals a more in-depth look at a culture and what it’s like to live everyday life in a different society. Although visiting a country while on vacation can be very informative, many times the time restraints and tourist traps put a strain on the cultural education. Studying abroad gives individuals time to get settled, learn where the locals go and check things out for themselves.
Another reason why studying abroad is an appealing option for many students is because of its potential for future benefits. Studying abroad can be an eye-opening, growing experience. Individuals that have overcome the obstacles that accompany living in a country other than their own can use the same skills acquired to problem solve during their study abroad experience, in work place. Although acting out the game of charades to find the nearest restroom might specifically not help you at your future job, learning how to be creative and inventive in everyday life can be good practice for the office.
If you are still wondering “why study abroad” and you have always wanted to learn another language, this is your opportunity! Being around individuals who don’t speak the same language as you will require you to find a way to communicate. More than likely this will result in you picking up a few common words or phrases to get by, and then snowball from there.
If you decide to study abroad you will want to make sure you have International Student Health Insurance while you are away. Call one of our licensed agents and they can assist you in purchasing a plan that fits your needs.
Tags: international student health insurance, study abroad insurance, why study abroad
Posted in Study Abroad | No Comments »
Saturday, February 25th, 2012
Summer is only a few months away! If you are planning on participating in a summer study abroad program, you may want to consider a study abroad cancellation policy no matter where you are in the planning process.
According to a recent article on USA Today, there are many reasons why study abroad is a necessity – and not a luxury. So regardless of where you are in the planning process, it is an investment in your education and future so you should take steps to protect it.
With your tuition, housing expense, living cost, plane ticket and other fees, the cost of studying abroad can add up. While none of us want to consider the possibility of not going, you don’t have to lose thousands of dollars for an unforeseen emergency. To protect against this, it is important to consider a study abroad cancellation policy.
Depending on which study abroad program you will be participating in, the university or organization hosting your program may have a study abroad cancellation policy. If they do, usually the school will only refund your tuition cost if the destination country becomes too dangerous. However, it is possible that you’ll be responsible for your plane ticket and other miscellaneous costs that you have already paid for. Purchasing a trip cancellation insurance policy can increase your protection against events that even your school might not allow you to cancel for such as sickness/injury or even a death in the family.
Our study abroad cancellation policy can also be purchased with a cancel for any reason option, so you can have coverage even if you just happened to change your mind! Feel free to contact any of our representatives if you have any questions.
Check out other interesting study abroad topics: 10 Things to do before studying abroad, How to choose a guide book.
Tags: study abroad cancellation policy, Travel Insurance, trip cancellation
Posted in Student Insurance, Study Abroad, Travel Insurance | 1 Comment »
Saturday, January 21st, 2012
South Korea has become well known around the world for its cars, consumer electronics and even their pop culture. For this reason it’s not hard to imagine why it is one of the top study abroad destinations in the East Asia region, 3rd after China and Japan. In the year 2009/2010 there was over 2,000 U.S. students studying abroad in Korea according to the most recent Open Doors Report.
In the past few decades the economy of South Korea has grown remarkably and today it is ranked number 13th as the largest in the world based on GDP. Today, Korean is a major world player in the high-tech electronic industry and is famous for its consumer electronic brands such as Samsung and LG which makes products like HDTVs and smart phones. Not only that, Korean popular culture such as music, TV dramas and movies have brought even more interest to the country from across the world.
Just like any study abroad program, there is a chance that you may become sick or injured while overseas. All Koreans have a Korean national health insurance. However, if you are a foreigner you are ineligible unless you will be staying in Korea for more than one year. If you plan on staying less than one year, our insurance for study abroad in Korea would be able to provide you coverage in case you get hurt or injured while you are abroad. The plan covers doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication and more. If you plan on taking short trips to visit neighboring countries like China or Japan our insurance for study abroad in Korea plan will also covers you there as well.
So if your school or government is not already providing you with insurance, prepare in advance by purchasing an insurance for study abroad in Korea. If you have any questions about insurance for your upcoming trips feel free to contact us at any time.
Tags: Insurance for korea, Insurance for Study Abroad in Korea, Korea Travel Insurance
Posted in Country Requirements, Health & Safety, Student Health Insurance, Student Insurance, Study Abroad | No Comments »
Saturday, January 7th, 2012
As you prepare for your trip and pack your suitcase, you often think about the weather and what you plan to wear. If the weather is cold, you will need to bring a sweater or jacket. Or, if you are traveling to a warm place, you may need your swimming suit. You may also think of your toothbrush and shampoo, along with any gifts for anyone you’re visiting. However, most people will never think about what they may need in case they get sick. It is a good idea when traveling abroad that you pack a travel health kit. Below are some tips if you are going to be traveling with medication.
While most countries will have medication to treat minor symptoms like aches and pains, it is likely that the name of the medication will be different than what you are used to, the language may be in a different language or the dosage might be different. Traveling with medication will save you the time and the trouble of trying to find the right medication when you really need to have it. Here are some over the counter medications that you should think of bring on your trip:
- For digestive issues – Especially if you are traveling to a country that serves food you are not used to, if you are prone to indigestion or if you are traveling to country where food hygiene is low, you’ll want to bring:
- Anti-diarrheal
- Antacid
- Laxative
- For colds, fever and pain:
- Decongestant
- Pain killer/fever reducer such as ibuprofen
- Cough drops
- For minor injuries:
- Antibacterial ointments or creams
- Bandages
- Aloe gel for sunburns
- Others
- Antihistamine for allergy
- Hydrocortisone cream for itchiness
- Motion sickness medication
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Travel Insurance ID card
If you are traveling with medication prescribed by your doctor, make sure you have it in the original container from the doctor/pharmacy that is clearly labeled. Also pack copies of your prescriptions and preferably also a letter from your physician describing what your medicine is and what it is for. Some countries may also have restriction on certain medications, so be sure to check with your embassy before traveling.
Lastly, don’t pack these items in your checked luggage, if the airline lost your bag, you don’t want to be left without your important medications.
Tags: packing prescription medication, travel with medicine, Traveling with Medication
Posted in Health & Safety, Student Insurance, Study Abroad | No Comments »
Monday, December 26th, 2011
John Wayne, corn and a growing number of Chinese international students; what do these three things have in common? They all have ties to Iowa. Iowa has not been left out of states with a rising number of Chinese students in the US. The growing number of undergraduate Chinese students in Iowa lead to an enrollment increased of 1,700 percent at University of Iowa and 657 percent at Iowa State University over the past five years according to The Gazette in Cedar Rapids.
The trend has become so popular that Chinadaily.com.cn reached out to these Chinese individuals in one article last month to offer them tips on applying to American Universities. Although studying in Iowa was not among their suggestions, studying in California was. Other tips include looking into applying at state universities and smaller colleges and taking standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, even when the tests are not required to apply.
How have universities adjusted to this increase in undergraduate Chinese students in Iowa? A few of Iowa’s schools are increasing staff in areas affected by this growth such as advisers, counselors and other individuals to assist with orientation and language programs.
With the growing number of Chinese students in Iowa who speak English as a second language, ISU has buckled down to ensure their English proficiency tests are working for the students as much as possible. Instead of a test that allows for memorization and an easy pass, ISU now has a test with both writing and speaking sections to ensure students actually have the level of English that is reflected in their test results so they will receive a proper placement.
Chinese students in Iowa and other locations around the US will more than likely be in need of health insurance during their studies. The Student Secure plan offers international student health insurance to those who are studying outside their home country. If you would like more information regarding this plan please feel free to contact one of our licensed agents.
Tags: Chinese students in Iowa, international student health insurance, study abroad health insurance
Posted in Study Abroad | No Comments »
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