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Archive for the ‘Travel Insurance’ Category
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 20th, 2012
Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner. Students who will be traveling to Mexico this year for the festivities on May 5 will want to be aware of what they can look forward to during their trip and ensure that they have sufficient Cinco de Mayo travel medical insurance.
Each year on the fifth of May the state of Puebla and Mexico City provide some of the largest festivities in Mexico in honor of Mexico’s win in the Battle of Puebla against the French. Many people confuse Cinco de Mayo with being the Mexican Independence Day, although it is not, those traveling to Mexico over Cinco de Mayo will still have access to rich Mexican culture as it runs ramped during this celebration.
Military parades and mock re-enactments of the Battle of Puebla are both highlights of this commemoration as those performing have usually logged multiple hours practicing for these events. There is also a plethora of dancing to mariachi bands and traditional Mexican dishes to be discovered. With food abound, the Cinco de Mayo celebration gives foodies something to look forward to. Mole sauce, chiles rellenos, tostados, and tacos are just a few of the goodies to be expected.
If you are taking a short trip to Puebla, Mexico City or any other location in Mexico to join in on the Cinco de Mayo excitement make sure your current health insurance includes Cinco de Mayo Travel Medical Insurance. If your plan does not provide you with the international health coverage you will need while joining in on the fiesta, you will want to purchase Cinco de Mayo travel medical insurance before your journey. You can purchase this coverage for as little as 5 days and have access to your documents right away. Contact one of our agents if you would like more information on purchasing a plan.
Tags: Cinco de Mayo travel medical insurance
Posted in Travel Insurance | No 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 »
Friday, March 2nd, 2012
Each year Ireland receives more visitors than it has residents: about 7.3 billion. If you are taking an early spring break to be one of the many guests going to Ireland over St. Patrick’s Day this year, you will not have a shortage of events to enjoy. In 1995 the St. Patrick’s Day Festival was established by the Irish government in Dublin. What started as a one day celebration is now a four day festival that takes 18 months to plan and prepare for.
St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17 but the St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin March 16 and continue through March 19. A few events taking place for the festival include a St. Patrick walking tour, treasure hunt, 5k road race, Irish craft beer festival, Dublin University boat races and of course a parade. The Grand Marshal of the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin is Irish football legend John Giles.
Thirty six percent of those that attend the festival are overseas visitors. If you are making the journey to this Celtic land to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day festival you will want to make sure you have St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance. With St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance you can purchase a minimum of five days and are able to select your deductible and coverage amount. For the last-minute traveler, same day coverage is available. This plan will provide comprehensive illness and injury coverage worldwide while outside of your home country. A few benefits included in this plan are repatriation of remains, emergency medical evacuation, common carrier accidental death, political evacuation, trip interruption, hospital room and board, doctor visits, lost luggage, prescription medication and much more. For more information on this plan or to purchase the St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance contact one of our licensed agents today.
Tags: international travel insurance, St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance
Posted in Travel Insurance | 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 »
Monday, December 19th, 2011
 Photo Credit: http://www.veniceconnected.com/carnival2011 If you are looking for a getaway in February to get yourself out of your mid-winter slump, the Venice Carnevale might just be the upbeat event you have been needing. This annual tradition brings back Venetian culture from centuries ago. In the 18th century visitors from all parts of Europe would join in on the parties, theatre and masks.
Today’s Venice carnevale has developed a few changes since then; however, the Venetian mask is still a popular trade mark today. The masks were used as part of a costume, with the most fashionable costumes consisting of a black cloak, tricorn hat and white mask that Venetians wore to conceal their identity. However, there were a wide variety of masks used for various reasons such as theatre.
If you visit the Venice Carnevale you will see firsthand where the masks are made. Registered artisans today work year round using paper mache or waxed canvas to produce the sought after masks that are donned during this festival. Join in on the local fun by purchasing a mask and heading out to the parade in Piazza San Marco for the best masked costume contest. Other highlights of the Carnevale are the walking theatre show, the Gran Foyer circus shows and the Festa delle Marie.
One event of the Venice Carnevale that you won’t want to miss is the silent water parade. Here you are able to view traditional boats and gondolas float along the Canal Grande by candle light. It provides a memorable closing to the festivities.
If you are traveling outside your home country to participate in the Venice Carnevale celebrations, ensure you have international travel medical insurance during your trip. Our Atlas Travel plan allows you to purchase the plan for as little as five days, giving you plenty of time to purchase a mask.
Tags: atlas travel insurance, international travel medical insurance, Venice Carnevale
Posted in Travel Insurance | No Comments »
Saturday, December 17th, 2011
It’s winter and the school semester is almost over! During this winter break if you are not returning home, why not take a trip abroad and experience the season in another country?
Whether you are going to the famous Christmas Market in Germany, going skiing in the Swiss Alps or flying to the other side of the world to escape the cold, it is best if you are prepare for your trip with winter break trip travel insurance.
Many students looking for travel insurance for winter break will find that our Atlas Travel Medical plan provides comprehensive medical sickness and injury coverage for an affordable price whether it is a few days or a few weeks. Because it can be purchase for as little as 5 days and can provide coverage worldwide outside of your home country it is very flexible and will fit the need for most trips. This plan covers you for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and much more.
If you will be participating in more adventurous sports on your trip such as skiing, you can also add the optional sport rider to the plan to cover those activities as well!
You can get your insurance documents and ID card right away, so if you need proof of insurance quickly you will be able to provide it if it is required by the local authority of the destination country.
If you are worried about inclement weather disrupting your trips and causing your flight to be canceled, be sure to check our previous blogs about how to avoid stress while traveling during the holiday season.
Feel free to contact any of our licensed insurance agent if you have any questions about your insurance needs for an upcoming trip and we would be happy to help you!
Tags: cancellation insurance, Travel Insurance, Trip Insurance, vacation insurance, winter break trip insurance, winter holiday insurance, winter travel
Posted in Health & Safety, International Student in the USA, Product Information, Student Health Insurance, Student Insurance, Travel Insurance | No Comments »
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
It’s already December and many students will have the winner holiday break coming up soon. If you are planning on traveling this season keep in mind that you are not alone, whether you are celebrating the holidays or New Year. Couple this with possible inclement weather such as snow storms and you can imagine that this year is unlike many others, flights delays or cancellations. Whether for vacation or returning home to see your friends and family, being prepare can lessen the travel stress that you might experience during your trip.
Be prepared for your trip and bring entertainment in case you find yourself sitting and waiting for your next flight. This means bringing your iPod/iPad, Gameboy, cell phone, or any other electronic devices with you fully charged. Because while many airports now have electrical outlets, the number of them are limited and someone else may be using them. You don’t want to run out of battery when you’re stuck waiting in the airport (but bring your charger just in case!). You can also bring a book or other reading material in case you need a change of pace.
Another necessity is bringing food and snacks with you on your trip, worse than being bored is being hungry. Some airline doesn’t serve food on short flights, if the delay gets really bad, the airline or the airport may very well run out of food (or there might be some major lines!).
Being prepared also means preparing yourself mentally for the unexpected such as delays or cancellations. It can also mean avoiding travel delays before it even happens. Book flights that have a good record of not being delayed and opt for nonstop flight if possible, the more connections you have the more likelihood of delays.
If you need to run to catch your next flight, it helps if you can get through the security link faster. Check out some helpful hints for holiday travelers by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.
If worst come to worst, having a good trip cancellation travel insurance policy can help if you find yourself in a situation where your flights are cancelled, or if you are delayed for a long period of time reducing your travel stress. Most plans also provide travel assistance to help reduce travel stress and headache.
Tags: miss flight, snow travel, travel head ache, travel stress, trip cancellation, winter travels
Posted in Health & Safety, Travel Insurance | No Comments »
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Let’s say you are planning to study abroad in the near future and you paid your tour cost, your plane ticket, etc. What would happen if you no longer can go on your trip? What would happen to your money for your plan/ train ticket that you already paid for?
This is where trip cancellation comes in! Trip cancellation is designed to cover your prepaid non-refundable losses in case you have to cancel your trip. While every trip cancellation plan is different, many trip cancellation policies cover cancellation due to sickness and injury, death of primary insured or immediate family members, bad weather, travel provider going out of business, etc. Trip cancellation protects you against losing your non-refundable expenses that you paid for if you have to cancel your trip. While trip cancellation benefits usually disclose a list of reasons for canceling, some plans allow you to include the cancel for any reason benefit so that you can cancel for an unlisted reason.
Trip interruption is similar to trip cancellation but it provides protection once you have already begun your travel. If you need to return home due to substantial destruction to your home, or an immediate family member’s death, trip interruption benefit will reimburse you – or it may also cover your plane flight home.
If you want to protect yourself against losing money on your traveling expenses, consider our trip cancellation insurance plan. Our trip cancellation also provides other benefits like trip interruption, trip delay, lost baggage and more. If you have any questions about trip cancellation insurance or other insurance needs, feel free to contact our international insurance specialist.
Tags: cancellation insurance, flight cancellation insurance, Travel Insurance, trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance
Posted in Insurance Explained, Product Information, Study Abroad, Travel Insurance | No Comments »
Monday, October 17th, 2011
Last year, the United States received over 115,000 visiting scholars from around the world working at colleges and universities – this was a dramatic increase from 86,000 in 2001. Visiting scholars typically come to the United States to be involved in academia acting as researchers, professors, and instructors.
Most visiting scholars come to the United States on a J-1 visa which is granted based on the program duration ranging from a few months up to a few years. To obtain the J-1 visa, insurance for visiting scholars is a must. Required by the US federal government, visiting scholars must obtain proof of insurance prior to being issued the J-1 visa. According to the US State Department Rule 22CFR62.14, all international visitors on J-1 and J-2 (dependents including children and spouses) visas must have health insurance which meets the following minimum requirements:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
An insurance policy secured to meet the benefits requirements must be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above. Alternatively, the sponsor may ascertain that the participant’s policy is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country.
All international scholars and their dependents must have insurance that meets the above requirements. The Department of State has proposed an increase in the minimum criteria for insurance for visiting scholars, however the new requirements and when this will go in affect remains unspecified.
Currently, international visiting scholars will need to present a letter showing that confirms that the insurance plan meets these minimum requirements. Many times the school will also request proof of insurance as well. The Atlas Travel plan is an excellent insurance for visiting scholars whose school does not provide insurance (or allows the option to waive). The plan meets the J-1 visa requirements and covers doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency room, urgent care, repatriation, emergency medical evacuation, labs, x-rays, and much more! Once the plan has been issued, international scholars will be able to receive a customized visa letter that allows participants to present proof of coverage that both meets and exceeds these requirements.
Tags: insurance for international scholars, Insurance for Visiting Scholars
Posted in Student Insurance, Travel Insurance | No Comments »
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