March 2012 Travel Warning Update
March 10th, 2012 by Jennifer FrankelSpring is here and there is no better time to travel than now! Whether you are planning a weekend-long trip abroad, or if you will be spending your Spring Break overseas, we have the latest March 2012 Travel Warning Update below to make sure that you are safe and up-to-date with the most current information. This month has been quiet with the US Department of State updates as there has only been three new warnings issued since our last February 2012 travel warning blog:
– Travel Warning for Colombia – Replacing the current travel warning from July 22, 2011, the latest notice states that there has been significant improvements in security in cities such as Cartagena and Bogota. Even with these improvements, however, narco-terrorist still exist throughout the country. While kidnapping incidents are down, the possibility for kidnap and ransom still persists especially within rural areas. US officials are only allowed to travel to major cities by air avoiding ground transportation due to the associated risks.
– Travel Warning for Nigeria (updated since our last February 2012 blog) – This travel warning for Nigeria has been updated to warn against the risk of kidnapping, robbery, and armed attacks by gangs and individuals. The warning also states that these incidents have been carried out by people dressed in police and military uniforms. Within the last month, three simultaneous attacks by “extremist groups” resulted in dozens killed and injured.
– Travel Warning for Syria (updated since our last February 2012 blog) – The US Department of States warns against travel to Syria and advises individuals currently in Syria to leave. The warning states that the border may “become more difficult to cross or may close without warning.” On February 6th the US Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in Syria and officials have departed the country.
For more information on March 2012 Travel Warning Update, contact or check out the US Department of State website.
Food Safety While Traveling
March 10th, 2012 by ahoontrakulWhile 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.
Why Study Abroad
March 9th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisWith 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.
St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance
March 2nd, 2012 by Bryanna DavisEach 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.
Study Abroad Cancellation Policy
February 25th, 2012 by ahoontrakulSummer 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.
International Students in Canada
February 20th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisInternational students planning to study in Canada will need a study permit. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Those who will be completing a course or program in six months or less do not need a study permit during their authorized stay in Canada. Even though this permit is not a requirement for those individuals, it is recommended that international students in Canada still apply for one. Since the initial application for a study permit can only be completed at a Canadian visa office outside of Canada, any individual who decides to stay longer than their original six months will run into a few obstacles if they do not already have a permit. International students who are also foreign representatives to Canada or members of foreign armed forces are often exempt as well. To confirm if you need a study permit in these instances, it is best to contact your country’s embassy in Canada.
Unless an international student in Canada is a citizen of a visa-exempt country they will also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada.
Medical costs incurred by foreign students are not covered by the government of Canada. Individual who will be an International student in Canada will want to prepare ahead of time by purchasing International Travel Medical Insurance or International Student Health Insurance.
The Atlas Travel series provides International Travel Medical Insurance to those traveling outside their home country. With this plan you are able to select your amount of coverage and deductible as well as add a sports rider if needed. The Student Secure plan provides International Student Health Insurance for US citizens that will be studying in Canada. Both of these plans include emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, doctor’s visits and hospital charges.
For more information on these plans, and other great insurance options for students studying in Canada, please see our Canada Student Insurance section for more information.
February 2012 Travel Warning Updates
February 14th, 2012 by Jennifer FrankelSpring Break is right around the corner and many students are making travel arrangements overseas. Whether you are planning just a few days, or weeks, you will want to make sure that you are aware of the current international climate no matter where you go. Since our last January 2012 travel warning update, here is the February 2012 travel warning updates from the US State Department:
- Travel Warning for the Philippines – January 5th marked an extended travel warning for the Philippines due to potential terrorist risks. While the warning states that risks extend throughout the country, it cites recent incidents in Mindanao and in the Sulu Archipelago.
- Travel Warning for Sudan – Replacing the existing travel warning from June 2011, the Department of State continues to warn travelers of “security concerns” along the Darfur region, Blue Nile, and Southern Kordofan States.
- Travel Warning for Nigeria – The Department of State extended the current travel warning in Nigeria due to the “risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks.” The official statement warns against travel unless essential; the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, issued a State of Emergency in the country.
- Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo – Replacing the July 2011 warning, the US Department of State reissued a new statement that warns against unnecessary travel to eastern and northeastern areas of Congo primarily due to security and military concerns.
- Travel Warning for Iraq – An extended travel warning has been issued for Iraq due to persisting security concerns with air and land travel, particularly with kidnapping and terrorist violence. The Department of State recommends avoiding travel as the Embassy’s response capabilities are limited.
- Travel Warning for Pakistan – The warning for Pakistan has been extended as security concerns continue to be present in the nation. Protests, demonstrations, and rallies present additional risks that travelers should avoid.
- Travel Warning for Syria – The US Department of State “suspended all embassy operations effective February 6, 2012” due to the ongoing violence. US citizens are recommended to avoid travel to the nation and, for those individual who are currently in the country, to leave immediately.
- Travel Warning for Mexico – While the US State Department notes that “the Mexican government makes considerable effort to protect US citizens and other visitors”, drug-related violence and crime has affected locals and foreigners traveling to Mexico. The advisory warns against traveling to 14 of 31 Mexican states. The US Department of State lists a state by state advisory that should be reviewed before traveling to the region.
Healthy Pregnancy While Traveling
February 13th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisHaving a baby is a monumental moment in many people’s lives. No matter what country someone is from or having a baby in, there is one common goal: to have a healthy pregnancy while traveling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following day-to-day tips, especially when traveling, to keep carrying moms and their unborn baby safe from infection:
- Wash your hands often, especially after the following:
Using the bathroom
Cooking or eating
Touching raw food products
Gardening or touching soil
Handling pets
Being around people who are sick
Changing diapers
Coming in contact with saliva
Interacting with children - Do not share eating utensils, food or cups with children:
Many parents share these items with their children, however, a child’s saliva could contain a virus that can be dangerous for those who are pregnant. - Ensure your meat is fully cooked:
The inside should not be pink and it should leak clear juice before consumption. Also, try to avoid lunch meats such as deli meat and hot dogs unless they are reheated to steaming temperatures. - Avoid unpasteurized milk and foods
- Avoid dirty kitty cat litter:
If this is inevitable, ensure gloves are worn during the process and hands are thoroughly washed afterwards. - Stay away from rodents and their droppings:
This includes pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs. - Ensure you do not have an STD:
Some individuals can be infected and not have any symptoms. It is important to get tested so necessary measures can be taken to help avoid the baby becoming infected as well. - Get properly vaccinated:
Some vaccines must be done before pregnancy, some during and some after. To help support a healthy pregnancy while traveling, talk to your doctor about what extra vaccines are needed and when they should be taken. - Avoid people who have infections:
Traveling involves being around a lot of people, often in small areas. Try to avoid being near those who seem ill and wear a protective face mask when possible. - Get the facts about group B Strep:
Get tested to find out if you carry these bacteria and find out how to protect your baby during labor from contracting it.
For a health pregnancy while traveling, it is also important to ensure you have international health insurance that includes maternity. The Student Secure plan and Citizen Secure plan offer varying maternity coverage. If you would like more information on either of these plans, contact one of our licensed agents today.
Student Health Insurance for University of South Florida
February 11th, 2012 by ahoontrakulThe University of South Florida has selected ISI as a pre-approved insurance option for international students. Learn more and apply online to meet your school’s requirements.
Since it was founded in 1956, the University of South Florida has grown and become one of the largest public universities in the US with well over 45,000 students enrolled. Today, the university has more than 1,400 international students and 200 research scholars from over 150 countries around the world.
The University of South Florida, also known as USF, is located in Tampa. As one of Florida’s major metropolitan cities, Tampa has a lot to offer including many crystal clear beaches, world class museums, and even two major amusement parks. USF gives international students a great city to call home during their study in the US.
As with many major universities, international students are required to have health insurance while they are studying at University of South Florida. Every semester, international students consider the choices for their student health insurance for University of South Florida. International students have the choice of enrolling in the insurance plan that the university offers or purchasing their own health insurance plan that meets all the requirements listed on the university’s student health insurance compliance form.
International Student Insurance has a plan that is designed to provide coverage that meets the requirements for University of South Florida called the Student Secure-USF Plan. This student health insurance for University of South Florida provides comprehensive coverage for sicknesses and injuries including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, sports coverage, mental health, and pre-existing condition coverage (after a 6 month waiting period). This is a great choice for international students because it provides great coverage at a much more affordable price compared to the university’s plan. Here’s a comparison of the cost for USF’s insurance plan to the Student Secure-USF Plan for those ages 24 and younger:
USF Insurance plan cost – $2,957 per year
Student Secure plan cost – $741 per year
Total Saving- $2,215 per year
International Student Insurance has been pre-approved to offer the StudentSecure-USF plan and will meet all of your school’s insurance requirements. As long as you note that you are attending the University of South Florida on your application, you will not need to complete the USF student health insurance compliance form as we will take care of all of this for you!
If you choose to purchase your own insurance plan, you will need to have enrolled in the plan and submitted your waiver form by August 10, 2020 (returning students) or August 21, 2020 (new students). Be sure to complete this in advance otherwise you might get stuck buying the school’s expensive plan for another semester! If you have any questions, feel free to contact our International Student Insurance agents.
Updated 8/7/2020
Repatriation of Remains and Emergency Medical Evacuation
February 9th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisMost international students run into the same problem when shopping for international student health insurance. Since many schools require their international students to have repatriation of remains and emergency medical evacuation coverage, this is a key item when they are searching for coverage, but they are often unsure exactly what this benefit is or how much they will need.
Before purchasing an insurance plan it is important to know what benefits and exclusions the plan is composed of. If you are an international student searching for a plan that includes both repatriation of remains and emergency medical evacuation, one option you might be interested in is the Student Secure plan since it includes both of these. Depending on which level of the Student Secure plan you purchase, the smart, budget or select, your coverage amount for these benefits will vary. The amount of coverage for repatriation of remains with the Student Secure plan is offered in the amount of $10,000 (smart), $15,000 (budget) or $25,000 (select). Emergency medical evacuation coverage in this plan is $50,000 lifetime (smart), $250,000 lifetime (budget) or $300,000 lifetime (select).
The repatriation of remains benefit will provide coverage for the transportation of the deceased policyholder’s bodily remains back to their area of principle residence in the event of death due to a covered injury or illness. This benefit allows individuals to prepare for the worst.
When recommended by an attending physician, emergency medical evacuation provides transportation to the nearest hospital that is fit to medically treat the covered individual if they are unable to receive the necessary treatment at a local facility.
If you would like more information on the Student Secure plan or repatriation of remains and emergency medical evacuation, please contact one of our licensed agents today and they will assist you with any questions or concerns.
