Venice Carnevale
December 19th, 2011 by Bryanna Davis
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.
Winter Break Trip Insurance
December 17th, 2011 by ahoontrakulIt’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!
Student Health Insurance for Florida International University
December 14th, 2011 by Jennifer Frankel
International Student Insurance offers the Student Secure plan which meets and exceeds the requirements at Florida International University.
Every year, international students flock to Florida International University (FIU) to begin their studies in the United States. FIU has the second highest number of foreign students in the state of Florida with 2,677 students, a 4% increase over last year’s figures. And, who can blame them? Located in Miami, Florida International University hosts a variety of activities for international students both on and off campus. As we enter the new academic semester, many international students are evaluating their student health insurance for Florida International University.
FIU has an existing health insurance plan that students can enroll in or, alternatively, they can choose to purchase their international student insurance plan as long as it meets their stated requirements on their compliance form.
International Student Insurance offers the Student Secure plan that will meet the requirements of FIU. This student health insurance for Florida International University offers comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, mental health, and pre-existing condition coverage (after a waiting period). Not only is the plan comprehensive, but it is also more affordable – take a look at the cost of the FIU insurance plan compared with the Student Secure plan for a student ages 24 and younger:
| FIU Insurance Plan | Student Secure Plan |
| $2,923 per year | $513.24 per year |
| That is a saving of over $2,410 per year!! |
If you choose the Student Secure plan as your student health insurance for Florida International University, you will need to complete their compliance form to remove any hold to register for classes. To do this, once you have purchased the plan, you can email or fax your compliance form to us. Make sure that you have completed the student section, and we’ll complete the insurance section and fax it to your school. We can typically get this processed in less than one business day! Contact our insurance agents if you have any questions. Good luck Panthers!
Updated 8/5/2020
Greece Visa Requirements
December 12th, 2011 by Bryanna DavisWith so much history, art and inspiration seeping from every inch, who wouldn’t want to study abroad in Greece? Not only does it have ancient relics such as the Parthenon, but it has a variety of natural scenery that pleases beach goers and mountain lovers alike. As with any trip, there is a lot of preparation involved beforehand and you might be wondering what the Greece visa requirements for an international student are.
Greece is a part of the Schengen Treaty meaning if you are not a citizen of a European-Union, you more than likely will need to obtain a Schengen visa for your studies over 90 days. However, there are exceptions. A Schengen visa will allow you to visit other countries within the Schengen space on this one visa.
To obtain a Schengen visa to study abroad in Greece the application must be submitted in person two weeks prior to your scheduled departure. Below is a general list of Greece visa requirements that will need supporting documents. Please note depending on your home country and situation you may be required to provide additional forms of information.
- A completed application
- A valid passport
- One passport photo
- Official acceptance letter of the institution where you will be studying
- A medical certificate
- Criminal record from the federal police (for Australian citizens) and National criminal record (including English translation) for other nationalities
- Proof of financial means for the duration of your stay
- Proof of international health insurance for the duration of your stay
For your insurance plan to meet the Schengen visa health insurance requirements, it must include the following:
- The insurance company must have a representative office in Europe
- Medical evacuation/ repatriation coverage of at least euro 30,000
- Insurance must be valid for the duration of stay in the Schengen countries
One common international student health insurance plan for students looking to meet the Schengen visa health insurance requirement while studying abroad in Greece is the Atlas Travel plan. After you purchase this plan you will have immediate access to your student zone where you can obtain a visa letter providing proof of your insurance.
If you would like further information on a plan that will meet your Greece visa requirements, please contact one of our licensed insurance agents.
While this information reflects the typical Greece visa process and requirements please check with your embassy for any changes.
Nepal Travel Warning Removed
December 8th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelThe US Department of State has lifted the travel warning for Nepal due to the improved conditions in the country. After political parties reached an agreement, the political climate is now stabilizing and the threat to visitors has greatly reduced. Over the last year, the U.S. Department of State has monitored the country’s conditions and has determined that political violence is no longer a threat to travelers. With the Nepal travel warning removed, many visitors and students will yet again continue visiting Nepal.
The US State Department stated, ”The U.S. Embassy is pleased that the overall situation in Nepal has improved to such a degree that this decision could be made.”
This comes as good news to Nepal who relies on tourism as its largest industry in the country. With the Nepal travel warning removed, many more visitors will feel safe and more comfortable with their overseas travel. Now international students and travelers can climb (or, for others, see) 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world.
Since January 2011, Nepal has seen a 21.5% increase in the number of international tourists over the last year, hosting 512,264 visitors. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, “this is the highest in the history of Nepal.” With the Nepal travel warning removed, it is predicted that this number will continue to increase.
Current Travel Warnings
December 6th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelAs we head into the holiday season, many of us decide to travel overseas. As you decide where to go, the US Department of State lists the current travel warnings that are relevant to international travelers. As a student or family going abroad, it is important to stay up to date with current events to make sure that your trip is safe, secure, and fun.
- Travel Warning for Afghanistan – On December 1, 2011, the US State Department issued a travel warning for US citizens traveling to Afghanistan which replaces the warning back in March. The current travel warnings “reminds US citizens of ongoing security risks, including kidnapping and insurgent attacks.” While many travel warnings may apply to a specific region, the DOS states that, “no part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other Western nationals at any time.”
- Travel Warning for Burundi – On November 25, 2011, the US State Department reaffirmed a travel warning issued on June 1, 2011. With no changes to the current travel warning, Burundi’s peacekeeping efforts in Somalia there are now threats by “the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabaab… to conduct terror attacks in Burundi.”
- Travel Warning for Eritrea – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department extended current travel warnings dating back to February. The warning in Eritrea strongly advises all travel to the country to be pushed back due to security concerns including piracy.
- Travel Warning for Kenya – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department issued concerns of travel to Kenya replacing a December 2010 warning. Current travel warnings cites security issues due to terrorism and violence.
- Travel Warning for Guinea – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department replaced the existing December 2010 warning due to the political climate. Elections are scheduled for December 29th and while the current President has instilled a relatively calm environment, the election is contested and can present violent protests in the region.
- Travel Warning for Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of (North Korea) – On November 3, 2011, the US State Department strongly urges travelers to avoid North Korea as “U.S. citizens crossing into North Korea, even accidentally, have been subject to arrest and long-term detention.” The travel warning continues to state that it is not uncommon to have expensive fines, long imprisonment, and hard labor if travelers do not possess a valid passport and visa.
International Student Insurance urges all travelers to be properly prepared and aware of the international climate. For the latest, check out the US Department of State for more information on these and other current travel warnings for December and November.
Avoiding Travel Stress during the Winter Holiday Season
December 3rd, 2011 by ahoontrakulIt’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.
Standard Student Health Insurance Plans
November 28th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelMany international students studying overseas will need to purchase student health insurance. Since health care varies country by country, it is important to consider the health care of the place you are traveling to. Important questions to ask yourself include:
- How is health care received and paid for in my host country?
- Does my country have universal health care? If so, am I eligible?
- Do I have any insurance requirements in order to receive my visa?
Health care in many countries require foreigners to pay for their own health care. In situations like these, purchasing standard student health insurance plans can lift the burden of paying expensive health care costs in the event of an accident or illness. Other countries may require you to purchase an insurance plan that meets specific guidelines. In these cases, you may need to show proof of coverage in advance, or upon arrival in your host country.
International Student Insurance offers standard student health insurance plans that works for students around the world. Students can purchase a comprehensive health insurance that covers doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, repatriation, emergency medical evacuation, and much more! Our plans are affordable, and can be easily purchased with same-day coverage. Upon purchasing the plan, students will receive their documents electronically which will include the receipt, ID card, and plan information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our licensed insurance agents.
