What is the Difference Between Trip cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance
November 18th, 2011 by ahoontrakulLet’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.
International Students in Australia
November 14th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelAustralia has been trying to deal with the latest dip in international student enrollment especially as higher education continues to grow increasingly more competitive worldwide. Australia has seen a 20% reduction in student visas which has primarily affected business programs throughout the country.
Many international students in Australia enroll in business school, either in management or commerce – or in MBA programs. According to the Australian Trade Commission, over 50% of international students were enrolled in management and commerce last year in 2010. Looking at the MBA student population at Melbourne Business School, 70% of full-time students were international students whereas the MBA program at RMIT University of Melbourne’s was approximately 45-50% international students. Australian universities and colleges are no longer sitting on the sidelines watching their enrollment drop. Pressuring the government to change the student visa process, it is hoped that the number of international students in Australia will stabilize and begin to increase.
With the reduction in enrollment, the Australian government announced last month that there would be further changes to the student visa process. This comes after changes back in April eased Australia student visa requirements even further in hopes of changing this data around.
Changes in the visa requirements for international students in Australia will allow those students with a degree from an Australian institution to have an additional two years post-study that will allow students to work overseas. Other changes announced include a quicker and easier visa process along with eased financial requirements. These requirements are anticipated to go into effect the middle of 2012.
Costa Rica Study Abroad Insurance
November 7th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelWhen choosing where you want to study abroad, many students look for a warm, tropical, diverse country that is friendly and welcoming. That being said, it is no surprise that Costa Rica ranks in the top 10 primary travel destinations for study abroad students.
If you are one of the 6,363 students who did a study abroad program last year, then it comes as no surprise as to why Costa Rica is a popular place for students. Not only do students have the opportunity to learn Spanish, but students will learn in a tourist-friendly country, with access to some of the world’s most precious diversity. National parks, white (or even black!) sandy beaches and fresh food year round, how could anyone pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity?
If you plan on studying in Costa Rica, it’s important to do your research before boarding the plane. While Costa Rica is one of the more developed countries in Central America, no traveler should go overseas without insurance in place. The Costa Rica Study Abroad insurance has been specifically designed to cover you in Costa Rica whether you are sick, injured, or even if your bag is lost in transit.
We all know that Costa Rica is an adventurer’s paradise where you can see the rainforest canopy by zip line or catch your breath as you brave the turbulent water while you go white water rafting. The Costa Rica study abroad insurance gives you the option to add the optional sports rider if you plan on doing extreme activities. Don’t let your insurance plan hold you back from taking advantage of all the opportunities that come your way!
Health care in Costa Rica is public for the Ticos (also known as Costa Ricans), but is at a foreign visitor’s expense. Prepare for the time you spend in Costa Rica, get a Costa Rica study abroad insurance if your school doesn’t already provide insurance for you.
If you plan on studying in Costa Rica, you’ll soon understand the phrase “Pura Vida” – and incorporate it into your every day speech!
M-1 Visa Student Insurance
November 4th, 2011 by ahoontrakulWhile many students in the United States usually enter with either a F-1 or J-1 visa, many people often forget about the M-1 student visa for vocational schools. Once a student has been accepted to a vocational program, they are issued an I-20 form which can be used to apply for the M-1 visa.
While the M-1 student visa does not have any insurance requirements set by the government, most schools will have their own health insurance requirements.
If you are a full-time student on a M-1 visa, our M-1 visa student health insurance plan, called the Student Secure plan, can provide you coverage while you are studying in the US. The plan offers comprehensive insurance that would cover you in case you become sick or injured. If your program is less than one year, you can also choose to have the plan for any number of months as you are not required to sign up for a full year.
Another popular plan for vocational students is the Atlas Travel Plan. This plan also provides medical coverage while you are in the United States. If you need further help deciding which plan is right for you or if you have special insurance requirements, please feel free to contact us to speak with a qualify insurance agent.
Popular Majors for International Students
October 31st, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelMany students dream about going overseas to study. There is little doubt that the world is interconnected and having an international perspective (and perhaps grasp of another language) will make you more competitive in the job market. The number of international students has been on a steady increase year after year. According to the Open Doors Report, popular majors for international students have been the following:
- 21.1% Business/Management
- 18.4% Engineering
- 8.9% Physical/Life Sciences
- 8.8% Math and Computer Science
- 8.7% Social Sciences
As you can see, the majority of international students – 1 in 5 to be exact – study business and management. The popular majors for international students within this field include finance, accounting, marketing, economics, human resources, and management. Following business, the second most commonly studied field is engineering. Many international students recognize that studying in the United States can be expensive, so studying a field where the benefit will outweigh the cost upon graduation is a huge consideration for incoming students.
According to these statistics, the popular majors for international students are greatly influenced by the largest sending countries: India and China. Many of these students who return home after studying such technical skills find that they have a competitive edge. Students are able to find and secure meaningful jobs after having exposure to some of the most novel and up-to-date information, technology and training.
While a US degree can be invaluable to students, language fluency is automatically acquired through studies in the United States. In many cases, English fluency – in both engineering and business – is an important requirement to advance to higher positions within these fields. Scientific journals as well as international business is primarily done in English. Having not only a US degree combined with English fluency creates a recipe for long-term career success.
Spain Study Abroad Insurance
October 24th, 2011 by Jennifer Frankel
“Bienvenidos a España!”
Are these the words you are dreaming about? The chance to study in Spain is a unique opportunity where you can learn about the diverse region we know today as Spain. With over 46 million people, Spain is home to a variety of regional identities including Basques, Catalans, Galicians, and Castilians just to name a few. If you are looking to learn Spanish – or perhaps the second most commonly spoken language, Catalan – Spain may just be the perfect study abroad location for you.
Before you plan on departing your home country to explore this diversity, you will need to consider purchasing Spain Study Abroad Insurance. This plan will cover you outside your home country, even if you decide to spend your weekends taking advantage of the inexpensive transportation that will enable you to travel Europe with ease and flexibility.
Entrance to the country can be quite difficult if you are not properly prepared. You will need to present coverage of your Spain Study Abroad Insurance showing that you meet the minimum requirements specified by the Spanish government. Most consulates require that your Spain Study Abroad insurance plan have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros with repatriation included.
The Atlas Travel plan is designed to cover you educational studies overseas in Spain, as well as outside your home country. Not only does the plan meet the minimum requirements of 30,000 euros with repatriation as an included benefit, but you’ll be able to get a customized visa letter immediately that you can present as proof of coverage. By having everything at your finger tips, you can rest assured that you are in proper hands no matter what situation you face overseas. The plan provides translation services around the clock, and includes coverage for sicknesses such as colds and the flu as well as major emergencies that include hospitalization, emergency room visits, urgent care, and much more.
For more information about Spain student insurance plans, please see our dedicated section just for travel to Spain.
Spain map provided by Shutterstock
Insurance for Visiting Scholars
October 17th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelLast 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.
ESL Insurance
October 12th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelBefore applying to a higher education institution overseas, many students must first learn the native language in that country. Many international students may want to study in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand. The common thread among these countries is that the native language, and thus the language of instruction, is English. That being said, whether you want to apply to Cambridge in the United Kingdom or Harvard in the United States, you must first learn English and prove that you can succeed in an environment that requires you to write, speak, listen, read and understand English.
Because of this, many students decide to enroll themselves in an English language school that specializes in English as a second language (also known as ESL). Many of these programs provide students with the foundation needed to be successful all the while introducing them to both the culture and traditions that they will be exposed to later as an international student. In either case, before you leave for your English language program, it is important to become familiar with your destination country’s health care system. Many countries, like the United States, have private health care which leaves it up to the individual to cover the cost of medical treatment. Because of this, it is important to have an ESL insurance plan that will be comprehensive enough to cover illnesses and injuries that may occur during your program.
Students planning to learn English overseas must also think about their ESL program. There are a variety of English language programs that students can choose from that expose students to college campus life, local activities, conversation and much more! You can find a program that will teach you general English – or you can build a program focusing on your area of concentration (such as business English). You may find some programs that may also allow you to play sports. After you have decided on the program that you want to study, you will need to ask them whether they provide each participant with their own ESL insurance. Find out what it covers and see if it will cover you if you arrive early, or leave late. If you plan on playing intercollegiate or club sports – does your ESL insurance plan cover this? Keep in mind that if your English language program has limited health insurance, you may be responsible for any excess expenses.
Alternatively, some language programs do not provide insurance to students and they are required to purchase their own individualized plan. You can purchase your own ESL insurance plan for the full duration of your program – and some plans do not require you to be a student so you can use the plan as international gap insurance as well. These insurance plans cover doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, labs, x-rays, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and much more! Contact our insurance agents to find out the plan that is best for you.
Study Abroad Health Insurance for Thailand
October 10th, 2011 by ahoontrakul
With its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, exotic culture, rich history and delicious food, Thailand is known as a great vacation destination of the world. While these reasons bring many tourists, the same reasons also bring many students seeking an exciting and unique study abroad experience as well.
It is important to keep in mind that health care in each country is unique and the same goes for Thailand. If you are coming from the Unites States or other western country it is a good idea to be aware of how the health care system works beforehand.
The majority of people arrive in Thailand via the capital city, Bangkok, where most of the major universities are also located. There are many clinics and hospitals in the city as well, but private clinics may not be staffed with English speaking professionals. For most foreigners, the best option may be to visit a general hospital which in most cases is a private hospital. While they are usually more expensive, they are more accustomed to treating foreigner and are often equipped with state of the art medical equipment.
If you decide to study or travel to a more remote area of the country, language barriers may be an issue if you do not speak Thai or if you do not have someone who can translate for you. Most sicknesses or injuries can be treated in the local facilities, but if you need emergency care that would require more specialized treatment, you may need to be medically evacuated to a nearby major city. This is especially true for the poor North Eastern region of the country where the ratio of doctor is 1:7251 according to the World Health Organization’s 2002 data.
It is important to protect yourself with a private health insurance plan while you are studying abroad in Thailand since there is no free national health care system. Our international student insurance for Thailand will be able to provide medical coverage in case you get sick or injured during your time abroad, it also includes benefit for emergency medical evacuation and also translation service available 24/7! If you have more questions, feel free to contact our international insurance agents at any time!
Chinese Student Health Insurance in Alberta
October 3rd, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelAlberta, like all provinces in Canada, provides universal health care for their citizens and permanent residents that is publically administered and funded. Alberta’s health care system known as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is available to international students studying in Alberta for 12 months or longer.
To be eligible for the AHCIP, foreign students must register within 3 months of arrival in Alberta by presenting your Study Permit and your Temporary Resident Visa. AHCIP will cover basic services like hospital costs, doctor visits, and laboratory tests; however it does not cover prescription drugs, rehabilitation needs, dental services or ambulance transport. Because of this, some international students will purchase a private medical insurance plan for Canada to ensure that out-of-pocket expenses are minimized. Additionally, if you are not eligible for the AHCIP, then your school may or may not provide you with a mandatory insurance plan. Before arriving in Alberta, it is important to contact your school about insurance options as a Chinese international student.
If you will be studying in Alberta for less than 12 months and your school does not have a mandatory insurance plan, you may want to consider purchasing your own private student health insurance since you will be responsible for any costs related to medical treatment. Because of this, many schools recommend having coverage begin as soon as you arrive so that you will be fully insured for the duration of your studies.
