Why Purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance?

January 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

passport stolenNo one expects anything to go wrong on the vacation they have been saving and looking forward to for months.  But sometimes accidents happen and they do go wrong.  AIE wants to present 10 possible travel scenarios that may happen to you and your family members while on an international vacation you should protect yourself from:

10 Reasons To Purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance

  1. A cancelled connecting flight:  Who will help you find another connecting flight?  What if the only connecting flight does not leave until the following day?  Trip cancellation insurance will help you find another connecting flight and accommodations if they are needed.
  2. Missing medication:  What if you or your family member has packed their medications in a suitcase that has been lost? Travel insurance will help you locate your bag and have emergency medications filled at the nearest available pharmacy to get you through until your bag is located.
  3. Lost of stolen passport:  If you are traveling internationally and your wallet and passport are stolen, travel insurance will help you get your passport replaced and emergency money.
  4. Medical emergency:  Trip cancellation insurance also has emergency medical coverage in case of an unforeseen accident.   If you need to be evacuated back to your home country, travel insurance will make sure you are able to fly home for treatment.
  5. Medical emergency back home:  If a family member becomes seriously ill and you have to fly back, travel insurance will help pay for any  non-refundable deposits or pre-payments.
  6. Lost of stolen luggage:  If your luggage is lost, delayed or stolen, travel insurance will help you locate it, pay for necessities until it is found or will pay to replace it if it is stolen.
  7. Bankruptcy:  What if your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt?  Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
  8. Locate a Doctor:  The medical coverage included in travel insurance will also help you locate a local physician should you need one while on vacation.
  9. Unsafe Area:  In cases of terrorism, travel insurance will pay for any cancellation fees associated with a location under threat.
  10. Hurricane:  In case of a hurricane, travel insurance will help you evacuate and reimburse your lost vacation investment.

No one expects anything to go wrong while on vacation and in most cases, nothing does go wrong.  But to protect yourself in case it does, travel insurance is a smart purchase.

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Dark Chocolate is Heart Healthy

June 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Need a good excuse to indulge in a little sweet treat but not totally fall off the wagon?  Have some dark chocolate!

A small dark chocolate candy bar, or about half of one full size candy bar a day is actually good for you!  The reason for this is that dark chocolate has a high cocoa content and cocoa is loaded with epicatechin. Epicatechin is a particularly active member of a group of compounds called plant flavonoids.

Flavonoids are found in dark leafy vegetables and contain antioxidants which protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to the heart  and help reduce blood pressure.   Since cocoa beans are plant based, they have many of the same benefits of dark leafy vegetables.  Antioxidants scavenge the free-radicals that are responsible for oxidative damage.  In fact, dark chocolate contains nearly 8 times the number of antioxidants and flavonoids found in strawberries!

Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.  LDL cholesterol refers to low density lipoprotein cholesterol. When your blood is checked for cholesterol, the doctors will be looking at both HDL – the good cholesterol and LDL –the bad cholesterol.   Too much LDL in your blood can build up in the arteries.

However, not all chocolate is created equal.  Dark chocolate contains a lot more cocoa than other forms of chocolate like white or milk chocolate.   Standard manufacturing can destroy up to half of the flavoniods, so you want to make sure you buy high quality chocolate and read the lable.  The higher the cocoa content, the healthier it is.  In fact, why not take an international cocoa plantation tour to find the best cocoa in central and south America.

In Ticul, Mexico, there is a relatively new chocolate plantation.  The plantation is relatively new because the plantation is only 5 years old and it takes 10 years for a cocoa plant to reach maturation.  However, with tender loving care, most cocoa trees begin to bear fruit in the fifth year, although some cocoa trees can yield pods in the third and forth years.   A cocoa tree reaches peek production in about 10 years and can continue to produce pods for up to 30-40 years.    At the plantation in Ticul, the seedlings and plants are sheltered by other trees, like banana, plantain, coconuts or hardwood trees to protect them from the wind and sun.  Plantation farmers in Ticul care for the cocoa plants and other plants very carefully and the plantation is thriving.

When you are travelling internationally to find the best cocoa beans and dark chocolate, make sure you have international health insurance.  Your domestic carrier does not cover you outside the border, so make sure you purchase medical travel insurance to ensure your trip is safe and sweet!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Do I Need Travel Insurance?

May 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Traveling outside your home country is full of excitement and uncertainty!  A lot of preparation goes into international travel, from saving hard earned dollars, to familiarizing yourself with the area, down to making sure the bills have all been paid.  With all of that planning, purchasing international health insurance does not often make the list.

However, to ensure safe international travels, purchasing international travel insurance is another necessity.   It’s not about whether or not you should consider purchasing it, it’s about what type of international travel health insurance should be considered.

Reasons You Need To Purchase International Travel Insurance

Anything can happen when traveling abroad and exciting experiences can quickly become frightening if you are miles from home without proper medical coverage.  Illnesses like Influenza, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Yellow Fever, dehydration and food poisoning are just a few of the most common health hazards.  There are also auto accidents, water sport injuries, burn injuries and everyday accidents.  Even the healthiest of us can experience these common incidences that could end up with a visit to a foreign hospital.  The potential of being stranded thousands of miles from home and needing treatment in a local clinic or hospital with language barriers, uncertain fees for service and uncertainty of qualified staff are all reasons to purchase international health insurance.

Domestic Health Insurance Does Not Travel

Chances are your domestic coverage will not follow you to a foreign country.   Medicare offers no coverage outside the U.S. and supplemental coverage is only good for up to 60 days outside the U.S.  Private individual or group coverage is very limited, quite possibly covering only life threatening emergencies. There is generally no coverage for evacuation or return of mortal remains in worst case scenarios.   Evacuations can cost upwards of $100,000.00, and return of mortal remains can cost as much as $10,000.00. With these scenarios in mind, the benefits of obtaining international travel insurance are many.

Qualities of a Good International Health Insurance Company

A good international health insurance agency will have service centers located in multiple areas of the world and be staffed and available according to local time zones, 24/7/365 a year. Staff members fluent in the native language in order to communicate with local doctors and hospitals is vital.  An international health insurance company should offer multi-lingual claims administration and emergency medical assistance that can be accessed by those traveling or living all over the world, anytime of day.

An array of available technology is also critical in an international health insurance agency. A secure member web site that is quickly and easily accessible in real-time status of claims is important. Make sure that e-mail, live chat, phones and fax are all ways to access international travel insurance customer service and claim representatives.

International Travel Insurance

If you already have health coverage in the United states, but need coverage for the limited amount of time you will be out of the country, international medical travel insurance will cover your needs.

How Do I Sign Up

Now that you understand the importance of international medical health insurance coverage while traveling outside of your home country, either temporarily or permanently, the next step is to sign up for coverage. Short term travel insurance and permanent health care coverage can be initiated online.

Short term travel insurance is automatic issue and does not require medical underwriting. The policy will be e-mailed to you within 10 minutes of the application being submitted. A hard copy will be mailed to your address within 24-48 hours which includes the Declaration of Insurance, an identification card, emergency contact numbers, a claim form, visa letter and an Insurance Certificate. Approximately 30 days before expiration, notification will be sent in case you need to renew or extend coverage.

Safe and Secure International Travel

Traveling outside your home country is full of adventures, new flavors, new sites, and new challenges. To ensure safe and secure travels, purchasing international travel insurance will add a layer of protection to your adventures.   It’s not about whether or not you should consider purchasing it before your trip,  it’s about what type of international health insurance should be considered.

 

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Individualized Travel Insurance Plans To Fit Your Needs

April 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

If you are traveling abroad, whether alone or in a group, for business or pleasure, American Insurance For Expats offers individualized travel insurance plans to meet your needs.   These six plans are designed to help you get the most of your international travel experience and provide you with peace of mind.

Patriot Travel Medical Insurance

The Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance plan is designed for  U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who need temporary medical insurance while traveling for business or pleasure anywhere outside of their home country.  This plan is good for high school graduation trips, college students studying abroad, families sponsoring exchange students, international travelers, visiting relatives, seniors age 65 and older traveling abroad and recently arrived immigrants.  Some of the highlights included with this plan are:

  • Short-term travel medical coverage
  • Coverage for individuals and dependents
  • Coverage for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country
  • Maximum limits from $50,000 to $2,000,000
  • Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
  • Available in daily and monthly rates
  • Renewable up to 24 months if three months or more are purchased
  • Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay and baggage delay benefits available
  • Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
  • 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage your account at any time

Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance

This plan is designed for traveling executives and people wanting first-class medical coverage.  Some of the highlights of this plan include:

  • Short-term travel medical coverage
  • Coverage for individuals and dependents
  • Coverage for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country
  • Maximum Limits from $1,000,000 to $8,000,000
  • Deductible options from $0 to $25,000
  • Available in daily and monthly rates
  • Renewable up to 36 months if three months are purchased initially
  • Access to Global Concierge & Assistance Services
  • Access to board-certified physicians, licensed psychologists, pharmacist, dentists, dieticians and trainers to assist with any routine health related questions
  • Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of choice
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay and baggage delay benefits available
  • Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
  • 12 month benefit period
  • 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage your account at any time

 

Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance

Designed for travelers under age 76 who are covered by an individual or group medical plan and travel internationally frequently throughout the year outside their home country.   This plan offers the option of purchasing a single annual plan at an affordable annual premium.  The highlights of this plan include:

  • Short-term travel medical insurance
  • Coverage for frequent travelers, spouses and/or children traveling for a period of 12 months
  • Coverage for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens
  • Maximum Limit $1,000,000
  • Individual deductible – $250 per each covered illness
  • Annual premium
  • Freedom to seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of choice
  • Multiple trip coverage throughout the year – choice of 30 days or 45 days in length
  • Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
  • 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage your account at any time

 

Patriot Adventure Travel Medical Insurance

This plan pretty much explains it all in the name and is designed for adventurous international travelers who intend to participate in the thrill of adventure sports and realize that their current medical plan does not cover certain hazardous sports and activities.  Highlights include:

  • Short-term travel medical insurance
  • Coverage for individuals and dependents
  • Coverage for U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens
  • Maximum Limit $50,000
  • Coverage for several adventure sport activities
  • Coverage for a minimum of 30 days up to a maximum of six months
  • Option to purchase in 15 day increments after one month is purchased
  • Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
  • 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage account at any time

 

Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance

This plan is designed with groups of five or more travelers, student group travelers or missionaries.  Highlights include:

  • Short-term travel medical insurance
  • Coverage for groups
  • Plans for U.S. citizens or for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country
  • Maximum Limits from $50,000 to $2,000,000
  • Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
  • Available in monthly and daily rates
  • Renewable up to 24 months if three months is purchased
  • Freedom to seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of choice
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay and baggage delay benefits available
  • Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
  • Discounted premium from the Patriot Individual Plan
  • Single plan for entire group of travelers
  • Optional Chaperone Rider benefit
  • 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage your account at any time

Patriot Platinum Group Travel Medical Insurance

Similar to the Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance plan, the Platinum plan provides first-class protection for groups of five or more who want to obtain the maximum coverage available in a short-term travel medical insurance product.  Highlights include:

  • Short-term travel medical coverage
  • Coverage for groups
  • Coverage for U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country
  • Maximum Limits from $1,000,000 to $8,000,000
  • Deductible options from $0 to $25,000
  • Available in monthly and daily rates
  • Renewable up to 36 months if three months is initially purchased
  • Access to Global Concierge & Assistance Services – extended services handled by a dedicated service team
  • Access to board-certified physicians, licensed psychologists, pharmacist, dentists, dieticians and trainers to assist you with any routine health related questions you have
  • Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay and baggage delay benefits available
  • Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
  • Discounted premium from the Patriot Individual plan
  • Single plan for entire group of travelers
  • Optional Chaperone Rider benefit
  • 12 month benefit period
  • 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage account at any time

If you are in traveling outside the country, and need international travel health insurance, contact American Insurance For Expats, and one of our friendly representatives will help you choose the right plan for your needs.

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Three Reasons Travelers Health Insurance Is Better Than Credit Card Insurance Coverage

April 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A lot of people do not purchase international travel insurance because they believe they are already covered by the travel insurance offered through their credit card.  However, insurance protection through a credit card provider often times does not cover to the degree offered by a true travelers health insurance plan.

Credit Card Fees

For one, a higher annual credit card fee may be required to get the travel benefits.  Often, the annual fees charged by credit cards are higher than you’d expect to pay for a basic travel insurance plan.  An additional caveat is that a traveler must charge all travel expenses to the card for the coverage to be in effect, and your trip must be less than 30 days long.

Trip Cancellation

Trip cancellation coverage through your credit card is typically limited to canceling for illness, injury, or death of you, a close family member, or your traveling companion reasons only.  By comparison, trip cancellation with travel insurance includes:

  • Injury or illness of insured, travel companion, family member, or business partner
  • Required to work, terminated, or transferred
  • Theft of passport or visa prior to trip
  • Traffic accident prior to trip
  • Jury duty, a required court appearance, or military redeployment
  • Victim of felonious assault prior to trip
  • Hurricane or natural disaster strikes destination
  • Loss of accommodations abroad due to an illness or death of host family or friends
  • Death or hospitalization of destination host
  • Legal separation or divorce
  • Bankruptcy or financial default of travel company
  • Terrorism or mandatory evacuation at destination
  • Home or business damaged, vandalized, or burglarized
  • School year extension

Travelers health insurance also offers optional  ”Cancel For Any Reason Coverage”.  This coverage lets you cancel for any reason and receive reimbursement such as concerns about civil unrest or political upheaval at your destination. If this becomes a concern, coverage can ensure you get at least a portion (half or more) of your travel investment back.

Travel Delay

Credit card protection for travel delay often includes coverage for reasons such as delays due to inclement weather, common carrier equipment failure, and lost or stolen passports.  In comparison, travel insurance covers for reasons such as:

  • Delays due to common carrier problems, including inclement weather
  • Delays due to severe weather causing a route to be closed by U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Delays due to unannounced strikes
  • Delays due to civil disorder, riots or unrest
  • Delays due to lost or stolen passports, money, or other travel documents
  • Delays due to quarantine of you or your traveling companion
  • Delays due to hijacking
  • Delays due to natural disasters

Insurance protection through a credit card provider often times does not cover to the degree offered by a true travelers health insurance plan.  Look into both insurance plans so you can make a thorough decision before you leave.

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Repatriation Coverage and Travel Insurance

April 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Not many insurance carriers will pay for emergencies in foreign cities or while on a cruise.  International travelers should be aware of what their insurance does and does not cover before they leave the country.  Travel health insurance is available and covers not only medical accident expenses but also covers things you may not expect to happen while vacationing.  There are a few things you should make sure are covered with your international health insurance provider before leaving your country.

Repatriation Coverage

No one ever expects the worst case scenario.  However, if you are an adventurous traveller, during your vacation, you might get involved in an accident that could result in death or permanent disability. Your travel insurance provider should state whether or not they cover repatriation.  Whether you are traveling by yourself, with friends, or with family, it’s important to remember that if a death occurs on any trip, your body is not automatically shipped back home for burial.  In fact, it’s usually stored in the local morgue and local laws govern how long it may have to wait before being sent home.

Transporting a body can take a lot of money and coordination to properly prepare and ship it back home.  Each country has their own laws and regulations governing how a body can be transported and generally this requires a good deal of paper work in the regional language.  With repatriation coverage, you will have assistance from your travel insurance representative to coordinate and manage the paper work, as well as cover the costs associated with filings.

If you are an adventurous traveler travelling alone, these responsibilities are best left to a professional that can wade through international waters on your behalf rather than leaving it to surviving family members to solve and potentially pay for.  In worst case scenarios like an accidental death, any cancellation fees associated with hotels and airlines are covered as well.    Repatriation coverage is an important aspect of travel health insurance you should look into before leaving on your adventure vacation for your own protection as well as your loved ones.

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A Few Safety Tips To Take Before Leaving on Vacation

March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

If you are considering traveling to a foreign country, purchasing travelers health insurance is something to consider, especially if you are traveling with your loved ones or taking an adventure vacation.  Travel insurance will cover any unexpected medical-mishaps that might occur.

No one goes on vacation and expects to have anything happen to them other than a good time and fortunately, most of the time, that is exactly what happens.  However, just in case not everything goes as smoothly as expected, medical travel health insurance will ensure you receive proper medical attention in a foreign country without it costing an arm and a leg.

Before leaving on your vacation, check with your current health insurance company to see if you will be covered in a foreign country.  If your current plan does not cover you in a foreign country, international travel insurance will pay for incidences such as hospital visits and care, as well as possible hotel cancellation fees and associated airline fees.

A few other safety measures to take are to find out the name of the local hospital and where it is located.  A good medical travel policy will be able to help you locate one.

If you don’t speak the language, write down a few phrases such as “My name is, ” “I need help,”  and “I am allergic to…”.   You may also want to make sure that your cell phone has service in the area you are visiting, and if it doesn’t, you can usually purchase an inexpensive local phone with a few minutes on it to make emergency calls.  Find out the phone number of the regional “911″ (for instance, the emergency number in Mexico is “060″), and the telephone number to the hospital as well.

In most cases, your family vacation will go exactly the way you planned it to go and no one will get hurt.  However, taking a few precautionary steps such as purchasing some travel health insurance can give you peace of mind you deserve.

 

 

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