QkiZmVIdC1u1T2NFFsXZ6rCniHZWotGkb: December 2012

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Travel Insurance - Positives and Negatives

If you are a glass-half-full type of person you may not give much thought to the things that could go wrong when you travel overseas on holiday. You may even believe that travel insurance is an unnecessary expense. Some people are so optimistic that they think someone else will pick up the pieces of their broken holiday and pay the bills for them if things go pear-shaped.

The glass-half-empty camp, however, are often more likely to be the worrywarts of the world, anticipating disaster and spending hours making sure they purchase the correct travel insurance. They check the policy document again and again to ensure that all planned activities are covered. They are often also the ones most likely to call the insurance company with additional questions - just to be sure - and why not! It is no good waiting until things go awry to start checking your policy document to find out whether you are covered for a specific incident or activity.

There is a saying that opposites attract, so in an ideal world a 'half-full' personality should pair up with a 'half-empty' - and everything would balance out so that they both have the safety net of travel insurance for their holidays!

By now, anyone who has read articles about travel insurance should have some idea of the importance of taking out holiday insurance, no matter whether it is for a short city break, or round-the-world trip. Many people are unaware that most insurance policies also provide cover for travel within your own country of residence, usually with the requirement that accommodation for two or more nights has been booked in advance.

The cost of travel insurance is tiny compared to the potentially astronomical costs if things should go horribly wrong. It covers a range of travel-related problems, such as:

Medical accidents and emergencies and hospital benefit Liability claims and legal expenses Cancellation and curtailment Personal accident Personal effects and baggage Scheduled airline failure Catastrophe cover Mugging Travel delay Hijack Missed departure Pet care

If you are already thinking about next season's ski or snowboarding trip why not put a reminder on your 'to do' list to purchase holiday insurance with winter sports cover. An accident on the slopes very often involves broken bones and head injuries, all of which are all very expensive to treat. If you are heading to the U.S. or Canada where medical costs are wallet-numbingly high, then it is vital to have a good ski insurance policy in place. Check that the policy includes adequate cover for medical expenses as well as cover for mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, and air ambulance to repatriate you (if this should become necessary). Bills for these costs are very expensive and it is your responsibility (and yours alone) to pay them. Many travellers are under the false impression that their consulate or embassy will pay these costs if they do not have insurance, but that is not the case.

When purchasing holiday insurance it is important to review the 'Schedule of Cover'; this is the section that sets out the various aspects of the insurance and the amount of cover provided for each under your chosen plan. Most companies will offer different levels of cover, from a Basic policy up to a Premier - meaning increasingly higher levels of cover and a corresponding increase in the premium.

Your choice of 'level of cover' may depend largely on your destination country. If you are just hopping across to Europe for a city break for a few days you may decide not to take out as much insurance as if you were going skiing in Colorado or river rafting in South America. If in doubt, always call the company and ask for advice before you buy.

If you live in a participating member country of the European Union always carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when travelling within the EU. However, remember that the EHIC should be carried in addition to travel insurance, not as a substitute. The EHIC usually provides cover for emergency treatment on the same level as a national of that country. However, it does not cover non-urgent treatment, ongoing treatment or medical repatriation by air ambulance. It also does not cover lost or stolen luggage or property and a host of other travel-related mishaps that are all potentially very costly without insurance.

A basic cheap travel insurance policy or cheap Backpacker insurance policy is better than no policy at all, and additional cover can usually be purchased to provide cover for extras such as winter sports, business equipment, golf cover and photographic equipment.

It is wonderful to have a positive attitude to life, but trusting your holiday to 'luck' could be a very big - and costly - mistake. If you do not have travel insurance it could even result in financial ruin, and that would certainly wipe the smile off the face of even the most annoyingly optimistic person! Being a naturally happy-go-lucky person is a personality trait that should be preserved, so why risk shattering your holiday dreams - and that precious half-full glass...

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Smart Ways to Buy Travel Insurance

Buying travel insurance along with your long-awaited trip to paradise (or any trip for that matter) is a breeze, until you realize something went wrong and you actually have to make a claim. This is where the dream ends for travelers, where some insurance companies nitpick their way out of the issue and deny all possibly deniable claims. To avoid arguments with such companies, it's best to (a) buy any-reason trip cancelation insurance, (b) buy primary medical insurance, and (c) make sure to buy these as early as possible, even before you start to pay for your trip.

Canceling for any reason

One of the most common risks covered by travel insurance is trip cancellation. However, take note that some agencies or companies might make a list of reasons they specifically cover. If your reason is not covered, then they can get away with denying the claim. While this kind of insurance usually covers reasons such as illnesses or accidents, other ones like sudden important business meetings or terrorist activity and uprisings even in just nearby areas of your destination won't do the trick.

What you need to look out for is any-reason trip cancellation, which allows you to obtain refunds in case anything comes up and you have to cancel your trip even after you've paid for it. This is especially helpful if you have nonrefundable deposits, or if you suddenly have to cancel a pleasure cruise or an all-inclusive package tour at the last minute (when penalty fees are soaring way too high). Fortunately, most agencies or companies have started to issue the any-reason cancellation insurance, where you can recover at least half of your deposited payments depending on your terms and agreed conditions.

Mind your Health

A most common exclusion among travel insurance coverage is pre-existing medical conditions. A pre-existing medical condition basically means any injury or illness to which you acquired medical diagnosis, care or treatment within 3 to 6 months before your trip. A possible issue with your agency would be whether a condition is pre-existing or not. However, there are some agencies that may cover pre-existing conditions depending on what type of policy you choose and when you purchase it.

Another medical related issue you need to be aware of is paying hospital bills. Secondary medical insurance is often on the menu among providers, which basically means you'll have to shoulder the expenses now and then get your reimbursement afterwards. However, this is a terrible mistake-you would want to avoid this situation at all costs. Your agency might just run out on you and argue that you didn't follow the guidelines necessary for you to be eligible for the reimbursement. It's best to acquire a primary medical insurance so that you don't need to cash out on any emergency hospital payments; your insurance provider will do it for you.

Most travel agencies offer great deals and promos. Make sure to compare the policies of two or more travel insurance agencies. Most agencies or companies also have requirements or deadlines for you to be able to avail of the best services. Consult with them and discuss the matter thoroughly. Remember to buy as early as possible, so that you are still entitled to the best benefits in full. There's nothing that can ruin a spectacular getaway than an emergency situation that's not covered by your agency.

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Tips to Find Cheap Travel Insurance

The excitement of travelling abroad might be so awesome to you that you might not have enough time to study the options offered by your travel insurance company. Hence it is necessary to plan and research everything much in advance, especially if you are pursuing to get cheap travel insurance.

Travel coverage fitting your budget

There are many factors which need to be tapped before you purchase travel coverage. Your travel agent will be keen on selling you a vacation coverage which is cheap and fitting your budget. But, find out if it covers whatever you consider of utmost importance.

Try to research over the Internet all the predominant diseases and other ailments which affect the tourist, visiting your present vacation destination. See if your travel insurance covers this aspect.

Purchase only what you feel is right for you

What is the point of purchasing a coverage which is cheap but ineffective while travelling? Also, when you try to get an insurance which you think is perfect for you; it might turn out to be the most complicated coverage you have ever come across.

Your travel agent or the travel company might sell you what is beneficial for them and you might end up buying something which you do not need. So be smart and look out for a cheap travel insurance which covers everything you need while vacationing abroad.

Here are a few situations which might be of great importance while deciding on travel coverage:

- Cancellation

You can get a refund for your travel expenses if your coverage has this main aspect. Due to unforeseen circumstances just before you leave, you may have to cancel your much awaited trip. And what could be more satisfactory to you than getting a refund?

- Natural Catastrophe

If your visiting destination has an unsuitable climatic condition you may have to cancel your trip and maybe keep it aside for a later date. In such an unavoidable condition your insurance might cover all your expenses.

- Medical Coverage

Whether you are a young or old person you need to know the importance of medical emergencies.

- Other Important Coverages

Also check for details like delayed flights, missing baggage, emergency expenses and hijack allowances.

The only thing needed apart from the tips given above is that you need to book your insurance much in advance. This will give you plenty of time to locate a cheap travel insurance which covers most of the things you need on your trip abroad.

The Importance of the European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card or EHIC is a must have item for all UK resident travelling to anywhere in Europe. In the event that your holiday takes a turn for the worst, the card allows you access to state provided healthcare, similar to that provided by the NHS in the UK, in all countries designated as in the European Economic Area or EEA.

These countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Leichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Switzerland is a country also included in the scheme.

Not all countries' healthcare systems are the same, so you might not be covered for everything that would normally be free from the NHS in the UK. In many cases, you will be offered a choice of either private or state provided care. To avoid potentially costly private medical bills, always seek out state provided care and where possible present your EHIC before treatment.

There are certain rules that apply to using your European Health Insurance Card should you require medical treatment during your visit abroad. Most accidents are covered but you are not permitted to go abroad to use the card to receive specific medical care. However, maternity care, renal dialysis and looking after the symptoms of a pre-existing or chronic condition that crops up while you are abroad are all covered by the card.

Broadly speaking, you will receive the same treatment as a resident of the country you are visiting. That said, many overseas countries expect the patient to pay towards the cost of medical treatment anyway so even with the EHIC you may still be expected to pay. It is also worth bearing in mind that you may be able to recoup this cost when you return to the UK if you are not able to do so in the country you have visited. Always remember to keep receipts and paperwork as they may be needed to apply for reimbursement.

Applying for a European Health Insurance Card is free and is valid for five years. Finally, it should be pointed out that the card is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover you for private medical care or the cost of such things as a rescue from a mountain in a ski resort. Neither, of course, does it cover lost or stolen property, repatriation to the UK or flight related problems. It is therefore essential that you have a travel insurance policy as well as your EHIC.

Essential Travel Medical Insurance Tips

Medical insurance for traveling purposes is designed to protect travelers while on trips abroad. The comprehensive travel medical insurance tips you find below will help you make the best choice for your circumstances.

Travel medical insurance can cover certain eventualities such as trips to dangerous areas, health complications and prescriptions, together with unforeseen illnesses and accidents. Specifically, this type of coverage is taken out to protect against events that include any health complications, which are not caused by any pre-existing conditions, and traumas that may occur due to accidents.

A policy will contain many terms and exceptions, so it is important to read the fine print. The policy will also specify the countries to which the policy is applicable, and how much it will pay out per procedure. For example, a maximum figure will be stated for hospital treatment, dental treatment, or repatriation. Some cases will not be covered by a standard policy, such as extreme sports or high-risk activities like white water rafting, or bungee jumping. It is worth checking with your insurer or travel agent if you plan on doing anything unusually adventurous.

If you have any pre-existing health conditions they should be declared when you purchase your policy. In most cases insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is a condition you have been seen by a doctor for, or one that you have taken medication for prior to your trip. Insurers generally consider anything that has occurred within a month prior to your trip as a pre-existing condition, but this can vary from insurer to insurer, so make certain you are aware of the terms before purchasing a policy.

Coverage can be purchased from travel agents, financial companies and travel insurance specialists. You should always keep a copy of your policy with you and write down the emergency telephone number and policy number. Also make sure you keep it with you wherever you go.

Other travel medical insurance tips include taking copies of prescriptions in case you lose your medication or require more during your trip. Your insurer will be able to assist in replacing lost drugs. Check to see if the policy covers repatriation and ambulances, and if you are purchasing a policy for your family make certain you have stated any pre-existing health conditions they may have. It is also worth noting some policies have limits to the amount of family members they will cover. Find out if the policy will pay for medical emergencies upfront, or whether they will reimburse you at a later date.

Most standard insurers that will not cover pre-existing health conditions do this to keep premiums low. However, these days there are many insurance companies that offer policies to those that have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, cancer and heart conditions.

There are also policies available for people over the age of 65, which is an important move forward as many retired people are far more active now than in previous generations. The best travel medical insurance tips are to always read the terms and conditions, and shop around for a policy that suits your own personal requirements, rather than a standard policy. By being savvy when buying coverage you will ensure you obtain the best deal possible.

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Compare Various Travel Insurance Policies

If one wants to compare travel insurance, then it is necessary to understand the various travel insurance plans that are available. Then one needs to investigate the costs associated with these plans offered by different companies and then to find the one that is most cost-effective yet most suitable and covers all of one's needs when travelling.

The first type of policy to compare is single trip plan travel insurance. Single trip plans, as their name implies, covers a single holiday or business trip. The trip can be as short as three days or as long as year with comprehensive coverage provided throughout the length of the trip. A help line for medical assistance is available around the clock and over fifty sports are covered. Usually there is no charge for children that take part in these trips.

For those who travel more often during the year and want compare travel insurance, then there are multi-plan trips which cover an unlimited number of trips made throughout a single year. These again can be trips for either business or pleasure that can last for up to 90 days for each trip. Winter sports are covered for free as well as fifty other additional sports. Children are also covered at no charge and there are discounts available for family travel.

Another type of travel insurance that travelers compare is the winter sports insurance. This type of insurance is available as a single trip or a multi-trip for those who travel often during the winter months around the world and offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of injuries or eventualities. The multi-trip plan covers winter sports at no charge as well as off-piste-skiing and snowboarding. Coverage for winter sports equipment, avalanche benefit and ski packs are also available and children are covered at no charge.

Long stay insurance does cover holiday trips that can last up to twelve months but is designed more for those who choose to live abroad or need it for business travel. For those using it to cover an extensive holiday, there are fifty different winter sports that are covered at no extra charge. Children are covered at no charge and family coverage is available if the plan is being used for a personal business trip. Long stay insurance includes comprehensive coverage for major medical expenses and hospital bills as well as for cancellations of pre-paid trips.

One type of insurance that is designed more for students is backpacking insurance. Backpacking is one way to travel that brings an in-depth and close-at-hand experience of the cultures and way of life in the countries that are visited. Coverage for backpacking insurance can be for along as eighteen months and includes an option for skiing during the winter months with fifty other sports and activities included at no extra charge. Being designed for students, backpacking coverage enables the student to return home once during any extended travel. Medical rescue and emergency assistance is available by means of a 24-hour hotline that exists worldwide. Continuation of repayment of a student loan is also available while one is traveling.

Travel Insurance - Do You Want or Need It?

At first glance, you may wonder why on earth you need travel insurance. It's actually a great idea, along with a lot of other insurance of course, because it works exactly as the word means -- it's insurance against (in the case of travelers) something happening with your planned trip, or during the trip. There are several kinds of insurance policies and these can include international, medical, and a couple of other kinds. These days, trips can be expensive. Who needs to be out several hundred dollars and lose that trip of a lifetime?

It's much more comforting to travel with insurance than without it. Today's world contains a lot of uncertainty, and other things that you certainly don't want to have to encounter during your vacation or holiday, or even business trip. Insurance can cover you for stolen items, cancellations, emergencies, and lost luggage. There's insurance for people who travel a lot, or only rarely. There are also discounts offered, and at various times of the year you may get a percentage off of your policy. It's a good idea not to leave travel insurance until the very last minute, as you're running for that plane. Those little kiosks are not good places to buy insurance. Research it a bit, and then contact a couple of companies to find out which one is best for you.

Amongst the different policies available are economy ones, traveler policies, and deluxe traveler policies. Find out how much coverage you want for your baggage and other things. Do you want the policy to cover everything, or part of it? There are different components to a travel insurance policy. You can get insurance for those single trips, coverage for family, coverage paid annually, cruise insurance policies, and many other types. Make a list of what you want covered, and check around to see which company will give you the best deal!

As to you're digging around for a good travel insurance policy, you may find a company which will offer other types of insurance as well. They may have a combo policy where you'll get a discount for travel insurance if you cover a few of your other needs with them. Whatever type of insurance you have, whether it's for travel or something else, insurance gives you great piece of mine and with that comes the ability to relax and enjoy your fantastic vacation, or feel that your worldly possessions will be kept safe and secure.

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Reasons Why Travel Insurance Is Important

There are few things more exciting, memorable and incredible than travelling overseas. As the world becomes more and more connected, there is an infinite number of possibilities for travel to interesting destinations and the possibility of involvement in some unique and exciting activities.

Quite surprisingly however, there are those that still view travel insurance as an 'optional extra'. After saving and investing money in the trip of a lifetime, it is foolish to overlook the need for cover, particularly when cheap and tailored policies are available.

Naturally, no one hopes that they will be so negatively affected while on holiday that they have cause to use the cover in which they have invested. However, simply having a policy in place provides the peace of mind that, should something unforeseen or something less than desirable occur, you are appropriately protected and will experience minimal disadvantage.

Just as we take out insurance for our homes, cars, lives and health, travel cover is a most important safeguard. It follows then that the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) strongly advises all Australians to have it in place before travelling overseas.

Another piece of good news is that protection need not be exorbitantly priced. There are numerous options available, many of which are affordable and provide appropriate cover for the typical traveller. Also, it can be purchased and made active in minimal time. If you combine time and cost effectiveness, this results in minimal inconvenience and stress - inconvenience and stress are two things you definitely do not need before travelling.

So, why is travel cover so important?

* Every year, DFAT becomes involved in the cases of more than 20,000 Australians who experience difficulty while overseas. Having to go to hospital or be evacuated from one country in order to receive medical care in another can be incredibly expensive. Without appropriate insurance, the cost can be so great that families can find themselves having to sell their homes in order to cover the bills.

* Some Australians also fall into the trap of thinking 'I am not away for long' or 'I am coming home soon' or the big one: 'What could possibly go wrong?'. The problem here is that you never can predict when something unfortunate may occur. It is tragic but too common that, while abroad, people are injured or otherwise disadvantaged in 'safe' countries and while doing things as mundane and simple as crossing a road.

* Travellers who do not have appropriate cover are sometimes surprised to find that they are personally liable for medical costs that they incur whilst overseas. They are also surprised to find that these costs are far greater than anticipated and so great that they can cause extreme financial hardship.

* Without insurance, there is also the risk of being held liable for injuries that befall others. For example, you may be incredibly fit and experienced, but while skiing you collide with another person on the ski field. Not only may you be held responsible for the injuries that this person sustains, without the appropriate protection, you may also be financially responsible for their lost income as they recuperate and recover.

* Perhaps most importantly, being prepared affords you with the knowledge and confidence that, should an awful or unexpected event occur while you are travelling overseas, you will be protected and looked after. Of course no one hopes that they will ever have to use their insurance cover, but it is amazing how much comfort the appropriate insurance can provide if things do go wrong.

When these reasons are taken into account, it is apparent that travel insurance provides many benefits for a comparatively small price. The risks of travelling without it are simply not worth it.

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Information on the Super Visa Medical Insurance Requirement

Making it quicker and simpler for relatives to get back together with their parents or grandparents, the Canadian federal government released the latest visa in December 2011. The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa allows for the parent or grandparent associated with a Canadian citizen to stay in Canada for as many as two years at a stretch, without renewing their status. The Super Visa is mostly a multiple admittance visa and its in force for ten years.

As with several visa application, there are various requirements. One of the most talked about requirement of the new Super Visa would be the medical insurance requirement. Seekers of the visa need to prove they possess Canadian health insurance coverage (also known as Super Visa insurance). Particularly, the insurance plan must:

1. Be valid for a minimum duration of one year from the date of entry to Canada; 2. Provide at the least $100,000 coverage, and; 3. Must cover healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation

Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said "One of the reasons we are requiring that people demonstrate they have health insurance when they come into Canada, is to add greater certainty for our visa officers that admitting people is not going to end up representing a net cost to Canadian taxpayers." Minister Kenney continued to mention that the new health insurance requirement may make it easier for visa officers to say "yes."

Health costs in Canada are some of the most expensive on the globe. The median hospital stay in Canada costs around $7,000, and much more for patients with an underlying complication. Prescription drugs will add considerably to expenses. All Canadian residents are universally protected by provincial and territorial health coverage plans, and the costs of these plans are funded through income taxes. Non-Canadian residents usually are not entitled to provincial or territorial coverage.

With regards to the minimum amount of coverage requirement, the ministry said it considered what other nations require for medical coverage and the average expense of healthcare services to produce the $100,000 requirement. As one administrator of Citizenship and Immigration put it, "It was determined $100,000 would be fair to the applicant and the Canadian taxpayer."

Applicants must buy their medical insurance BEFORE the Super Visa is issued as proof of insurance. Picking the effective date of the insurance policy is somewhat challenging, provided that evidence of insurance has to be submitted with the visa application (hence the visa has not yet been granted). However, this difficulty has a feasible solution. Most insurance policies come with an effective date of 90 days after the date the insurance policy was bought, which provides applicants ample time to make changes to the insurance policy. Changing the date of the policy is simple and typically only requires a quick call to the insurance provider. The first day of insurance protection needs to be the day that the parent or grandparent comes to Canada. The one year coverage begins from that day on.

For those parents or grandparents who return home ahead of time (i.e. before staying for the full year), some relief is accessible. Most insurance companies will give you a partial refund for that piece of the insurance not used (provided there was no prior claims). Also, whenever a Super Visa application is turned down for whatever reason, the applicant is eligible to receive 100% of the premium which was paid for the visa insurance protection.

Overall, the new Super Visa program is seen by many people as a good step forward. However, the program is still in its infancy and will probably see some changes to improve the procedure down the road.

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Age Is No Barrier to Travel

Getting travel insurance alone for a young and healthy individual can be quite of a challenge, you have to fill out countless forms, undergo the medical screening process and more. Did it ever come to mind just how challenging it would be for a senior applying for travel insurance? Don't feel discouraged though, as tough as it may seem just by visualizing it, that's why over the recent years, specialty plans for senior citizens would accommodate individuals aged as high as even 80.

What are these specialty plans?

Due to the simple fact that more likely a senior citizen would end up filing an insurance claim rather than a younger individual, this causes a loss for the company. So the results are them raising the costs and reducing the benefits for older individuals. That's when you should consider these specialty plans wherein the programs are a whole lot more flexible and specifically tailored for the needs of an older traveler. Things to be considered is looking for a plan that would cover your pre-existing medical conditions, without this would put you in a major discomfort if something does go wrong during your trip. Specialty plans also raise the age limit even as high as 75 or 80, which surely does take care of your number one priority.

What to look for in a special insurance program?

International travel can be an exciting adventure, but it can also bring many unpredictable situations if you should need medical care while you're abroad. A special insurance program should mostly feature some of these benefits:

Special Risk Insurance - wherein resources to ease the stress of an unfamiliar culture of medical system for those above 50 or depending on the health status as well are covered.

International Accident Life Insurance - this mainly covers all forms of accidents in another country, a program also featured on mostly any travel insurance plan. Only difference is that when you are at an older state, your body isn't the same as it had been before and is more prone to accidents. This results to common travel insurance companies to increase the cost. So special travel insurance lowers the costs but give the same level of benefits.

So if you think being a senior citizen would be hard to get access to insurance, you just need to be aware of other plans out there, special insurance plans are less costly than the common travel insurance companies. So ease off, and do remember that age is never a barrier to travel. When in your golden years enjoy yourself.

Multi Trip Travel Health Insurance

As you consider spending quality time with family and friends during holidays, you must not forget to make sure that you have all the things sorted in case any medical or health related emergency surfaces. Availing a traveler's health insurance is an easy task as there are several service providers who make various options available for every possible need. It works really well in case any problematic situation arises during travelling and it is suggested that anyone looking for investing in a travel medical insurance checks with all the medical insurance companies before making up their mind.

Oftentimes there are incidences like loss of luggage in frisking, trip cancellation, severe medical or health related problem that can be managed with a traveler's insurance policies catering to people's specific needs. These policies also cover compensation for delay or loss of belongings. Amongst other insurance policies,travel medical insurance policies provide the requisite coverage for travelling concerns. Such policies and schemes are also inclusive of payments that can get the patient back home if the situation calls for it.

These policies vary in terms of weather any extra amount shall be levied upon the policy holder in case medical evacuation involves services of air ambulance or a medical team accompanying the patient. The traveler may opt to go for other additional benefits that he or she would like to make a part of his or her travel insurance package.

Being equipped with appropriate insurance policy gives the traveler an added security for when the emergency strikes. Medical insurance companies design these policies to manage a number of health related risks that can be expected from travelling. It provides necessary financial and medical security to the traveler. It specifically provides coverage for emergency hospitalization to emergency air evacuations from beginning to end of the trip, hence the policy provides coverage for almost the entire trip. You need to only select the maximum number of days you plan to be away on any one trip. Then travel worry free as many times as you like during the year. Frequent Travelers looking for evacuation and medical coverage, when outside of their fixed permanent residence, should double check upon various details before making a purchase.

In nutshell, you have to ascertain that you and your family's health are secured against serious medical expenses that could hamper your financial well being. Traveler's health insurance can help travelers when additional costs are incurred due to sudden unwanted incidences in the travel plan.

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Traveling With Visitor Travel Insurance

If you happen to get sick while you are on vacation, you may not be able to come up with the extra money to pay your medical bill. We all pay way too much money for healthcare in the United States. Imagine for a moment if you were to travel outside of the United States where your medical insurance is not covered. Because of this, many people are considering purchasing visitor medical insurance so they are protected just in case.

Visitor Travel Insurance is basically a short-term medical plan that will cover you until your vacation is over. This will cover anything from an auto accident to a common cold. You can either choose to purchase this type of medical insurance before you leave for vacation or even while you are on vacation. Whether you are going for a short-term vacation or a long-term vacation, you will easily be able to find a plan for you. Do not hesitate to shop around a little bit he for you decide on a plan. This way, you will be able to find exactly what you need and also what you can afford.

If you are traveling to the United States of America, it may be common for your own country to ask you to have some type of medical coverage to prevent you from getting sick. It is common for an insurance company to not be willing to cover you for something that you may have contracted while outside of your own country. Because of this, it is always a good idea to have a good insurance plan so that you know for sure that you are completely covered in case of some type of emergency.

You may consider looking on the Internet for the best variety of insurance plans for your situation. This is definitely the best place to get a wide variety of insurance plans that you can customize to your needs. Of course, you may have to fill out a questionnaire so that they know exactly what your health history is like. If you are traveling with your family, you may consider covering your spouse as well as your children just in case.

Of course, most websites are going to work with other websites so that you can get multiple quotes at the same time. This way, you will be able to find exactly what you need without a lot of headache of searching different websites. This is also the best way for companies to fight for your business. You will also be able to find the perfect coverage for your situation when you have all of the companies laid out in front of you.

It is important to remember that if you find out that your trip is going to last longer than what you have coverage for, you either call the company or get online so that you can ask for a renewal. This may possibly take a couple of weeks in order to get everything situated. Therefore, as soon as you find out that your trip is going to last longer, get on the phone or on the Internet and make it happen.

Any time you are vacationing to the United States or even Canada, make sure that you have enough money to pay for any type of medical treatment that you may come across. This way, you will not have to worry about whether or not your visitor medical insurance is going to pick up the tab. This is the best way to insure that you have a wonderful vacation where you can relax and get the rest that you deserve.

What Is Snowbird Travel Insurance?

Every fall millions of ducks, geese, robins and other birds start their journey from Canada, and head down south to enjoy the warm weather that graces our southerly neighbours. It isn't long after that, the Canadian people (known as snowbirds) begin their migration south as well. It is estimated that somewhere between 800,000 to 1.7 million Canadians migrate south for the winter. Different studies account for the large difference in numbers. Regardless though, a LOT of people are what we refer to as "snowbirds". If you are planning to spend your winters in the south you should seriously consider health insurance targeted towards these Snowbirds.

What is Snowbird Insurance?

Snowbird insurance is targeted to those people who spend their winters in the Southern US or Mexico. It is used to supplement your provincial health insurance plan's out of province coverage. These insurance policies will cover you in case of medical emergencies. A good policy will cover your medical expenses as well as any extra costs directly caused due to the emergency (i.e. extra hotel costs if you can't travel).

Why Should I Consider Snowbird Insurance?

People should always be prepared for the worst. While a medical emergency is never fun, it certainly shouldn't leave you financially crippled. If you choose to avoid Snowbird insurance and are stuck with a medical emergency in a country like the USA, you will be looking at a huge bill. In some American hospitals, daily hospital costs could be thousands of dollars.

Many anowbirds also happen to be seniors. It is even more important for them to have insurance, because emergencies are more likely. When you are a senior and you sit down with an insurance broker, many times you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. This will allow the broker to find the best premiums, as well as ensure the coverage suits his client's potential needs.

If you are one of the lucky Canadians who is able to spend the harsh winters in relative paradise, then make sure you are fully prepared. Preparing for the worst case scenario with some sort of travel insurance is worth the price alone for peace of mind. If something does happen, it will be worth far more than that when your emergency costs are covered. Snowbird insurance is a wise choice for anyone who travels South for the winter. While it is exceptionally important for seniors, it should still be a priority for all long term travelers.

Travel Insurance For Over 65s

Some insurance companies require you to declare any pre-existing conditions like; Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Coronary complications, etc. This has to be pre approved by the underwriters for you to be eligible to purchase the travel insurance. This can be a long draw out process, so ensure you purchase your trip insurance as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. The added benefit of purchasing insurance in advance is that you are insured from the moment of purchase against cancellations

Tips on buying travel insurance for seniors; regarding age, deductibles, pre-existing conditions and more:

Be careful of the age criteria; for instance, age 65 usually means you've not completed your 65th birthday on the first day of travel, even if it means your birthday happens during the trip. Check with your insurer if this is the situation. Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered, so be very careful of the ones that say they do. In such instances check:

what they cover the terms under which they cover the deductibles, these can be very high.

Trips cancelled due to a pre-existing condition is not usually covered, be sure to check that as well. Usually the deductibles tend to be the same as for the other, but be sure to read the policy document and if in doubt ask! I cannot emphasize how important it is for you to read the policy documents because of the exceptions pertaining to. At the very least ensure you read the what is and isn't covered under medicals and ask questions before you buy. If you are traveling with expensive equipment, be sure to check the coverage provided "personal possessions". Store the medical emergency number on your phone. Buy an annual multi trip insurance if you are close to the age ceiling; that way you'll have coverage for another year. When buying trip insurance, always check and ensure that the company is regulated by a government body, like the Financial Services Authority in the UK.

However, some online travel insurance companies allow you to purchase travel insurance without medical pre-approvals even if you have a pre-existing condition. This doesn't mean that the pre-existing conditions are covered.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

These apply to everyone and not limited to travel insurance for over 65s. You are not covered for any eventuality that has been bought about by a pre-existing condition; including injuries or damage caused to self or others because of the condition.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

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