• 22
  Jan
  2010

• Travel Beats Your Stress; Insurance Absorbs Your Stress

  
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Research has shown that merely researching travel destinations (and the research did not include travel insurance, obviously) can be a great stress buster. In a recent study, participants were shown to feel much calmer after researching and seeing pictures of their favorite holiday destination.

For many people, part of the fun is in looking at different sights, and researching the best shopping and dining available before actually setting foot in the country. It is not uncharitable to assume that the same level of enthusiasm is not accorded to international travel insurance.

However, to ensure that the stress-free situation does not end with the computer at home, it is necessary that appropriate travel insurance is purchased. The insurance is primarily purchased to protect your purse against unplanned medical emergency shocks. Good insurance plans generally cover all kinds of inpatient and outpatient care adequately.

Remember to add some research about healthcare systems into the itinerary when looking at hotels and museums online. When you reach your hotel, it is best to ask for a map of the area—to know about the closest dining, shopping and healthcare institutions. And then, there’s nothing left to do but to bust all that stress out of your system!

Travel tip: Purchase travel insurance as soon as you purchase your tickets. Not only will you get better coverage, but that’ll be one thing off your to-do list!

• 15
  Jan
  2010

• Get Covered Anywhere, Anytime with Annual Insurance

  
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If you travel extensively throughout the year, and don’t want the hassle of purchasing insurance every time you travel, annual travel insurance may be just the thing for you. The plan is ideal for those who are out of their home country for at least 30 days a year, and who undertake more than three trips a year.

Typically, people who opt for annual travel insurance are executives who travel often on business. It is also ideal for those who are called “gap year” travellers—that is, they use a gap in their employment or student to go traveling.

However, remember that for annual insurance to be valid, one must usually not undertake trips of a longer duration—the limit is usually around 30 days. One of the popular annual travel insurance plans is the Patriot Executive plan.

To be eligible for the plan, you must be under 76 years of age, and have insurance in the home country. The benefits of the plan include inpatient and outpatient care—usual short-term medical insurance benefits. Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains are also included in the benefits package of the plan.

• 06
  Jan
  2010

• Get Set for the Wilderness with Adequate Insurance

  
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You’re all set for that wild safari through the Serengeti. Before you pack in your cameras and lenses, remember to purchase trip cancellation insurance, for sure. Most safari operators will require that you have adequate travel insurance against delays and trip cancellations, before setting on the trip.

Many operators often offer their own plans, but these may not be adequate for your needs. Remember that you will also need medical coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains benefits.

While on the safari, remember to always carry your insurance card. However, also make adequate arrangements for medical expenses. That is because 90% of the time, you will be asked to pay the medical expenses up front, to then be reimbursed by your insurance company.

If you already have trip cancellation and medical insurance through a third party (credit cards, for instance), please check the fine print. You must possess adequate emergency medical coverage, and usually, credit cards do not offer comprehensive medical and trip cancellation benefits.

Travel tip: If you need to be evacuated when on a safari due to medical reasons, your insurance may require pre-certification. Remember, however, that most areas are not connected by cell phones even, and you might not be able to get that pre-certification. Ensure that your plan offers alternatives.