• 16
  Oct
  2011

• The High Cost of Medical Bills Abroad

  
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People going on vacation without adequate international travel insurance could be in for a shock as the cost of medical treatment abroad rockets. Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance, a UK insurance company, revealed the cost of medical treatment reached an all-time high, leaving travelers without international travel insurance to count the costs.

The average claim made by travelers abroad for medical expenses was £1,333 ($2,100). And some countries were even higher – visitors to the United States paid on average £4,726 ($7,430) for their medical treatment.

Costs varied depending on the illness and the treatment, with heart attacks costing an average of £8,147 ($12,800) to treat. But even small and non-life threatening complaints were expensive - £320 ($503) for an ear infection, for example.

The high charges reflect inflation, and also improvements in the quality of health care abroad. Travelers are advised to protect themselves with international travel insurance to make sure they don’t bring back large bills from their vacation.

• 09
  Oct
  2011

• Uninsured Holidaymakers Run High Risks

  
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A new study from British insurance experts reveals that one in five British travelers is going on vacation without international travel insurance. Traveling without international travel insurance leaves these holidaymakers wide open to the possibility of high medical bills.

The 2011 ABTA Consumer Trends survey showed that 21 percent of British travelers who vacationed abroad without any travel insurance believed that the British government would help them financially if they were seriously ill or injured abroad. One in four 15-25 year olds thought this was the case.

When traveling in Europe, 17 percent of travelers relied on a European Health Insurance Card alone to protect them. This card is a good base, but it provides access only to basic state medical care and does not cover repatriation.

Your government may be able to help you in the event of a national emergency, but it will definitely not pay for your medical treatment abroad. The only way to be properly covered and protect yourself is with comprehensive international travel insurance.

• 03
  Oct
  2011

• Advantages of Group Travel Insurance

  
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Group travel insurance is an economical and convenient way to purchase insurance coverage when you are travelling as a group overseas. Group travel insurance is useful for corporate groups, for school groups, groups of university students, organizations and missionary groups among others.

When you are organizing group travel abroad there are hundreds of things to think about and many different issues to sort out. Insurance is essential when you are travelling abroad as it covers unexpected sickness and injury, providing money to pay for medical care and emergency help.

Leaving each individual to sort out their own policy is problematic as you may end up with some people covered and others not. You can make a single payment for the entire group, cutting down on administrative time and effort.

Group insurance policies provide coverage for groups of five or more travelling outside their home country. Baggage loss, delay, trip cancellation and emergency evacuation are also covered.

• 25
  Sep
  2011

• Travel Checklist: Before You Go

  
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Before you set off on your vacation or business trip abroad, make sure you’re organized for a safe and smooth trip. And don’t forget your international travel insurance – an essential pre-trip purchase. Consider a plan with a trip cancellation insurance benefit so you can claim if you cancel for a covered reason.

Check out the situation, political and environmental, in the country you will be visiting. Make sure you are up to date with any travel alerts that could affect your trip. Locate your nearest embassy in the country you will be visiting.

Check with your doctor to see if you need any vaccinations before your travel. Make an appointment weeks before you travel as some vaccination protocols take time to complete.

Make sure your insurance covers you for any activities you undertake, such as water sports and diving.  And make sure you have the correct visa and documents to travel to the country of your choice. Check your passport – make sure it’s valid!