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Founder of the Auchi-based Omega Fire Ministries, Nigeria, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, has been accused of dumping his pregnant lover, whom he promised marriage, and is using the police to silence her. The lover, Miss Stephanie Otobo, is a musician based in Ontario, Canada, who goes by the stage name of Kimora. Miss Otobo’s attorneys, Festus Keyamo Chambers, in a letter to the

Inspector-General of Police, said she was arrested on March 3 at a United Bank of Africa branch by heavily armed policemen from Federal Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Alagbon, at the Anthony Village area of Lagos. She has since been in detention, where she has been denied food and visitation by her lawyers.
Apostle Suleiman and Miss Otobo, according to her lawyers, met in September 2016, when she visited Nigeria from her base in Canada. They began a relationship, with Apostle Suleiman telling her that he had divorced his wife and wanted more male children. The affair grew stronger. Apostle Suleiman made a marriage proposal to Miss Otobo, which she accepted. This was followed by a formal introduction of Apostle Suleiman to her family. On the occasion, the preacher took along drinks and gifts and informed Miss Otobo’s family in Delta state of his desire to marry their daughter.
With the affair gaining in intensity, Miss Otobo abandoned her blossoming musical career in Canada to move over to Nigeria to the delight of Apostle Suleiman, who promised to buy her a house and provide her the standard of living to which she was used in Canada.

So strong was the relationship that Apostle Suleiman made a habit of licking Miss Otobo’s body from her toes to her private part any time they wanted to make love. Miss Otobo also became a member of the Apostle Suleiman’s church, following him around the world, selecting sermon topics for him and choosing songs for his church services. Apostle Suleiman also sent Miss Otobo money on a regular basis.

The pastor’s desire to have more male children, according to Miss Otobo’s lawyers, made him demand that his lover should get pregnant. She subsequently got pregnant. But in September 2016, Miss Otobo visited Nigeria and told the preacher that she was pregnant in a hotel she was lodged in Ikeja, Lagos.
The news of the pregnancy angered Apostle Suleiman, who apparently was afraid of the scandal such could bring. He wanted her to have an abortion and proceeded to give her a concoction, which made Miss Otobo bleed profusely and subsequently abandoned her, calling off the marriage proposal. Miss Otobo later went to Warri, where he met another pastor and told him his story. The pastor recorded her story and started using it to extort money from Apostle Suleiman.
After the disagreement over the pregnancy, Miss Otobo returned to Canada. But Apostle Suleiman got in touch with her and apologized for abandoning her. He subsequently started to persuade her to return to Nigeria. Last week, Miss Otobo returned to Nigeria. Apostle Suleiman, working on a scheme to silence her, paid money into her account and then got the account frozen. It was while Miss Otobo was trying to make a withdrawal from her account, having tried unsuccessfully to use an Automated Teller Machine, that she was arrested on the orders of Apostle Suleiman.
According to Saharareporters, Miss Otobo, said
Miss Otobo, through her lawyers, warned Apostle Suleiman that she has their naked pictures together, raunchy text messages, bank statements, and other implicating items.

Apostle Suleiman is a spectacularly dissolute man. He once requested her, she said, to bring her friends along for group sex, a request turned down given that there was a plan to get married.
They lawyers disclosed that Miss Otobo used to send nude pictures to Apostle Suleiman every Sunday, just before he went on the pulpit.

Despite these, Suleiman called off the marriage proposal. However, Miss Otobo is not willing to take it lying down. She is demanding to be paid the sum of N500million as damages for not honoring the promise to marry her. Miss Otobo also wants Apostle Suleiman to stop harassing her and threatening her life. Her lawyers have given the preacher a seven-day ultimatum to meet the demands or get reported to law enforcement agencies for the threat to her life and face trial for breaching the promise to marry her.

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Why Routine Care And Check-Ups Are Not Covered By Travel Health Insurance

Why Routine Care And Check-Ups Are Not Covered By Travel Health Insurance

Many travelers are surprised to discover that preventative care and routine checkups – even regular prescriptions, flu shots – are not covered by their travel health insurance. Routine medical care includes scheduled physical examinations, vaccinations, and regular medical care like blood pressure checks.

There are several reasons that travel health insurance plans do not cover routine care, but the primary reason is cost. Essentially, if every travel health insurance plan was required to pay for emergency medical treatment as well as routine care and checkups, the cost for travel health insurance plans would have to be much higher because travelers would visit the doctor for minor health issues like flu shots and other things that they could get back home instead.

Travel Health Insurance Is for Sudden Illnesses and Emergency Medical Care

Some travelers believe that they can buy travel health insurance and go to the doctor for any existing minor health issue while they are visiting the U.S. For example, a visitor with an existing heart condition who is on medication may make the mistake of believing that as long as they have an travel medical insurance plan, they have a free ticket to go to a doctor for a blood pressure check while they are visiting.

This is not true.

If you are facing a genuine medical emergency, a sudden illness, or injury which manifests after the plan effective date, your medical treatment will be covered by a travel health insurance plan.

Travel Accidents, Injuries, and Sudden Illness are Covered

Emergency medical care is covered by these medical insurance policies which includes unexpected situations like the following:

>> Treatment of injuries resulting from a car accident
>> Severe dehydration resulting from the flu
>> Surgery to repair a broken hip resulting from a slip and fall accident
>> Treatment for continuous vomiting due to food poisoning
>> Emergency treatment for a snake bite

Preventative care, routine medical checkups, and treatment for existing medical issues are not covered.

Don’t Take Advantage – It Won’t Work

Some travelers believe that they can buy travel health insurance and bring their health issues to USA They try to take advantage of better treatment, better medications, and better care. In some cases, working immigrants bring their parents and other family members to the USA and expect to get free quality medical care.

The U.S. healthcare system is not designed to care for foreign visitors and medical care is not free in the U.S. Visitors cannot come to the U.S. and get free medical care either.

Tourists to the U.S. have two options to get medical care in the U.S.:

>> Pay for their treatment out of pocket, or
>> Purchase adequate travel health insurance which will cover them for medical problems (except pre-existing conditions) while in the US and show that proof of insurance.

Travel medical insurance is only for emergency medical or urgent treatment of sudden and unexpected illness or injury while you are traveling; not for all other medical treatment.

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Most Common Travel Accidents

Most Common Travel Accidents

We are surrounded by potential risks everywhere we go, but when traveling, there are a number of risks that become more likely because you are in such an unfamiliar environment. Not to mention, there are so many new and exciting sights to take in, that sometimes it’s easy to forget to be cautious. Here are the most common travel accidents according to our customer reports:

Tripping

Though tripping can happen anywhere, the likelihood of it happening on your trip is much greater. We’ve all been in a hurry to catch a flight or a train, but rushing to do so—especially while trying to lug around all of your bags—can certainly prove to be dangerous. Try not to rush anywhere; this can cause accidents that could have otherwise been avoidable.

While traveling to a new place, it is easy to be wide-eyed and fascinated by the new sights of your destination. This is distracting—especially while taking photos—and can be the reason for your fall. Some countries, like the U.S. and Canada, have raised sidewalks for pedestrians. Though the streets are built this way for safety, if you are not watching where you are stepping, you can trip and fall off of the curb causing possible injuries.

Slipping on Wet Surfaces

most common travel accidentsWet surfaces are exceptionally dangerous to walk on, whether it is a shower, in the ice or snow, or a sidewalk while it’s raining. You should be extra cautious while walking on wet surfaces and hold onto railing when walking on slippery stairs. Be sure to dress according to the weather of your travel destination. Proper walking shoes are necessary, and rain or snow boots should be packed for either occasion. Avoid hiking or walking in the dirt while it is wet, as the mud can be extremely slippery.

Traffic Accidents

Car accidents are the number one cause of death across the globe. While many travelers don’t drive while they are out of their home country, it is still important to watch for surrounding traffic as many car accidents include pedestrians, cyclists, and those riding other transportation like: buses or bike taxis. If you do plan to drive while traveling, know the local traffic rules. Traffic rules differ drastically from country to country, so it is important to know how to drive safely.

Snake Bites

We all enjoy the great outdoors, but with the great outdoors, comes all the animals that it houses. It is essential that you watch your step while in nature. Snakes can be very difficult to see, and their bites can be fatal. Wearing proper hiking boots and thick socks can help protect you from a snakes’ bite. It is important that if bitten, you get to an emergency room as quickly as possible.

How Can My Travel Insurance Help?

Your travel medical insurance can certainly come in handy. The insurance plan has a toll-free number you can call from anywhere and they will assist in helping you find the closest medical facilities, and finding you transportation if needed.

If you are injured at a location far from a medical facility, you may need to be evacuated. Emergency medical evacuations are expensive and complicated procedures, but travel medical insurance can be helpful in making arrangement for a emergency evacuation, via land or air, to transport you to the closest medical facility in a timely manner.

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Medicare: Limitations for International Travelers

Medicare: Limitations for International Travelers

A majority of the population in the U.S. are seniors – elderly and retired people who do not have to work for a living any more. They may have waited their entire lives to have the time and money to travel and see the world. These seniors get their health insurance through Medicare, the health insurance program administered by the U.S. government to provide medical coverage for people age 65 and older.

What most people may not know is that Medicare is limited to treatment received within the U.S. borders. If you are a senior citizen, you are more prone to getting sick easily due to existing medical conditions, poor food and water quality, even climate conditions where you travel. Any illness or medical emergency outside your home country must be paid for in cash and the medical bills become your liability, if you don’t have a travel medical insurance plan.

Does Medicare Cover Medical Treatment When You Travel?

US Passport Health InsuranceMedicare has certain limitations that apply to your international travel. If you have Medicare, you can travel anywhere in the U.S. and its territories and get the medical care you need from almost any doctor or hospital, even when you are in:

>> The U.S. Virgin Islands
>> Puerto Rico
>> American Samoa
>> The U.S. Northern Mariana Islands (including Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and others)
>> Guam

Outside the U.S. – even in Mexico and Canada – your medical treatment is not covered by Medicare, so you must have a travel health insurance plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans Are Not Overseas Travel Health Insurance

Many seniors in the U.S. purchase Medicare supplement plans to cover the gaps in their Medicare. Those plans are purchased from private insurance providers (i.e., not the government) may not cover foreign medical emergencies, even if they do cover, there may be limitation on the benefits of coverage. Medicare Advantage plans have restrictive lifetime limits. In short, a Medicare supplement plan is not the same as overseas travel health insurance. Do not rely on Medicare or Medicare supplement plan for your trip outside the U.S.
[Check with Medicare and your Medicare supplement plan company to verify your coverage and limitations]

Medicare Supplement Plans Do Not Include Evacuation or Repatriation

If a senior is traveling in a foreign country, they may not be able to receive the same level of care they would back in the U.S. An emergency medical evacuation can easily cost over $50,000 depending on how far the traveler has to be transported and their medical condition. Neither Medicare nor any Medicare supplement plan has coverage for emergency medical evacuations or repatriation (return of mortal remains).

How to Get Coverage Outside the U.S. Border

If you are traveling abroad, check whether you supplement plan covers your medical care abroad and what are the limits. Often, the limit with supplement plans may not be enough if you are badly injured or have a serious illness. You may be able to pay an extra premium or add additional riders to increase the limits, but you’ll have to verify this with your supplement plan provider.

While Medicare and the various supplemental plans do not offer or severely limit coverage for medical emergencies outside the U.S. border, travel health insurance plans are the solution for your medical costs when you leave your home country. When you are covered at home by Medicare, a travel health insurance plan acts as your primary health insurance when you go abroad.

Buy Travel Insurance

Though a travel insurance plan may not cover you for everything (may have limitations and exclusions for pre-existing conditions) but it will still provide coverage for evacuation, repatriation, and 24/7 on-call assistance that you can call if you encounter a travel emergency and need advice and/or help arranging emergency transportation, replacing a lost or stolen passport, finding local medical care, contacting your family in an emergency, and more

Get a proper travel medical coverage and enjoy your trip worry free !

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Top 10 Common Mistakes Made By Travelers Traveling Abroad

Top 10 Common Mistakes Made By Travelers Traveling Abroad

We all make mistakes, but when it comes to traveling we can make mistakes without even trying. Some traveler mistakes are quick to fix and easily forgotten, others can be expensive, time-consuming, and even disastrous.

>> 1. Failing to Check their Passport Dates

Did you know that many countries require your passport to valid for at least six months after your return? If you go through customs with a passport that is soon to expire, you may be turned away.

Check the passport regulations for your destination country well in advance of your trip – getting a new passport can take months.

>> 2. Forgetting to Buy Travel Insurance

Many travelers forget to buy travel insurance, but having a good travel insurance plan is cheap and smart protection from accidents, injuries and illnesses, passport and credit card theft, and even travel delays.

Travelers who buy travel insurance know that they have the coverage they need in a travel emergency as well as a person to call for help when things go wrong on their trip. It is a good idea that you take up a good travel insurance on your next trip – To get quotes for the best travel medical insurance for your next trip, visit Travel Health Insurance.

>> 3. Booking Tight Connections

Most Common mistakes Travelers MakeWeather, traffic, accidents and other unpredictable events can delay your trip and can be a potential hindrance to your next point of connection. Travelers with tight connections are taking an unnecessary risk.

Give yourself plenty of time – it reduces the stress that can cause you to be more susceptible to illness and cost you an insurance claim as well as other expenses if you have a travel delay.

>> 4. Packing the Wrong Stuff

Have you heard the saying, “there’s no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing” before? It’s true. If a traveler packs well, they will have the right clothing, medicine, and tools they need to be comfortable.

While you can’t plan for everything that can go wrong, having what you need when you need it can make a big difference in your safe and healthy return back home

>> 5. Taking Too Much Stuff

We’ve all seen overloaded travelers with too many heavy bags. All that extra weight adds to your stress and makes it easier for you to become ill.

Smart travelers know how to have what they need, but not more than they need. If you encounter a situation you aren’t prepared for, you can always purchase your necessities.

>> 6. Not Having Enough Prescription Medicine

Travelers who take prescription medication need to have enough to make it through their trip because the medication they need may be hard to get in some countries.

Talk with your doctor and get enough medicine to make it through the duration of your trip – plus a few days extra to account for the possibility of travel delays.

>> 7. Forgetting Travel Adapters

The electrical plugs that are standard in your home country are not the same in other countries, and you will need adapters to use your electronic devices and appliances (like hair dryers).

Buy the adapters you need for the country you are visiting and whatever you do, if the plug doesn’t fit, don’t force it! You could cause an electrical fire or worse.

>> 8. Getting Ripped Off

Travelers are easy prey for pickpockets, credit card thieves, and other criminals looking to make a fast buck. Tours and taxi drivers take the long way around to run up the meter. Hotel staff members can steal your credit cards and passport.

Take precautions such as wearing a money belt under your clothing, knowing the route before you get in the taxi, and locking up your passport and extra credit card in the hotel safe.

>> 9. Forgetting to Call your Bank

Thanks to rising identity theft and fraud, many financial institutions have procedures to reduce the risk of fraud. If an unusual charge appears, your account could be locked and you could have no access to your money.

Always contact your bank and/or financial institution to let them know where you will be traveling, how long you will be gone, and how to get in touch with you.

>> 10. Changing Currency at the Most Expensive Place

Traveling abroad is never cheap and it can get even more expensive when converting currency. Getting the best exchange rate is essential.

The best way to exchange currency is by visiting official exchange kiosks, and tracking the look for the most favorable exchange rate. Exchange fees vary widely and get more expensive at the airport.

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Naming a Beneficiary in Your Travel Insurance Policy

Naming a Beneficiary in Your Travel Insurance Policy

A beneficiary is a person who receives proceeds from the payout of an insurance policy in a qualifying event such as the death of the insured. When we’re talking about visitors travel insurance, the beneficiary is named in your policy as the person who will receive a payout as beneficiary.

The travel insurance provider cannot guess where you would like the money to go in-case of an emergency, so, you must name a beneficiary. In some cases, the amount to be paid can be substantial – up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the insurance plan you choose. If the insured fails to name a beneficiary, then the due funds could end up tangled in probate and may never serve the intended purpose of protecting loved ones in such a time of need.

Who Should I Name As My Beneficiary?

Your beneficiary should be someone you would like your benefits to go to in the case of an unforeseen event of death. Though, your travel companion is often someone close to you and may seem like the right person to name as your beneficiary, it is a good idea to additionally name a secondary beneficiary in case there is an accident in which both of you are involved. This way, you are assured that the benefits will be received by the party or parties you have designated in your insurance policy.

Failing to Name a Beneficiary is a Big Mistake

Without the specific designation of a beneficiary on your insurance policy, the benefits you’ve purchased will not go where you intended. If you do not name a beneficiary, the funds will go into the probate depending on the laws of your country. In most cases, this means a much reduced amount will reach your family once the proper legal actions are concluded.

Minors Don’t Qualify

Most visitors insurance plans don’t want a minor – that is, a person under the age of 18 – named as the beneficiary of any insurance policy. The reasons are varied, but essentially, it’s for the best interest of the child who would not be qualified to handle such a large sum of money. This same rule holds true for disabled people.

If you want to name a child as your beneficiary, and you have a legal trust established in the child’s name, you can name the trust as the beneficiary and the child will ultimately get the funds according to the terms of the trust.

It is recommended that you name the beneficiary, any person other than policy holders, insured persons or any traveling companions. The beneficiary can be any family member, son or daughter, relatives or friends.

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Luggage, An Essential Part Of Your Trip: Travel Tips

Luggage, An Essential Part Of Your Trip: Travel Tips

Tips for Keeping Your Luggage Safe While You Travel.

You would be lost on your trip if you misplaced your travel documents, electronics, and other valuables. Be sure to put all of your must-haves in your carry-on bag when you travel. These items may include your passport, itinerary, cell phone, jewelry, and medication.

>> Baggage Tags or Labels

Label your bag with your name, phone number, and address. Make sure all of this information is up-to-date and that any old, worn tags are removed. This information will come in handy if the airline misplaces your baggage, or if another passenger takes your bag by mistake. These identifiers will be crucial in locating your bags if they are misplaced in transit as well. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of your contact information and itinerary in plain-sight in your bag in case your luggage tag is lost or damaged.

>> Keep Your Bag Check-in Receipts

These identifiers will be crucial in locating your bags if they are misplaced. In case of delayed baggage or misplaced baggage during the transit, these receipts can will help the airport authorizes to trace and hand over the bags to you. It will also help them identify you as genuine owner of the baggage.

>> Invest in Quality Luggage

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on your luggage, but it is a good idea to opt for luggage that is durable and solid, even though you may have to spend a little more. The likelihood that your bag is tossed around, at the airport, is relatively high. Make sure that your zippers close completely and that they are in good condition. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and see that some of your belongings are missing because they fell out of your bag.

>> Pack Wisely

Try not to overload your luggage. This may cause the zippers to give out and burst open during transit. Additionally, if you have any liquid items (within the legal liquid capacity of course), be sure to pack them in a plastic bag—or two—to keep your other items safe and dry in case they spill. To add to this, if you have any articles of clothing that are heavily dyed, you may want to bag those as well in case of cross-dying due to moisture in your bag.

>> Fragile Items

Don’t hesitate to ask the airline to mark your bag as ‘fragile’ or ‘Handle with Care’, if you have any fragile goods within your luggage (i.e.: paintings, delicate souvenirs, glass, etc).

>> Lock Your Bag

Depending on where you are traveling to and from, you may want to consider locking your bag. This will help prevent theft. Some airlines require that you have a specific lock so that they can easily open it in-case of need for search. Check to make sure before your trip to the airport.

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4 Steps to Take After You Buy Visitors Insurance

4 Steps to Take After You Buy Visitors Insurance

As a visitors insurance buyer, we recommend that you carefully research, compare and buy the right visitors insurance suited to your needs by selecting the most appropriate deductibles, policy maximums, limits and premiums. Once you have purchased your plan, you can rest, right? Not so fast.

One of the biggest complaints travelers have about visitors insurance is related to the fact that they did not understand the plan and their claims were denied. While price, deductible, and policy maximum are important, those aren’t the only things you must pay attention to if you are to take full advantage of your visitors insurance policy.

Here are the 4 important steps you must take after you buy your visitors insurance plan.

>> 1. Read the Description of Coverage & Exclusions

You will receive “Description of Coverage” document with your email confirmation of purchase. This is the document that outlines the legal agreement between you and the insurance company so it’s extremely important that you read it carefully. Pay specific attention to the exclusions so you know what events will not be paid for – by your insurance plan. For example, if you have a few too many drinks and stumble off a curb and break your ankle, your medical care may not be covered because no losses will be paid while the traveler is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

>> 2. Call if You Have Questions

Most of the travel medical insurance plans come with a free look-up period, also known as “Review Period”, that is some days after your purchase. If you read the plan and have questions during this time, you may call the travel insurance company and get answers. If you discover the plan will not meet your needs, you may modify the plan or cancel it for a refund and get the right plan. Don’t wait too long – the typical review period is about a week. After that, you’re stuck with the plan you bought.

>> 3. Double Check the Traveler Details

Claims are sometimes denied simply because the traveler details were wrong. While this may seem like a technicality, the travel insurance plan’s rules are clear and they won’t pay benefits if the trip is somehow different than the details you provided, or you forgot to add one person to your policy, or your age was listed incorrectly, for example. Double check those details right after you receive your confirmation and call the travel insurance provider quickly if you need to make changes. Changes after the free look-up period cannot be made, so do this quickly.

>> 4. Print or Carry Copies of Your Travel Insurance Documents

You must print them, or keep them in your email to access, or save them to a portable drive but you must have your visitors insurance documents on your trip. You should also share a copy with at least one person you trust who is not traveling with you in case the worst happens and you die on your trip. You should have the contact information for the travel insurance company handy, along with your policy number and other details in case you need to get in touch on the road.

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Countries Requiring Their Citizens Buy Travel Insurance: Malaysia

Countries Requiring Their Citizens Buy Travel Insurance: Malaysia

While the government websites of every developed country recommend that their citizens obtain travel insurance prior to leaving the country, some countries are taking it one step further. In particular, the government of Malaysia requires citizens booking through Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel (MATTA) travel agents buy travel insurance prior to leaving their home country.

The president of MATTA recently mentioned in a media report that they had received numerous complaints from the traveling public who faced difficulties bringing their loved ones who died abroad back to Malaysia for burial. Travel insurance can go a long way toward helping those who travel with the high cost of medical bills, lost luggage, and travel delays too. If travelers want to have fun on their vacations and have safer business trips and come home safe and sound, they’ll want travel insurance to protect themselves.

Why Malaysia Made Travel Health Insurance Mandatory for Its Citizens

Malaysia come to the conclusion that their citizens are better protected with travel insurance when they leave the country. The travel insurance will cover the critical issues affecting a traveler’s welfare, including:

>> Medical
>> Hospitalization
>> Medical evacuation
>> Repatriation
>> Return of deposits
>> Compassionate visitation
>> Accidental death and/or permanent disability
>> 24/7 emergency number

The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has many policies for Malaysians traveling abroad, including the fact that it will help its citizens with evacuation and repatriation in the event of injury or death, but the cost is borne by the traveler, their next of kin, or their family. These expenses are difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to afford because even a simple medical evacuation can easily cost as much as $50,000-$100,000 depending on how far the traveler must go.

Malaysian Travel Insurance Requirements

Per MATTA and in accordance with the Tourism Act of 1992, Malaysians are required to obtain travel insurance that covers:

>> Emergency medical and hospitalization
>> Travel expenses and reimbursement of air tickets and tour packages
>> Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
>> Compassionate visitation benefits
>> Accidental death
>> Permanent disability
>> 24-hour support

Under the new travel insurance scheme, coverage will apply based on how long the traveler is gone, the type of coverage they buy, and the destination they are visiting. For example, for a trip lasting five days, domestic Malaysian travelers need only pay RM10, RM20 within Asia and RM35 in other countries.

The travel insurance scheme is also open for foreigners who are visiting Malaysia on holiday.

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Travel Health Insurance: Mandatory for Travelers to Dubai

Travel Health Insurance: Mandatory for Travelers to Dubai

Dubai’s health services are internationally recognized to be of high standard when compared to other developed countries and hospitals. Dubai boasts modern facilities, which are strategically located for greater accessibility. Healthcare in the United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is one, is regulated at both the Federal and Emirate level, so the landscape between the different levels leaves some grey areas to be resolved – specifically with regard to visitors to Dubai.

Why Travel Health Insurance is Required for Dubai

The cost of medical treatment for patients in Dubai is relatively high, however, and while the healthcare needs of its citizens are covered, treatment for foreign visitors is isolated to emergency, life-saving treatment only and foreign visitors are expected to pay for the cost.

Where to Buy Travel Health Insurance for Dubai

Travelers can purchase visitors insurance plans from outside Dubai to insure their trip as long as it meets the minimum requirements.

>> Emergency medical care and hospitalization (at least $100,000)
>> Medical evacuation coverage (at least $50,000, depending on how far you’ve traveled)
>> Return of mortal remains
>> Reimbursement of trip deposits
>> Compassionate bedside visits
>> Accidental death and permanent disability
>> 24/7 emergency hotline

Health insurance policies for visitors can be obtained from special counters to be set up at the GDRFA’s headquarters in Bur Dubai, and other branches in Abu Hail, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport, Dnata office on Shaikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim, Jebel Ali and Bin Souqat Centre in Rashidiya.

Prices depend on how long the visitor is staying: Dh40 for short-term visas valid for only 30 days, for example. The health insurance plan does not cover non-emergency medical treatment, chronic illnesses, or pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance purchased outside of Dubai is more comprehensive and you will have greater control over how much you pay and whether you need special waivers such as those for pre-existing conditions.

What are the Insurance Requirements for a Visa to Dubai?

How the mandatory health insurance requirements will be interpreted for visitors and tourists applying for visas remains a grey area. Few healthcare providers in Dubai are set up to accept health insurance, which leaves visitors to pay for their treatment upfront and seek reimbursement afterward. In addition, Dubai government officials have indicated that entry visas will not be processed unless proof of health insurance is submitted with the application.

No matter how the Dubai government interprets the insurance needs for visitors, a visitor from a foreign country will always have better success and more support if they have a travel health insurance policy in hand before leaving their home country. Dubai, like any other foreign country, has many travel risks; travel medical insurance can help protect you from these risks and give you peace of mind.

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Applying for a Russian Visa? Travel Insurance for Russia May be Mandatory

Applying for a Russian Visa? Travel Insurance for Russia May be Mandatory

Everyone who visits Russia needs a visa and it’s likely to be the single most painful issue a traveler has when trying to organize a trip to Russia. Travelers are reminded to allow themselves at least two months prior to their trip to secure a tourist visa which is valid for a maximum of 30 days from the date of entry. If you plan to stay longer than a month, it is advised that you apply for a business visa instead.

Obtaining a Russian Visa Can Be Difficult

Obtaining a visa to Russia can be difficult, and it’s practically impossible without insurance. No matter which visa you choose to apply for, there is a well-defined process for applying and getting your Russian visa. The process begins in an unusual way, however – you must first have an invitation. Hotels and hostels will usually issue a visa invitation to anyone staying with them for a small fee. If you are not staying in a hotel or hostel, you will need to buy an invitation and this can be done through a travel agent.

With your invitation in hand, you can then fill out the application and submit it to any Russian embassy. The cost for processing the application vary widely and depend on the type of visa, how quickly you need it, and other unpredictable factors.

Why Travel Health Insurance is Required for Russia

Medical insurance is a supplementary requirement and valid only for certain citizens. Officially, the requirement is based on reciprocity, i.e., travel health insurance is required from citizens of those states that made it mandatory for Russian citizens to have a medical insurance policy when traveling inside their country. The requirement has become more ambiguous in recent years and centralized regulations have not been communicated to all Russian consulates.

Having Travel Medical Insurance Means Not Having to Pay in Russia

Regardless of whether travel health insurance is required for you or not, the absence of it can be a reason for rejection of your tourist or business visa. In addition, while the travel medical insurance requirement does not extend to citizens of Schengen states, Israel, Estonia, and Finland who live and/or work in the Russian Federation (among other requirements), having travel medical insurance means that the traveler will not have to pay for their medical care costs in an emergency medical situation – injury, accident, or illness.

In addition, your travel medical insurance plan will cover life-saving medical evacuations if you are severely injured or killed during your trip in Russia. This fact alone can make the minimal amount a traveler spends on travel health insurance worth the premium they pay.

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Mandatory Travel Insurance a Growing Trend for Foreign Tourists

Mandatory Travel Insurance a Growing Trend for Foreign Tourists

Many countries around the world have begun to implement changes to prevent foreign tourists from taking advantage of their health care systems. Specifically, when an uninsured foreign tourist gets into a car accident or becomes severely ill while traveling, their visit to a local doctor’s office or hospital uses resources paid for by the taxpayers in that country.

Why Some Countries Want Mandatory Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors?

In some cases, foreign visitors leave a country they have visited without paying their medical bills. In the more serious cases, foreign visitors have traveled to countries where healthcare is free in order to take advantage of treatment they cannot receive in their own country.

In some countries where the hospitals are required to provide free medical services, the financial burden has become too much and there is growing concern about the policy of providing free medical care when foreign visitors are not paying their share. The issue has come to the attention of many taxpayers who do not want the burden of paying taxes to be exploited by foreign visitors.

Where is Travel Insurance Compulsory for Foreign Visitors Now?

Some countries have established policies for foreign visitors and require tourists to purchase travel health insurance prior to entry into the country or buy it when they arrive without it. If a foreigner lands in certain countries without adequate travel health insurance, they can purchase it upon entry or return immediately to their own country. These countries include:

>> Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Countries
>> Travel Insurance for Cuba
>> Travel Insurance for Dubai
>> Travel Insurance for Russia

The government of Thailand started discussions to address concerns about the financial burden on the country’s state hospitals, which are required to provide foreigners with free medical services. To date, Thailand has not settled on a decision or mandate.

Where is Travel Insurance Recommended before Leaving your Home Country?

The government of Malaysia has begun the process of requiring mandatory travel insurance for Malaysian citizens traveling outside of Malaysia. Carrying adequate travel health insurance PRIOR to leaving their home country is a government requirement for many Malaysians. The Malaysian government recognizes that requiring visitors insurance for its citizens means their citizens are safer when they travel abroad.

3 Reasons Foreign Tourists Will Benefit from Travel Insurance

When you travel, you deal with much more uncertainty and the insurance you have already will not protect you on your trip.

While the countries who are making travel insurance mandatory have a point, and travel health insurance will pay for a traveler’s emergency medical care up to the limits of the policy, foreign tourists should recognize that having travel insurance means having access to additional benefits that could very well save your life:

>> Not every travel emergency can be handled by your embassy, especially if it has limited staff or has been closed due to a civil uprising. Travel emergency assistance services with your travel insurance plan can provide the necessary support, including finding a way for you to evacuate the country if necessary.
>> Not every medical emergency can be adequately treated in a country where you are traveling. If you need medical care that the host country cannot provide, your travel insurance provider will pay to evacuate you to the nearest hospital that can treat you.
>> No other type of insurance provides repatriation, or the return of a traveler’s body to their home country. If you, or someone you care about, dies while in a foreign country, it can cost many thousands of dollars and weeks of negotiations to get the body home without travel insurance.

While the number of countries that require travel insurance is limited, it is the start of a growing trend. Countries that want tourist dollars have to weigh the advantages of imposing travel insurance requirements against the potential of losing travelers due to the increased expenses. Right now, most countries would rather have the tourist dollars but if enough countries see that making travel insurance mandatory does not change their tourism numbers much, the shift toward mandatory travel health insurance could speed up.

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Travel Insurance – Even More Important for Business Travelers Than Other Travelers

Travel Insurance – Even More Important for Business Travelers Than Other Travelers

Travel medical insurance benefits anyone traveling outside their home country, but it may be the most beneficial to business travelers. People traveling for business are as much at risk of falling ill or becoming injured as any other traveler during a trip abroad, and companies may not be held responsible for covering an employee’s medical bills and travel expenses.

>> Travel Insurance for Business Travelers

Business travel insurance protects employees against trip loss and medical emergencies, saving companies and business travelers from paying thousands of dollars in healthcare costs. The following reasons explain why employees traveling on a business trip need travel medical insurance more than any other traveler.

>> Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies can occur at any time, including during business trips. Accidentally consuming undrinkable water or unfamiliar foods or suffering from changes in altitude or weather could cause illness and require a trip to the emergency room. More serious medical emergencies, such as breaking a limb or suffering from a heart attack, are also a possibility and can cost up to thousands of dollars in some countries. Many travel medical insurance policies provide medical coverage and will cover most treatment and services, including ambulances, surgery, and emergency medical evacuation.

>> Lost or Stolen Baggage

On business trips to attend conventions or meetings where it’s important to look professional, lost or stolen baggage can be stressful. Business travel insurance helps take the stress out of such situations, covering the costs to purchase replacement clothing and other personal items.

>> Risk of Kidnapping

As unlikely as it may seem, kidnappings are a possibility, even more so in certain countries. In the event of a kidnapping, the kidnappers may ask for enormous ransoms that employees or their companies may not be able to pay. Travel insurance with kidnap and ransom coverage pays the ransom costs and provides assistance services to help ensure the employee’s safety.

>> War and Terrorism

Travel insurance with war and terrorism coverage is not only for business travelers traveling to war prone regions. In addition to covering the medical expenses from injuries incurred as a result of war attacks, travel insurance also covers evacuations and travel arrangements needed in the case of terrorism.

>> Financial Risk

Business travelers who experience any of the above mentioned travel incidents may not be reimbursed for the expenses. Some companies may not be liable for reimbursing their employees for medical bills, lost baggage, and more, leaving their employees with up to thousands of dollars in healthcare bills and other costs. Travel insurance protects employees traveling on business trips against the potential financial risk involved with traveling abroad.

Also remember that travel insurance offered by travel booking sites and credit card travel insurance may not provide the same level or quality of travel protection for business travelers. These business travel insurance plans may have worse coverage, fewer benefits, and many exclusions. The only way to get the best travel medical insurance to suit your business trip is to read the policy details and exclusions before purchasing.

Unlike vacationers and those traveling for leisure purposes, business travelers have much more at stake when traveling abroad. Business trips can be stressful enough, and huge medical bills resulting from not buying travel insurance will only add to the hassle. Protect yourself from common business trip incidents by purchasing business travel insurance for your next business trip abroad.

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10 Invaluable Tips for Staying Healthy During Winter Travel to the US

10 Invaluable Tips for Staying Healthy During Winter Travel to the US

During the winter months, certain regions of the US are affected by severe weather conditions, bringing a blizzard of health concerns that travelers should be aware of. The severe weather can take a physical toll on seniors and elderly parents traveling to the US, especially if visiting from warmer climates where snow and ice seldom occur. The unfamiliar climate change can be harmful to their health, which is why it is important to take the preventative and precautionary health measures necessary to stay safe and healthy during a visit to the US. Keep your holiday to the US illness and accident-free by following these ten essential health tips.

>> 1. Pack and Dress Accordingly

Weather in the US varies drastically. Be sure to do your research and find out what the expected weather conditions will be for the region of your destination. For many US regions, wearing only one jacket or sweater will not suffice during the winter months. Plan to dress in layers, and bring outerwear such as down jackets, wool coats, or windbreakers. When walking in snowy conditions, be sure to wear bright clothing so you are visible to approaching cars. And don’t forget essential cold weather accessories – a warm hat, earmuffs, scarf, and mittens will keep body heat from escaping.

>> 2. Stay Dry

Wet clothing chills the body, making you more susceptible to catching frostbite or hypothermia. If it’s raining, sleeting, or snowing, be sure to cover up with waterproof outerwear that prevents snow and ice from dampening your clothing.

>> 3. Step Carefully

In cold weather, it is common for roads and sidewalks to become icy and slippery, creating treacherous hazards for visitors unfamiliar with such conditions. To avoid a serious fall or injury, walk slowly and carefully to acclimate yourself to the icy ground. Wear slip-resistant footwear with rubber treads when walking on snow and ice-covered walkways. Also, look out for black ice, or a transparent thin layer of ice covering the ground – it’s virtually invisible, but very dangerous.

>> 4. Stay Inside During Severe Weather Conditions

In cold regions of the US, extreme weather conditions like snowstorms and blizzards can occur. Heavy snowfall and high wind speeds are common aspects of winter storms and blizzards, which can result in life-threatening conditions among visitors who do not take the necessary precautions. Pay attention to the local news stations and weather forecasts during your visit, and avoid outdoor activities if severe weather conditions are expected.

>> 5. Avoid Catching the Flu

Sicknesses such as the common cold and flu are more prevalent during the winter, and can develop into more serious illnesses among at-risk individuals. To decrease your chances of catching a cold or the flu during your trip, avoid contact with those showing signs of illness, such as sneezing or coughing. Additionally, cold and flu-carrying pathogens cover many surfaces such as desks, door handles, and phones. Keep yourself protected by washing your hands with soap and water often or carrying a hand sanitizer with you at all times.

>> 6. Protect Eyes and Skin

Just because the weather is cold does not mean that you are safe from UV rays. In fact, UV rays can be even stronger during winter, reflecting off of snow and ice. Prevent sun damage by wearing a good pair of sunglasses and a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher – even if it’s snowing.

>> 7. Monitor Your Heart

Cold weather can affect the heart. Increases in blood pressure and cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes are especially common during the colder winter months, and seniors and elderly parents are particularly susceptible. Take preventative measures such as staying warm and avoiding strenuous activity that is hard on your heart.

>> 8. Be Prepared for an Asthmatic Episode

The cold weather is also harder on individuals with asthma. Visitors traveling from warm or humid climates may be especially sensitive to the temperature changes and experience heart or lung problems. For these concerns, it is important to monitor your physical activity, take extra precautions when outside, and always carry your asthma inhaler.

>> 9. Understand Wind Chill

Be sure to take into consideration wind chill. Although a certain temperature may be forecasted, the wind chill – or the temperature the body feels – will always be lower. For this reason, it is essential that you check your area’s wind chill and dress appropriately for that temperature.

>> 10. Stay Hydrated

Your body is just as likely to become dehydrated in the winter as it is in the summer. Although you may not feel thirsty in the cold weather, your body still perspires; therefore, you must drink just as much water as you would in warmer weather. Make sure that you consume plenty of water during your stay in the US. Cold water and hot tea are both great options.

Seniors or elderly travelers should take special precautions during winter while they are visiting USA.

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Visitors Insurance Plans with US State Restrictions: Can You Buy Them or Not?

Visitors Insurance Plans with US State Restrictions: Can You Buy Them or Not?

Some travel medical insurance plans have state restrictions, but what exactly does this mean and why do these policies restrict only a few US states?

Travel medical insurance is not federally regulated in the United States, so each state has its own specific set of rules and regulations regarding travel insurance. While most states allow all major travel insurance companies to sell their plans, few states such as Maryland and Washington, for example, have some restrictions for certain travel insurance policies.

Typically, state restrictions are only applicable to residents of those states or those whose mailing address is of a restricted state. This means that travelers residing outside of the US whose mailing address is of a foreign country should be able to purchase plans with state restrictions.

Most importantly, travel insurance policies with state restrictions may be used in restricted states. Even though a certain policy may not be purchased in a certain state, it may still be used. For example, a traveler who is visiting a restricted state during his trip to the US can still use his policy even if the policy restricts that state.

Purchasing a Plan with State Restrictions

Travel insurance plans with state restrictions may not be purchased if:

>> The mailing address provided on the application is of a restricted state; or
>> The primary destination provided is a restricted state.

Travel insurance plans with state restrictions may be purchased if:

>> The billing address provided is of a restricted state.
>> The policyholder is visiting a restricted state but did not purchase the plan in a restricted state.

You may also be able to purchase a policy with state restrictions as long as you are not present in the restricted states at the time of purchase.

Visitors Insurance Plans with State Restrictions

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Heart Healthy Travel Tips: What to Know Before Traveling with Heart Problems

Heart Healthy Travel Tips: What to Know Before Traveling with Heart Problems

As with any pre-existing medical condition, traveling with heart problems can present some risks. The thin air and high altitude of flying, the act of sitting for long hours, and the added stress of travel in general are all hard on our bodies, especially for those with cardiovascular conditions. Depending on the severity of your condition, you should take certain precautions before traveling and even avoid traveling in some cases. Our travel tips for people with heart conditions will help make your next trip safe and heart-friendly.

Medications, Documents, and Contact Information

When traveling with a heart condition, preparation is key. Make sure that you have medications, prescriptions, medical documents, and contact information updated and at hand prior to leaving for your trip. Don’t travel without bringing these essential items:

>> Medications – Bring more than enough medications to last the length of your trip and beyond in case of any delays. Bring medications in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
>> Prescriptions – In the case that you run out of your medications, be sure to have a copy of your prescriptions with you. This way, you can easily get a refill if needed.
>> Copies of Medical Information – Carry a copy of your physician’s contact information, your medical history, and documents of any recent medical procedures such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) test.
>> Local Medical Contact Information of Destination – Know exactly where to go when you arrive at your destination in case you need to see a doctor. Have a list of local medical contact numbers and doctors ready if needed.
>> Travel Medical Insurance – In case of an emergency, be sure to have travel medical insurance for your trip.

Travel Safely

Air travel is designed to make your trip safe and comfortable. In the case that something goes wrong during your flight, know that the flight crew is ready to help. Most aircrafts are equipped with a cardiopulmonary resuscitation kit, an automatic external defibrillator, and supplemental oxygen for emergencies. In addition, the cabin crew is trained in advanced first aid and immediate life support, and at least one flight attendant is trained to use the on-board medical devices.

At the airport and during your flight, taking certain precautionary measures can lower the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and other related serious heart problems. Make your travel experience more comfortable by following these tips for heart patients.

>> Pre-request low sodium airline meals. People with heart conditions should limit their intake of sodium, so be sure to follow these health restrictions while traveling. Most major airlines offer meals for travelers with special dietary needs; just contact your airline during the time of booking to request your meal.
>> Book an aisle seat. It is essential for travelers with heart problems to stand up and stretch frequently. Choose a seat on the aisle or with extra legroom so that you can leave your seat often without disturbing others.
>> Request a hand search at the security checkpoint. If you have a pacemaker, coronary stent, or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD), it is best to be safe and avoid the metal detector. It is possible that the metal detector may cause inadvertent shock.
>> Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause a blood clot, so be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight and avoid consuming sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages.
>> Wear compression stockings. Below-the-knee or full leg compression stockings are helpful in preventing blood clots during long plane and car rides over four hours. This is strongly recommended for travelers with congestive heart failure.
>> Watch out for warning signs. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest and back pain, swelling of legs and feet, dizziness, and irregular pulse or heartbeat could be signs of a serious heart problem. Seek medical assistance from airport staff or flight attendants if any of these symptoms occur.

If you are traveling with a heart condition, remember that this is a pre-existing condition and some restrictions in your travel medical insurance may apply.

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New Immigrants to the US Can Stay Protected with Short-Term Health Insurance

New Immigrants to the US Can Stay Protected with Short-Term Health Insurance

Upon receiving their green card, many new immigrants make the risky mistake of moving to the US without buying health insurance. New immigrants in the process of getting a green card are not covered once they arrive in the US, and US healthcare is not free. Therefore, new immigrants should have a temporary health insurance plan during their transition to protect themselves against any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Short term health insurance provides medical coverage for residents and new immigrants for temporary purposes. It is available for any US resident below the age of 65, including but not limited to those who recently got their green cards and people with H-1, L-1, F-1, and J-1 visa status.

New immigrants may not be able to get health insurance upon arriving in the US for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:

>> Waiting on employment
>> Waiting on Medicare
>> Waiting to receive social security number
>> Arrived in US after open enrollment period for Obamacare ends or missed Obamacare deadline

All of these and other situations are usually limited to a brief period of time, which is why many new immigrants choose to go uninsured. What they don’t realize is how much of a financial risk it is to not have health insurance in the US.

Many new immigrants are not aware of the cost of medical care in the US until they experience it first handedly. Without health insurance, a simple visit to the doctor can cost a few hundred dollars, and a more serious medical emergency can cost up to thousands of dollars.

How Does Short-Term Medical Insurance Help New Immigrants?

Short term medical insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen illnesses, injuries, medical emergencies, and other incidents. These medical insurance plans for new immigrants may typically offer the following health-care benefits for any new sickness and injury that happens after the effective plan date:

>> Surgery treatment
>> Ambulance and hospital room expenses
>> Urgent care visits
>> Dental coverage
>> AD&D insurance
>> Emergency medical evacuation coverage
>> Acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage up to a limit
>> Return of mortal remains

Pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and preventative care such as annual medical exams, immunizations, and check-ups may not be covered by short-term health insurance. Such treatments should be completed before leaving your home country.

Can I Purchase Short-Term Health Insurance after Arriving in the USA?

Yes, but you may want to purchase temporary health insurance applicable for immigrants to cover you during the time between arriving in the USA and purchasing short-term medical insurance. If anything happens to you during that small window in which you do not have insurance, you risk paying huge medical bills out of pocket. Aircraft complications, car accidents, or simple injuries and illnesses could occur immediately after arriving in the USA, putting you in need of medical attention. Even though you can buy short term medical insurance after arriving in the US, the coverage may not start immediately. There is usually a time period between the purchase date and coverage effective date.

It is important that new immigrants have health insurance while in the US. Even if you are only waiting a short period of time for other health insurance options to begin, medical emergencies and accidents can happen at anytime without notice, leaving you with huge medical bills to pay. New immigrants can avoid a financial disaster and get the medical coverage they need with a short term health insurance plan.

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Is Dental Coverage Included in Your Travel Insurance Policy?

Is Dental Coverage Included in Your Travel Insurance Policy?

Travel medical insurance covers many unforeseen medical incidents and emergencies, but does travel insurance cover dental? Tooth pain and other dental emergencies can make traveling uncomfortable and is not something that can be put off until returning home, but like healthcare, dental insurance is not free outside of your home country. If you encounter sudden tooth pain or other dental emergencies while abroad, your domestic dental insurance plan will likely not cover.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Dental?

Some visitors insurance plans provide limited dental coverage, but it is usually only a small fraction of the policy maximum and may only cover limited dental care and dental emergencies. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans provide dental coverage for acute emergency dental treatment such as broken teeth, sudden tooth pain, and accidental teeth injury to sound and natural teeth.

What Does Travel Dental Insurance Cover?

Travel medical insurance typically covers dental injuries and emergencies that require immediate attention. Travel dental coverage may include the following benefits for sound and natural teeth:

>> Teeth injuries
>> Sudden dental emergency resulting in unexpected pain
>> Broken teeth
>> Necessary prescription medications, anesthesia, and X-rays up to your travel insurance policy’s dental coverage limit

Travel Insurance Dental Coverage Restrictions & Limitations

Like other medical benefits, dental coverage may be limited depending on your travel insurance policy. The following restrictions regarding dental coverage may apply to your travel medical plan:

>> Travel medical insurance plans usually only provide limited dental coverage, ranging from $100 to $1,000 on average for dental emergencies and accidental teeth injuries.
>> Routine care, dental bridges, false teeth replacement, and damage to braces and dentures are typically not covered by travel insurance polices.
>> Some plans may not cover teeth pain that is not related to an injury.
>> With some travel insurance policies, dental treatment must be completed before the traveler returns to his home country.

If you have a travel medical insurance plan that covers dental and you receive dental treatment while abroad, you may have to pay for your treatment upfront and file a claim for reimbursement. For this reason, it’s important that you save all documents and dentist bills from your treatment.

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ChoiceAmerica: a Unique Travel Insurance Product that Meets the Needs of Any International Traveler to the USA

ChoiceAmerica: a Unique Travel Insurance Product that Meets the Needs of Any International Traveler to the USA

ChoiceAmerica is a policy designed to provide optimal coverage for international travelers to the USA, especially elderly travelers like parents, traveling from the Indian sub-continent to the U.S. This policy is a unique, standalone plan, characterized by its various distinguishing benefits that no other insurance plans in the industry are able to deliver. The unique benefits offered by ChoiceAmerica are as follows:

Single Plan that Provides Coverage for U.S., Mexico, and Canada

ChoiceAmerica is the only plan in the industry that provides non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents traveling outside of their home country with coverage throughout the entire North American Continent. With the ChoiceAmerica Insurance plan, travelers can visit the U.S., Mexico, and Canada without having to worry about purchasing additional policies in order to receive adequate coverage. ChoiceAmerica also covers during international travel time as long as the dates of travel are included in the policy.

Coverage for Border Entry Denials

When traveling to the U.S., there is always the possibility of getting held up at border security and such an incident can not only be extremely frustrating, but can also cause you financial burden. For individuals traveling for tourism, leisure, or family related purposes, protection under ChoiceAmerica insurance can provide you with coverage for economy class airline ticket to the country of origin should your entry into the U.S. be denied, and helping you save on a financial burden of tickets.

Limited Pre-existing Condition Coverage

While pre-existing conditions are not generally covered by most travel medical insurance plans, and many policies offer Acute on-set of Pre-existing Conditions coverage, ChoiceAmerica offers an optional pre-existing condition rider that provides limited and basic coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions that existed prior to the effective date of the policy and can be added at the time of enrollment for an additional premium.

Adventure Sports and Amusement Park Injury Coverage

Traveling abroad can be a wonderful and exciting experience and ensuring that you get the most out of your trip is likely at the top of your priority list. Should you decide to partake in any adventure sports activities or visit any amusement parks during your travels, with an additional rider added onto your ChoiceAmerica Insurance policy, you can ensure that you are adequately protected in the event of any accidents or injuries from such an activity.

Coverage for Loss of Passports and Essential Travel Documents

When it comes to traveling overseas, losing an important item can be an extremely stressful issue to navigate. Should you run into any issues pertaining to the loss of a passport or any other essential travel documents during your trip, your ChoiceAmerica Insurance policy will reimburse any qualifying expenses due to the incident as long as proper proof can be provided.

While ChoiceAmerica Insurance is a limited coverage or budget plan with fixed benefit coverage, it is top in its class of insurance in providing travelers with essential benefits for all of their travel and health related needs. With a mission to meet the individual needs of the vast array of international travelers, we have succeeded in creating an inclusive solution with this one-of-a-kind policy option. The ChoiceAmerica plan allows travelers to spend more time enjoying their experience abroad and less time stressing about medical coverage, sending them on their way to their final destination without a worry in the world.

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Trip Insurance: Trip Delay Vs. Trip Interruption Vs. Trip Cancellation Coverage

Trip Insurance: Trip Delay Vs. Trip Interruption Vs. Trip Cancellation Coverage

When preparing to embark on your dream vacation, it is important to keep in mind that unforeseen events and mishaps that could lead to financial burden can arise at any time during your travels. Because of this possibility, it is always better to be safe than sorry and take the necessary precautions to protect your investments along the way. Trip insurance ensures the coverage of non-refundable costs associated with your travel plans. When it comes to trip insurance, there are three key coverage’s that carry many misconceptions: trip delay, trip interruption, and trip cancellation, and it is extremely important to understand the differences between them in order to avoid any confusion down the road.

>> Trip Delay

Trip delay is when a traveler encounters a situation in which their departure or return is delayed by an uncontrollable force. For example, let’s say that you are headed to Europe for an extended vacation and a snowstorm rolls in during your short layover in Canada, causing your final flight to Europe to be delayed indefinitely. This situation would be considered trip delay and having coverage for this would provide you with reimbursement for additional meal and hotel expenses incurred due to the delay up to the covered amount listed in the policy documents.

>> Trip Interruption

Trip interruption is when a traveler encounters a situation in which they must end their trip for an unforeseen reason. For example, lets say you are taking a two-week long vacation in Europe and within the first few days, a large earthquake occurs, leaving you with no other option but to leave the country and return home immediately. This situation would be considered trip interruption and having coverage for this would ensure reimbursement up to the covered amount for non-refundable, unused travel expenses that you are forced to forfeit due to the interruption of plans.

>> Trip Cancellation

Trip cancellation is when a traveler encounters a situation in which they must cancel their trip completely, before having even embarked on it. An example of this would be if you planned an elaborate trip to Europe in which you prepaid for all airline tickets and hotel stays, but just three days before, you fell violently ill and had to cancel your travel plans all together. This would be considered trip cancellation and having coverage for this would provide you reimbursement for all non-refundable travel expenses for an unforeseen and covered event.

>> Things to Keep in Mind While Filing Claims

Should you need to file a claim for a trip related mishap such as the ones listed above, it is especially important to keep these misconceptions in mind and be able to fully understand the differences between the trip insurance coverage’s. Filing a claim under the wrong terminology can easily result in the insurance company denying the claim, possibly leaving you with a large financial loss and frustration after the fact. It is also important to keep in mind that each trip insurance plan has different coverage amounts for trip delay, trip cancellation, and trip interruption and it is important to know how much coverage is offered under your particular policy to avoid any surprises when filing your claim and receiving any reimbursements. If a mishap arises during your travels and when filing your claim, you are unsure of which terminology applies, it is highly recommended that you contact your insurance company to clear up any unanswered questions before submission.

While anything can happen while traveling abroad, you can always protect yourself from financial loss by purchasing a trip insurance policy before embarking on your next adventure.

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Do You Need Travel Insurance to Enter the United States?

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Enter the United States?

When it comes to visiting the U.S. from your home country, there are many things to keep in mind, with any potential risks you may encounter along the way being among them. While you have already obtained your visa, you may now be wondering if you need travel insurance to enter the U.S., as many of the schengen countries require a minimum coverage before entering. The real answer is no, the U.S. does not require visitors to purchase travel insurance before entering the country at this point in time. However, it is in your best interest and is highly recommended that you are equipped with adequate travel insurance coverage when traveling outside of your home country to protect you from any unexpected mishaps, and any financial burden after the fact.

>> Medical Costs in the U.S. are Much Higher Than Other Countries

When traveling outside of your home country, it is usually the case that the insurance coverage that you have will not be applicable in a foreign land, not to mention the fact that the healthcare system in the country you are visiting will often be different from what you may be used to back home. When traveling to the U.S. specifically, it is important to keep in mind that while the healthcare system is very good, it is also very expensive in comparison to other countries. Should anything happen in which you have to visit a doctor or hospital during your trip, you will be left to pay all of the medical bills out of your own pocket if you do not purchase a travel medical insurance policy prior to embarking on your travels. Having a travel medical insurance policy will not only assist you in finding a trusted doctor or hospital in receiving necessary treatment, but it will also help prevent you from any financial burden that will be incurred after the fact.

>> Travel Insurance Can Save You from the Unexpected

Planning a trip abroad can be a wonderful experience, but the fact of the matter is that any unexpected mishaps can arise during your travels that could spoil your trip completely. Anything from a missed flight or connection, baggage loss, unforeseen weather issues or even injuries and illnesses could easily interrupt your travel plans and even result in a large financial loss as a result. While you can’t control the unexpected, you can however take the necessary precautions to protect yourself against it, and that is why having travel insurance is the safest and smartest way to go.

>> Peace of Mind is Key to a Stress Free Vacation

When embarking on the vacation of a lifetime, the last thing you want to do is worry about the things that could go wrong along the way. Having travel insurance, even if you do not end up having to use it, can help insure that your travels are safe and carefree, with any unforeseen events or mishaps protected against. It is also important to keep in mind that all visitors entering the U.S. are required to undergo a security screening by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and because they want to be confident in the fact that travelers won’t leave behind hefty bill for U.S. tax payers to have to cover upon their return to their home country, the question of whether you are protected by a travel insurance policy or not may arise, especially for elderly citizens who are more likely to encounter a medical emergency during the duration of their stay. While having a travel insurance policy is not necessarily a required criteria upon entering the country, in this case, it could however be seen as a plus point for the CBP officers who will be granting your entrance, giving you more peace of mind during the clearance process as well.

While there are many potential risks associated with traveling to the U.S., many of those risks can be protected against by purchasing a travel insurance policy catered to your specific travel needs.

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Types of Evacuation Coverages

Types of Evacuation Coverages

When it comes to planning a trip overseas, one major detail that many travelers overlook is the amount of potential risks that come with visiting a foreign land or exploring an unfamiliar area. Should an unfortunate event occur, such as a natural disaster, a severe and unexpected illness or injury in a remote area, or even a situation of political unrest, it is possible that you may need to be evacuated to safety or airlifted to a medical facility for proper treatment. In terms of evacuation however, it is important to note that there are different kinds based on the specific situation at hand.

>> Medical Evacuation

Medical evacuations focus mainly on providing transportation, often via air, to the nearest equipped medical facilities upon the occurrence of a severe and unexpected medical emergency requiring immediate care. Having medical evacuation coverage with some insurance policies will provide you with the treatment needed in a timely manner while protecting you from financial despair due to the high medical costs in foreign countries. Should the nearest medical facility be ill equipped to treat you based on your condition, or overwhelmed with patients based on the situation, the insurance company will provide you with all of the coordination in your transportation to a facility that can provide you with the care and treatment needed.

>> Emergency Evacuation

Emergency Evacuations are primarily for the evacuation of travelers from threatening or hazardous situations such as catastrophic weather conditions or large-scale accidents where their overall safety is potentially at risk. Such a situation could occur in the event of an accident on a cruise ship, during a hurricane while visiting a tropical island, or even a terrorist attack while visiting an unfamiliar country. When it comes to emergency evacuations, injury is not necessarily involved but having coverage for this will mean that the insurance company is responsible for your swift and safe removal from the situation at hand, rather than having to navigate the situation individually.

>> Political Evacuation

Political evacuation entails the evacuation of individuals in cases of crisis due to political unrest or military action. Much like emergency evacuation, having coverage for political evacuation can provide you with a safe removal from catastrophic situations where your safety and well-being is at risk. In the event of an emergency while traveling in a foreign country, the travel insurance company will arrange for you and your insured dependents to be evacuated immediately to a safer place.

Experiencing a major medical emergency or life-threatening situation while overseas can be stressful, chaotic, and extremely expensive and in this particular case, it is always better to be safe than sorry by making sure that you are properly equipped with the necessary protection because having coverage for this can ultimately save you time, money, and even your life. When it comes finding a plan that covers evacuation, it is important to note that some plans are all encompassing in terms of covering the different types, while others are limited to just one or two, so it is important to select a policy that best fits your individual needs.

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How Group Travel Insurance Helps Tour Operators and Travel Consultants

How Group Travel Insurance Helps Tour Operators and Travel Consultants

As a tour operator or travel consultant planning leisure trips for groups of vacationers, there are many logistics to keep in mind and organizing such trips can be extremely complicated, time consuming, and even risky. Whether its for a group of senior citizens taking a cruise, a group of individuals embarking on an adventure sports tour, or students taking a backpacking trip through Europe, it is important to keep in mind that mishaps can happen and ensuring that you include adequate protection for your travelers for any unexpected travel related risks along the way should be a crucial component in coordinating these excursions. Providing travelers with coverage through a group insurance policy can be extremely beneficial as it is cost efficient, easy to manage, and customizable based on the number of people and the nature of the trip.

>> Why Group Travel Insurance?

When it comes to making travel plans for a group of people, coordination can get tricky and as the number of people in the group increases, so does the odds of a mishap and the liability after the fact. Tour operators and travel consultants can greatly benefit from offering group travel insurance with their travel packages because it gives travelers peace of mind and eliminates much of the anxiety centered around visiting a foreign land.

Time constraints and organization of itinerary are huge components when it comes to planning an organized travel tour so should anything unexpected occur within the group such as a cancelled flight, illness or injury, loss of baggage, or detrimental weather conditions that could interrupt your trip plans, having all of your travelers under one group policy can protect you from any financial burden or personal liability as a result. Additionally, having the support of the insurance company in remedying such situations will also help reduce the stress of both the travel company hosting the trip, and the travelers while getting plans back on track in a quick and efficient manner.

>> Group insurance is a cost effective solution.

Purchasing a group policy for travelers is significantly more cost effective because it offers the option to choose a fixed policy maximum for the whole group, potentially making the policy more affordable up front. Furthermore, having multiple travelers covered under one set policy allows for group rates at a discounted price as opposed to purchasing individual policies for each traveler.

>> Group insurance policies are easier to manage than individual.

When there’s multiple people embarking on the same trip, the process of purchasing separate policies for each individual can be time consuming and tedious. Its much easier to purchase a group insurance policy as it will only entail filling out paper work for and keeping track of one policy, but each traveler will still receive their own insurance ID card and receive coverage should anything go wrong.

>> Group insurance policies can be customized to fit your traveler’s specific needs and the nature of the trip.

Whether your group will be participating in adventure sports activities or traveling to a region where health concerns are prevalent, our group policies can be specially customized accordingly.

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