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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