6 Frequently Asked Questions from US Travelers

Q: Why should I be concerned about medical coverage abroad?

• The Social Security Medicare Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
• Many health insurance plans do not provide coverage overseas. Those that provide “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad may not pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States which can cost $10,000.00 and up depending on your location and medical condition.
• Many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service.
• Uninsured patients may be refused service.
• Countries with socialized medicine may not provide full services to non-residents.
• Payment of hospital and other expenses abroad is the responsibility of the traveler.
• Some countries require tourists to carry accident or travel insurance. Check the Country Specific Information for the countries you plan to visit for detailed information.

Q: What questions should I ask my health insurance company? Read More »

Requirements for US Citizens Entering Cuba

Cuba might be the most exotic destination in the Western Hemisphere.  Recently it has become easier to obtain a visa and travel to Cuba; however, the US State Department lists the following requirements that the Cuban government requires of US Citizens:

1. Valid US passport

2. Cuban Entry Visa – the US State Department advises you obtain it in advance

3.  non-US travel medical insurance policy Read More »

Travel Health Warning for Greece

If you are traveling to Greece, then we highly recommend a low cost travel health insurance policy which includes emergency medical evacuation.  Contact Insurance Services of America or visit their website at www.isahealthinsurance.com for a instant quote.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received information that there have been 11 additional P. vivax malaria cases identified in Greece; two locally-acquired cases in Greek residents with no previous travel, two possible relapses in patients who had locally-transmitted malaria in 2011, and seven cases in immigrants. Between January 1 and September 3, 2012, Greece has reported a total of 50 cases of malaria. Forty-two of those 50 cases occurred among immigrants from malaria-endemic countries and are thus believed to have been imported. However, some of these cases may have been locally acquired. Read More »

US State Department Travel Warning for Mexico

The State of Jalisco has declared a heightened security alert status following Mexican military/police operations near the Providencia and Valle Real communities in Guadalajara. The Consulate recommends that all American citizens take precautions and be vigilant to news reports regarding events in the state of Jalisco until the situation returns to normal.

The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara is located at 175 Progreso Street, Col. Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara’s telephone number is 011 52 33 3268 2100; the fax number is 011 52 33 3825 1951. For after-hours emergencies, please call 011 52 33 3268 2145. Read More »

3 Tips to Recover from Jet Lag

1. Understand that the direction you are traveling makes a difference.  The majority of people have an internal body clock that makes it harder for them to travel east. If you’re traveling east and want to adapt to the new time, you will have to wake up earlier and go to bed earlier than you normally would. This is known as advancing your body clock. If you’re traveling west, you’ll have to adapt to the new time by waking up later than usual and going to bed later than usual, delaying your body clock.   Read More »

Travel the World with No Internet (sort of)

Triposo – the free app for iPhone and Android gives users access to open-source travel guides for over 8,000 destinations worldwide, from Burma and Berlin to Nicaragua and New Zealand. 

Once you’ve installed the app, search for your desired destination. Each guide is downloaded and stored directly on your phone, so when you’re in a different country with no cell reception you’ll still be able to access the content.  Read More »

Chaos Ensues After Italian Airlines Halt Flights

On August 12th, Italian Budget airline suspended flights, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded and many remained trapped overnight at Rome’s Fiumicino airport.  An estimated 300,000 passengers have booked flights with the airline in the weeks ahead, leading to the risk of serious travel disruptions.  If you have made reservations on Italian Budget airlines, then we recommend contacting your travel supplier.  If you have purchased the Roundtrip travel insurance plan, then please contact the 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number on your ID card for trip cancellation benefits.  Feel free to contact Insurance Services of America for help.

You have a 78% chance of…

arriving on time the next time you fly!  Sounds good but I remember back in high school when a 78% was a C+

US State Department Issues Warning for Madonna Concert

This is to alert U.S. citizens in Russia who are planning to attend the Madonna concerts in Moscow on Tuesday, August 7, or in St. Petersburg on Thursday, August 9, that the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg has received information regarding a threat of physical violence against spectators and performers at the St. Petersburg concert on August 9. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg have shared the information with appropriate Russian law enforcement authorities. Russian authorities have indicated to the Embassy that they are taking appropriate measures in light of this information. Read More »

The Official Job Description of Flight Attendants

Do you know the most important job duty of flight attendants?  On your next flight, you’ll notice flight attendants passing out beverages, selling snacks, taking extra care of those first class fliers… but the most important responsibility of flight attendants “is to help passengers in the event of an emergency.”

You can find the official job description of a flight attendant at the Department of Labor Statistics website http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Transportation-and-Material-Moving/Flight-attendants.htm#tab-2.  You might not know that flight attendants experience a higher-than-average rate of work-related injuries and illnesses due to working on a moving aircraft, overstuffed overhead bins, irregular sleep patterns and working in a pressurized environment.

Flight attendants travel frequently and most airlines include excellent travel perks, including “buddy” passes which allow friends and family to fly at a discounted rate.  We insure family members of flight attendants and pilots.  Contact us for a travel medical insurance or trip insurance quote before your next trip.  You don’t have to know a flight attendant.

By Adam Bates