Easter Travel Delay Alert for the U.K.

Altegrity Risk advises the United Kingdom warns of possible “gridlock” at airports during the Easter break due to staff shortages, reports indicated on April 4th. The British Air Transport Association claimed there were too few border staff scheduled to work during the break, delaying security checks.

If you are a Roundtrip travel insurance policy holder and are traveling to Europe this Easter weekend, then please contact your travel supplier for current travel delays.  While traveling, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, then please contact the 24 hour telephone assistance number on your ID card for live travel assistance.

If you need a travel insurance quote or have questions regarding your existing policy, then please contact us at (800) 647-4589 or (480) 821-9052 and speak to one of our Client Advisors. Safe Travels!

Honeymoon Destinations Just Right For You

If you’re planning an upcoming honeymoon, have you considered the meaning behind your honeymoon? My husband and I considered our own honeymoon the beginning of a beautiful life together. So for friends and family planning their upcoming honeymoons, I think no matter where you choose to go, your destination should be peaceful and enjoyable, surrounding you only with only fun, excitement, and relaxation.

We all have dream honeymoon destinations. Some of you may want to spend your honeymoon enjoying nature and wildlife, while some prefer a more romantic atmosphere filled with nights out on the town exploring local fare, and even some just want a relaxing seaside getaway. I’ve been researching honeymoon destinations for a family member recently and am amazed at the options; here are my top picks based on the type of couple you are: Read More »

Israel: Updated Travel Warning

Source: U.S. Department of State

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and about threats to themselves and to U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This replaces the Travel Warning issued June 22, 2011, to update information on the general security environment.

The Gaza Strip and Southern Israel
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization. American citizens in Gaza are advised to depart immediately. Read More »

Updated Travel Warning for Mali

Source: U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risk of travel to Mali, and recommends against all travel to the north of the country due to threats of attacks and kidnappings of Westerners. In addition, the National Movement for Liberation of the Azawad (MNLA) and other armed groups have attacked several locations in the north and engaged in battles with the Malian military. The conflict has sparked civil disturbances and attacks against ethnic minority groups in Bamako and other cities in the south. U.S. citizens are also advised that presidential and legislative elections scheduled Read More »

We are a Veteran Owned Business

Did you know Insurance Services of America is a veteran owned business?

Graham Bates, the owner and president, enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. Additionally, one of our Client Advisors and Graham’s son, Aaron Bates is also a veteran of the Armed Forces and served for the elite US Special Operations.

We are very grateful for the sacrifice of all our soldiers and families and service personnel protecting our country.

You can see our VOB listing here:

Safe Travels to Haiti

Haiti covers the western third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola; its capital city is Port-Au-Prince. In January 2010, a devastating 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti instantly leaving thousands of people without homes, food, clean water and medical care. According to the most recent report from Mission Data International, Haiti was the most popular mission / volunteer trip destination in 2011. Over the past year, we have insured thousands of people volunteering and serving in Haiti. With the increased travel to Haiti, we have also seen an increased number of clients becoming sick and injured in accidents. Over the past two years we have assisted in evacuating 5 individuals from Haiti.

If you have purchased an international health insurance policy form Insurance Services of America and need medical assistance, please contact the 24 hour worldwide telephone assistance number located on your ID Card. Prior to departure, we recommend completing the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Program. Even if you are traveling in a group, take time to be concerned about your personal safety and security.

We want our clients to remain and return safe. Here are some practical pre-departure tips:

1. Contact a travel doctor 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure date to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. If you are going on a Spring Break mission trip, Read More »

Minnesota Couple Stuck in Costa Rica

In this story from Minnesota NBC affiliate KARE-11, we learn that two vacationers are stuck in Costa Rica while receiving medical treatment for a severely broken leg due to a road accident. We’re glad everyone’s going to be OK, but stories like these remind us why travel medical insurance was designed.

If you’re ever headed overseas or even traveling within the US, please call us at (800) 647-4589 or ask a Client Advisor for a free quote. This insurance is surprisingly affordable and can help alleviate situations just like these poor folks are experiencing now.

Preparing for My Trip Overseas: Helpful Tips You Can Use

I recently returned from a trip home to Vietnam to celebrate the Lunar New Year with my family. Here’s a list of all I did to help prepare for my long trip home: Read More »

Travel Warning Issued for Mexico

Source: U.S. Department of State

The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens about the security situation in Mexico. General information on the overall security situation is provided immediately below. For information on security conditions in specific regions of Mexico, which can vary, travelers should reference the state-by-state assessments further below.

This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated April 22, 2011 to consolidate and update information about the security situation and to advise the public of additional restrictions on the travel of U.S. government (USG) personnel.

General Conditions:

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who Read More »

Plan for The Worst, Expect the Best

Even with our Roundtrip travel insurance and a well-prepared itinerary, you will eventually suffer a delayed or late flight, an airplane mechanical problem, inclement weather, traffic or a host many airport delay problems which will “ground” you. Here are a few tips that can help you with an unexpected trip interruption:

• Plan for the worst – leave plenty of time to arrive at the airport as well as layovers for connecting flights
• Print out all your important travel documents – don’t depend on internet connections to view your itinerary, download boarding passes, look up your airline reservation telephone number or a map to your hotel.
• Charge all your electronics the night before in case you can’t find a convenient power outlet at the airport
• Travel with stamps and use the time before or between a flight as an opportunity to write a postcard or letter
• Include a change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on.
• If your flight is going to be delayed for more than three hours, call the 24 hour telephone number on your Roundtrip ID card for live assistance to help you rebook flights, reserve a hotel room for the evening and manage the rest of your itinerary

When I travel, I plan for the worst and expect the best. These tips have helped me when the unexpected happen. Please feel free to share your own tips.

Happy Travels.