Trip & Travel Insurance Blog PangaeaInsure.com

TravelSafe update on Japan Evacuation

blanasa — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:32:25 +0000

TravelSafe has provided a new release on the situation in Japan. With its partner On Call International. They are evacuating all covered clients and are offering assistance to those who are not currently protected by one of their plans.

This is an update as of 10:55AM on Thursday, March 17, 2011, regarding the current Travel Warning issued by the U.S. State Department for Japan.

This information is from On Call International, the 24-Hour Assistance Company that provides assistance and concierge to all TravelSafe insureds.

As of March 16, 2011, the U.S. Department of State warns U.S citizens of the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Alert dated March 13, 2011. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recommends that U.S. citizens who live within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical. The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Japan at this time, and those in Japan should consider departing.

On Call International is coordinating a potential private air charter out of Tokyo. Any students, passengers, employees or other interested parties who need transportation out of Japan, please let us know as soon as possible.

In response to the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy, and other technical experts in the U.S. Government have reviewed the scientific and technical information they have collected from assets in country, as well as what the Government of Japan has disseminated. The State Department recommends, as a precaution, that U.S. citizens who live within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or to take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical. U.S. citizens should defer all travel to the evacuation zone around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami and tourism and non-essential travel to the rest of Japan at this time.

Commercial flights have resumed at all airports that were closed by the earthquake, except Sendai Airport, and commercial seats are available at the time of this posting. In Tokyo, most public transportation including trains and subways are operating. Many roads have been damaged in the Tokyo area and in northern Japan, particularly in the Miyagi prefecture where government checkpoints have been established on damaged roadways. In Iwate Prefecture, toll road highways are restricted to emergency vehicles only.

Hardships caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami continue to cause severe difficulties for people in the areas affected by the disaster. Temporary shortages of water and food supplies may occur in affected areas of Japan due to power and transportation disruptions. Telephone services have also been disrupted in affected areas; where possible, you may be able to contact family members using text message or social media such as Facebook or Twitter.

Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a massive earthquake such as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of aftershocks, persons should move to open spaces away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse, and should be alert to the danger of falling debris. If you are indoors, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON. If possible, seek cover under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Use care with matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame due to the possibility of disrupted gas lines.

Due to the continuing possibility of strong aftershocks, Japan remains at risk for further tsunamis. Japanese authorities have issued a warning for people to stay away from low-lying coastal areas. If a tsunami alert is issued by Japanese authorities, evacuate immediately to higher ground. Further information about what you can do if a tsunami occurs can be found at the National Weather Service’s TsunamiReady website, http://www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov, and the International Tsunami Information Center’s website, http://itic.ioc-unesco.org. Current tsunami alerts can be found at the Japan Meteorological Agency website, http://ww.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/, and the website of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center,http://ptwc.weather.gov.

For the latest U.S. Government information on the situation in Japan, please go to http://www.travel.state.gov/. Information about nuclear radiation exposure risks can be obtained from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation.html and from the Centers for Disease Control at http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/.

You may not be currently signed up for natural disaster services with On Call International; however, On Call is interested in the safety and well being of your students, employees or other interested parties. We are willing to offer our assistance services should you have people in need. Please contact our Global Response Center at 800-407-7307 or via email at mail@oncallinternational.com to notify us of any student, employee, etc. who needs assistance.

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Update from TravelSafe and On Call International

blanasa — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:50:54 +0000

This is an update as of 9:45 AM on Friday, March 11, 2011, regarding the current tsunami warning for the Pacific. This information is from On Call International, the 24-Hour Assistance Company that provides assistance and concierge to all TravelSafe insureds.

An 8.9 earthquake hit Sendai, Japan in the middle of the night, sending off tsunami warnings to more than 20 countries, including the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii. A tsunami warning issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii has been widened beyond East Asia to include Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, North, Central and South America and the rest of the Pacific Ocean. Tsunami waves have already hit Hawaii, and residents in coastal areas were evacuated to refuge areas at community centers and schools while tourists in Waikiki were moved to higher floors of their high-rise hotels. On Call International urges those in the affected areas to monitor and follow all emergency recommendations from local officials until the danger has passed.

Tsunamis can rapidly flood coastal areas with devastating results. Areas at greatest risk are those less than 25 ft/8 m above sea level and within 1 mi/1.6 km of the shoreline. If you’re in a coastal area when an earthquake that lasts 20 seconds or longer occurs, first protect yourself from the earthquake: Drop, cover, and hold on. When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground away from the coast.

If you are on the beach and the water suddenly and dramatically recedes from the shoreline, a tsunami may be imminent. The approaching wave may be visible as a churning line of foamy water, but it may not be visible at all until it strikes. Don’t delay to collect belongings: Run for higher ground immediately, or climb to the highest floor of a multistory, well-built building. Be careful to avoid downed power lines, and stay away from buildings and bridges from which heavy objects might fall during an aftershock. A last-ditch survival tactic is to climb as high as you can into a sturdy tree or climb onto the roof of a building. Tsunamis often occur as multiple waves of varying size, so do not return to an affected area until you’re certain the danger has passed.

Tokyo’s Narita airport has partially resumed flights after closing following the earthquake. Officials from the airport said some departing flights were now taking off from the airport, but that it was not accepting arrivals following the worst quake in Japanese history.

Japan Airlines said the airports of Sendai, Iwate Hanamaki, Yamagata and Aomori were shut. All Tokyo area trains were halted, while the shinkansen bullet train service in the quake-torn areas has been suspended.

You may not be currently signed up for natural disaster services with On Call International; however, On Call is interested in the safety and well being of your students, employees or other interested parties. We are willing to offer our assistance services should you have people in need. Please contact our Global Response Center at 800-407-7307 or via email at mail@oncallinternational.com to notify us of any student, employee, etc. who needs assistance.

Scott D. Perfetto President, TravelSafe Insurance

Important TravelSafe Announcement Regarding Bahrain

blanasa — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:56:41 +0000

TravelSafe announces support for clients with On Call International. TravelSafe and On Call International evacuated dozens if not hundreds during recent events in Egypt as part of their included coverage. Read on for more information regarding the situation in Bahrain.

This information is from On Call International the 24 Hour Assistance Company that provides assistance and concierge services to all TravelSafe insureds.

This is an update as of 4:00 PM on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, regarding the current security situation in Bahrain. This information is from On Call International the 24 Hour Assistance Company that provides assistance and concierge to all TravelSafe insureds.

On Call is identifying customer needs and organizing evacuation plans. If you have students, passengers, employees or other interested parties who need transportation out of Bahrain, please let us know as soon as possible.
Continuing Political Demonstrations in Bahrain

Political protests in Bahrain continued today, with large groups of civilians demanding the overthrow of the ruling family and the conversion of Bahrain to a constitutional monarchy in which the king would reign, but not rule. Thousands of protestors have spoken out and gathered stronger after the death of two fellow demonstrators during what was deemed a “peaceful protest” on Tuesday. The King of Bahrain vowed that the government would investigate the killings of the two protesters, and today the Interior Ministry announced that those involved in the deaths had been detained in an apparent attempt to placate angry Bahrainis.
Approximately 3,000 demonstrators have camped out at the foot of central Manama’s Pearl Roundabout, implying that they will not cease until their governmental demands are met and that they plan to retain their hold on the area as the Egyptians did in Cairo’s Tahrir Square just weeks ago. At this time, the atmosphere in this heavily demonstrated area is described as being peaceful and relaxed. Reports indicate that the majority of the activists are simply mocking their government and calling for political reforms while security forces monitor the activities and give demonstrators space to vent their anger.
It is likely that protesters will remain camped out in the area overnight on Wednesday, and further demonstrations calling for improved economic conditions and political freedoms are expected to take place tomorrow. Larger rallies are likely to break out after Friday prayers on February 18 and could spread beyond Pearl Roundabout to government buildings and ministries. At this time, the U.S. State Department has not implemented a travel warning or advisory for U.S. citizens traveling to Bahrain, but has stated that they are “very concerned” by recent violence in protests and urges all sides to exercise restraint. It is advised that all bystanders currently located in Bahrain should avoid areas of planned demonstrations, but if caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, travelers should obey military and/or police officials and vacate the premises immediately. It is also advised that all U.S. citizens carry proper identification and a cell phone operational in Bahrain at all times.

You may not be currently signed up for political evacuation services with On Call International; however, On Call is interested in the safety and well being of your students, employees or other interested parties. We are willing to offer our assistance services should you have people in need. Please contact our Global Response Center at 800-407-7307 or via email at mail@oncallinternational.com to notify us of any student, employee, etc. who needs assistance.

Scott D. Perfetto
President, TravelSafe Insurance
__________________________________

40 Commerce Dr. Wyomissing, Pa. 19610
Ph: 800-523-8020
www.travelsafe.com
“Insuring with Pride… Since 1971″

Global Rescue…well…to the Rescue!!

blanasa — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:58:37 +0000

Global Rescue, one of the best services of its kind has launched their team into Egypt. These guys don’t screw around. Their team includes many highly trained former Navy SEALs. Their clients will be out of there in no time with the hours or days stuck in the airport for those that are not members.

Global Rescue Deploys Security Teams to Egypt

Global Rescue has deployed security teams to Egypt to provide security, transport and extraction services for the company’s clients in country. The teams are led by special operations veterans that include former Navy SEALs and members of the Navy’s Special Warfare Command.

If someone you know is currently in Egypt and requires Global Rescue’s assistance, please contact our 24 hour operations center at:

(800) 381 9754 or +1(617) 459 4200

Compare travel insurance deals as market expands

blanasa — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:40:04 +0000

Here’s some info from FairÂ InvestmentÂ Company across the pond. Â Competition in the travel insurance market is a big win for consumers and applies to the U.S. and Canada as well. We’ve seen many more options made available in the last year. Â It’s really tough for any traveler to keep up. Â We have near all the major plans here so you can compare side by side.

One thing that doesn’t apply to the States and Canada a weak currency–We’re doing our happy dance when looking at where the Dollar has gone again the Pound and Euro. Â This is the best year to travel to Europe in quite some time!

Compare Travel Insurance Deals as Market Expands.

The travel insurance market is becoming increasingly competitive, with a 9.5 per cent rise in the number of policies available, according to Defaqto.

The financial research company was surprised by the results, considering the fact that overseas travel has been in decline due to economic woes, rising unemployment, and a lower exchange rate.

UK residents took 16 per cent fewer trips abroad in 2009 compared to the previous year, as a result of cutting back on non-essential spending, explains Brian Brown, author of the travel report which discovered the figures.

This has had a particularly significant impact on the number of short overseas breaks that Brits take, he said, and the consequential decline in demand forÂ travel insurance will have a knock on effect on travel insurance revenue for providers.

Mr Brown said: “The fall in the value of the Pound has not only made foreign travel more expensive for the consumer but has also increased the cost of claims that insurers have to pay overseas. We envisage that insurers are still in for a bumpy ride as they work to protect their business over the next couple of years.”

Meanwhile, those consumers who can afford to travel will benefit from an increase in competition in the travel insurance market.

06/09/2010
by Rachael Stiles
Â©Â Fair Investment Company Ltd

Posted via email from pangaeainsure’s posterous

CDC Recommendations and Information for the General Public for the World Cup in South Africa

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:20:07 +0000

Here’s a quick run down from the CDC on what to do if you’re headed to the World Cup in South Africa. Some great advice. Lucky you to be going! Enjoy!

From June 11 to July 11, 2010, South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup. Over 350,000 visitors are expected to travel to South Africa to attend the games. Along with the excitement of soccer, this will be an exciting time to see new sights, experience a different culture and food, and meet new people. If you are planning to travel to South Africa during the World Cup, here are some things to keep in mind to help make your trip safe and healthy.

Woohoo Word Cup!

Pack a health kit

Health products available in South Africa are different from the ones in the United States. They may not be effective for you. Pack your own health supplies to be sure you have what you need, and talk to your doctor to make sure you pack everything for your specific health needs.

Prepare for an emergency

- Register with the U.S. Department of State in case of an emergency.

- The U.S. Department of State provides a free travel registration service to U.S. citizens who are traveling or living in another country. Registration allows a traveler to record information about his or her upcoming trip abroad that the U.S. Department of State can use to assist in case of an emergency.

- Be prepared to pay out of pocket at the time you receive any medical services while traveling, even if you do have insurance.

Gather Important Contact Information

Before you leave, it is important to write down contact information (phone numbers and addresses) of services you may need.

- Find the American Embassy or Consulate in your destination by going to the list of Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions (U.S. Department of State). Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.

- Know where health-care resources are located in your destination before you leave.

During your trip

As with most large sporting events, the World Cup will draw masses of people into confined areas. Follow these tips to stay healthy and have an enjoyable and safe experience.

Stay healthy

- Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, after you cough or sneeze, and after you go to the bathroom. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).

- Follow safe food and water practices. Remember that water quality in South Africa varies, especially from rural to urban areas.

- Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.

- Eat foods that are fully cooked and served hot.

- Eat only fruits and vegetables that you can wash and peel yourself.

- Eat and drink only dairy products that have been pasteurized.

- In rural areas, drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed and do not put ice in drinks.

- When outdoors, use insect repellent on exposed skin.

- Look for a repellent that contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535. Always follow the instructions on the label when you use the repellent.

- In general, repellents protect longer against mosquito bites when they have a higher concentration (%) of any of these active ingredients. However, concentrations above 50% do not offer a distinct increase in protection time. Products with less than 10% of an active ingredient may offer only limited protection, often only 1â€“2 hours.

- The American Academy of Pediatrics approves the use of repellents with up to 30% DEET on children over 2 months of age.

- Avoid ticks.

- Wear light-colored clothing that allows you to see ticks.

- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots, and hats. Tuck in shirts and wear socks and closed shoes instead of sandals.

- Apply repellents to discourage ticks from attaching. Repellents containing permethrin can be sprayed on boots and clothing and will last for several days. Repellents containing DEET (n, n-diethyl-m-toluamide) can be applied to the skin, but will last only a few hours before reapplication is necessary.

- When you return from potentially tick-infested areas, conduct a body check by searching your entire body for ticks. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Remove any tick you find on your body.

- Drink plenty of water and eat regularly to avoid dehydration.

- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to prevent sunburn, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent sun damage to your eyes.

- Avoid touching or petting animals, especially birds and dogs.

- Swim only in chlorinated water.

- Limit alcohol. Alcohol can impair your judgment and increase the likelihood of participating in risky behaviors.

- If you consume alcohol, do not accept drinks from someone you don’t know, and never leave your drink unattended. The act of drink spiking or placing illegal drugs into another person’s drink is on the rise.

- Use condoms when engaging in any kind sexual activity to help protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. HIV prevalence in South Africa is higher than in the United States.

- Avoid use of illegal drugs.

- Avoid sharing needles or other devices that can puncture the skin.

Stay safe

Avoid injuries

- Follow local laws and customs and World Cup security regulations.

- Don’t drink and drive.

- Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or motorcycle.

- Wear a seat belt.

- Be careful when participating in recreational activities, including swimming.

- Be careful when crossing the street.

- Avoid political protests and rallies.

Avoid being a victim of crime

- Don’t travel alone

- Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry large amounts of money.

- Keep luggage, cameras, and other valuables near you at all times.

- Make photocopies of your passport for each piece of luggage and to carry with you at all times.

- Develop plans for where to meet if you become separated from your travel companions.

Know how to access emergency services

If you get sick or need emergency services while in South Africa, it will be important to seek medical attention immediately.

After your trip

- Pay close attention to how you feel for at least 10 days after you get home.

- Go to the doctor if you feel sick, especially if you have a fever. Be sure to tell the doctor that you have traveled to South Africa.

- If you have been in a malaria risk area, stay aware of signs of malaria. This disease can develop up to 1 year after travel.

- Get tested for schistosomiasis if you have been wading, swimming or bathing in fresh water, and get treatment if you need it.

Government Warning Issued for Mexico

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:00:53 +0000

U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo issued the following Warden Message on June 9:

The United States Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo has received reports that the Mexican military has been involved in a gunfight with armed persons, reportedly narcotics cartel gunmen, in the vicinity of the Wal-Mart on Avenida Reforma. We therefore advise all U.S. citizens to avoid the area for the time being. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website and the U.S. Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review “A Safe Trip Abroad,” which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The ins and outs of Travel Insurance by Seattle Times

blanasa — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:48:31 +0000

After the Iceland volcano’s ash cloud forced the cancellation of thousands of European flights, more people are considering travel insurance.

Insurance companies reported a spike in inquiries. But do you need travel insurance, which can cost 4 percent to 8 percent of the trip price? That’s an extra $100 to $200 on a $2,500 vacation.

“The travel-insurance companies would sure like you to think you need to go on a trip with their product,” says Christopher Elliott, reader advocate for National Geographic Traveler (and a columnist at seattletimes.com). “That’s not true at all.”

You don’t need travel insurance if you’re traveling within the United States. You likely won’t need it if you’re healthy and taking a short trip abroad to a country with good medical care. And you should always review existing insurance and credit-card benefits to make sure you aren’t already protected for travel mishaps.

Travel insurance does make sense if you’re spending thousands of dollars on a dream vacation and you either can’t afford to lose the money or fear you will miss a flight connection.

And it’s wise to buy a travel-insurance policy that provides medical coverage/emergency evacuation if you’re headed to more remote areas or places where high-quality health care isn’t widely available. “The last thing you want to do is be stuck in a Third World country with a serious medical condition,” says National Geographic’s Elliott.

Even if you’re not going to an exotic locale, consider a policy if your health insurance won’t cover you overseas and you’re concerned about potential medical bills; a medical evacuation can costs thousands of dollars.

About 30 percent of travelers buy insurance, triple the figure before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, says Jim Grace, president of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association.

Most insurers viewed this spring’s volcano eruption as a natural disaster or weather problem and initially covered travelers (who had already bought insurance) whose trips were canceled or interrupted, Grace said. “These type of events is what travel insurance covers,” he said.

Of course, if you want insurance because you’re worried the Eyjafjallajokull volcano will disrupt a future trip, you’re too late. The volcano now is considered a foreseeable event, so insurers won’t cover it if a policy was purchased after mid-April. However, Grace said the majority of insurers will cover policyholders if a different Icelandic volcano acts up.

Check your coverage

Travel policies typically reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses incurred as a result of a trip gone awry. Many offer protection if you cancel because of an illness or injury and will cover you if travel is interrupted or connections missed. They often provide health-care coverage and medical evacuation. Some policies got you covered if you lost a job and no longer can afford the trip.

Before plunking down money for a policy, make sure it doesn’t duplicate existing coverage.

Airlines, for instance, will reimburse you up to $3,300 for lost luggage in a domestic flight (but there are exclusions on what’s covered). Limits on international flights (set through international civil-aviation agreements) vary with currency fluctuations.

Your homeowner’s policy might reimburse you for lost luggage, although you might not want to make a claim if it causes premiums to shoot up or your insurer to drop you later, experts advise.

A credit card may offer travel perks when used to book travel. Some high-end credit cards, for example, will insure lost or stolen luggage, certain medical expenses, car rentals and trip cancellations or pay a death benefit if you die.

Check your health insurance to see if it will cover you outside the country. Medicare, the program for those 65 and older, generally doesn’t, but some supplemental Medicare policies do.

Shop around

If you decide you want travel insurance, buy it within seven to 21 days of putting down your initial deposit to get the maximum coverage, Grace said. If you buy later, pre-existing health conditions, terrorist acts or the bankruptcy of your tour operator won’t be covered.

Shop around. Compare policies online at sites such as Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com.

Read the terms carefully. Policies can sound the same but have significantly different limits or exclusions.

“There are always loopholes, and people don’t read the policy,” says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. For instance, if you cancel a trip because you’re sick but don’t see a doctor, the insurance won’t pay, he said.

Call the insurer if you’re not sure what will be covered, Hobica says.

You might not need comprehensive coverage. But travel experts agree that if you are venturing into exotic locales, you should consider medical evacuation coverage.

via seattletimes.nwsource.com

Posted via web from pangaeainsure’s posterous

To Insure or Not to Insure…

blanasa — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:22:06 +0000

Here’s a good assessment of what you should take into account when making a decision about travel insurance and insurance in general. You don’t always need the most comprehensive policy. You may be covered by another policy such as your life insurance, health insurance, or homeowners.

Students and travelers under 35 years of age may find their travel insurance costs are much lower than for Gen X, Boomers. It will be much much cheaper than insuring grandma’s trip! The costs to student who can’t go on a trip due to a family emergency much bigger hit to a typical student budget. Most tours and flights are nonrefundable especially when you get within 30 days of the trip! A student’s travel protection plan may only run $50-125 for a 30-45 day trip. Much better than Mr. Martin talks about below. And these plans almost never have a deductible. So good advice below, but ask the right questions and choose what’s best for you.

A few points from Ray Martin in this CBS piece:

“When buying insurance of any kind, I advise people to keep these four rules in mind:

1. Cover Only Big Risks: Buy insurance only to protect you against risks that would be financially devastating.
2. Donâ€™t Over-Insure: buy the right type and right amount of coverage, never buy too much, and donâ€™t buy insurance for limited risks, such as a specific disease or to cover a single loan.
3. Cancel Coverage You Donâ€™t Need: Buy insurance when you need it – and cancel it when itâ€™s no longer needed.
4. Keep Emotions Out: Never make a decision to buy insurance solely for emotional reasons.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

It is advised to consider additional travel medical insurance to cover medical mishaps, particularly when engaging in certain activities such as skiing, rock climbing and scuba diving abroad. This is because if you need emergency medical attention and evacuation, these costs may not be covered by your existing insurance. First, check with your existing health insurance plan and ask what is covered. You should do this before any trip abroad. If your plan does not cover certain items, then this coverage may be a good idea, particularly if you intend to engage in high-risk activities. Travel medical insurance which covers doctor bills overseas or a medical evacuation, can cost from $25 for a few days of coverage to annual policies for over $2,000.”

Please share your experiences…good or bad with travel insurance.

Hurricane Trip Protection Exclusively from TravelSafe

blanasa — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:54:25 +0000

TravelSafe may be just the ticket to protect your cruise this summer. One of the best offers in travel insurance.

Statement from TravelSafe:

With the 2010 hurricane season being predicted to be more “active” and produce 6 – 8 hurricanes, 4 of which are expected to be major hurricanes, make sure you are protected with our industry exclusive Hurricane Warning Benefit!

TravelSafe Insurance has specific coverage for hurricanes that will allow you to cancel your trip within 24 hours of your departure if your trip destination is under a hurricane warning issued by the NOAA National Hurricane Center.

TravelSafe Insurance is the only provider that does not require you to make every attempt possible to travel to their destination even if it is under a hurricane warning.

TravelSafe also provides benefits if your home is made uninhabitable by a hurricane or if there is a mandatory evacuation of your trip destination.

In addition, we provide benefits for a Missed Connection up to $2,500 if your cruise or tour is delayed for 3 hours or more. This includes additional transportation costs to join the trip and the unused portion of your prepaid land and water arrangements up to the benefit limit.

The benefits TravelSafe Insurance offers go on and on. With the hurricane predictions this year, don’t leave your client’s high and dry, give them the satisfaction of TravelSafe!

We’ve been a fan of TravelSafe for some time, but you can make your own call by comparing them against nearly every other provider available. Visit PangaeaInsure.com and check it out.