Sandakan Travel

RM500 cash assistance to reduce the cost of living

2011-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with RM500 cash help? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about RM500 cash help.

RM500 cash assistance to reduce the cost of living

Authority Backlinks Building Services

2011-12-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

Wannah Enterprise is an internet marketing company that offering SEO services for local businesses especially for SME’s. Every company should have a website. Because, 90% of consumers use the internet to get answers. Give strength to your website with our Quality Authority Backlinks Building Services. Register now. http://www.wannah.tk/go/Authority_Backlinks/

Authority Backlinks Building Services

Custom Built Signage Manufacturer

2011-11-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

WANNAH ENTERPRISE is Signage Manufacturer in Malaysia. We specialized in making signage such as wayfinding signboard, billboard, banners, bunting, acrylic signage, lightbox and more advertising design thoughts. Contact us today.

Signage Manufacturer in Malaysia

Sam Sing Kung Chinese Temple

2010-05-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Three Saint's Temple, which are Kwan Woon Chueng, Tin Hou, and the Min Cheong Emperor is the oldest building in Sandakan." Dating from 1887, the Three Saint's Temple is the oldest building in Sandakan. The three saints are Kwan Woon Chueng - saint of righteousness; the goddess of Tin Hou, worshipped by fishermen and seaman for protection, and the Min Cheong Emperor, worshipped by those who seek success in examinations.

How to get to Sam Sing Kung Chinese Temple from Sandakan Town.

View Larger Map

Driving directions to Sam Sing Gong Temple

8.3 km – about 11 mins

Sandakan, Sabah

1.	Head southeast on Jalan Cecily toward Jalan Cecily North	4.9 km
2.	At Bulatan Tanah Merah, take the 1st exit onto Jalan Leila Go through 1 roundabout	3.1 km
3.	Turn left at Jalan Puncak	66 m
4.	Turn right at Jalan Sekolah	100 m
5.	Turn left at Jalan Singapora	150 m
6.	Take the 1st right onto Jalan Padang Destination will be on the left	35 m

Sam Sing Gong Temple

Sam Sing Gong Temple, Malaysia

Sandakan Founding Day

2010-05-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Date : 21 June 2010

An event to commemorate the day Sandakan was established in 1879. Organised by the Sandakan Municipal Council, this is the fourth year Sandakan Founding Day is celebrated.
The annual Sandakan Festival takes off with the official launching ceremony, organized by the Sandakan Municipal Council. The festival was introduced in the year 2000 as means to promote the many tourism attractions Sandakan has to offer.

Further Information

Organiser : Sandakan Municipal Council

Contact Person : Catherin Chua

Telephone : +6088 273994

Fax : +6088 272112

Email Contact : Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my

Travel Accessories Samsonite Double Comfort Travel Pillow with Pouch Grey

2010-05-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Travel Accessories Samsonite Double Comfort Travel Pillow with Pouch Grey

Product Description

•Material is Rayon Flocking

•Engineered for on-the-go comfort

•Dual-chamber pillow allows individualized cushioning of head and neck for maximum relaxation in planes, trains and autos

•Each section inflates independently for customized fit, firmness and support

•Soft, flocked PVC construction prevents heat build-up

•Pocket size travel pouch included

•Dimensions: Closed: 4.75"W x 1.25"D x 7.5"H Inflated: 17"W x 4"D x 12"H

•Weight: 0.25 oz.

Dimensions:12.00 x 4.00 x 17.00

Rick Steves Silk Money Belt, Natural

2010-05-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Rick Steves Silk Money Belt, Natural

Made from comfortable spun silk, our sturdy, ultra-light, under-the-pants moneybelt and neck wallet is your best guarantee against pickpocket theft, Its soft elastic strap/neck cord adjusts to your unique shape and the slim, strong buckle makes it easy to clip on and off, The main zippered compartment features a moisture barrier liner and the second zipper reveals two easy access compartments: one for your cash and one for your credit/debit cards, Rick Steves line of travel luggage and accessories is designed to be practical, durable and light weight - ideal for the frequent traveler, whether for Europe or cross-country, Each items' "Rick tested" features work to make every trip smoother and more enjoyable

Cheap airline ticket from Singapore to Sandakan

2010-05-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Are you now in Singapore? You want to take a flight to Sandakan for a cheap price? Now you are able to get a ticket to Sandakan for a cheap price and you can get tickets online. You not only have the info on cheap flights, but you are able to find info about cheap hotels in Sandakan and get the rental car service.

If you wish to purchase tickets online here, please be sure to use the airport code appropriate to the place of destination. Sandakan airport code is SDK. Singapore airport code is SIN.

Cheap airline ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan

2010-05-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Are you now in Kuala Lumpur? You want to take a flight to Sandakan for a cheap price? Now you are able to get a ticket to Sandakan for a cheap price and you can get tickets online. You not only have the info on cheap flights, but you are able to find info about cheap hotels in Sandakan and get the rental car service.

If you wish to purchase tickets online here, please be sure to use the airport code appropriate to the place of destination. Sandakan airport code is SDK. Kuala Lumpur airport code is KUL or SZB.

Cheap airline ticket from Jakarta to Sandakan

2010-05-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Are you now in Jakarta? You want to take a flight to Sandakan for a cheap price? Now you are able to get a ticket to Sandakan for a cheap price and you can get tickets online. You not only have the info on cheap flights, but you are able to find info about cheap hotels in Sandakan and get the rental car service.

If you wish to purchase tickets online here, please be sure to use the airport code appropriate to the place of destination. Sandakan airport code is SDK. Jakarta airport code is JKT.

Cheap airline ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

2010-05-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Are you now in Kota Kinabalu? You want to take a flight to Sandakan for a cheap price? Now you are able to get a ticket to Sandakan for a cheap price and you can get tickets online. You not only have the info on cheap flights, but you are able to find info about cheap hotels in Sandakan and get the rental car service.

If you wish to purchase tickets online here, please be sure to use the airport code appropriate to the place of destination. Sandakan airport code is SDK. Kota Kinabalu airport code is BKI.

Turtle Island Park

2010-05-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Turtle Island Park (gazetted 1977) lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings. Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities.

As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the creatures.

Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.

Getting There

The boat from the Sabah Parks jetty at Jalan Buli Buli Sim leaves at 9.30am and the ride to Selingan takes an hour.

Visiting Period

Throughout the year

Fees

Adult - RM10.00

Children - RM6.00

Night photography of turtle landing (unaided by flash) - RM10.00

Further Information

Permission to visit the Park must be obtained from Sabah Parks and is currently co-ordinated by the sole agency of Crystal Quest, located at Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan.

Address

Crystal Quest Sdn. Bhd

Sabah Park Jetty

Jalan Buli Sim-Sim

P. O Box 848,

90719, Sandakan

Tel : 6 089 212711

Fax : 6 089 212712

Email : cquest@tm.net.my

Sabah Parks

Email : info@sabahparks.org.my

Website : http://www.sabahparks.org.my

Sandakan Memorial Park

2010-05-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

This site commemorates a tragedy and atrocity which struck Sandakan between January and August 1945. The Memorial Park witnessed the death of approximately 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war held by the Japanese in the Sandakan POW camp, within the sight of Allied victory in the Pacific war.

Situated about 11 km outside of Sandakan, the former site of the notorious WWII prisoner of war camp now locates the suburb of Taman Rimba. The clearly sign-posted Sandakan Memorial Park is well maintained and beautifully landscaped, which makes it ideal for solitary soul-searching strolls.

The park also includes a small museum that serves as a memorial to the thousands of Australian and British who lost their lives in the hands of the Japanese during WWII.

The memory of WWII is emphasized by the rusting remains of an excavator and a generator and a boiler which still lie in their original positions near the steps leading up to a small Commemorative Pavilion.

A must-see for history enthusiasts.

Getting there

Transportation	Fare (one way)	Departure	Return Point	Remarks
		Point
Bus (direction	RM1.50	Bus stop	From the drop
to airport)	Per person	(opposite to	off point
		navy base)
		Sandakan
Taxi	RM30.00	Any taxi	Arrange with
	per taxi	station in	the same taxi
		Sandakan
		town

* All prices are estimated and subject to change.

More info

Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan

P.O.BOX 221

90702 Sandakan,

Sabah

Tel: 089 275400 / 217343

Fax: 089 272112

Why Travel Insurance is Important For Students

2010-05-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Many students travel around the world each year to study or to take some time out and visit other countries. Students traditionally do not have large sums of money so it is important for them to be covered by travel insurance. Students cannot afford to lose money, luggage or to have to pay out for medical treatment should they fall ill while travelling. If they want to ensure that they are not liable for any unexpected expenses which could occur, it is necessary to be adequately insured for travel.

If you are a student planning to study in a foreign country, then before you set off you will need to look into sorting out enough clothes, getting accommodation and all the other things you will need to take with you. This can all be expensive so you will not have that much spare money floating around. How do you think you would cope if you were to lose your luggage before you even got to your accommodation? Or if you were to fall ill while away on your own in a foreign country? This could be very traumatic to have to cope with this all alone especially if you did not have enough money.

If however, you had a suitable travel insurance plan in place, then you could have some assurance that if something unfortunate were to happen, then at least you would have someone to turn to. We all know that accidents can happen and to be secure in the knowledge that you could get the necessary treatment if required can be a comfort. If you knew that your insurance company would pay for your medical treatment if necessary, then you would be able to relax and enjoy yourself. It would be worse if you couldn't get treatment for an illness just because you thought you couldn't pay for it!

Travel insurance plans for students would normally cover health, stolen belongings, lost luggage and accidents. There are other options that can be added which may be of benefit to you personally depending on the country you are going to. You can check with the insurance company before purchasing your policy. Whatever you are going abroad for, funds are sure to be tight if you are a student. So getting travel insurance can take that extra burden off your shoulders and help you to enjoy your time away from home.

What is Student Travel Insurance?

2010-05-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

Cheap student travel insurance is a great way to make your dollar go further. Students travel insurance are policies tailored to low budget yet adventures young people and offer a good risk to premium ratio on their policy.

Insurance for students is in effect the same as any type of insurance. This offers a transfer of risk for a premium with the higher the risk, the high the premium. However it is possible to get ultimate policies for the highest of premiums. However most people do not need such extravagant and general blankets of security. This is due to the ability to tailor ones insurance to ones needs. Say you're going to Thailand, you would want general travelers insurance but if you wanted to go scuba diving, caving, rock climbing and bungee jumping, your policy would need to be either a tailored policy such as suggested or a general travelling policy with much higher premiums. It is possible to receive a policy and then add to it should you feel spontaneous on your travels, however a pre constructed and well planned trip will always be more financially sound.

Student travel health insurance for single trips, multi trips and annual trip travel give you a variety of insurance types that allow you to get the most out of your specific needs. Whether engaged in overseas or domestic travel, your insurance can always be tailored to suit your holiday plans.

The best student insurance will also come down to your needs so it's imperative that you compare student travel insurance as the many deals out their cater for all needs, making comparing policies hard sometimes. For student discounts can be bought directly online for the best deals. This is due to agencies taking their cut from your premiums. You can save up to ten or even twenty percent when shopping for your travel insurance online. Often the best deals are acquired far in advance to ones rip just like cheap flights are found far in advance. It can be said that travelling without travel insurance when you're young is an option. However in the many testimonials of people around the world, travel insurance is always a must have items. Imagine you're stuck in a hospital without the means to pay for an expensive treatment from a mystery illness. This would not only place undue stress onto you but also most likely your loved ones having to organize your treatment or at least funds from overseas.

Risk transfer for a premium is always necessary for a care free holiday. You don't want a holiday being more stressful than need be. A cheap student travel insurance policy will insure that you are able to travel without any need to think about accidents and their inherent financial strain. In fact younger persons are more likely to take on higher risk activates whilst overseas, so travel insurance is even more applicable in these cases.

It is a cheap and tailorable risk management solution meaning you don't have to worry about the 'what if's' on your wayward journeys.

Cheap Travel Insurance - How, Where and What to Look For

2010-05-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

While searching for cheap travel insurance in Australia one also wants to be assured they are receiving quality insurance. Making sure all possibilities are covered is the first step when selecting the right policy. Things such as coverage in case of transport breakdown, hotel accommodations canceled and other such things need to be in the insurance selected. It must be realized, however, that coverage differs with different policies. The more coverage you want the more costly the insurance will be.

A good insurance company will make all allowances possible such as age of people on the trip, destination and length of trip planned. The policy needs have the steps to follow should one become ill during the trip and have to return home. All possibilities one can anticipate need to be covered especially if considering international travel. This is especially important as one will be far from home among strangers. Having an advance plan is always important in such a case.

When planning such a trip, destination is a big part of insurance coverage. Countries that are having uprisings or other problems are not recommended. If an insurance policy were issued, in such a case, it probably would be quite expensive and not give very good coverage. The insurance companies are very concerned about the safety of their clients.

A person who is ill or has a long lasting health problem will not be able to find a cheap travel insurance policy. Obviously, the company would fear that they would become incapacitated on the trip and have to be flown home. It is best to plan trips that require insurance when one is in good health. Sometimes these companies will accept a letter as to the client's ability to travel.

Any senior over the age of 60 is eligible for an 'insurance for seniors' policy. This travel policy is much cheaper than that charged for people who are of a younger age. If not suggested by an insurance agent it should be called to their attention.

Some people, planning a domestic or international trip, do not realize there are several different things to be considered. If you choose a 'budget' insurance policy it will just cover the bare bones. However, this might be all you need. There will be several different plans offered and each should be carefully examined before making a choice.

Comparing policies with a number of insurance companies will reveal the cost and coverage provided. It is only by doing this that you can ascertain you are getting the best for the money you want to spend on this part of you journey. The prices will vary depending on the amount of coverage wanted.

5 Key Tips to Finding the Right Travel Insurance For You

2010-05-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

When planning your next vacation, it's important to make sure you have the right travel insurance. You may think it's an unnecessary expense, but you'll be glad you bought it if you're unfortunate enough to break a leg, have an expensive camera stolen, or have your flight canceled due to a volcano! Here are some tips to help you find the right coverage for your next trip.

1. Make Sure You Select The Right Health Coverage For The Country You're Visiting.

If you're from the United States and traveling domestically, then your current health insurance will probably cover you on your trip. If you're traveling to the US from elsewhere, then you may need a higher level of coverage, due to the high cost of medical treatment in the U.S. You certainly don't want to become sick in the U.S. and not have the right kind of travel insurance! It would mean that you would be paying a lot of money for hospital treatment; that's if you can get treated in the first place without having insurance.

If you're travelling to remote areas or a third world country, you want to make sure you have the right level of travel insurance so if you do need medical attention, you can get the best modern medical treatment, which may require evacuating you to a different location. So make sure you're covered for unlimited medical costs and repatriation to your home country in case the worst does happen.

Your travel agent should have travel insurance brochures you can take home and study. Find out what coverage is recommended for the part of the world you'll be visiting. You can also call the insurance company to get their expert advice on specific questions you may have.

2. Be Honest About Any Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Some policies cover pre-existing medical conditions, some don't, and some will only if you purchase it within a fixed time period from booking your trip. If you're concerned about this, pay special attention when you're selecting a policy.

It's important to be honest about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. If something does happen on your trip and you need medical treatment, if it comes out during treatment that you haven't declared a pre-existing medical condition, your policy may be cancelled and you will be liable for all your medical costs, which could be a considerable amount of money.

3. Make Sure Natural Disasters Are Covered In Your Policy

After the Icelandic volcanic ash disaster, you definitely want to have natural disasters covered in your travel insurance policy. Planes were unable to fly for days on end, meaning that thousands of passengers around the world were stranded at airports overnight (and not just for one night!). The lucky ones were put up in hotels by the airlines or their travel insurance. And of course by the time you got to your destination, the tour you were booked for might be over. Although disasters like this are rare, you just don't know when they're going to strike.

4. Are Expensive Items Covered?

Make sure that expensive items such as your camera, laptop or jewelry are covered in your policy. If you lose an item on your trip or have it stolen, you will want to be able to replace it with one of similar value, courtesy of your travel insurance. If items like this aren't covered in your policy, you'll have to pay to replace the item yourself, or possibly make do with a cheaper replacement that may not be as good as the original item.

5. Can You "Cancel For Any Reason"?

It's important to have the "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) clause in your travel insurance policy. You never know if a loved one is going to have a major accident just before you're due to go to the airport. A business emergency could require you to defer your trip. A death in the family, and your first instinct may be to fly home immediately. An outbreak of disease may mean you don't feel comfortable visiting that destination right now. No matter what happens, at least you'll have some peace of mind that you're covered by your insurance policy, and will be able to salvage some or all of the money you've spent on your trip.

Insurance policies vary widely, and it's important to know exactly what you're buying, and what your options are. If in doubt, call the insurance company and ask questions. They should have customer service agents on hand who can explain all the ins and outs, and make sure you wind up with the coverage you need.

Understanding Travel Insurance - 04 Glossary of Insurance Terms

2010-05-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Travel Assistance: Travel Assistance services may be bundled into an international medical insurance or trip protection plan, but these services are not considered insurance. The term travel assistance covers a broad range of services, often including but not limited to: toll-free multi-lingual 24-hour emergency telephone numbers, local offices around the world, web sites offering aid and advice to travelers in need of travel, medical or legal help, translation services, passport and visa assistance, assistance filling prescriptions, and virtually any special assistance useful to travelers in crisis who are far from home.

Some credit cards and international student identification cards and associations offer complimentary travel assistance benefits to their cardholders and members. However, keep in mind that although travel assistance services can provide instant help with a free phone call when needed most, not all services are free of charge once rendered. Many travel assistance services, such as legal counsel or translation services, are provided without question at the time of need, but with the clear understanding that the traveler will subsequently reimburse that service provider at a later date when the traveler is in a more convenient position to pay for the service(s) rendered.

Maximum Policy Coverage: This is the maximum amount of money that the insurance provider will pay for covered expenses. This may be an overall maximum or an amount for each accident or illness.

Deductible: (Also known as excess in UK, NZ, AU) This is the amount that the insured must pay before the insurance provider starts paying. This may be an annual amount, an amount for the duration of the policy, or an amount for each incident.

Co-Insurance or Co-pay: This is the percentage or amount of expenses that the insured pays (if any) after the deductible is paid. Example: "Co-Insurance = 20% or co-pay is 80/20" means that the insurance company pays 80% of the charges, the insured pays 20%. Often there is a maximum co-pay amount, i.e., a limit or ceiling above which the insurance provider pays 100%. Example: "Deductible = $250 and 80/20 co-pay up to $5000, then 100% up to policy maximum." This means the insured is required to pay the deductible of $250 plus 20% of expenses up to $5,000, and the insurance provider pays 100% of covered expenses that exceed $5000 up to the maximum policy coverage limit. Thus, if total expenses exceed $5000 (e.g. $20,000 in total medical expenses) then the insured pays $250 (deductible) plus the co-pay maximum of $1000 (20% of the first $5000) for a total out-of-pocket cost to the insured of $1250, and the insurer pays the remaining $18,750 of expenses. Where total expenses are only $3000, then the insured pays $250 (deductible) plus $550 co-pay (20% of the remaining $2750) for a total out of pocket cost of $800, and the insurer pays the remaining $2200 of expenses.

Expenses: These are the expenses an insurance provider will consider for payment. These normally include expenses for surgery, hospitalization, doctors' services, x-rays, laboratory tests, prescription drugs and other treatments, as well as travel expenses such as necessities in the event of travel delay, baggage delay or loss, and non-refundable travel pre-paid travel costs in the cases of trip interruption and/or cancellation. Some of these expenses may be limited by the insurance contract. See exclusions.

Exclusions: These are the expenses that the insurance company or travel protection provider will not pay. Examples include: expenses resulting from illegal drug use, pregnancy, conditions which existed prior to the purchase of the insurance (see pre-existing conditions), participation in various dangerous activities, participation in certain types of sports (see hazardous sports and activities coverage), expenses resulting from acts of war, riot, insurrection, etc. Most insurance contracts have many of these exclusions. It is important to read brochures carefully.

Premiums: This is the amount that you pay to purchase international medical insurance, AD&D insurance, or travel protection plans. Premiums may be paid in advance, on a per trip basis, annually, monthly, quarterly, or by semester, depending on the policy. Premiums for travel protection plans are usually paid in advance, either annually or on a per trip basis.

Emergency Reunion and Repatriation Benefits: Emergency reunion (also known as "visitor to bedside" ) means covering the expenses for having a family member transported to the injured or ill insured during a medical emergency. Lodging expenses are generally covered. The repatriation benefit pays the cost of preparing the body of a person who dies in a foreign country and returning the body to the deceased's home country. These benefits are often bundled together and included in international medical insurance and travel protection plans.

Insured: This is the person covered under an insurance policy, i.e., the person for whom the policy was purchased.

Pre-existing Conditions: Medical conditions associated with the insured (or a spouse, travel companion, or close relative in the case of travel protection plans where trip cancellation results from the medical condition of someone other than the insured ) that existed before the plan or policy took effect are pre-existing conditions.

Many plans and policies offer limited or no coverage for medical expenses or trip cancellation expenses resulting from pre-existing medical conditions. These are known as pre-existing conditions exclusions. Most plans specify a period of time prior to the effective date of the policy (known as the "look-back period") during which any manifestation of a pre-existing conditions would constitute exclusions. Example: Pre-existing conditions exclusions are limited to "three years prior to the effective date of the policy." This means any expenses that are incurred after the policy effective date that are resulting from medical conditions that were manifested or treated within the last three years would not be covered. However, the look-back period for travel protection plans vary from 180 to as few as 60 days. Often when purchasing single-trip travel protection plans pre-existing conditions exclusions may be waived if the plan is purchased within a certain number of days after the initial trip deposit is paid (often 7-14 days).

Hazardous Sports & Activities Coverage: Coverage for medical expenses and/or trip cancellation resulting from engaging in certain hazardous, high risk sports and activities such as scuba and sky diving, rock climbing and bungee jumping (to name a few), is often explicitly excluded by international medical insurance and travel protection plans; however, some plans offer special hazardous sports and activities coverage that is optional and usually results in a only a modest increase in premium. Always make sure you are aware of the exclusions noted in the plan or policy you're considering, and if you plan to participate in any high-risk activities, look for plans with optional, supplementary hazardous sports and activity coverage.

Single-Trip: Single-trip plans cover one trip, usually up to a maximum of 180 days.

Annual Multi-Trip: Annual multi-trip plans cover all trips taken within a year (often with a maximum duration of 15-180 days per trip).

Individual Plans: Individual plans are designed and priced to cover one person.

Family Plans: Family plans are designed to cover all members in a family traveling together, and premiums are usually priced at a discount compared to the rate for a single person. Some family plans include relations beyond the immediate family, such as grandparents and in-laws.

Primary Coverage: Primary coverage plans provide coverage without regard to any other insurance or coverage the plan holder may have.

Secondary Coverage: Secondary coverage plans require plan holders to have primary coverage, and the secondary coverage only covers those expenses not already covered by the primary coverage plan.

Benefits: The amount payable by the insurance provider to a claimant, assignee or beneficiary under each policy.

Beneficiary: The person or persons designated by the insured to receive the proceeds of an insurance policy upon the death of the insured.

Common Carrier: Any conveyance for transporting passengers is a common carrier, such as a bus, train, airplane, ferry, limousine or taxi. A rental car or private vehicle is not a common carrier.

Daily Indemnity for Hospitalization: a fixed sum calculated per-day that the insured receives to replace lost income for each day spent as a hospital inpatient.

Underwriting: The underwriting process evaluates the likelihood an insured event will occur, determines its likely cost, and whether or not the company should assume a particular risk (accept an applicant and offer coverage).

Understanding Travel Insurance - 03 Special Interest Topics

2010-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

International Travel

When planning a trip abroad it is best to find out from your insurance agent or primary health care administrator (i.e., individual or group private medical insurance, HMO, PPO, ministry of health, etc.) whether you are covered for medical expenses incurred while traveling abroad. Many people are surprised to discover that their health care provider offers little or no protection or reimbursement for the costs of any type of medical treatment received in a foreign country. Where this is the case, purchasing adequate international travel insurance is a prudent option.

Student Travel

Students studying or traveling abroad should make sure they are aware of what insurance coverage their school or study abroad program provides, if any. Usually travel insurance is not included in a program's fees and is entirely the student's responsibility. When offered insurance always contact a few additional travel insurance providers on the Internet to compare rates and benefits, and call if you have questions. Students with health insurance coverage during the academic year are often not covered during the summer. Moreover, domestic health insurance designed for students will very rarely cover travel abroad.

Students 26 years old and younger can often find low-cost travel insurance because they are less prone to illness than older travelers, so students should ask about student rates, especially when traveling in a group of five or more when discounts can be substantial. International student ID cards often feature travel assistance services but be aware that this is not insurance and will not reimburse you for medical expenses or extra travel expenses due to delays, lost luggage, etc.

Group Travel Insurance

Group travel insurance may be available when at least 5 travelers (usually 10 or more) on the same itinerary apply for travel insurance coverage on one application. To ease the administration most group travel insurance plans are not age-rated which means the plans are the same price for all ages, and dates of birth are not required on the application. Purchasing group travel insurance can result in substantial savings in many cases, particularly for large groups (20 or more travelers), and especially for students and seniors.

Travel Supplier Bankruptcy/Default

Many trip protection plans cover lost travel expenses due to travel supplier bankruptcy and default (cessation) of services but there are substantial differences among plans. Some plans provide a list of travel suppliers that can be covered and exclude all others. Some plans require that you purchase the insurance within 7-14 days of paying the initial deposit for your trip. Many plans exclude coverage if the travel supplier that goes bankrupt or defaults is the same travel supplier that provided you with the travel protection plan. Customized "wholesale" plans provided by cruise lines and tour operators directly to travelers never cover bankruptcy or default of the cruise line or tour operator offering the plan.

Terrorism and War

After the tragedies of September 11th, 2001 many travel protection plans modified their wordings regarding terrorism. Many plans will cover trip costs in the event of trip cancellation due to terrorism, but wordings differ in important ways so read the clauses carefully and email or call and ask questions if you are confused. Some plans cover terrorism in the US some do not. Some plans cover terrorism near your home city some do not. Generally, if a plan covers trip cancellation due to terrorism you may be eligible for trip cancellation benefits if a terrorist attack occurs in the your destination country or city or a city or country on your itinerary so long as the attack occurred after you purchased the policy and within a specified number of days of your scheduled arrival (often 30 days). Be aware that how terrorism is defined in the policy is important and varies from policy to policy. Pay close attention to the words "City" and "Country" in terrorism clauses.

Coverage for acts of war as well as nuclear, chemical, and biological attacks is generally excluded from travel insurance plans, but individually underwritten high limit coverage is available (at a high cost) from specialty high-risk insurance underwriters such as Lloyd's of London, to cover medical expenses as well as accidental death & dismemberment, but not trip cancellation.

Understanding Travel Insurance - 02 Basic Plan Types

2010-05-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

There are many types of travel insurance and choosing the right plan can be confusing. Becoming familiar with the basic types of plans and the specialized terms will make it easier to compare plans, and ultimately choose the right plan for your needs. WorldTravelCenter.com breaks down travel insurance into five major categories:

Click on link to read more

Basic Plan Types - Emergency Medical Evacuation

2010-05-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Emergency Medical Evacuation protection covers the cost of a transporting a seriously injured or ill person to an adequate medical facility, a hospital near home, or the hospital of their choice, depending on the plan. This coverage is usually included with both international medical insurance and travel protection plans, but unlike baggage insurance and trip cancellation insurance, it is also sold separately. Emergency medical evacuations are always expensive and sufficient coverage is recommended, especially for long-distance trips.

International Major Medical Insurance is primary medical insurance intended to take the place of a domestic private health insurance policy or national health care system. International Major Medical Insurance plans typically feature:

* Worldwide coverage

* Option to renew the policy indefinitely

* High lifetime policy maximum benefits (up to US$5 million)

* Choice of deductible (also known as "excess")

* Comprehensive coverage such as organ transplants, major surgery,

* Optional Riders (for additional premium) such as life insurance, upgraded AD&D, and daily indemnity for hospitalization

* Coverage for routine healthcare/wellness, prescription drugs, alternative medicines, mental/nervous care

* Coverage for maternity, newborns, and child wellness

* Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions

Some International Major Medical insurance plans will cover you in the United States and Canada as well as the rest of the world. Some plans exclude coverage in the United States and Canada. For some plans your country of citizenship determines eligibility for coverage in a certain country. For other plans the country where your primary residence is determines eligibility.

Some plans exclude pre-existing conditions until you have been insured with the plan for a certain period of time. Some plans cover pre-existing conditions if you are currently insured by a US health plan that provides "creditable coverage" or you have been continuously covered by comparable health insurance. Some plans exclude pre-existing conditions regardless. Some plans cover routine healthcare, also known as "wellness" benefits, and some plans offer vision and dental benefits.

International Life Insurance is usually sold as one-year renewable term life insurance that pays the beneficiary a lump sum upon the death of the insured during the period of coverage (12 months). Five, 10, and even 20 year international term life insurance may also be available in limited circumstances. International Life Insurance plans typically feature a simplified application process requiring the completion of a a detailed medical questionnaire but not requiring a blood test or physical exam. However, benefits are not payable if death is due to a pre-existing condition that manifested within prior five years. Death due to War and Terrorism is usually excluded but an Optional War & Terrorism Rider is often available for additional premium. In most cases coverage is available regardless of the insured's nationality and country of residence. US citizens residing in the US or Canada and citizens of Canada residing in the US or Canada are not eligible.

Key features of International Life Insurance are:

* Worldwide coverage (rates are higher for high risk countries)

* Option to renew the policy annually through age 64

* High Maximum Benefits - up to US$1,000,000 or higher.

International Accident Insurance (also known as Accidental Death and Dismemberment or AD&D) is annually renewable insurance that pays a lump sum benefit to the insured's beneficiary in the event of the insured's death or loss of a body part or function due to accident (as opposed to sickness). AD&D is typically less expensive than life insurance and may be purchased in addition to a life insurance policy to substantially increase the benefit payable to the beneficiary if the insured dies as a result of an accident. An Accidental Permanent Total Disability (APTD) benefit may be available for additional premium. Death due to War or Terrorism is usually excluded but an Optional War & Terrorism Rider is often available for additional premium. Coverage for travel to war zones is available for journalists, contractors, and relief workers. Where travel to high risk countries and/or participation in extreme sports or hazardous activities is contemplated, premiums will be adjusted accordingly. In most cases coverage is available regardless of the insured's nationality and country of residence. US citizens residing in the US or Canada and citizens of Canada residing in the US or Canada are not eligible.

Key features of International Accident Insurance are:

* Worldwide coverage (rates are higher for high risk countries)

* Option to renew the policy annually through age 64

* High Maximum Benefits - up to US$1,000,000 or higher.

Basic Plan Types - Annual Medical Insurance

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Annual Medical Insurance is annually renewable international medical insurance with higher maximum policy coverage levels (up to US$5 million) and more comprehensive types of coverage (life insurance, higher limits of AD&D, and daily indemnity for hospitalization can be added to coverage for additional premiums). Coverage is appropriate for individual expatriates and their families, as well as employees working abroad, international organizations, missionaries, and others who want annually renewable major medical insurance to serve as their primary medical insurance. Coverage is available to all nationalities living outside their country of citizenship (or home country depending on the plan). Some plans will cover you in your home country as well as everywhere else in the world. Medical questions are asked and may result in applicant being subject to underwriting in which case a policy may or may not be issued depending on the judgment of the underwriter. Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to a maximum limit that is a fraction of the policy maximum.

Basic Plan Types - International Medical Insurance

2010-05-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

International Medical Insurance is medical insurance designed to reimburse you for medical expenses incurred when you are traveling or living in a foreign country for two weeks to two years. Maximum policy coverage levels can be substantial enough (more than US$1 million if desired) to cover major medical expenses such as emergency surgery and extended hospital stays. The "American-style" of international medical insurance coverage is subject to the specified deductible (excess in the UK) and co-insurance or co-pay. Plans may include emergency evacuation, reunion, and repatriation benefits, as well as AD&D and travel assistance services. The plans allow you to choose the maximum policy coverage level and deductible, which affects the premiums, giving you more control over costs than is the case with travel protection plans. Some plans are renewable up to a maximum of 24 consecutive months.

Whereas travel protection plans are often limited to residents of the US or Canada, international medical insurance is available to all nationalities traveling worldwide. Coverage is guaranteed without underwriting, which means all applicants who have paid premiums are automatically covered regardless of medical history. No medical questions are asked. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded.

Basic Plan Types - Trip Protection

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Trip Protection Plans typically reimburse your non-reimbursed travel expenses if an emergency (death, sickness, airline strike, travel company bankruptcy, etc.) occurs right before or during your trip causing it to be canceled, interrupted or delayed. Often these plans include travel assistance services, coverage for lost or damaged baggage, as well as minimal coverage for incurred medical expenses. Although the maximum benefit limits for medical expenses may be relatively low, often there is no deductible or co-pay. Usually travel protection plans are sold on a per-trip or single-trip basis but some plans can be purchased on an annual multi-trip. Annual multi-trip travel protection plans offer all of the benefits of single-trip protection plans except annual multi-trip plans almost never cover trip cancellation.

Travel protection plans offer good protection for international and domestic travel when your trip cost is substantial. The medical expenses coverage can save Americans money when illness or injury occurs while traveling within the US, especially when your primary health insurance coverage is an HMO or PPO. Travel protection plans cover increased "out-of-pocket" expenses that result from higher co-pays and deductibles because you're "out-of-network."

Basic Plan Types - Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

2010-05-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance pays the insured or its beneficiary a substantial lump sum benefit when an accident results in death or the loss of a body part. Often people think travel insurance means flight accident insurance. Flight accident insurance is a type of AD&D that pays a benefit only when an airplane accident results in death or the loss of a body part. Common Carrier AD&D is a type of AD&D that pays a benefit only when an accident involving a common carrier results in death or the loss of a body part. Finally, the broadest type of AD&& is 24-Hour AD&D which pays a benefit when any accident results in death or the loss of a body part so long as the accident occurs during a covered trip.

Accidents due to terrorism may or may not be covered depending on the policy. Acts of war, and nuclear, chemical, and biological attacks are usually excluded, but policies that waive the exclusions can be purchased at a considerable cost.