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Do I need travel medical insurance from USA to Australia?

August 31, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-medical-insurance-australiaAustralia is a popular holiday destination for many American travelers. Ranked as the sixth largest country in the world with total area of more than 7.6 million square kilometers, Australia has a lot to offer. Some of Australia’s main attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Augustus, the Great Dividing Range, and Cape York Peninsula, but there is really much more to explore on the world’s smallest continent or the world’s largest island. If you were planning a trip to Australia, all the wonderful pictures and possibilities that you may overlook some essential details would thrill you.

Do I need travel medical insurance from USA to Australia? Yes, is not a sufficient answer; let’s try to understand medical travel insurance a little better. Travel insurance is a very broad topic but generally, it refers to coverage in the event of some mishaps or accidents during the time when the insured party is traveling. The most basic travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to extreme conditions, loss of luggage, and some medical expenses. Travel medical insurance places more emphasis on medical expenses so that you will be fully covered if you get injured or ill during your travels.

When you go to Australia, it is highly recommended that you get medical travel insurance because it is inevitable that you will participate in some of the wild activities in the Great Outback or elsewhere. Australia is a great place to try cattle driving, scuba diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, caving, ice climbing, bushwalking, abseiling, canyoning, mountain biking, and more. Given the nature of these activities, there is always the chance that some accidents can happen, and it would be troublesome if you do not have travel medical insurance when you need it.

By purchasing a travel insurance policy with medical coverage, you will be fully protected in any emergency that involves medical expenses. Sometimes, people can just slip and fall. Sometimes, people can get involved in an accident, even if it’s not their fault at all. Sometimes, a slight headache suffered during a minor accident can turn out to be a brain injury after a period of time. Travel medical insurance covers all these risks so it’s best that you get a policy which suits your purpose before you set off on your trip to Australia. This way, you can devote all your energies on your great Australian adventure!

Filed Under: Learning

What happens if I get an infection from an overseas surgery after I have come home

August 30, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Nasty Staph InfectionWhile most vacations turn out to be pleasant experiences that leave many good memories, there is in any situation the change for an accident or another unfortunate matter. Accidents and other incidents can happen at any time. They can ruin a well-planned vacation, and give travelers a bad experience. As such, travelers should make sure that they are properly insured before they leave for their travel destinations. Whether you are going hiking in the mountains or lying on the beach, travel insurance is a tool that will protect travelers from a number of occurrences that can derail your trip.

When people are vacationing overseas, they are exposed to many unfamiliar conditions, some more hazardous than other, and some equally as hazardous in less obvious ways. The place that they are visiting may have a different climate, standard of hygiene, food and living conditions, and traffic rules. Those who are unable to adapt to the unfamiliar conditions in a foreign land will become more susceptible to illnesses and accidents. If they sustain illnesses or injuries during their vacations, it is likely that they will need medical treatment. This can result in significant financial loss, because medical services in some countries can be very costly. Nonetheless, travelers who have travel insurance can make claims for medical compensation, and this means that they do not have to use their own money to pay their medical bills.

For unfortunate travelers who sustain serious injuries during their vacations, it may be necessary for them to undergo medical surgery in a foreign country. The advancement of surgery varies from one country to another, and it can be risky for people to undergo surgery in undeveloped countries. Hospitals in certain undeveloped countries have low standards of hygiene, and their patients are exposed to higher risk of infection after surgery. Some travelers who received surgical treatments in foreign countries suffered from post-surgery infections after they returned to their home countries, and they had to seek further medical care to treat their infections.

Those who suffer from infections that result from overseas surgeries may or may not be eligible for medical compensation. Usually, a travel insurance policy provides medical coverage for up to 180 days after travelers have returned home, and policyholders can get financial recovery for medical expenses that are incurred for the treatment of post-surgery infections within this period of time. Nevertheless, the duration of coverage for medical treatment after travel varies from one travel medical insurance plan to another. Travelers should check with their insurance companies or read their policies thoroughly to find out the exact duration of post-travel medical coverage that is offered in their plans.

Filed Under: Learning

Missed flight because the flight before was delayed…what happens?

August 29, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

missed-flight-connectionMany people choose to travel by air these days, because flying is the most efficient way to get from one place to another. When everything goes according to schedule, taking an airplane is a very convenient way to travel. Nevertheless, certain unexpected incidents may happen during air travel, and some passengers end up with a missed flight. One of the most common problems that are experienced by air passengers is flight delay.

A delay may not be a big problem if the plane arrives at the final destination just a little later than scheduled, but it can be frustrating for passengers if it causes a missed flight. Connecting flights are scheduled in such a way that passengers will have ample time to board their connecting flights after they have landed at their points of transit. In the event that the earlier flights are delayed, there is a chance that they will miss their connecting flights. Usually, the airlines have the responsibility to get passengers to their final destinations if they failed to make their connection due to delay of earlier flights. Nonetheless, if passengers are connecting to flights from other airlines, they may not be able to get seats on later flights, and they may have to purchase new air tickets to get to their final destinations.

To ensure that they will not suffer from financial loss due to delays of flights, air travelers should get a travel insurance policy that offers coverage for flight delays. Travel insurance companies offer flight delay coverage as part of a flight-only insurance policy or a travel insurance package, and travelers who obtain such coverage will be entitled to full financial recovery for losses that result from delays. The losses that are covered are not only limited to the costs of air tickets; they also include accommodations, meals, and all other expenses that are incurred because of flight delays.

You can get flight delay coverage from most travel insurance companies, but the maximum amount of compensation varies from one policy to another. When you are purchasing a travel insurance policy, you should make sure that the policy provides adequate compensation for flight delays. It is a good idea to compare offers from a few insurance companies before finally purchasing travel insurance. Although the price of the policy is an important consideration when you are choosing a policy, you should also consider factors such as the reputation of the insurance company, the quality of coverage, and the types of services offered.

Filed Under: Learning

What is flight insurance?

August 28, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

flight-insuranceTaking a flight is the most convenient way to travel from one location to another, and it is the only way to reach certain distant places around the world. Nevertheless, air tickets can be costly, and they usually make up a significant part of people’s travel expenses. In most cases, travelers are required to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for air tickets, and they will suffer considerable financial loss if they fail to make their flights for some reasons. As such, it is a good idea for travelers to get flight insurance before they depart for their travel destinations.

Flight insurance (not to be confused with flight accident insurance) is a form of travel insurance that offers financial protection against losses that are related to air travel. Although it does not happen very often, there is a chance that travelers may miss or cancel their air travel. Emergencies, such as illnesses, urgent work responsibilities, and accidents, may force people to cancel their travel plans, and they may not get a full refund for their air tickets from the airlines. With this coverage, those who cancel their flights can be assured that they will get adequate compensation for their losses, and they can use the compensation money to purchase another ticket for travel later. Certain flight plans also provides coverage for flight delays.

Other than cancellation and delay, travelers also need protection against flight accidents. Flying is considered one of the safest ways to travel these days, but accidents can happen, and the consequences can be tragic. Travelers who have a flight policy will get financial recovery for medical expenses and other losses if they sustain injuries or lose their lives because of an accident. Additionally, flight coverage offers financial recovery for loss luggage. Most airlines compensate their passengers for loss luggage, but the compensation amount that is offered is usually much less than the actual value of the luggage. A flight policy will ensure that unfortunate travelers who lose their luggage will get adequate financial recovery.

Travelers can either purchase a travel insurance policy that includes flight coverage or obtain a flight-only insurance policy. Most travel insurance providers offer coverage for air travel, and they have a number of coverage options to meet the needs of every air passenger. The best thing to do is to get your flight plan from an established insurance company, because such a company can provide excellent travel insurance advice, reliable emergency assistance, and efficient claims service.

Filed Under: Learning

What is hazard sports and activities coverage?

August 27, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

hazard-sports-activities-coverageTraveling is a pastime that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It provides an opportunity for people to visit new places, discover new cultures, and experience great adventures. While some people prefer to have a relaxing vacation, others choose to participate in sports and recreational activities. Although sports and outdoor activities are fun and exciting, they can also result in accidents. As such, it is essential for travelers to get themselves properly insured before they depart for their travel destinations.

Accidents can happen when travelers are participating in sports and outdoor activities. Those who sustain serious injuries will need extensive medical care, and this can be very costly. Medical treatments in some affluent countries can cost up to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, and some people may not be able to pay for them. Even if they can pay the high medical expenses, they will experience great financial loss. Those who have purchased travel insurance will get protection against financial losses that result from accidents, and they do not have to pay their medical bills with their own money.

Nevertheless, a standard travel insurance policy usually does not provide coverage for certain sports and outdoor activities. Such activities are considered hazardous activities, and they expose participants to higher risks of injuries. Some of the hazardous sports and outdoor activities that travelers usually take part in include skiing, snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, mountaineering, rock climbing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, sky diving, paragliding, and others. Special coverage is required for those who are planning to indulge in these activities.

Most travel insurance providers offer special coverage for hazardous activities, and some of them even offer such coverage through their standard policies. This type of insurance provides coverage for emergency evacuation as well as medical expenses, and the maximum amount of compensation for medical expenses is higher than ordinary coverage. Usually, special travel insurance policies such as student or backpacker policies include coverage for high-risk activities.

Travelers who are planning to get coverage for hazardous activities should buy their travel insurance policies from reputable insurance providers. These insurance providers are capable of providing very efficient 24-hour emergency services for their customers, because they have an extensive network of rescue and medical service providers around the world. In the event that a serious accident occurs when you are taking part in a hazardous activity, your insurance company can arrange for emergency evacuation and medical care in the shortest time possible.

Filed Under: Learning

What happens to lost luggage?

August 26, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

lost-luggageAll airlines try to provide the most efficient baggage handling and transportation services for their customers. Nevertheless, baggage transportation systems have their limitations, and suitcases and packages may be delayed or misplaced while they are being transported from one destination to another. While some air travelers manage to get their lost luggage back after a long wait, others never see their belongings again.

According to airline statistics, over 30 million luggage pieces are mishandled by airlines around the world every year. Most of the time, airlines are able to reunite the luggage pieces with their owners within 24 hours, but there will still be a large number of pieces that will never be recovered. Many people wonder what happens to lost luggage. Actually, different airlines, airports and countries have different ways of handling lost luggage, and some of them are more patient than others.

Some airports have a general method for handling lost baggage, meaning that all airlines serving the same airport have to deal with lost luggage the same way. Bags that are lost in Heathrow Airport are sold at a South London auction site called the Greasby’s at very low prices. The practice of auctioning off lost luggage is also prevalent in the United States, where the contents of unclaimed bags from certain airports are sold at a 40,000-square-foot facility called the Unclaimed Baggage Center, which is located in Scottsboro, Alabama.

Certain airlines have customer service agents stationed in each airport to deal with lost baggage. These agents will try to reunite lost luggage pieces with their owners for a few days. After the initial attempt has failed, the bags will be sent to the central baggage tracing office, where they will be opened and searched. The agents at the office will try to look for personal documents, business cards, or tags that reveal the identities of the owners. If they cannot identify the owners after searching, the agents will enter descriptions of the bags and their contents into the World Tracer, a worldwide lost-and-found system that matches claims with bags. If the bags remain unclaimed after 90 days, the airlines will donate certain items in the bags to charities and dispose of the remaining contents.

Lost baggage can amount to great financial loss for travelers, especially those who have expensive items in their bags. While airlines offer compensation for lost luggage, the compensation may be much less than the actual value of the luggage. To ensure that they will get sufficient compensation for their lost belongings, travelers should purchase a travel insurance policy before their trips. Most travel insurance policies feature coverage for lost baggage, and the coverage can be upgraded to suit your needs.

Filed Under: Learning

What circumstances qualify under emergency reunion insurance

August 25, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-insurance-emergency-reunionEverybody expects traveling to be fun and enjoyable, but accidents can happen during a vacation. Those who are unfortunate enough to meet with an accident or fall ill during their travels may have to cut short their vacations. Other than having their well-planned vacations ruined, they may also suffer considerable financial loss. This can be disheartening for travelers, especially those who have spent a lot of time and effort saving money and making plans for their vacations. Therefore, it is a good idea for travelers to obtain a travel insurance policy before they set off for their travel destinations.

A travel insurance policy does not guarantee that travelers will not encounter misfortunes during their vacations, but it can make things more bearable if the worst occurs. Those who sustain injuries or illnesses during their vacations may need medical treatment, and medical costs can amount to thousands of dollars in some countries. If the injuries or illnesses are serious, they may need to be hospitalized to receive more extensive treatment, and the hospital bills may run up to tens of thousands of dollars. With adequate travel insurance coverage, travelers do not have to pay for medical expenses with their own money, and they can even plan to go on another vacation after they recover from their injuries or illnesses.

Certain travel insurance policies also include emergency reunion coverage. This type of coverage is important for unfortunate travelers who are hospitalized during their vacations. With emergency reunion coverage, hospitalized travelers can invite one of their family members or relatives to travel to the place where they are hospitalized without having to pay the travel expenses out of their own pockets. Usually, policyholders will qualify for this coverage if their injuries are so serious that they cannot return to their home countries for treatment and they need to be hospitalized for an extended period.

If you have emergency reunion coverage in your travel insurance policy, you should read the small prints to find out the exact details of the coverage. The small prints will include important information such as the conditions for the coverage, the number of family members or relatives covered, the types of relatives allowed, and others. You should also find out if the insurance offers coverage for meals, accommodations, phone calls, and other expenses. Most travel insurance providers that offer emergency reunion coverage allow policyholders to upgrade their coverage to include more family members or relatives for the reunion.

Filed Under: Learning

Should we buy travel insurance?

August 24, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

should-i-buy-travel-insuranceTraveling is a wonderful pastime, because it allows people to take a break from their busy lifestyles and spend some precious time with their families or friends or by themselves. Nevertheless, misfortunes can occur during vacations, and they can result in illnesses or injuries or cause significant financial loss. A well-planned vacation can be completely ruined because of certain unexpected incidents, and one way that travelers can protect themselves against these incidents is to purchase a travel insurance policy.

It is recommended that travelers obtain travel insurance before their vacations. Other than being more careful, there is no way to prevent accidents from happening. While a travel insurance policy cannot ensure safety for travelers, it can make their losses more bearable if accidents do occur. When travelers go to another country for a vacation, they may have to adapt to unfamiliar conditions such as different weather conditions, lower hygiene standards, and strange places and road systems. These conditions can increase the risk of illnesses and accidents, and those who are unfortunate may find themselves needing medical attention during their vacations. It is not surprising that medical treatments can cost thousands or ten of thousands of dollars in certain countries, and some travelers may not be able to afford to pay for their treatments. Nevertheless, if they have adequate insurance coverage, they can get the medical care they need without suffering any financial loss.

Other than medical coverage, a travel insurance policy also protects travelers from unexpected incidents such as loss of baggage, loss of personal belongings or cash, trip cancellation, personal liability, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Travelers can also add and upgrade coverage options to suit their individual needs. Some of the optional coverage options that are available include flight cancellation, travel delay, tour operator default, dental treatment, high-risk activities, rental car damage, and others. The limits of coverage options can also be upgraded, so that policyholders can claim for higher amounts of compensation.

There are many different types of travel insurance policies for travelers to choose from. The most common types of travel policy are the single trip travel insurance policy and the multi-trip travel insurance policy. Discount policies are also available for family and group travelers, as well as backpackers and students. Seniors and those who have serious pre-existing health problems are required to purchase special policies, and such policies are more expensive than standard ones. Travelers can either opt for package policies that feature a number of essential coverage options or go for a customized policy, which allows them to choose their own coverage options.

Filed Under: Learning

Do soldiers stationed overseas need to purchase repatriation coverage

August 23, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

iraqSoldiers are committed to serving the interests of their countries, and some of them are sent to participate in oversea military missions. Soldiers who are stationed in war zones are exposed to high risks of injuries, and they may be unable to continue their service overseas after they are wounded. For those who are killed in foreign countries while performing their military duties, their remains may be sent home to their families for burial. It is not uncommon for soldiers to be repatriated to their home countries, and some people wonder if soldiers need to purchase a travel insurance policy to get repatriation coverage.

Transportation of wounded and dead soldiers to their home countries is a complicated process, and therefore, it costs a lot of money. In certain countries, the governments provide free repatriation service for military personnel, and there is no need for soldiers to purchase their own repatriation coverage. Usually, when soldiers are killed in a foreign country, their family members can choose for their remains to be buried in the place where they were killed or repatriated to their home countries. If the family members choose repatriation, the military will make arrangements for the bodies to be sent back, and they don’t have to pay the high cost of repatriation with their own money.

In most cases, soldiers are entitled to free medical care, evacuation, and repatriation when they are stationed overseas. Nevertheless, the government does not provide financial protection against certain unforeseen losses, such as loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings, personal liability, and others. Those who wish to obtain these coverage options can do so by purchasing a military travel insurance policy. There are not many insurance providers that offer specialized military policies, but military travelers can easily find a number of companies on the Internet that can take care of their insurance needs.

Military travel insurance policies do not only provide coverage for job-related travels; they also offer protection against misfortunes that occur during leisure travels. When choosing an insurance company to purchase travel insurance, military travelers should opt for a reputable provider that specializes in military insurance. Such a company is experienced in dealing with military people, and it is aware of the risks that come with military duties. As such, it can offer valuable advice and provide appropriate coverage for military travelers. Additionally, a good military insurance company will be able to process compensation claims with minimal delay.

Filed Under: Learning

Do missionaries have access to medical care through travel insurance offered by their organization

August 22, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-insurance-missionariesMany missionaries are sent to remote places around the world to communicate the gospel to different cultures of the world, and they may be exposed to a lot of risks during their travels. Some countries have very low standards of living, and their food and water may not be hygienic enough for consumption. As such, there is a higher chance that missionary volunteers will become ill when they travel to these countries. They may even contract serious illnesses that require extensive and costly medical care. It is important for workers to get a travel insurance policy before they set off for their destinations, because it will provide protection against certain financial losses that may be incurred during their travels.

Most missionarr workers get financial support from their missionary organizations. The organizations are aware of the risks that are involved when they travel to other countries to do the work of God, and they understand the importance of investing in travel insurance. The travel insurance policies that are offered to missionaries usually come from insurance providers that specialize in missionary insurance. These providers have good knowledge of the requirements of missionary work, and they offer insurance policies that will meet the specific needs of mission workers.

Perhaps the travel insurance coverage that is most essential to workers is medical coverage, because they are exposed to greater risks of illnesses and injuries compared to other types of travelers. A missionary travel insurance policy usually offers better medical coverage than a standard policy, and missionaries can be assured that they will get adequate compensation if they sustain illnesses or injuries when they are on a mission. Other than coverage for medical expenses, a missionary policy also offers coverage options such as trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and loss of luggage or belongings. Coverage options can also be added or upgraded to suit the needs of individual travelers. For instance, those who are traveling to remote areas should get an upgrade for emergency evacuation, because rescue services can be very costly in those places.

Established missionary travel insurance providers are the best options for those who are planning to purchase a missionary travel insurance policy. These providers have the necessary experience and resources to provide the best policies for volunteers. They have insured missionaries in many places around the world, and they have established connections with emergency services in almost every country. In the event that missionaries find themselves in an emergency situation, these companies can help them contact emergency services in their localities and get them out of trouble in the shortest time possible.

Filed Under: Learning

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About this website

My name is Damian, and I started this website in 2006 to help travelers understand travel insurance.

The site features company reviews, guides, articles, and many blog posts to help you better understand travel insurance and pick the right plan for your trip (assuming you actually need travel insurance).

I am also a licensed travel insurance agent, and you can get a quote and purchase through this site as well.

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