Posts Tagged ‘travel & leisure’
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
by Susan Reynolds
Paying a one-time fee for travel insurance with the promise of having all of your yearly travel protected from accidents and illnesses sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? In most cases it is; however, the time to find out your coverage isn’t complete is not after you experience an illness in another country.
Today people travel for a wide range of reasons and the travel insurance policies accessible to you have evolved to meet the more varied demand for suitable cover. In this guide we will look at which policies are suitable for certain types of travel. If you are plan to take a winter holiday you may want to consider taking out winter sports insurance.
This form of insurance provides cover for activities such as skiing and snowboarding, covering equally injuries and the loss or damage of sports tools. Fewer than 60 countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK and without adequate cover a broken leg in Switzerland could cost you around ?25,000.
If your holiday is likely to involve you taking part in adventure activities such as bungee jumping or white-water rafting it would be advisable to take out a form of adventure holiday insurance. Many of these adventure behavior may be exempt from a traditional travel insurance policy so failing to take out appropriate cover could mean you facing a hefty bill should a little go wrong. When purchasing adventure holiday insurance always ensure your planned activities are covered by the policy.
A backpacking holiday is another activity that can require a specialized policy. Backpackers insurance is a form of long term insurance that can last up to 18 months. Policies also cover you when working abroad which may be necessary when travelling for a long period of time, mostly for students. When taking out backpackers insurance it is essential to verify that all the countries you plan to visit are covered by the policy, mainly if you are travelling to countries where your EHIC card is not valid. Also remember that a few third world or war-torn countries may not be covered.
* Regardless of your age if you have any pre-existing medical conditions it is vital to let your insurance company know before buying the insurance. Such a condition is likely to increase the cost of your policy but it is a little fee to pay; if you fail to declare any medical issues your insurance policy is unlikely to cover you and this could result in a large bill for any medical treatment.
Many standard insurance policies have an upper age limit (usually this is 65). Once you breach this limit travel insurance can turn into further expensive as you are careful a higher risk. In this situation you should seek insurance from providers who specialize in cheap travel insurance for the over 65s. Regardless of your age if you have any pre-existing medical conditions it is vital to let your insurance company know before buying the insurance. Such a condition is likely to increase the cost of your policy but it is a little fee to pay; if you fail to declare any medical issues your insurance policy is unlikely to cover you and this could result in a large bill for any medical treatment.
About the Author:
Susan Reynolds is the content coordinator for a leading South African Insurance Provider who specialises in Travel Insurance.
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Friday, July 31st, 2009
by Amy Nutt
The prospect of traveling, whether within the country or abroad, can be very exciting. There are so many places to go and things to do! It’s a little easy to get carried away with planning events and there may be a need to adjust the budget a time or two accordingly. When preparing for travel, it is wise to keep in mind ways to keep the costs down. There are many ways to decrease expenses and have a pleasant trip.
There are, however, some things that should not be skimped on. One of these is Travel Insurance. It may be fun to frequent a local market a time or to rather than the fancy eatery. But while insurance may seem like an expense that you can forego and the likelihood is great that you won’t have occasion to use it, it is a precaution that you should be prudent to work into your budget.
You’ll want to determine what advantages you’d like to include and locate a reputable agency. There are quote sites available that allow you to enter specific criteria including age. Within a company there are different plans. Determine what amenities you’ll really need. If you are not carrying sports gear or equipment, for example, you will need a smaller amount of coverage. You may be able to rent some of the equipment when you arrive. Take note to the difference in plans- some have cancellation policies that may cause you to lose out depending on the reason. If you have an unexpected event that causes you to cancel your trip, you should be able to re-book when convenient for you without it costing you again. Some plans refund a voucher, some give back cash. Even if you can’t afford the most expense plan, basic coverage will give you a bit of security and peace of mind so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
To keep the cost down, there are many options available. Many travel agencies have discount program available depending on the age of the travelers. There are plans for the over 65. To take advantage of some of these discounts, it may be as simple as a call to your local agency. Or, you might complete some online searches to compare prices from one company to another.
Often, depending on the trip you’d like to take, there are group rates available for the travel itself or for individual events when you arrive. This is an additional savings that means it may benefit your pocket to travel with friends.
By this point in your life, you may have accumulated ‘frequent flier’ miles. These can help with your budget as well so that that you needn’t skimp on the insurance. Be a bit resourceful, do your homework, and you will be able to have the vacation you want.
With a little hunting, on average, the over 65 crowd should be able to arrange at least a 10 or even 15 % discount from their travel insurance costs.
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Thursday, July 9th, 2009
by Susan Reynolds
Travel insurance may be offered to you at the time of your travel. Some people will turn it down because they are not sure what it is for. The insurance policy is for covering losses of money for non refundable payments made as well as for medical expenses. Travel insurance is for both domestic and international travelers.
You can purchase travel insurance at the time of booking your trip and it can cover the exact length of your trip or if you would like to be a bit more extensive you can have it cover you continuously by purchasing it through a travel insurance company, travel agent or even through a travel supplier such as a tour operator or cruise line. Be careful when purchasing travel insurance directly through travel suppliers as it tends to be less inclusive than the policies that are offered by the travel insurance companies.
The type of traveler who purchases the insurance will vary from business traveler, student traveler, international traveler and even the adventure traveler. The traveler can create their own options to make their policy unique as well as to reduce cost by excluding certain items for coverage.
Some of the most common risks that are being covered by travel insurance policies are of course medical expenses, emergency evacuations, accidental death, injury, and disablement benefits, overseas funeral expenses, cancellations of trips, curtailment, delays in departure times, loss, damage or theft of personal possessions including money and travel documentation, delayed baggage for replacement of emergency essentials, legal assistance, and personal liability for rental car damages.
The policies that are offered will range widely from travel insurance company and travel supplier so shop around before purchasing a policy. The person purchasing the policy can determine what they want covered and this will affect the policy price. You can even find travel insurance companies that will cover any additional costs that arise on your trip.
You can purchase a separate policy to cover a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or asthma as well as one to cover any high risk or dangerous sports such as sky diving, skiing, parasailing or scuba diving. A separate policy can be purchased as well for travel to a high risk country that is known for their terrorist acts, war status or natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or volcano activity.
There are certain things that are excluded from your basic insurance policy. In most cases any injury or illness that was brought on by alcohol or drugs, a pre existing illness or condition or war and terrorism will be excluded. Some travel insurance companies will allow you to purchase the separate policy for war and terrorism travel.
The first trimester of pregnancy is normally covered by travel insurance for nay related expenses. Travel during pregnancy may not be covered from trimester to trimester so ask your travel insurance company about their policy.
You can find help 24 hours a day with your travel insurance services. The most frequently used services is the concierge and the emergency assistance services. The travel insurance policy will normally cost around 5-7% of the total trip cost.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2009
by Susan Reynolds
Before you embark on travel it will be a good idea to avail travel insurance coverage. After all, you do not know when need might arise for it. However it could be confusing and trying to make a right choice. Main consideration is the duration for which toy want to take the travel insurance. This duration will depend upon the type of policy you choose. There are essentially three types of travel insurance policies which are single trip, annual multi-tripand extended stay. It will be valuable to have knowledge of three types so that you can make a right choice.
In case of single trip travel insurance, you are covered for a single return journey. Discounts for children insurance are offered by these policies, and sometimes they do not charge anything at all. But this is subject to the condition that children are traveling with an adult who has taken the same policy.
If you are a frequent traveler then an annual multi trip policy will be more suitable for you. It could turn out to be economical also in terms of saving. These policies give you insurance for any number of trips in a year and mostly children?s insurance is given free in these policies. They also cover duration of 24 to 90 days. Just think of the advantage that you are saved from the trouble of taking multiple travel insurances in the year. With such costs saved it definitely turns out to be quite cheap.
There is another category of travelers which come from students, backpackers or those who are looking for work during their stay. Such travelers have the risk of losing their personal things. For this category it is best to choose Extended stay policy. It is quite elastic in scope and you can manage to wrap it in your budget. This group of travelers faces the danger of losing some of their personal items and would consider insuring them. Though in this policy you can not insure everything which is an inconvenience. But by excluding all those items which you don?t consider important you can save on your expenses. Just insure those things which you think are vital from your point of view. This policy does not cover those who intend to work during their stay or holiday.They have to buy a gap year policy which covers this angle.
You are insured for a specific sum by any travel insurance policy. Medical expenses up to $20 million, luggage loss up to $16,00, trip cancellation up to $3000 for example could be covered by the policy. The situation differs case to case. Your medical emergency decides how much the policy will cover your hospital expenses. Only cases with very serious conditions merit policy coverage.
A correct appraisal of yearly travel frequency and your baggage will help you choose the right policy for yourself. It is all about making a correct estimation. Every case is different. What is good for others may not be suitable to you. Take your case as unique in reaching a decision. Also keep in mind that all travel insurance policies have their estimations, standards and set of rules. Read them all thoroughly before choosing any of them.
Tags: f, finance, health, health insurance, i, insurance, m, money, o, r, t, travel, travel & leisure, travel health insurance, travel insurance, travel tips Posted in health insurance | No Comments »
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
by Amy Nutt
There are a number of world records held in by the city of Toronto and by residents of Toronto. Some are serious and have had a lasting impact on the world for the good, while some are somewhat frivolous.
Nonetheless, all add to the reputation and ‘fame’ of the great city of Toronto, Canada.
The University of Toronto was the location for the discovery of insulin, a medication that has assisted millions of diabetic patients have lives that are much closer to normal than they ever before could hope, thanks to Fredrick Banting and Charles Best.
Toronto was also first in a new way to collect money from drivers, with the first fully electronic toll highway - Highway 407.
While some Americans get the notoriety for the radio tube, Edward Rogers Sr. invented the world’s first AC (alternating current) radio tube in Toronto in 1925.
The first pacemaker was set in motion in 1950, again at the University of Toronto. This time Dr. John A. Hopps gets the credit.
The CN Tower in Toronto holds two world records; one for the highest wine cellar in the world, and another for the world’s tallest glass-floor elevator.
The exemplary PATH system is on record as the largest underground retail complex in the world, while the world’s first, permanent AIDS memorial was dedicated in 1993 at Toronto’s Cawthra Park.
In the frivolous vein, the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes joined with thousands of participants at the Hummingbird Center in Toronto to form the world’s longest kick line, while Arulanantham Suresh Joachin and Tiffany Lesko set a record for another kind of dancing, winning the world’s longest dance marathon by a couple at 31 hours and one minute.
Sticking with the dance theme, instructors from Toronto’s Davar Indo Jazz Dance Movement taught the world’s biggest dance class.
The fastest marathon time with a baby buggy and the world record for joggling are both held by Toronto resident Michal Kapral. He pushed a baby buggy for a marathon time of 2 hours, 49 minutes and 43 seconds, while he jogged while juggling three beanbags ten kilometers - and never dropped a bag.
Toronto is home to the world’s longest street - Yonge Street, measuring in at 1,178 miles/1,896 kilometers, and also boasts the world’s longest free-spanning staircase, found in the Four Seasons Cenre for the Performing Arts.
Toronto residents also know how to chow down: Pete Czerwinski holds the record for eating the most latkes after downing 46 in 8 minutes flat.
Toronto is also generous with its food, having donated 119,068 kilograms of food to charities in 24 hours.
Toronto resident Suresh Joachim makes a habit of collecting world records - he has at least 5 - longest amount of time watching television (69 hrs., 49 minutes), the longest time impersonating Elvis (55 hrs.), longest time watching movies (123 hours), the longest karaoke marathon (25 hourse and 49 minutes), and the longest time conducting a musical band (42 hours and 52 minutes).
These are just a few of the fascinating and frivolous world records held in Toronto! When looking for some of these GTA places, you can check the visitors and information on Travel Insurance Canada
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