May 2012 Travel Warnings
May 5th, 2012 by Jennifer FrankelThe academic is coming to an end, and for many of us, that means it’s time to make the most of our long summer break. Whether you plan to study or travel overseas, it is important that you are aware of the international climate prior to your trip. One great way to do this is by keeping up to date with the US Department of State’s website that issues travel warnings to update you on the risks and security concerns around the world. Since our last April 2012 Travel Warning announcement, there have been seven new warnings issued:
- Travel Warning for Iran – Issued 4/27/2012 – If you follow the news, then it is no surprise that Iran continues to make the May 2012 Travel Warnings list. Replacing the travel warning from October 21, 2011, travelers should be aware of security concerns and avoid nonessential travel. The warning especially warns those individuals with dual citizenship (Iranian and American) that they may “encounter difficulty in departing Iran”…where in some cases “Iranian authorities have prevented the departure, in some cases for several months”.
- Travel Warning for Cote d’Ivoire – Issued 4/23/2012 – The US Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire is currently operating and US government officials are now permitted to travel to the region. While there continues to be improving security concerns, there still remains the “potential for some civil unrest”. The warning also notes crimes such as mugging, robbery, burglary and carjacking to be possible concerns for travelers.
- Travel Warning for Burundi – Issued 4/18/2012 – Replacing the travel warning from November 25th, the new warning states that there are security concerns due to terrorist organizations. The US Department of State has an outstanding travel restriction on Embassy personnel. Those who travel to the region should avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds due to potential civil unrest.
- Travel Warning for Eritrea – Issued 4/18/2012 – The travel warning in Eritrea has been updated, stating that the Eritrean government continues to restrict travel of all foreign nationals. While the US Embassy is operational, consular assistance is limited. This travel warning recommends that individuals defer all travel to the region.
- Travel Warning for Mali – Issued 4/9/2012 – The Mali Travel Warning has been updated since our last April 2012 Travel Warning Update. The warning advises against all travel to the country due to political instability and the threat of attacks/kidnapping.
- Travel Warning for Niger – Issued 4/6/2012 – Niger is included on the list of travel warnings due to the risk of kidnapping by terrorist groups. The US Embassy is restricting travel of US government personnel.
- Travel Warning for Kenya – Issued 4/4/2012 – Due to the threat of terrorism and violent crimes, the US government has updated the already-existing warning. Kidnapping and crimes against foreigners continue to exist, and travelers should avoid bus stops or stations, unmarked taxis, and to be aware of your surroundings.
As always, be sure to check out the US Department of State for the latest information – and find out even more information on these May 2012 Travel Warnings – on their website.
Study Abroad Insurance for Italy
May 4th, 2012 by Bryanna Davis
Italy is ranked as one of the top destinations for US students to study abroad. With its rich history, fine dining and exquisite shopping opportunity, it has the potential to provide students with a memorable experience that compliments their studies.
If you are one of the many students planning to study abroad in Italy in one of the upcoming semesters, you have probably already investigated the visa requirements that will need to be satisfied for your journey. Since Italy is included in the list of Schengen countries, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa, meaning you will need to purchase an insurance plan that meets the Schengen visa requirements.
The Atlas Travel plan meets the Schengen visa insurance requirements and provides you with flexibility, by allowing you to select your deductible and amount of coverage. This plan is also able to be purchased for a minimum of 5 days, up to 364 days with the option to extend coverage.
The Student Secure plan is another option for full-time students at a college or university in need of study abroad insurance for Italy that will meet the Schengen visa insurance requirements. The Student Secure plan allows you to choose from three levels of coverage, Smart ($200,000), Budget ($250,000) and Select ($300,000), each level will provide you with comprehensive coverage during your trip abroad.
Both plans will give you adequate study abroad insurance for Italy that meet the Schengen Visa requirements and will cover you anywhere outside of your home country if you decide to travel while studying abroad. Also, after you purchase your plan, you will have access to your visa letter that outlines your benefits and coverage amount.
For more information about these plans, along with other insurance options, please see our Italy Student Insurance section of our website which contains not only information on the Italy visa insurance requirements, and the healthcare system in Italy – but also information on why you would want to study in Italy.
Updates to the Atlas Travel Medical Plan
May 2nd, 2012 by ahoontrakulAs of May 1st 2012, any new Atlas Travel Medical plan purchased now offers even more coverage than before. Whether you are studying, working or traveling abroad, this plan has been enhanced to offer even more benefits for anyone needing short term medical coverage. Here are the highlighted benefits added to the Atlas Travel Medical Plan this year:
- Adventurous and hazardous sport coverage is now automatically included (at no additional cost to you!)
The Atlas Travel plan now automatically covers adventurous and hazardous sports as a standard benefit on the plan. At no additional
cost, this plan will now cover you if you decide to go snorkeling, skiing, white water rafting, etc.
Many travel insurance plans will charge you to include sports coverage – and many plans require that you include this when you purchase the policy (and cannot be added later). We understand that many travelers are unaware of their activities prior to their trip – and shouldn’t your plan keep up with you? No need to worry, the Atlas Travel is now designed with even more complete coverage so that you can participate in these activities and know that you’ll be covered.
- 364 days of coverage
The Atlas Travel plan continues to provide you with the flexibility to purchase only the days of coverage you need from 5 days up to 364 days. Don’t waste money on plans that require you to purchase more than you need. If your plans change, you also have the ability to extend coverage right online.
- Increased coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition
If you have a well maintained pre-existing condition, but are looking for coverage in case a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence to your condition occurs, look no farther than the Atlas Travel plan. Now, the Atlas Travel plan will provide $20,000 in coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
- Dental Pain coverage increased to $250
While the Atlas Travel plan is designed to be a medical health plan, we understand that your dental care is important and dental emergencies do happen. Newly purchased plans now have an acute onset of a dental pain up to $250.
As always, the Atlas Travel Medical Plan will still provide excellent coverage for anyone outside of their home country in case of a sickness or injury including:
- Medical Expenses/Doctor visits
- Hospitalization
- Prescription Medications
- Emergency Evacuation
- Repatriation
- And more…
If you have any questions about this plan or if would like more information about other plans, please feel free to contact us.
Where to Study Abroad
April 27th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisIf you are one of over 250,000 US students considering studying abroad next year, determining where to study abroad will be your first big decision of many.
When choosing where you will study, it is important to know that many universities and colleges have certain destinations where students can study abroad. Before you start planning your trip, check their list of countries and schools you are able to spend your semester or year abroad in, and then go from there.
After you find a university or college that you would like to study at, you will then want to make sure they have your field of study and that your program credits will transfer back to your US school as needed. Studying abroad can be a great experience but it can also mean an extra semester or year of school if credits received overseas are not accepted by your US school when you come back. Confirm your US school’s policy on this and obtain the syllabus for the classes you still need to take. This way, when you choose your classes abroad you can come as close as possible to finding a comparable class, meaning you will have a better chance of having that credit transfer back to your US school.
If you are still unsure about where to study abroad after this process, you might want to consider a few of the locations where a good portion of other students are selecting to study abroad according to the 2011 open doors report.
The United Kingdom: With a plethora for things to do in such a small territory, there is always weekend entertainment for international students. After a short flight, boat ride or Chunnel trip, the UK also provides students with easy access to explore Europe.
Italy: With lasagna, spaghetti and pizza abound, students with a love for food might find studying in Italy compliments their studies well.
France: Those studying art or architecture will have access to first hand examples of a few of the world’s most famous pieces including the Mona Lisa, Sunflowers, Venus de Milo, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
China: China is a good option if you are looking to be emerged in a culture different from western countries, but that still has western amenities available. This country has plenty of modern cities and traditional villages for students who are looking to explore.
Your decision on where to study abroad will impact your entire experience overseas. Before you decide, think about what you want out of your time abroad and where you will be able to accomplish that list.
Studying Abroad as a Vegetarian
April 21st, 2012 by ahoontrakulStudying abroad is a great experience, but for many vegetarians traveling overseas it can be challenging especially if you don’t speak the language. While some foods may not appear to be made with meat, it can be difficult to tell whether your food was cooked with animal products such as a meat-based broth.
If you are a vegetarian, preparation before your trip is crucial to a successful trip. 
The first step is to research your destination country and learn about their food preparation customs. For example, if you are traveling to India you may soon find out that there is a wide variety of vegetarian options since it has the largest population of vegetarians in the world. Check out other countries that are vegetarian friendly. On the other hand, traveling to a country like Argentina is one of the world’s top meat consuming countries. If you’ll be in a similar situation, be prepared to explain to the restaurant staff your dietary restrictions.
Before boarding your flight, make sure you’ve inform the airline of your dietary restrictions as well. Most airlines have special vegetarian and vegan food options as long as you order this in advance of your flight.
Now that the easy part is over, you’ve landed in your destination and don’t know the language. This is where early preparation comes in handy! You should prepare a few essential phases to describe your dietary needs as sometimes the word “vegetarian” doesn’t translate especially if vegetarianism is a small minority. You may also find that having a good dictionary or phase book can also be helpful.
Some people may think that studying abroad as a vegetarian means that eating at a restaurant will be difficult. To make life easier, there are websites like HappyCow.net which lists vegetarian-friendly restaurants around the world along with customer reviews.
And, of course, the best way to be sure you know what you are eating is to make it yourself! If you are studying abroad and have access to a kitchen, it’s time to brush up on your cooking skills. Not sure what a certain food is called? Ask your fellow shoppers – walking around a grocery store is a great way to meet locals and improve your language skills! Studying abroad as a vegetarian doesn’t have to limit your experience, but rather it can be an extension of your international education.
Cinco de Mayo Travel Medical Insurance
April 20th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisCinco de Mayo is right around the corner. Students who will be traveling to Mexico this year for the festivities on May 5 will want to be aware of what they can look forward to during their trip and ensure that they have sufficient Cinco de Mayo travel medical insurance.
Each year on the fifth of May the state of Puebla and Mexico City provide some of the largest festivities in Mexico in honor of Mexico’s win in the Battle of Puebla against the French. Many people confuse Cinco de Mayo with being the Mexican Independence Day, although it is not, those traveling to Mexico over Cinco de Mayo will still have access to rich Mexican culture as it runs ramped during this celebration.
Military parades and mock re-enactments of the Battle of Puebla are both highlights of this commemoration as those performing have usually logged multiple hours practicing for these events. There is also a plethora of dancing to mariachi bands and traditional Mexican dishes to be discovered. With food abound, the Cinco de Mayo celebration gives foodies something to look forward to. Mole sauce, chiles rellenos, tostados, and tacos are just a few of the goodies to be expected.
If you are taking a short trip to Puebla, Mexico City or any other location in Mexico to join in on the Cinco de Mayo excitement make sure your current health insurance includes Cinco de Mayo Travel Medical Insurance. If your plan does not provide you with the international health coverage you will need while joining in on the fiesta, you will want to purchase Cinco de Mayo travel medical insurance before your journey. You can purchase this coverage for as little as 5 days and have access to your documents right away. Contact one of our agents if you would like more information on purchasing a plan.
Sun Protection
April 13th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisBecoming an international student can require a lot of personal adjustment. Depending on the new culture chosen to study in, the adjustments can be great, between new food, dress and everyday mannerism, adjusting to a new country can be difficult for an international student.
One adjustment that important to consider and accommodate to when moving to a new location is the weather. International students will most likely have different weather patterns around them than what was prevalent in their home country, especially if they are moving halfway around the world. Knowing what type of weather to expect in a new location is important to be able to prepare for whatever Mother Nature brings along.
Tornados, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes can all be disastrous and are important to know how to handle. But another natural hazard that is often overlooked is the sun. Individuals who are not familiar with harsh sunlight, yet move to a location where rays are intense will need to know how to protect themselves from irreversible damage that is caused by the sun. Those who are in the sun during midday can get sunburn within minutes, especially those who with fair skin. Here are a few tips for sun protection:
- Wear sunscreen and apply it often. This tip is a common one when it comes to sun protection because it is effective. This will not only help prevent individuals getting a sunburn, but also against premature aging that is caused by UV-A rays.
- UV rays are the strongest from 10am-4pm. Try to limit the time spent in the sun during these hours. If outside activities are required during these times, seek out shady areas when possible.
- Wear clothes that work to your advantage. Find loose-fitting clothes made of light colors and cloth. This will let air in while keeping the sun out. Also, skin is not the only thing that should be protected from the sun. Keep your eyes healthy with sunglasses that provide UV-A and UV-B protection.
Although sun protection might sound minor, overexposure to the sun can produce negative effects such as burns and blister that require hospital visits. International students from regions where the sun is less intense and are traveling to areas with harsh rays should be able to enjoy their fun in the sun. By adopting healthy sun habits, the worst can be avoided.
Immunizations For Studying In The USA
April 7th, 2012 by ahoontrakulWhat Are Immunizations And Why Are They Important?
Immunizations (also known as vaccines) can be administered orally or by injection and are designed to stimulate your immune system to recognize a specific disease before you contract it. This will help protect your body from disease and will also help ensure you can’t then pass diseases to others.
It’s important that you are as healthy as possible while studying in the United States as an international student, and this is why most schools require their students are vaccinated before registering for classes.
What Immunizations Does My School Require?
Immunization requirements will vary from school to school, so it’s important to ask your school which vaccines you’re required to have. Sometimes schools will have two lists of vaccinations – some that you are required to have and some that they simply suggest.
The Cigna Global plan covers the HPV vaccine and other vaccines commonly administered to 17-year-olds or younger.
The Most Commonly Required Vaccinations Are:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (TDAP)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
Some Schools Also May Require These Vaccinations:
- Meningococcal B (meningitis)
- HPV
- Annual Flu Shot
- TB Test (tuberculosis)
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
While it is possible for students to get their vaccines in the USA after arrival, it is often more cost-effective and less of a hassle to receive your vaccines beforehand. If at all possible, try to get all of your vaccinations taken care of in your home country.
Typical Costs of Immunizations
| Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) | $80 |
| Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (TDAP) | $95 |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | $166 |
| Hepatitis B | $104 |
| Polio (IPV) | $115 |
| Meningococcal B (meningitis) | $205 |
| HPV | $250 |
| Flu Shot | $80 |
Are you curious about the US healthcare system and what else you should be taking care of before traveling to the US? Check out this helpful video.
Does my Insurance Cover Immunizations?
If your health insurance plan is offered by your school or compliant with the Affordable Care Act, odds are that immunizations (at least some of them) are covered by your insurance. If your school doesn’t offer a health insurance plan and you have to purchase your own individual plan, odds are that immunizations won’t be covered.
Look at our School Requirements page and find a plan that is accepted by your school
If you aren’t sure what your plan does or doesn’t cover, phone the number on your insurance ID card for help.
Do you need a health insurance plan that can cover vaccinations? Our Student Secure Elite plan is a great option!
Benefit Period
April 6th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisFinding international student health insurance can be a daunting task for many students. Between meeting school requirements and understanding all of the terms, things can get confusing. One term that often raises questions is the benefit period.
Many students assume that the benefit period refers to the entire effective period of a plan. In actuality, the benefit period can be thought of as extra time provided at the termination of the plan for a specific condition that was diagnosed or treated while the plan was still in effect. Each plan will vary with the specific terms and length of time attached to this benefit.
For example, the Student Secure plan has a benefit period of 60 days. If a covered individual is hospitalized as an inpatient for an eligible expense on their termination date, that condition would be covered for the next 60 days.
The benefit period for the Atlas Travel plan is slightly different in that an eligible condition that was diagnosed or treated while the plan was in effect, will be covered for 180 days under the benefit period after the plan is no longer in effect. The 180 days begins the first day of diagnosis or treatment for that eligible condition.
Depending on the type of plan you purchase, this benefit could vary greatly from the examples provided above. It is important to research the benefits of your prospective plan before you commit to your purchase.
Despite the difference in the benefit period between the Atlas Travel plan and the Student Secure plan, both of them work well for individuals looking for international student health insurance.
If you would like more information on the Student Secure plan or Atlas Travel plan feel free to contact one of our licensed agents today. They can assist you with any questions you might have, including those regarding the benefit period.
April 2012 Travel Warning Updates
April 1st, 2012 by Jennifer FrankelApril showers bring May flowers – so the saying goes. If you are looking to escape the showers, and travel overseas – especially as many students are currently on Spring Break – it is important to do your research on your destination. Make sure that you have reviewed the April 2012 Travel Warning Updates that have been released by the US Department of State. As an update from the March 2012 Travel Warning Update, we are happy to say that there hasn’t been too many updates in the last month:
– Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza – The US State Department updated the June 22, 2011 warning this past month warning travelers of security concerns throughout the region. This warning advises travelers to avoid the Gaza Strip and to remain vigilant in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
– Travel Warning for Mali – Mali’s travel warning was updated on March 26th due to the continuation of political instability in the country. Current risks facing travelers include “attacks and kidnappings in the North of the country.”
– Travel Warning for Yemen – The Yemen travel warning was replaced on March 27th warning travelers of “terrorist activities and civil unrest.” The warning states that all travel to the country should be delayed and that all travelers currently in Yemen to depart immediately. Much of the security concerns are associated with the ongoing demonstrations and active terrorist organizations.
– Travel Warning for Chad – The travel warning for Chad was recently updated on March 29th warning citizens to avoid all travel to eastern Chad and the border regions. While the security risks have improved since 2010, the current risks of violent crimes including carjacking and kidnapping continue to make the region unstable for travelers.
For more information on April 2012 Travel Warning Update, contact or check out the US Department of State website.
