Student Health Insurance for the University of Florida
March 30th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisAre you an international student at the University of Florida that would like to have an extra $120 in your pocket? This amount might not sound like a lot, but with the rise in gas prices, spring break bills to pay off and a new semester right around the corner, $120 could boost many students’ bank accounts.
Having this extra money is possible, simply by exploring your international student health insurance options for the University of Florida. The University of Florida offers its international students an insurance plan that students can either accept, or they can waive out of after purchasing comparable coverage that will meet the school’s insurance requirements. However, having health insurance in the US is not just about meeting a school’s requirement. Because of high health care costs in the US it is important to have health insurance that will meet your needs. Since not all coverage is created equal, knowing what you are paying for by researching what your prospective plan includes and excludes can save a lot of headaches later on.
After comparing the coverage of plans to find student health insurance for the University of Florida, you will also want to compare costs. The University of Florida’s annual student insurance plan through the school costs $1,311 for an international student aged 24 or younger.
The Student Secure 6 month pre-ex plan meets and exceeds the University of Florida’s insurance verification waiver form and costs $1,188 annually for international students younger than 25.
University of Florida Insurance Plan: $1,311 per year
Student Secure Insurance Plan: $1,188 per year
Your savings: $123 per year!
For more information on Student Health Insurance for the University of Florida you can contact one of our licensed agents today. After your plan is purchased we can approve your University of Florida verification form.
*The University of Florida’s insurance cost is based on the available 2011/2012 information.
Short Term Study Abroad Insurance
March 24th, 2012 by ahoontrakulStudy abroad programs come in many different shapes and sizes. In today’s world of international education, you no longer have to study abroad for a semester or a year, many organizations now offer programs that last as little as a week. In many cases, your domestic health insurance policy may not provide coverage outside the US or may only offer limited coverage while you are abroad. Make sure to check with your insurance company as you may need to purchase a short term study abroad insurance if you are not already covered.
It doesn’t matter if you are going abroad for a year, a month or even 5 days. Anything can happen even on a short trip, it only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen or one bad meal to have food poisoning. Having a short term study abroad insurance can ensure that you receive the treatment and care that you need. Some schools may offer insurance to their students however these plans are often more expensive. Additionally, some school plans may require you to purchase a minimum of one month while alternative plans let you purchase just the days that you need even if you’ll be abroad for a few days.
Our short term study abroad insurance plan allows you to buy coverage for a trip as short as 5 days. The plan will provide you with comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, lost luggage, etc. $50,000 for a 7 day study abroad program can cost less than $8 total! Even if you choose $1 million worth of coverage, it would not cost more than $15 for 7 days.
If you have any questions about short term study abroad insurance, contact one of our licensed insurance agents. You may also want to read our advice on purchasing your Study Abroad Cancellation Policy.
* Quotes are based on 18-29 years old traveling outside of the US in April 2012.
Indian student health insurance in the US
March 23rd, 2012 by Bryanna DavisEven with a 1 percent decrease in 2010/2011, India still provides the second largest population of international students in the US according to the Open Doors report.
Indian students studying in the US with an F1 visa will need to ensure they meet any international student health insurance requirements that their school has in place. Often, the minimum requirements include repatriation of remains and emergency medical evacuation. Most schools have a much more comprehensive list of requirements that exceed just these two requirements and it must be met by those with an F1 visa to be enrolled.
Individuals from India with a J1 visa will need to meet the requirements of the Department of State. These requirements include the following:
- Medical Benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of Remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
- A policy underwritten by an insurance carrier with:
1. an AM Best rating of “A-” or above
2. an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above
3. a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above
4. or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of “B+” or above
Since the United States has a private healthcare system, Indian student health insurance in the US can be purchased through a private insurance company.
If you are looking for Indian student health insurance in the US that meets the J1 requirements, you might be eligible for the J1 student and scholar visa insurance.
If you are trying to meet your school’s insurance requirements you can contact one of our agents to find out if we have a plan that fits your needs.
Spring Break Insurance
March 16th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisSome of the top spring break destinations this year are Cancun and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Negril in Jamaica and Nassau in the Bahamas. Are you a student going on spring break to another country soon? Even those planning to go on a last minute trip still have time to purchase their spring break insurance! The Atlas Travel series can be purchased online and you can receive your ID cards within minutes after your purchase.
Whether you are going on an educational trip to compliment your studies, a community service trip to give back to others or a tropical getaway to relax and enjoy the sun, the Atlas Travel series will provide you with the spring break insurance coverage you need. A few benefits included in this plan are doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, lost luggage and repatriation of remains.
Do you plan do get in all of the jet skiing, parachuting and spelunking possible while on break? If your trip will involve extreme sports you can include coverage that will protect you while participating in those activities as well.
This plan can be purchased for as little as five days up to twelve months and it won’t break your student budget. Those who are twenty-one years old and in need of coverage for one week outside of the US can purchase this plan for less than $9. Approximately 60 percent of spring breakers are injured while on their trip. Don’t spend your break worrying if you will be included in that 60 percent. For more details or to purchase this spring break insurance you can contact one of our licensed agents.
Before leaving on your journey make sure you also check out the latest travel warnings to ensure you will come back safe and on time to study for finals!
March 2012 Travel Warning Update
March 10th, 2012 by Jennifer FrankelSpring is here and there is no better time to travel than now! Whether you are planning a weekend-long trip abroad, or if you will be spending your Spring Break overseas, we have the latest March 2012 Travel Warning Update below to make sure that you are safe and up-to-date with the most current information. This month has been quiet with the US Department of State updates as there has only been three new warnings issued since our last February 2012 travel warning blog:
– Travel Warning for Colombia – Replacing the current travel warning from July 22, 2011, the latest notice states that there has been significant improvements in security in cities such as Cartagena and Bogota. Even with these improvements, however, narco-terrorist still exist throughout the country. While kidnapping incidents are down, the possibility for kidnap and ransom still persists especially within rural areas. US officials are only allowed to travel to major cities by air avoiding ground transportation due to the associated risks.
– Travel Warning for Nigeria (updated since our last February 2012 blog) – This travel warning for Nigeria has been updated to warn against the risk of kidnapping, robbery, and armed attacks by gangs and individuals. The warning also states that these incidents have been carried out by people dressed in police and military uniforms. Within the last month, three simultaneous attacks by “extremist groups” resulted in dozens killed and injured.
– Travel Warning for Syria (updated since our last February 2012 blog) – The US Department of States warns against travel to Syria and advises individuals currently in Syria to leave. The warning states that the border may “become more difficult to cross or may close without warning.” On February 6th the US Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in Syria and officials have departed the country.
For more information on March 2012 Travel Warning Update, contact or check out the US Department of State website.
Food Safety While Traveling
March 10th, 2012 by ahoontrakulWhile traveling in a foreign country, eating the local food is one of the best ways to experience the culture. Whether you are studying abroad or on vacation, I recommend sampling as much food as you can try from street venders to 5 starts restaurants – and don’t forget about the local grocery store!
Be careful, however, since getting sick from eating contaminated food is no fun! In some cases, contaminated food can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers – all clear signs of food poisoning. This problem can range from mild irritation to severe diarrhea which could result in serious a medical condition.
Food poisoning can happen anywhere – even at home – but the risk increases overseas, especially if you are traveling to a developed country where food hygiene standards are different. Do research before you leave so that you can prepare and take measures to stay healthy while abroad.
To safeguard against this problem here are some food safety while traveling:
Personal hygiene – Just like what your parents always told you, wash your hands with soap and water before eating. If soap is hard to come by, you may find that carrying hand sanitizer is an easy way to clean up on the move! Personally, I prefer a sanitizer wipe over just the liquid solution.
Food – Avoid raw or under-cooked food especially when it comes to meat and seafood. If you are eating fruits, look for one that have skin that you can peel off such as bananas or oranges. Avoid fruit that has already been peeled or that has damage to the skin. When eating at a restaurant, look for a place that is busy with fresh food served up from the kitchen. Many guides warn travelers against eating food from street vendors. Personally I enjoy eating street food, but if you choose to do this, use your best judgment to determine if the food is fresh, hygiene clean, and food is thoroughly cooked.
Water – Watching out for what you drink is also important. In many countries the tap water is not suitable for drinking. Make sure you boil your water before drinking it to kill of any germs, or buy bottles of water and check to see that the seal is intact. Choose canned drinks if they are available as many bottles can easily be refilled by untrustworthy sources. Remember, avoid ice in your drinks as well.
Even if you are mindful of food safety while traveling, this may not guarantee that you will not get a food-related illness. So if you do get sick, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking fluids. Take over the counter medication with you (see tips for traveling with medication) to help prepare for the unexpected. If severe, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible, especially if the problem persists. Having a good travel medical insurance can also make medical treatment simpler and can help cover the medical expenses.
Having good food can make your travel more enjoyable, but staying healthy is fundamental to a great experience.
Why Study Abroad
March 9th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisWith international travel becoming more convenient students that want to study abroad are making their dream become a reality. In the 2009/2010 academic year there were 270,604 US students that studied abroad for academic credit. This was a 3.9 percent increase from the previous year according to the Open Doors report. Although the number of individuals studying abroad is on the incline, there are many who still wonder why study abroad.
Why study abroad? There are many reasons why students choose to study abroad. The most common is for the cultural experience. Studying abroad gives individuals a more in-depth look at a culture and what it’s like to live everyday life in a different society. Although visiting a country while on vacation can be very informative, many times the time restraints and tourist traps put a strain on the cultural education. Studying abroad gives individuals time to get settled, learn where the locals go and check things out for themselves.
Another reason why studying abroad is an appealing option for many students is because of its potential for future benefits. Studying abroad can be an eye-opening, growing experience. Individuals that have overcome the obstacles that accompany living in a country other than their own can use the same skills acquired to problem solve during their study abroad experience, in work place. Although acting out the game of charades to find the nearest restroom might specifically not help you at your future job, learning how to be creative and inventive in everyday life can be good practice for the office.
If you are still wondering “why study abroad” and you have always wanted to learn another language, this is your opportunity! Being around individuals who don’t speak the same language as you will require you to find a way to communicate. More than likely this will result in you picking up a few common words or phrases to get by, and then snowball from there.
If you decide to study abroad you will want to make sure you have International Student Health Insurance while you are away. Call one of our licensed agents and they can assist you in purchasing a plan that fits your needs.
St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance
March 2nd, 2012 by Bryanna DavisEach year Ireland receives more visitors than it has residents: about 7.3 billion. If you are taking an early spring break to be one of the many guests going to Ireland over St. Patrick’s Day this year, you will not have a shortage of events to enjoy. In 1995 the St. Patrick’s Day Festival was established by the Irish government in Dublin. What started as a one day celebration is now a four day festival that takes 18 months to plan and prepare for.
St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17 but the St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin March 16 and continue through March 19. A few events taking place for the festival include a St. Patrick walking tour, treasure hunt, 5k road race, Irish craft beer festival, Dublin University boat races and of course a parade. The Grand Marshal of the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin is Irish football legend John Giles.
Thirty six percent of those that attend the festival are overseas visitors. If you are making the journey to this Celtic land to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day festival you will want to make sure you have St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance. With St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance you can purchase a minimum of five days and are able to select your deductible and coverage amount. For the last-minute traveler, same day coverage is available. This plan will provide comprehensive illness and injury coverage worldwide while outside of your home country. A few benefits included in this plan are repatriation of remains, emergency medical evacuation, common carrier accidental death, political evacuation, trip interruption, hospital room and board, doctor visits, lost luggage, prescription medication and much more. For more information on this plan or to purchase the St. Patrick’s Day Travel Insurance contact one of our licensed agents today.
Study Abroad Cancellation Policy
February 25th, 2012 by ahoontrakulSummer is only a few months away! If you are planning on participating in a summer study abroad program, you may want to consider a study abroad cancellation policy no matter where you are in the planning process.
According to a recent article on USA Today, there are many reasons why study abroad is a necessity – and not a luxury. So regardless of where you are in the planning process, it is an investment in your education and future so you should take steps to protect it.
With your tuition, housing expense, living cost, plane ticket and other fees, the cost of studying abroad can add up. While none of us want to consider the possibility of not going, you don’t have to lose thousands of dollars for an unforeseen emergency. To protect against this, it is important to consider a study abroad cancellation policy.
Depending on which study abroad program you will be participating in, the university or organization hosting your program may have a study abroad cancellation policy. If they do, usually the school will only refund your tuition cost if the destination country becomes too dangerous. However, it is possible that you’ll be responsible for your plane ticket and other miscellaneous costs that you have already paid for. Purchasing a trip cancellation insurance policy can increase your protection against events that even your school might not allow you to cancel for such as sickness/injury or even a death in the family.
Our study abroad cancellation policy can also be purchased with a cancel for any reason option, so you can have coverage even if you just happened to change your mind! Feel free to contact any of our representatives if you have any questions.
Check out other interesting study abroad topics: 10 Things to do before studying abroad, How to choose a guide book.
International Students in Canada
February 20th, 2012 by Bryanna DavisInternational students planning to study in Canada will need a study permit. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Those who will be completing a course or program in six months or less do not need a study permit during their authorized stay in Canada. Even though this permit is not a requirement for those individuals, it is recommended that international students in Canada still apply for one. Since the initial application for a study permit can only be completed at a Canadian visa office outside of Canada, any individual who decides to stay longer than their original six months will run into a few obstacles if they do not already have a permit. International students who are also foreign representatives to Canada or members of foreign armed forces are often exempt as well. To confirm if you need a study permit in these instances, it is best to contact your country’s embassy in Canada.
Unless an international student in Canada is a citizen of a visa-exempt country they will also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada.
Medical costs incurred by foreign students are not covered by the government of Canada. Individual who will be an International student in Canada will want to prepare ahead of time by purchasing International Travel Medical Insurance or International Student Health Insurance.
The Atlas Travel series provides International Travel Medical Insurance to those traveling outside their home country. With this plan you are able to select your amount of coverage and deductible as well as add a sports rider if needed. The Student Secure plan provides International Student Health Insurance for US citizens that will be studying in Canada. Both of these plans include emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, doctor’s visits and hospital charges.
For more information on these plans, and other great insurance options for students studying in Canada, please see our Canada Student Insurance section for more information.
