Traveling with Medication
January 7th, 2012 by ahoontrakulAs you prepare for your trip and pack your suitcase, you often think about the weather and what you plan to wear. If the weather is cold, you will need to bring a sweater or jacket. Or, if you are traveling to a warm place, you may need your swimming suit. You may also think of your toothbrush and shampoo, along with any gifts for anyone you’re visiting. However, most people will never think about what they may need in case they get sick. It is a good idea when traveling abroad that you pack a travel health kit. Below are some tips if you are going to be traveling with medication.
While most countries will have medication to treat minor symptoms like aches and pains, it is likely that the name of the medication will be different than what you are used to, the language may be in a different language or the dosage might be different. Traveling with medication will save you the time and the trouble of trying to find the right medication when you really need to have it. Here are some over the counter medications that you should think of bring on your trip:
- For digestive issues – Especially if you are traveling to a country that serves food you are not used to, if you are prone to indigestion or if you are traveling to country where food hygiene is low, you’ll want to bring:
- Anti-diarrheal
- Antacid
- Laxative
- For colds, fever and pain:
- Decongestant
- Pain killer/fever reducer such as ibuprofen
- Cough drops
- For minor injuries:
- Antibacterial ointments or creams
- Bandages
- Aloe gel for sunburns
- Others
- Antihistamine for allergy
- Hydrocortisone cream for itchiness
- Motion sickness medication
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Travel Insurance ID card
If you are traveling with medication prescribed by your doctor, make sure you have it in the original container from the doctor/pharmacy that is clearly labeled. Also pack copies of your prescriptions and preferably also a letter from your physician describing what your medicine is and what it is for. Some countries may also have restriction on certain medications, so be sure to check with your embassy before traveling.
Lastly, don’t pack these items in your checked luggage, if the airline lost your bag, you don’t want to be left without your important medications.
January 2012 Travel Warning Updates
January 4th, 2012 by Jennifer FrankelAs we welcome in 2012, many of you are preparing to study abroad, or are taking advantage of your winter vacation! No matter where you plan to travel internationally, it is important to keep up to date with the international climate to make sure that you and your family are safe. Since our last Travel Warning report in December, here’s what has changed since December 6th:
- Travel Warning for Central African Republic (CAR) – Today, January 4th, the Department of State warned against all travel to the country unless required. Replacing the previous July 28, 2011 warning, risks still exist for travelers against demonstrations as well as “armed militia groups, bandits, and poachers.”
- Travel Warning for South Sudan – As a newly created nation who gained it’s independence last year, South Sudan’s existing travel warning has been replaced on December 22, 2011. Danger is most present along the border between Sudan and South Sudan due in part to the separation. As the military forces build on both sides, the US State Department recommends postponing trips to the region due to clashes in the region that can occur with little to no notice.
- Travel Warning for Syria – Replacing the September 30th travel warning, there has been a reduction in the U.S. Embassy due to “violence and civil unrest.” Much of the commercial transportation has been cut back, including the frequency of flights to and from the country. The United Nations estimated that approximately 5,000 people have been killed since March.
- Travel Warning for Cote d’Ivoire – While security has improved over the last few months, the US Department has continued it’s existing travel warning last month. Cote d’Ivoire continue to have unrest throughout the country that pose threats to visitors.
As always, you can visit the US Department of State to see the latest in travel warnings. We hope you enjoy – and stay safe – as you travel around the world!
Student Health Insurance for University of Hawaii
January 2nd, 2012 by Bryanna DavisInternational students studying at the University of Hawaii can enroll in the ISI insurance plan which will work for your school.
Aloha! Are you looking to study abroad in one of the most tropical locations the United States has to offer? If so, you have more than likely checked out Hawaii and considered joining the 1.3 million people that occupy the islands. Hawaii has a number of Universities for you to consider, the University of Hawaii alone has multiple locations to choose from. If you select the University of Hawaii you will need to also decide if you will be purchasing student health insurance for University of Hawaii from the university health insurance plan or looking elsewhere. To assist you in weighing your options, I have included some information that might be helpful.
The student health insurance for University of Hawaii offers all eligible students a few insurance plans that they can elect to purchase or waive out of. The university medical plan does not come standard with repatriation or accidental death and dismemberment benefits. If you do elect to waive out of this plan you will need to find a plan that meets the university waiver form requirements.
With our Student Secure Select or Elite plan levels, you will go above and beyond the requirements. Also, the Student Secure plan will save you money! Take a look below for a comparison of the student health insurance for University of Hawaii versus the Student Secure plan for ages 24 and younger:
University of Hawaii Student Secure Select Plan
$4,633.18 per year $1,161.16 per year
That saves you over $3,472 per year!! Apply Now
The Student Secure plan includes emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, doctor office visits, maternity, mental health, sports coverage and more. If you would like more information or to purchase this International Student Health Insurance plan feel free to visit us online or contact one of our licensed agents who would be more than happy to assist you.
Updated 8/7/2020
Chinese Students in Iowa
December 26th, 2011 by Bryanna DavisJohn Wayne, corn and a growing number of Chinese international students; what do these three things have in common? They all have ties to Iowa. Iowa has not been left out of states with a rising number of Chinese students in the US. The growing number of undergraduate Chinese students in Iowa lead to an enrollment increased of 1,700 percent at University of Iowa and 657 percent at Iowa State University over the past five years according to The Gazette in Cedar Rapids.
The trend has become so popular that Chinadaily.com.cn reached out to these Chinese individuals in one article last month to offer them tips on applying to American Universities. Although studying in Iowa was not among their suggestions, studying in California was. Other tips include looking into applying at state universities and smaller colleges and taking standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, even when the tests are not required to apply.
How have universities adjusted to this increase in undergraduate Chinese students in Iowa? A few of Iowa’s schools are increasing staff in areas affected by this growth such as advisers, counselors and other individuals to assist with orientation and language programs.
With the growing number of Chinese students in Iowa who speak English as a second language, ISU has buckled down to ensure their English proficiency tests are working for the students as much as possible. Instead of a test that allows for memorization and an easy pass, ISU now has a test with both writing and speaking sections to ensure students actually have the level of English that is reflected in their test results so they will receive a proper placement.
Chinese students in Iowa and other locations around the US will more than likely be in need of health insurance during their studies. The Student Secure plan offers international student health insurance to those who are studying outside their home country. If you would like more information regarding this plan please feel free to contact one of our licensed agents.
Venice Carnevale
December 19th, 2011 by Bryanna Davis
Photo Credit: http://www.veniceconnected.com/carnival2011
If you are looking for a getaway in February to get yourself out of your mid-winter slump, the Venice Carnevale might just be the upbeat event you have been needing. This annual tradition brings back Venetian culture from centuries ago. In the 18th century visitors from all parts of Europe would join in on the parties, theatre and masks.
Today’s Venice carnevale has developed a few changes since then; however, the Venetian mask is still a popular trade mark today. The masks were used as part of a costume, with the most fashionable costumes consisting of a black cloak, tricorn hat and white mask that Venetians wore to conceal their identity. However, there were a wide variety of masks used for various reasons such as theatre.
If you visit the Venice Carnevale you will see firsthand where the masks are made. Registered artisans today work year round using paper mache or waxed canvas to produce the sought after masks that are donned during this festival. Join in on the local fun by purchasing a mask and heading out to the parade in Piazza San Marco for the best masked costume contest. Other highlights of the Carnevale are the walking theatre show, the Gran Foyer circus shows and the Festa delle Marie.
One event of the Venice Carnevale that you won’t want to miss is the silent water parade. Here you are able to view traditional boats and gondolas float along the Canal Grande by candle light. It provides a memorable closing to the festivities.
If you are traveling outside your home country to participate in the Venice Carnevale celebrations, ensure you have international travel medical insurance during your trip. Our Atlas Travel plan allows you to purchase the plan for as little as five days, giving you plenty of time to purchase a mask.
Winter Break Trip Insurance
December 17th, 2011 by ahoontrakulIt’s winter and the school semester is almost over! During this winter break if you are not returning home, why not take a trip abroad and experience the season in another country?
Whether you are going to the famous Christmas Market in Germany, going skiing in the Swiss Alps or flying to the other side of the world to escape the cold, it is best if you are prepare for your trip with winter break trip travel insurance.
Many students looking for travel insurance for winter break will find that our Atlas Travel Medical plan provides comprehensive medical sickness and injury coverage for an affordable price whether it is a few days or a few weeks. Because it can be purchase for as little as 5 days and can provide coverage worldwide outside of your home country it is very flexible and will fit the need for most trips. This plan covers you for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and much more.
If you will be participating in more adventurous sports on your trip such as skiing, you can also add the optional sport rider to the plan to cover those activities as well!
You can get your insurance documents and ID card right away, so if you need proof of insurance quickly you will be able to provide it if it is required by the local authority of the destination country.
If you are worried about inclement weather disrupting your trips and causing your flight to be canceled, be sure to check our previous blogs about how to avoid stress while traveling during the holiday season.
Feel free to contact any of our licensed insurance agent if you have any questions about your insurance needs for an upcoming trip and we would be happy to help you!
Student Health Insurance for Florida International University
December 14th, 2011 by Jennifer Frankel
International Student Insurance offers the Student Secure plan which meets and exceeds the requirements at Florida International University.
Every year, international students flock to Florida International University (FIU) to begin their studies in the United States. FIU has the second highest number of foreign students in the state of Florida with 2,677 students, a 4% increase over last year’s figures. And, who can blame them? Located in Miami, Florida International University hosts a variety of activities for international students both on and off campus. As we enter the new academic semester, many international students are evaluating their student health insurance for Florida International University.
FIU has an existing health insurance plan that students can enroll in or, alternatively, they can choose to purchase their international student insurance plan as long as it meets their stated requirements on their compliance form.
International Student Insurance offers the Student Secure plan that will meet the requirements of FIU. This student health insurance for Florida International University offers comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, mental health, and pre-existing condition coverage (after a waiting period). Not only is the plan comprehensive, but it is also more affordable – take a look at the cost of the FIU insurance plan compared with the Student Secure plan for a student ages 24 and younger:
| FIU Insurance Plan | Student Secure Plan |
| $2,923 per year | $513.24 per year |
| That is a saving of over $2,410 per year!! |
If you choose the Student Secure plan as your student health insurance for Florida International University, you will need to complete their compliance form to remove any hold to register for classes. To do this, once you have purchased the plan, you can email or fax your compliance form to us. Make sure that you have completed the student section, and we’ll complete the insurance section and fax it to your school. We can typically get this processed in less than one business day! Contact our insurance agents if you have any questions. Good luck Panthers!
Updated 8/5/2020
Greece Visa Requirements
December 12th, 2011 by Bryanna DavisWith so much history, art and inspiration seeping from every inch, who wouldn’t want to study abroad in Greece? Not only does it have ancient relics such as the Parthenon, but it has a variety of natural scenery that pleases beach goers and mountain lovers alike. As with any trip, there is a lot of preparation involved beforehand and you might be wondering what the Greece visa requirements for an international student are.
Greece is a part of the Schengen Treaty meaning if you are not a citizen of a European-Union, you more than likely will need to obtain a Schengen visa for your studies over 90 days. However, there are exceptions. A Schengen visa will allow you to visit other countries within the Schengen space on this one visa.
To obtain a Schengen visa to study abroad in Greece the application must be submitted in person two weeks prior to your scheduled departure. Below is a general list of Greece visa requirements that will need supporting documents. Please note depending on your home country and situation you may be required to provide additional forms of information.
- A completed application
- A valid passport
- One passport photo
- Official acceptance letter of the institution where you will be studying
- A medical certificate
- Criminal record from the federal police (for Australian citizens) and National criminal record (including English translation) for other nationalities
- Proof of financial means for the duration of your stay
- Proof of international health insurance for the duration of your stay
For your insurance plan to meet the Schengen visa health insurance requirements, it must include the following:
- The insurance company must have a representative office in Europe
- Medical evacuation/ repatriation coverage of at least euro 30,000
- Insurance must be valid for the duration of stay in the Schengen countries
One common international student health insurance plan for students looking to meet the Schengen visa health insurance requirement while studying abroad in Greece is the Atlas Travel plan. After you purchase this plan you will have immediate access to your student zone where you can obtain a visa letter providing proof of your insurance.
If you would like further information on a plan that will meet your Greece visa requirements, please contact one of our licensed insurance agents.
While this information reflects the typical Greece visa process and requirements please check with your embassy for any changes.
Nepal Travel Warning Removed
December 8th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelThe US Department of State has lifted the travel warning for Nepal due to the improved conditions in the country. After political parties reached an agreement, the political climate is now stabilizing and the threat to visitors has greatly reduced. Over the last year, the U.S. Department of State has monitored the country’s conditions and has determined that political violence is no longer a threat to travelers. With the Nepal travel warning removed, many visitors and students will yet again continue visiting Nepal.
The US State Department stated, ”The U.S. Embassy is pleased that the overall situation in Nepal has improved to such a degree that this decision could be made.”
This comes as good news to Nepal who relies on tourism as its largest industry in the country. With the Nepal travel warning removed, many more visitors will feel safe and more comfortable with their overseas travel. Now international students and travelers can climb (or, for others, see) 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world.
Since January 2011, Nepal has seen a 21.5% increase in the number of international tourists over the last year, hosting 512,264 visitors. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, “this is the highest in the history of Nepal.” With the Nepal travel warning removed, it is predicted that this number will continue to increase.
Current Travel Warnings
December 6th, 2011 by Jennifer FrankelAs we head into the holiday season, many of us decide to travel overseas. As you decide where to go, the US Department of State lists the current travel warnings that are relevant to international travelers. As a student or family going abroad, it is important to stay up to date with current events to make sure that your trip is safe, secure, and fun.
- Travel Warning for Afghanistan – On December 1, 2011, the US State Department issued a travel warning for US citizens traveling to Afghanistan which replaces the warning back in March. The current travel warnings “reminds US citizens of ongoing security risks, including kidnapping and insurgent attacks.” While many travel warnings may apply to a specific region, the DOS states that, “no part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other Western nationals at any time.”
- Travel Warning for Burundi – On November 25, 2011, the US State Department reaffirmed a travel warning issued on June 1, 2011. With no changes to the current travel warning, Burundi’s peacekeeping efforts in Somalia there are now threats by “the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabaab… to conduct terror attacks in Burundi.”
- Travel Warning for Eritrea – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department extended current travel warnings dating back to February. The warning in Eritrea strongly advises all travel to the country to be pushed back due to security concerns including piracy.
- Travel Warning for Kenya – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department issued concerns of travel to Kenya replacing a December 2010 warning. Current travel warnings cites security issues due to terrorism and violence.
- Travel Warning for Guinea – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department replaced the existing December 2010 warning due to the political climate. Elections are scheduled for December 29th and while the current President has instilled a relatively calm environment, the election is contested and can present violent protests in the region.
- Travel Warning for Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of (North Korea) – On November 3, 2011, the US State Department strongly urges travelers to avoid North Korea as “U.S. citizens crossing into North Korea, even accidentally, have been subject to arrest and long-term detention.” The travel warning continues to state that it is not uncommon to have expensive fines, long imprisonment, and hard labor if travelers do not possess a valid passport and visa.
International Student Insurance urges all travelers to be properly prepared and aware of the international climate. For the latest, check out the US Department of State for more information on these and other current travel warnings for December and November.
