Get Care While You’re There: A Guide to London’s Games

37 days and counting until the Summer Olympics…

Not all of us are as quick on our feet as the athletes we’ll watch at the Summer Olympic games. So while you may be fortunate enough to get to participate as a spectator, like most of us you may be clumsy at times, prone to accidents, or have a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We certainly hope everyone’s trip to the Olympics is trouble-free, but just in case, our final installment of our Guide to London’s games offers useful tips on how to find help if you need it. Ready? Set…go!

How Do I Get Medical Care?

While medical services are widely available in London, free care under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for Read More »

Play It Safe: A Guide to London’s Games

The Summer Olympics are almost here!

In just 39 days, London will treat the world to its Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies. If you’re lucky enough to be there in person, this second installment of our 3-part Guide to London’s Games, offers information on what London is doing to keep you and thousands of spectators safe during the Summer Olympic games. Here we go…

Is London Safe?

Kroll Security Analysts reports that there is a moderate risk for crime in London, although the overall crime rate fell by one percent in 2010 from 2009 figures, according to the London Metropolitan Police. In January 2012, the secretary-general of Interpol said his organization uncovered no specific intelligence indicating a threat to the Olympic Games by militants.

The most serious crime threat to foreigners in London comes from Read More »

Go for the Gold: A Guide to London’s Games

The world will soon train itself on London, England as the city hosts the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Spectators from across the globe will travel to London see the world’s best athletes compete to win gold. In this 3-part Guide to London’s Games, we’ll address a few questions and welcome your feedback. Let’s go!

Can I Still Get Tickets?

According to a recent search at www.CoSport.com, tickets are still available for certain competitions, including some basketball, gymnastics and volleyball tournaments. There are still Olympic Games you can watch even without tickets. Read More »

You Must Purchase Travel Medical Insurance If…

… you are not a US Citizen and are traveling to Germany, France, Greece, Iceland, Spain and Schengen countries.  You must present proof of insurance at the nearest consulate or embassy before leaving.

The State Department website updates a list of countries that require insurance, which also include countries experiencing infectious disease breakouts like yellow fever.

Purchase a travel medical insurance policy from Insurance Services of America today and print your proof of insurance from your local printer.  Call and speak with a Client Advisor at (800) 647-4589 for personal customer service.

Road Accidents Pose Biggest Threat Overseas

This past weekend, 26 Boston University students studying in New Zealand were involved in a fatal three-vehicle collision. Sadly, three of those students lost their lives in the tragic accident, while one of the student drivers was air lifted to a hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. As reported in the Huffington Post,

The school said 26 students were traveling in three vans on their way to walk the Tongariro Crossing, a hike across a volcanic crater that is rated as one of New Zealand’s most spectacular. One of the minivans drifted to the side of the road around 7:30 a.m., then rolled when the driver tried to correct course near the North Island vacation town of Taupo, New Zealand police said….Study abroad program executive director Bernd Widdig called the deaths were the worst tragedy to hit the program since it began in the 1980s.”

More than any other cause of injury or fatality, road accidents pose the biggest threat to American travelers. According to a USA Today analysis: Read More »

A Few Tricks for Getting a Travel Upgrade

NBC’s Today Show shares some tricks to getting travel a travel upgrade

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Haiti: Travel Spotlight

Haiti covers the western third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola; its capital city is Port-Au-Prince. In January 2010, a devastating 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti instantly leaving thousands of people without homes, food, clean water and medical care. According to the most recent report from Mission Data International, Haiti was the most popular mission / volunteer trip destination in 2011. Over the past year, we have insured thousands of people volunteering and serving in Haiti. With the increased travel to Haiti, we have also seen an increased number of clients becoming sick and injured in accidents. Over the past two years we have assisted in evacuating 5 individuals from Haiti.

If you have purchased an international health insurance policy form Insurance Services of America and need medical assistance, please contact the 24 hour worldwide telephone assistance number located on your ID Card. Prior to departure, we recommend completing the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Program. Even if you are traveling in a group, take time to be concerned about your personal safety and security.

We want our clients to remain and return safe. Here are some practical pre-departure tips:

1. Contact a travel doctor 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure date to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. If you are going on a Spring Break mission trip, Read More »

Keep This Information Near When Traveling

Keep the following information in your luggage or hotel room, or better yet, keep it permanently in your e-mail inbox so you can access it from any Internet point anywhere.

Click here for the information checklist.

Do you have any other travel advice? Share it here.

Safe Travels!

Travel Medical Insurance—Peace of Mind

Do you have peace of mind while traveling? The truth is, unexpected illnesses and injuries happen to us no matter where on the planet we happen to be. So why would you take chances, especially with your health:

In December 2011, Mr. An Nguyen contracted the bird flu H5N1 while visiting Hong Kong. He received some treatments at a local hospital in Hong Kong and was air evacuated back to the US.  The medical bill was $300,000USD.

Fortunately, before his trip, Mr. Nguyen purchased a $210 travel medical insurance policy for 6 months. Therefore, not only the medical cost for his treatments in Hong Kong, but also all the cost for his evacuation back to the US and follow-up treatments were covered under the policy. Read More »

Another European Airline Goes Bust: 7,000 Stranded

Many of our ISL clients are traveling over the next couple months. Please remember you have trip cancellation/delay benefits with your policy.

Hungary’s Malev Airlines ceased operations early this morning, becoming the second European airline to fold in the past week. Spanish carrier Spanair ceased operations last Friday, stranding about 22,000 passengers.

Read the full story at USA Today

As always, if you have questions about what your insurance plan covers or are interested in purchasing this type of coverage, please call to speak with an Insurance Services of America Client Advisor: (800) 647-4589 or (480) 821-9052