Here is a wonderful website to help assist you for all of your traveling needs. It’s a compiled list of almost every country in the world, with traveling facts, tips and warnings.
Take a moment to look at this website if you’re planning on traveling anywhere soon, which we assume you are since you’re on our website!
Cheers!
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Algeria. This replaces the Travel Warning for Algeria dated September 13, 2012, to update information on the current security situation in Algeria, the continuing threat posed by terrorism, and to reiterate information on security incidents and recommendations on security awareness. Read More »
Read Our Latest Landing Gear-January 2013 | Insurance Services of America
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to the South Pacific region about the ongoing threat of tropical cyclones affecting the area. While tropical cyclones in the South Pacific may occur throughout the year, the South Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season began on November 1 and ends April 30. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to the region should monitor local weather reports and take other appropriate action as needed. This Travel Alert replaces the South Pacific Cyclone Season Travel Alert issued on December 14, 2011 to incorporate technical edits and expires on April 30, 2013. Read More »
When traveling internationally one thing you need to do is make sure you have the right kind of health insurance plan. Learn about health insurance and international destinations with help from a licensed health and life insurance agent in this free video clip.
Read more: Video: Health Insurance & International Destinations | eHow.com
By: Adam Dachis
Dear Lifehacker,
I’m planning a trip abroad and I want to be able to use my smartphone without racking up an enormous bill. What’s the best way to save money and stay in contact while traveling internationally?
Sincerely,
Frugal Globetrotter
Dear F.G.,
Your smartphone provider loves to charge high rates for international roaming. The charges, to some extent, are understandable because they don’t necessarily have infrastructure where you’re traveling. That said, charges are higher than you want to pay and, in some cases, much higher than they ought to be. With a few adjustments and tricks, you can communicate on the cheap without a problem. Read More »
US State Department Travel Warning for Haiti
The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Haiti about the current security situation. This replaces the Travel Warning dated June 18, 2012, updating information regarding the level of crime, the presence of cholera, lack of adequate infrastructure – particularly in medical facilities – seasonal severe inclement weather, and limited police protection. The United Nations’ Stabilization Force for Haiti (MINUSTAH) remains in Haiti.
Those heading overseas should allow at least a few weeks before they travel, to ensure they are properly prepared in terms of health and vaccination, a James Cook University academic has warned.
Australian residents made a record eight million short-term trips overseas in 2011-12, often lured overseas by strong Aussie dollar and cut price airfares, according to data issued by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Australian travellers are being urged today to seek travel health advice in preparation for the holiday season.
The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in Sudan began a 10-day mass vaccination campaign against yellow fever in Darfur on 20 November 2012, in response to the outbreak.
As of 17 November 2012, the outbreak is reported to have affected 26 localities, with a total of 459 suspected cases including 116 deaths. Two cases were confirmed by IgM ELISA test and RT-PCR by the WHO regional reference laboratory for yellow fever, the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal. An outbreak investigation team led by the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO are in the field to assess the extent of the outbreak and prioritize areas for the mass vaccination campaign. Read More »
According to a recent PBS News Hour article, the average U.S. Citizen spent $8,233 on medical care in 2010 which is 2.5 times more than any other country. Ironically, the average American family has $3,800 is savings according to the U.S. Census; however, only 15.9% of the population in 2011 was uninsured.
Graphic is from PBS News Hour article
A hospital stay in the United States costs over $18,000 on average according to Mark Pearson, head of Division on Health Policy at Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). You might not know but in the U.S., how much a doctor or hospital gets paid depends on the type of insurance a patient has. A patient with an insurance plan with “rich” benefits will usually be have the option to be treated by most doctors while patients who have lower-paying insurers might be denied, unless it’s an emergency. The type of insurance you have is critical to the availability and quality of care you have the opportunity to receive.
Currently, there are few methods for controlling rising costs in medical care in the U.S. Having a comprehensive health insurance policy limits your financial risk of an unforeseen illness or accident.
Graphic is from PBS News Hour article
The table below gives some estimate costs of common medical procedures compared with some of the countries with similar quality of medical care.
Graphic is from PBS News Hour article
The table shows that:
If you are visiting the US, it is highly recommended to purchase a visitors health insurance or travel medical insurance plan from a reputable insurance company. What is the cost of hospitalization in the U.S.? Unforeseen accidents and illnesses which result in hospital stays can exceed $18,000. Read the full PBS News Hour article online at
