Insurance Articles
Climb every mountain
Posted by admin - 30/01/09 at 02:01:56 pmOverseas travel can be an exhilarating experience. But who would you reach out to for help, if you were critically injured? A freak accident brought a customer’s holiday to an abrupt end. While sightseeing at the top of a mountain, they slipped, falling down the cliff. The customer’s travelling companion immediately called Mondial Assistance, the emergency assistance provider for the customer’s travel insurance policy and advised that the customer had been admitted to the local hospital. Medical Assistance Team Leader/Registered Nurse, Katy Youngman then contacted our local medical agent, to assist with obtaining and translating medical reports and updates. The customer had sustained extensive injuries, requiring immediate surgery. Further medical treatment was also required after the surgery. Following a review of the hospital facilities, Katy determined that they did not have the appropriate medical requirements, so our Chief Medical Officer arranged for an Air Ambulance evacuation to a major city, where the customer would obtain the necessary treatment. As an entitlement in the customer’s travel insurance policy, Katy arranged for a member of their family to travel to be with them. She also contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, to provide information about the customer’s circumstances. Upon arrival at the new hospital, the customer was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where their injuries were reviewed and further surgery performed.
During the Customer’s time in hospital, our Medical Assistance team continually liaised with medical staff to determine when and how to repatriate the customer to Australia. We also updated all parties concerned with the customer’s welfare with medical reports and repatriation plans. Once the customer was deemed fit to fly, two of our repatriation nurses accompanied them on a flight back to Australia, where they were admitted to hospital for further recovery.
The customer saved around $120,000.
Receiving appropriate medical treatment helped in stabilising the customer’s critical condition while their travel insurance policy saved them approximately $120,000 in medical expenses.
You’re in good hands with Mondial Assistance.
Our ability to provide Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance through our Group presence around the world, means we are truly connected to the people we’re assisting in a caring way. In this case, our connections with local medical agents and Air Ambulance suppliers, allowed us to arrange an evacuation, so our customer could receive the required medical treatment. In Australia during 2007, we handled over 65,000 Travel Insurance claims and more than 9,182 Medical Assistance cases. Yet, in every case, we strive to provide a superior level of personal service, which sets Mondial Assistance apart. Our Medical Assistance is the key to your safety, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – we’re here to help our customers.
Mondial Assistance Australia is one of the leading providers of Emergency Medical Assistance. Around the clock, around the world, we’re always ready to help you – whatever it takes.
1300 Insurance Travel Insurance is arranged and managed by ETI Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52097227177 AFSL No. 245631 trading as Mondial Assistance and is issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15000122850 AFSL No. 234708. 1300 Insurance Pty Ltd ACN 124845727 AR 327609 is an authorised representative of Mondial Assistance. You should consider the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement available from this website before making any decisions about the product.
Insurance Articles
Insurance tax reform would go to consumer pockets
Posted by admin - 28/01/09 at 11:01:23 amDespite an early portfolio burst by Treasury Ministers Bowen and Sherry and Finance Minister Tanner to meet and glad hand the general insurance industry, the industry’s appeal for tax reform so it can spend money on financial protection for Australians seems to still be in a drawer somewhere in Canberra.
Chris Bowen, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs and Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation Lindsay Tanner have all spoken at general insurance functions.
They have professed interest and support for the ongoing viability of general insurance and its “valued place in the Australian economy”.
However, for a few months now, there has been silence, at least publicly, on the Insurance Council of Australia’s call for a Review of Australia’s Future Tax System and that reform of general insurance taxes should be a priority.
The council quoted a Treasury report “Architecture of Australia’s tax and transfer system”. This succinctly stated, said the council: “The narrow base of many transaction taxes and their interaction with other taxes can have an impact on resource allocation in the economy.
“For example, insurance products are subject to GST, insurance taxes and, in some states, insurance companies can also be required to contribute directly to the funding of fire services.
“The interaction of these taxes increases the costs of premiums relative to other products, which may encourage people to take up less insurance than otherwise.”
Council supported these remarks and contended that the abolition of general insurance taxation would generate substantial gains to national economic welfare.
In this time of threatening recession, the council’s first point is telling because it notes that money can be put back in consumer’s pockets – Kevin Rudd’s avowed desire.
“Reform of general insurance taxes will yield gains to real household consumption of around 0.48 per cent or a little under $2.6 billion,” says the Insurance Council. This would ensure that the gains to economic welfare from general insurance tax reform equate with those achieved from micro-economic reform efforts of the past.
Further, its government experienced Alex Sanchez, general manager, economics and taxation directorate says: “The net cost of abolishing stamp duties on general insurance is $1.7 billion after allowing for second round effects and revenue claw backs to the States from efficiency gains. The net cost of such reform is comparable to the hitherto cost of previous state tax reform in financial services such as the removal of FID and Debits taxes.
“The gains from the removal of all state transaction taxes are extremely large, with gains to household consumption of between 1.1 per cent and 1.8 per cent.”
There’s more, but we can’t make the message too long – for obvious reason.
Source: www.businessspectator.com.au 27 January 2009
Insurance Articles
When travelling …
Posted by admin - 23/01/09 at 03:01:01 pm…you probably don’t expect to end up in hospital with pneumonia. But that’s just what happened to one young traveller, while on a recent Tour throughout Europe. How would you cope with a situation like this? A young traveller was on the trip of a lifetime, when they became ill with pneumonia. A customer’s family member contacted Mondial Assistance, the emergency medical assistance provider of their travel insurance policy, to advise the customer had been admitted to hospital in a large European city. Due to language barriers, Claire Jasudasen, a Medical Assistance Case Manager, contacted our medical assistance agent in the European city where the customer was ill to assist with translating medical reports and obtaining updates on the customer’s condition. Our medical staff also liaised with the customer’s family, regarding their medical treatment and progress. The customer recovered well and decided to continue with the Tour. Upon being released from hospital and approval of their claim, Medical Assistance Case Manager Michael Stein arranged a flight, so the customer could continue their tour. You’re in good hands with Mondial Assistance.
Our ability to provide Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance through our Group presence around the world, means we are truly connected to the people we’re assisting in a caring way. In this case, our Medical Assistance team members remained in contact with the customer and their family, keeping them informed every step of the way, and providing regular updates on the customer’s condition.
In Australia during 2007, we handled over 65,000 Travel Insurance claims and more than 9,182 Medical Assistance cases. Yet, in every case, we strive to provide a superior level of personal service, which sets Mondial Assistance apart.
Our Medical Assistance is the key to your safety, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – we’re here to help our customers. Mondial Assistance Australia is one of the leading providers of Emergency Medical Assistance. Around the clock, around the world, we’re always ready to help you – whatever it takes.
1300 Insurance Travel Insurance is arranged and managed by ETI Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52097227177 AFSL No. 245631 trading as Mondial Assistance and is issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15000122850 AFSL No. 234708. 1300 Insurance Pty Ltd ACN 124845727 AR 327609 is an authorised representative of Mondial Assistance. You should consider the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement available from this website before making any decisions about the product.
Insurance Articles
Fit Insurance into your budget
Posted by admin - 22/01/09 at 03:01:16 pmDuring the current credit crisis, people are setting tighter budgets and may let their current insurance policies lapse. But can you really afford to be without insurance? Whether its your car, home and contents or pet, you cannot predict what the future holds. A car accident, house theft, or vet visit can be a costly experience. Why not check out 1300 Insurance for your insurance needs, and we may be able to help you stay within your budgets. Get a quote today.
Insurance Articles
Don’t forget your toothbrush….or travel insurance.
Posted by admin - 21/01/09 at 02:01:30 pmEverybody should consider Travel Insurance when planning their next holiday. If the carrier loses your luggage – you’re covered! If you need to visit a hospital while overseas – you’re covered! You’re even covered for any expenses occurred if your travel is delayed.* 1300 Insurance is currently offering 20% discount to those who buy their travel insurance online. The saving gives you more money to spend on your holiday! Get a quote today.
*Based on comprehensive cover.
Insurance Articles
Travel Advice- Fiji
Posted by admin - 15/01/09 at 01:01:57 pmImportant Information Regarding Travel Advice for Fiji
Issued: 15 January 2009
The following advice relates to the weather conditions and flooding currently being experienced in Fiji. This advice applies to policies issued prior to January 9 2009.
For Customers Currently Travelling:
OVERSEAS MEDICAL EXPENSES:
There is provision to claim for emergency medical expenses if you have been injured as a result of severe weather conditions or a natural disaster. If you have been injured or require other emergency assistance please contact our 24hr Emergency Assistance Department from Fiji reverse charge on + 61 7 3305 7499 or free call within Australia 1800 010 075.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES:
There is provision within the policy to claim for reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses arising from the cancellation, delay or rescheduling of scheduled transport services as a result of weather or natural disaster. You must however take all reasonable steps to minimize your claim and keep itemized receipts for additional accommodation and transport expenses.
For Customers Who Have Not Yet Departed:
CANCELLATION:
There is provision to claim for the cancellation of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of weather or natural disaster.
There is only provision for this expense when scheduled transport services have been cancelled or accommodation has been adversely affected by weather or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination as a result of weather or natural disaster.
You must take all reasonable steps to minimize your claim. This includes rearranging your journey where possible. You should contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option for you in altering your trip. You must keep documentation showing what your original planned prepaid arrangements were, along with receipts and documentation showing what your new arrangements are. The policy provides cover for amendment or cancellation (whichever is less).
IMPORTANT NOTE:
No cover will be provided for the utilized portion of prepaid travel arrangements. If you are claiming additional accommodation or transport expenses and cancellation expenses for the same or similar arrangements there is only provision to claim for the higher of the two and not both costs. The policy also excludes cover for consequential loss such as loss of enjoyment.
For Cancellation Only policies, there is no provision to claim for Additional Expenses or Overseas Medical Expenses.
Some airlines are providing penalty free options to amend travel arrangements. These options must be utilized in all reasonable circumstances. Please contact you airline for further details regarding these options.
This advice will be updated if new information comes to hand.
Should you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our Client Services Department on 1300 467 872.
Insurance Articles
Protection Against Bush Fires
Posted by admin - 14/01/09 at 02:01:21 pmWith the summer heating up, there is no better time to start thinking about protecting your home against bush fires. When clearing out your gutters, ask yourself do you have enough cover to product your home and contents?
Year after year we witness the devastation that the fires cause to many families, and we cannot predict when they are going to occur. It’s more unfortunate when we hear on the nightly news that some didn’t have insurance. For a few hundred dollars a year, you can cover your home and contents. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Insurance Articles
Do you have Contents Insurance?
Posted by admin - 07/01/09 at 04:01:22 pmBRIMBANK is the burglary capital of Victoria.
Thieves broke into 1445 homes in suburbs such as Sunshine, St Albans and Keilor in the 2007-08 financial year.
Almost 29,000 homes were burgled from July 2007 to the end of June last year.
Police have warned that burglars are busiest in the summer holidays.
They advise holiday-makers to securely lock their homes this month and give the houses a lived-in look before departing.
During the last summer holidays the burglary rate skyrocketed in municipalities including Maribyrnong, Boroondara and Hume.
In Maribyrnong, for instance, 39 houses were burgled in November 2007, but 106 the next month.
Police say more than 2600 Victorian homes were broken into last January, and 2261 homes in December 2007.
Safer Communities Unit Insp Jill Wood said: “People have to understand that burglars are very conniving and will often scope out locations before breaking into them.
“That’s all the more reason to make it look like you’re home. Burglars will target homes that show signs of being vacant, such as unmowed lawns, letterboxes overflowing with mail, no lights on at night.”
Some of Victoria’s safest suburbs were in rural areas, although country centres had markedly different burglary rates.
Ballarat had 749 burglaries last financial year; Greater Bendigo just 360, despite similar populations.
Benalla, with a population of about 14,000, had just 29 burglaries.
Insp Wood said police were shocked to find some home owners who suffered break-ins last year had not locked their windows and doors.
“There’s no such thing as, ‘It will never happen to me’. Murphy’s Law says if it can happen, it will,” she said.
“The tiny inconvenience of having to lock windows and doors will save you the much larger hassle of replacing your valuables.”
Victoria Police provided some tips on how to avoid burglaries, including:
INSTALL and use deadlocks, window locks, security doors and an alarm.
LEAVE curtains and blinds as you would if regularly at home.
DON’T leave notes for people, or keys in obvious places.
MAKE sure your home is well lit at night.
INSTALL a timer that switches lights and appliances on and off at programmed times.
TRIM foliage to remove blind spots on your property.
Source: www.heraldsun.com.au 7 January 2009
Insurance Articles
Make Insurance Your Resolution
Posted by admin - 06/01/09 at 02:01:00 pmIt’s the New Year so its time to start on the resolutions. Forget about the ones you know your not going to stick to (diets, gym, saving money) and make a promise to yourself to get your insurances in order.
During this time of economy crisis, the last thing we need is a large car repair bill. And we all know how taking your beloved pet to the vet for a check up can turn into a credit card companies dream.
1300 Insurance can solve all your insurance needs at once. Go online, check out our car, home, pet, travel and life insurance products. Compare you current policy to 1300 Insurance and see how much you could save. Apply online, and achieve your New Years resolution today.