Insurance Articles
Travel Insurance Research & Advice
Posted by admin - 08/10/09 at 11:10:02 amOne of the most exciting aspects of travel is the experience of a new culture. However, sometimes a bit of advice and research beforehand and ensuring all of your Travel insurance needs are covered can make the experience a lot more secure. Travel Insurance is one way to make sure you have all of your tourist needs under control.
A common issue for tourists is petty theft, and different pick pocketing techniques are renowned around the world. Based on their research, travel website Trip Advisor has published a list of the ten worst cities for pick pockets;
1. Barcelona, Spain
2. Rome, Italy
3. Prague, Czech Republic
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Paris, France
6. Florence, Italy
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
9. Athens, Greece
10. Hanoi, Vietnam
The Top 5 Tips to Avoid Being Pickpocketed
- Never keep your valuables in your back pocket as this is the easiest target for pick pockets.
- Beware of the distraction tactic; such as jostling you, or dropping something near you to grab your attention.
- Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups, and can often be unexpected targets; such as the elderly and children.
- Stay alert in confined spaces and doorways, such as train doorways, as pickpockets will often rush at you in these spaces.
- Slim down the contents of your wallet, as the less bulging your wallet is, the less likely pick pockets are to covet it.
Even the most seasoned traveller can find themselves in trouble overseas, whether it be from petty theft or health related. The peace of mind of Travel Insurance and a bit of careful research beforehand can make the experience much more enjoyable!
Source: www.tripadvisor.com
Insurance Articles
Australian Travel Insurance
Posted by admin - 02/10/09 at 03:10:25 pmEach year, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade deals with over 25,000 Australians in difficulty overseas. This includes over 1,200 hospitalisations, and unfortunately, 900 deaths.
Because of the expense that overseas health issues can cause, Smart Traveller, the government travel advisory body, reccomends that all Australian travellers have travel insurance. Their suggestion is that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
In most cases, travel is one of the most fufilling actitives you can do, and on of the most wonderful experiences that you can have. However, it is important to be mindful of the possible costs should you or your family fall ill – Smart Traveller found that an uninsured medical evacuation from the United States can cost up to $300,000 dollars.
One of the key features of travelling is that often accidents and illnesses are impossible to avoid, therefore Smart Traveller stresses the need for proper, and well researched, travel insurance in this context.
Hopefully, travel insurance is an added security feature of your holiday, and isn’t something that you need to use on your overseas experience. However, the Smart Traveller statistics show that many Australians do find themselves in need of assistance whilst overseas for a variety of reasons, and that in these instances, travel insurance is a valuable investment.
Insurance Articles
Mother-daughter European dream holiday turns to nightmare
Posted by admin - 29/07/09 at 04:07:18 pmOne minute you’re sightseeing in Europe, the next minute you’re in a foreign hospital with a fractured leg. You’re having trouble communicating with the hospital staff and you’re not happy with the care you’re receiving. Where would you turn for help?
A mother and daughter where sightseeing in Europe, when the mother slipped and fractured her leg. So her daughter called Mondial Assistance, the Emergency Medical Assistance provider appointed by their travel insurance company, to advise that her mother had been admitted to hospital.
The customer received medical treatment in the Emergency Department, before being admitted to the general ward. During this time, Veronica Walker, our Medical Assistance Team Manager, contacted our agent in the country where the accident happened, to arrange help to translate medical reports and discuss the patient’s condition with hospital staff.
The customer and her daughter were becoming quite distressed and emotional, as they were not comfortable with the standard of nursing care in the hospital. Upon our Medical Assistance team reviewing the medical treatment records and examining the level of care, it was decided to transfer the customer to another hospital where the standard of medical treatment was higher.
Veronica also contacted the Australian Embassy, advising them of the situation, and ensuring that they were updated regarding the customer’s condition. As a courtesy, an Australian Embassy staff member visited the customer, to ensure she was comfortable in the new hospital.
Prior to repatriation, the Australian Embassy and our Medical Assistance team members maintained contact with the customer and her daughter on a daily basis, keeping them updated with amended flight information.
After the customer received further medical treatment, and due to their little mobility a Registered Nurse, Sophia Hauser was sent to escort the customer back to Australia. This way the customer could fully recuperate back in Australia with the appropriate medical care. Our Medical Assistance was planning to repatriate the customer back to Australia when our Registered Nurse, Sophia was admitted to hospital, with a stomach bug.
At first the customer was frantic, as she was desperate to get home and through our nurse, Sophia would be sick for a few weeks. However, Nicole Pridham, our Medical Assistance Case manager, reassured her that she would be on the plan home within 48 hours.
True to our word, Sophia recovered and was on the flight home with the customer within 48 hours. Upon their safe arrival back home in Australia, the customer was admitted to hospital to fully recover from her accident.
The customer saved around $21,000.
Thanks to their Mondial Assistance travel insurance policy, the customer saved approximately $21,000 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 understanding of the customer’s distressed state prompted us to moved her to more appropriate facilities to ease her mind, until she was well enough to be repatriated home.
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.
Insurance Articles
Unlucky break brings holiday in the Middle East to an end
Posted by admin - 23/04/09 at 04:04:49 pmLanguage barriers and cultural differences can sometimes make overseas travel a real challenge. But these issues become even more of a problem, when you injure yourself in a foreign country and require hospitalisation. Would you know where to turn for help, if you found yourself badly hurt while holidaying in the Middle East?
Whilst travelling through the Middle East, a customer tripped, causing quite serious injuries. The customer was travelling on a boat cruise, so the ship’s doctor treated the customer, and assisted in transferring the customer to hospital.
As the customer’s Emergency Medical Assistance provider, Mondial Assistance was called and the Medical Assistance team was advised of the customer’s accident.
The customer was treated in hospital for a fractured wrist and knee, and was advised that they would need further treatment, upon return to Australia.
The Mondial Assistance Medical Assistance team contacted our Medical Agent who assists with cases in the Middle East Region, to help with liaison and translation between the customer and the local nurses and doctors in the hospital.
Due to the customer’s fragile condition, the Medical Assistance team considered two options. The first option was to provide a nurse to escort and assist the customer with their trip home to Australia. The second option was for the customer to undergo medical treatment before returning to Australia.
The Medical Assistance team consulted with the customer, regarding these options. After considering the options, the customer decided to undergo medical treatment before returning home. So the Mondial Assistance Medical Assistance Team then arranged, in conjunction with our Medical Agent, for the customer to be transferred to the appropriate hospital with the necessary medical facilities to provide treatment.
Throughout the process of arranging the surgery, the Mondial Assistance Medical Assistance team liaised with the Middle East Consultant in Sydney to confirm visa requirements. They also consulted with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, regarding the customer’s repatriation back to Australia.
During the customer’s entire stay in hospital, our Medical Assistance team liaised with family members in Australia, keeping them updated on their condition.
While the customer was undergoing treatment, our Medical Assistance team began organising the repatriation back to Australia. It was decided that the best option would be for the customer to take a commercial flight, with a flat bed seat accompanied by a Registered Nurse, to assist with the journey home.
Registered Nurse, Clement Ulcoq, assisted in repatriating the customer back to Australia. After medical treatment, the customer returned safely to Australia, and was admitted to hospital for further treatment and recovery.
You’re in good hands with Mondial Assistance.
Our ability to provide Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance and easy access to resources through the Mondial Assistance global community, means we are truly connected to the people we’re assisting in a caring way. In this case, we utilised our contacts around the world to access the medical facilities, ensuring that our customer received the required medical attention.
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.
Insurance Articles
Travel advice update – Thailand
Posted by admin - 14/04/09 at 04:04:59 pmImportant Information Regarding:
Bangkok, Thailand
DATE ISSUED: 14 April 2009
This advice relates to policies issued prior to 12 April 2009.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have issued the following warning regarding travel to Bangkok, Thailand and its surrounding provinces:
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Bangkok and surrounding provinces
(Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Nakon Pathom, Ayuthaya, Pratum Thani) due to ongoing civil unrest.
A State of Emergency was declared in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on 12 April 2009.
There have been violent clashes between security authorities and protesters. The military may
become involved in enforcing the decree and further violence is possible.
If you are in Bangkok or surrounding provinces, you should avoid unnecessary travel around the
city or province. If you are departing Bangkok by plane, you should allow extra time to reach the
airport in case of traffic delays. Flights in and out of Bangkok have not been disrupted. Travellers
should check with airlines and other travel providers on scheduled services.
For Customers Currently Travelling in Bangkok:
At this stage, there has been no disruption to scheduled flight services, however we advise all customers to allow extra travel time to reach the airport due to traffic disturbances.
At this stage there is no provision to claim for expenses associated with the early departure from Bangkok as such an expense would not fall within the benefits offered by the travel insurance policy.
For customers currently in Bangkok we advise that all caution, as stipulated in the warning from DFAT, is exercised.
If you require emergency assistance please phone our 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Department
reverse charge on + 61 7 3305 7499.
For Customers Who Have Not Yet Departed And Who Are Travelling Prior to 27 April 2009:
For customers travelling to Bangkok, or its surrounding provinces (Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Nakon
Pathom, Ayuthaya, Pratum Thani), there is provision to claim for cancellation expenses or amendment costs (whichever is the lesser) for the portion of the journey that has been affected. It is the responsibility of all customers to mitigate their costs as much as possible.
Many travel providers are waiving their normal cancellation and amendment fees for customers affected by the situation in Bangkok, and in all reasonable circumstances customers will be expected to take advantage of these waivers. Customers are advised to contact their travel providers for further details, and the most appropriate options available.
Customers scheduled to depart after 27 April 2009 should check for further updates closer to their travel date.
There is no provision to claim for expenses associated with this incident for customers who are travelling to areas of Thailand not mentioned in the DFAT advice above.
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
Don’t forget to buy your travel insurance….
Posted by admin - 03/04/09 at 09:04:40 pmA VIRGIN Blue plane carrying 117 passengers and crew was forced to return to Tullamarine after it was hit by lightning.
Flight 1370 – that departed at 3.40pm today – was 10 minutes into its flight to Launceston in Tasmania when it became a victim of the rugged weather which swept across Victoria.
The Boeing 737 aircraft is believed to have been still climbing to its cruising height above 9000m when jolted by the strikes, although a Virgin Blue spokeswoman said its operating ability was not affected.
The chief pilot decided after the strikes that it would be safer to abort the planned flight and return to Melbourne Airport.
“We are uncertain at this stage whether passengers were aware of the strikes to the aircraft,” the spokeswoman said.
But passengers have told they were startled as the plane was hit.
“There was a loud crack,” one passenger said.
“Probably a couple of times. Then the pilot said he was turning around to Melbourne Airport for safety reasons.”
The Boeing landed without incident.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman Ray Rowe said paramedics attended the scene, but no-one was treated.
“They were told (by) the captain of the aircraft that there was no need for us to treat anybody,” Mr Rowe said.
John Stergiou from Wheelers Hill questioned why the flight left in the first place.
“You just don’t expect it as passengers. Safety has to be first,” Mr Stergiou said.
“Why would you let us take off in conditions such as that?”
He said he felt two short, sharp jolts 30 seconds apart.
“The pilot came back to us quickly and then we did a U-turn straight away.
“They deserve credit.”
“The crew are trained to deal with this situation and the pilot followed procedure,” the Virgin Blue spokeswoman said.
Virgin Blue did not have information on damage to the aircraft.
There was no report of injury to any passenger, the spokeswoman said.
While all modern aircraft are built to withstand lightning strikes, the Virgin Blue aircraft is undergoing a full emergency inspection at Melbourne maintenance facilities.
Passengers were waiting in the terminal late today while the airline arranged for a transfer to another flight due to leave later this evening.
The Virgin Blue spokeswoman said flying conditions had been considered safe before take-off.
Source: www.heraldsun.com.au 03 April 2009
Insurance Articles
Top 10 reasons for Travel Insurance
Posted by admin - 23/03/09 at 02:03:27 pmPeter Greenberg is one of America’s most recognised travel experts. He has spent over two decades as Good Morning America’s travel correspondent and more recently the travel editor the NBC’s Today show. This is an extract from Peter’s latest book and could help us all when deciding on travel insurance.
Since I’m an advocate of purchasing travel insurance, people are always coming up to me and asking, “Why?”
Which is why I’ve come up with my list of the top 10 situations in which travel insurance can come in handy.
1. Your flight has been canceled.
2. Your bags are lost and your medication is in them. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.
3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.
4. You’re involved in an accident, and adequate medical treatment is not available.
5. You need medical evacuation*.
6. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.
7. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need to have your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.
8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit, and you want to cancel your trip.
9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate our resort, hotel or cruise ship.
10. And last but not least, it’s simply worth the extra few dollars to ensure your peace of mind. Trust me, it will make the days leading up to your trip and throughout your travels a little less stressful.
*[Ed.- Often requires more specialized medical evacuation insurance]
Source: www.petergreenberg.com
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
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
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.
