Study Abroad Advisor

Another Airline Folds: Why you need Trip Insurance now more than ever:

2008-04-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

First it was Aloha Airlines, then ATA, then Skybus. American Airlines Cancelled 500 flights yesterday for maintenance.
In the course of five days, tens of thousands of passengers are left stranded, unable to get home. The others have just discovered their vacations are never going to happen.
On the Skybus Web site yesterday was a brief announcement saying the airline had ceased operations because of rising jet-fuel costs and a slowing economic environment. The note said people with reservations should contact their credit-card companies for refunds. Passengers who paid cash are just plain out of luck. One scuttled Skybus passenger said he had been quoted $2,000 for a last-minute ticket home to Ohio.
This is when you can be glad you had the foresight to purchase trip insurance.
However, as with all policies, it is important to read the fine print. Skybus insurance policies covered things such as the illness of a traveler, inclement weather, and in policies sold after March 5, airline-caused delays and cancellations. But Skybus did not include “default" — going out of business — as one of the circumstances covered by the insurance.
This is why it is also important to make sure you purchase your trip insurance from a reputable insurance company focused on getting you the most comprehensive coverage available. The kind of customer service and coverage that you will not find from an airline, cruise line, or travel agent.
At Insurance Services of America, we have trip insurance and travel medical insurance that will cover you weather your destination is Istanbul or Idaho, and everything in between. If your luggage gets lost, or you miss your connection, or if your trip gets cancelled for whatever reason, including airline default or bankruptcy, we've got you covered.

Call one of our friendly knowledgeable agents today at 800-647-4589 to find out more about this very affordable coverage. Wherever you go, we'll get you home.

Spring Break in Mexico

2008-03-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

With its beautiful oceans, great shopping, and fantastic nightlife, Mexico is a popular destination for Spring Break travelers. If you are planning on celebrating south of the border, take a few tips from the US Department of State Travel Advisory:

While traveling in Mexico, American citizens are subject to Mexican law. An arrest or accident in Mexico can result in a difficult legal or medical situation, sometimes at a great expense to the traveler. Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States, and U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system.

Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break. Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities. The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction. All individuals 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.

Warning flags on beaches should be taken seriously. If black or red flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong undertow and rough surf are common along beaches throughout Mexico, especially on the Pacific coast, and drownings have occurred when swimmers have been overwhelmed by conditions. Do not swim in pools or at beaches without lifeguards.Use only the licensed and regulated "sitio" (SEE-tee-oh) taxis. Hotels, clubs and restaurants will summon a sitio taxi upon request.

Oh yeah, and when eating in the restaurants, watch your fingers, those plates are hot!

Now that you have taken all the steps to ensure your safety while in Mexico, it’s time to take care of one major precaution before you leave for your trip.

Make sure that you are covered in case you get sick, lose your luggage, require medical attention for the burned fingers from the hot plates, or need to be evacuated.

Insurance Services of America has a variety of plans to fit your travel needs as well as your budget. Give us a call at 800-647-4589, and let one of our friendly knowledgeable agents help you choose the plan that is right for you.

Viva La Spring Break!

Peace of Mind While Studying Abroad

2007-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Taking classes abroad may just be the most fun you’ll ever have while actually learning something, but being a student in a foreign country can be just as scary as it is exciting, for both travelers and their parents back home.

Take a tip from the Student & Youth Travel Association, and follow these simple guidelines:

1.) Before you go, learn about the local laws and customs of the countries you’re visiting.
2.) Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses.
3.) Pack a simple first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream and pain relievers, and tell your instructors about any medications you’re taking.
4.) Give your parents the phone and fax number of where you're staying, and a full itinerary.
5.) Pack all valuables, medications, travel documents and passport in your carry-on bag. Occasionally checked luggage gets lost at airports, so you want to have your important items on you.
6.) If you check into a hotel, grab a card from the counter with the hotel’s name, address and phone number on it. Keep this card on you at all times.
7.) Be respectful around, and ask permission before taking photographs of, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other religious sites. Also, ask permission before taking photographs of government buildings and military installations.

8.) Travel with a buddy at all times.

The Student Secure International Student Plan is one travel buddy you should never be without when studying abroad. It's guaranteed issue, has low deductibles, and covers intercollegiate sports, emergency medical evacuation, emergency dental, and terrorism coverage. Additionally, you will receive tons of great Travel Assistant benefits, like Lost Luggage, Emergency Cash Transfers, Prescription Drug Replacement, and much more.

Call Mark or Adam today at 800-647-4589, and find out just how affordable this kind of coverage can be.

Your parents will thank you for it.