Introduction to Travel Insurance

What is Travel Insurance and why do I need it?

     “Travel Insurance” is a popular term often used to characterize a product that offers medical insurance benefits and some form of emergency assistance to cover travelers for short periods of time. Usually the time period coincides with the beginning and end of a vacation or business trip outside of the traveler’s country of residence and may extend from as short of a period as 15 days to as long as 2 years. Travel insurance is designed to allow travelers to obtain adequate health care and certain other travel related benefits while abroad which typically are not covered by their domestic insurance plan. It further protects individuals from unexpected financial liability as a result of a medical emergency and medical evacuations.

     “Travel Insurance”, although used in broad terms to describe international insurance in general is only one segment of the International Insurance and Benefit Products marketplace. International Major Medical Health, Travel Medical, Travel Assistance, and International Term Life products are just some of the products designed specifically for those who are either traveling internationally, or for U.S. Citizens living abroad, or Foreign Nationals living anywhere.

     The complexion of our world is changing, international travel is reaching all time levels, retirees and business people are living and working as expatriates in ever increasing numbers and many of the public medical systems in the world cannot respond to the needs of their constituents in a timely manner.

     Whether you travel for business or pleasure, international travel involves risk. You may arrive at your destination to find that your luggage with personal items has disappeared. A personal emergency may necessitate your early return to your Home Country. But what would happen if you or one of your family members became ill or injured while away from home? A medical emergency may require hospitalization or even air evacuation. In most cases, your existing insurance will not provide adequate protection for these and other risks.

     You have enough things to worry about when you’re traveling or living abroad. Don’t let your medical coverage and exposure to significant financial liability be one of them.

What types of plans are available?

International Travelers Coverage

     Whether you are traveling internationally for business or pleasure you need medical insurance that responds to your special needs. A medical emergency may require an evacuation, a sudden illness might necessitate immediate attention by a qualified doctor, or your luggage with personal items may be lost.

     The Atlas Series of coverage is designed for the individual who is traveling or residing outside of their Home Country for a period of less than one year. If you are traveling outside of your Home Country and are at lease 14 days old, you are eligible for coverage. The minimum coverage period is 15 days and the maximum coverage period is 12 months. You may purchase coverage in combinations of monthly and 15-day increments, depending on your needs.

International Major Medical Insurance

     This product provides annually renewable major medical coverage for individuals and families. Coverage is available for U.S. Citizens overseas and non-U.S. Citizens anywhere, including the U.S. Whether you have relocated outside of your country of citizenship, are on an overseas assignment, or doing career mission work you need this comprehensive, portable and seamless coverage.

     The International Citizen Series of coverage is available to citizens of all countries of the world who are at least 14 days, and not older than age 74. If you are a U.S. Citizen, you must reside outside the U.S., or plan to depart the U.S. within 30 days of the effective date. If you are a U.S. Citizen, you must also reside outside the U.S. for at least 6 months within each certificate period. Citizens of other countries may reside anywhere, including their country of citizenship.

Travel Accident

     These products are changing dramatically from the early Accidental Death Polices that travelers purchased at airports before boarding an airplane to cover themselves should there be an air disaster. The newest policy will now provide Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Permanent and Total Disability Insurance for travelers regardless of the cause of the accident - including coverage for loses resulting from most acts of War and Terrorism.

     The MultiNational Travel Accident Plan is a comprehensive Personal Accident and Assistance plan for international travelers. If you are traveling outside of your home country and are at least 18 years old but not yet 65, you are eligible for coverage. The minimum coverage period is 1 month and the maximum coverage period is 1, 3 or 12 months, depending on your destination. The plan may be purchased alone or as a supplement to other programs.

MultiNational Group Benefit Plans

     Whether you are a U.S. based organization with employees overseas, or a non-U.S. organization employing expatriates, third country nationals or key local nationals, a dependable and cost effective international group benefit program is a necessity. Group rates, monthly payment options and life insurance all combine with the highest quality medical insurance to deliver reliable, responsive and cost effective coverage for small and large groups alike. As international employers seek to compete in Global markets, the challenge of attracting and retaining qualified international employees can only be met with a comprehensive international group benefit program.

     A+MultiNational Group Benefit Plan is available to U.S. based organizations with a subsidiary or a division operating outside the U.S., with 3 or more international employees and is available to organizations based outside the U.S. with 3 or more employees. All active, full-time(30 hours per week or more) employees are eligible as well as dependents.

International Term Life Insurance

     Obtaining quality life insurance protection while traveling or living abroad can be difficult. Our ten year level term plan can be a great supplement to your insurance portfolio.

     IC+International Term Life Insurance plans are only available to individuals residing outside of the U.S. at time of application, certain other country restrictions limit the jurisdictions where the product can be written.

Travel Assistance Services

     When you travel abroad or reside far from home, it’s nice to know that you are not alone. Travel Assistance Services programs are designed to help out in those situations when you need assistance and you don’t know where to turn and time is limited. Travel Assistance Services are not insurance benefits and are not a guarantee of any other benefit under the Atlas or International Citizen plans.

     The following Travel Assistance Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while an Atlas, International Citizen, or Travel Accident plan is in effect.

  • Pre-Trip Health and Safety Advisories

    (Available after purchase of coverage and before departure) - call for current passport, visa, inoculation and vaccine requirements, as well as up-to-date travel safety advisories.

  • Livetravel Services

    - we will make emergency travel and itinerary changes for you including rebooking flights, hotel reservations and ground transportation arrangements.

  • BagTrak

    - the industry leaders in tracking lost, checked baggage will help you locate your lost baggage, and deliver it to you anywhere in the world.

  • Emergency Message Relay

    - will relay messages to your family, friends and co-workers, helping you to maintain contact during an emergency.

  • Emergency Cash Transfer

    - will assist you in arranging and obtaining cash transfers anywhere in the world.

  • Other important Atlas/International Citizen/Travel Accident Travel Assistance Services include:

    Medical referrals
    Up-to-the-minute travel medical advisories
    Assistance with prescription drug replacement
    Dispatch of a doctor or specialist
    Emergency travel arrangements for family members
    Lost passport or travel documents assistance
    Embassy and consulate referrals
    Legal and accounting referrals
    Bail bond assistance
    Translation and interpretation assistance

Which plan should I purchase?

Atlas series:

Atlas International - If you are a U.S. Citizen traveling abroad for 6 months or less.
Atlas America - If you are a Non-U.S. Citizen traveling outside your Home country for 6 months or less.
Atlas Extra - Regardless of citizenship if you are planning on traveling for 6 months or more.
Atlas Professional - If you are an international traveler who requires coverage for multiple trips abroad during the year. Covered for multiple trips with durations of 30 days or less throughout the year.

International Citizens Series:

Platinum - International Citizens needing worldwide coverage.
Premier - International Citizens needing coverage outside the U.S. or Canada.
Risk Share - International Citizens who can share some risk and require coverage outside the U.S. or Canada.

MultiNational Accident Plan Series:

Travel Accident - Any International Traveler who wants to supplement their medical package with the added benefits of accidental death and disability coverage. Travelers who do not require separate medical may want to take advantage of the AD&D coverage which includes the Travel Assistance Services.

A+MultiNational Group Series:

Group Benefit Plan - Various plan designs are available for any organization outside the U.S. with 3 or more employees. Plans may include health, life dental and disability benefits.

IC+Term Life Insurance Series:

Term Life Insurance - Various life plan options are available for International Citizens residing outside the U.S. A Basic Plan, a Terminal Illness Plan, and a Double Indemnity Plan are available for term periods of up to ten years.

Doesn’t my domestic insurance plan or medicare cover me for travel?

     Perhaps. Still, there are practical considerations to take into account, which you may not be aware. The typical domestic policy has time and coverage area restrictions. Exceeding these limits can place you at risk. Medical examination notes are often written in a language other than English, and will either be the responsibility of the insured to have legally translated, or will be at best, very difficult for the domestic insurer to administer. These problems are eliminated with an experienced international claim administrator. The additional benefits listed below offer significant protection from exposures not typically accounted for in domestic coverages:
     Inpatient/Outpatient/Intensive Care
     Emergency Evacuation
     Emergency Reunion
     Repatriation of Remains
     Emergency Dental
     Local Ambulance
     Trip Interruption
     Lost Checked Luggage
     Accidental Death & Dismemberment
     Common Carrier Accidental Death
All of these benefits and considerations add up to a powerful case as to why you need to take the appropriate steps to insure your needs, and to protect you and your family while traveling.

     It is important to review your domestic insurance policy to determine if you have coverage, limited coverage, or any coverage at all while traveling outside your home country. If you are a U.S. Resident and on medicare you should be aware that there is no medicare benefit available to you while outside the United States. For citizens of countries with a national medical program make sure that you know the plans limitations.

What is covered?

     It is extremely important to be aware that different international policies have different benefit levels. Travel policies typically offer a few added features that Major Medical policies don’t have due to the special needs of the traveler in unfamiliar surroundings. Medical benefits have been modeled after traditional plans marketed in the U.S. for many years. These features are simple and easy to understand where Benefits are subject to affordable Deductibles and modest Coinsurance payments. Policy Limits will apply to all benefits in all plans.

     In general terms you will find coverage options available for:

  • Medical - See individual plan for Schedule of Benefits and Limits
  • Emergency Dental - See individual plan for coverage and limitations
  • Emergency Evacuation - Emergency air and/or ground transportation to the nearest Hospital that is qualified to provide the medically necessary treatment.
  • Emergency Reunion - In the event of an emergency evacuation, the cost for transportation and lodging for up to 10 days for a relative to join you at the site where you are hospitalized.
  • Trip Interruption - The company will pay for your return to your Principal Residence due to the Death of an immediate family member or the destruction of your home or if after a covered emergency evacuation it is medically necessary for you to return home.
  • Repatriation of Remains - In the event of a covered Injury or Illness resulting in your death, your bodily remains will be prepared and transported back to your Principal Residence.
  • Lost Checked Luggage - In the event your checked luggage is permanently lost by the carrier you will be paid up to $250.00 for replacement of clothes and personal items.
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment - See individual plan for coverage and limitations.
  • Common Carrier Accidental Death - See individual plan for coverage and limitations.
  • Return of Minor child - If minor children are traveling with a single adult who is hospitalized for a covered illness and the minor children will be left unattended for an expected time of 36 hours or more, then transportation will be arranged to return the children to their Principal Residence.
  • Travel Assistance Services - See individual plan for level of coverage and limitations.

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    What is not covered?

         It is equally important to know what is not covered under international policies. Refer to the Exclusions section of the plan you are considering to see what charges, treatments, surgeries, medications, conditions and circumstances are not covered. Travel Insurance and Major medical plans treat the following items differently. Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered in general, but may be eligible for a very limited benefit in case of an acute onset. Participating in hazardous sports may be covered with the purchase of the Hazardous Sports Rider. Home Country coverage is available on a limited basis with the purchase of the Home Country Coverage Rider.

    How can I obtain this coverage?

         It’s easy. You may request a quote and apply on line or you may contact your agent and request a brochure and application. Atlas Travel Insurance plans can be purchased with a credit card online and policies issued and printed immediately on your computer 24 hours a day. The International Citizen Major Medical and IC+Term Life Insurance plans can be quoted and applied for on line or by mail, however approval is subject to underwriting guidelines and may require medical exams or other documentation. You may request a quote on line or by mail for the A+MultiNational Group Benefit Plan, application is by mail.

         All individual product brochures include rates and an application for your convenience. If you have questions please give us a call.

    Who Administers and Insures this plan?

         The information contained in this section is a general representation of the products offered and concepts to be considered when traveling or residing internationally. The specific series of policies that have been mentioned or described in general: Atlas Series, International Citizen Series, Multinational Travel Accident, A+MultiNational Group Series, and IC+Term Life Insurance Series, are policies issued and insured by the Administrator and Insurer listed below. Please refer to the actual policy details from the carrier for an accurate and legal description of these plans.

         MultiNational Underwriters, Inc, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a full service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products designed specifically to address the insurance needs of international travelers. A Travel Guard® International company, that benefits from the experience of a corporate group that protected over 6 million travelers last year. International claims specialist, medical professionals, and customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and respond to your needs. Whether you have lost your luggage or are in need of Emergency Evacuation, you will find a service team which is prompt, compassionate and of the highest professional quality ready to assist you.

         Lloyd’s the largest and oldest insurance market in the world, is the insurer of these unique insurance products. Rated A-by AM Best Company and A by Standard and Poor’s, Lloyd’s provides financial strength and security that is unparalleled in the worldwide insurance market. Lloyd’s is recognized as a market leader in the accident and health insurance arena, and is well-known for its innovative products and services. Presently, Lloyd’s provides accident and health insurance to millions of individuals in almost every country in the world.