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Old Aug 10th, 2005, 08:58 AM
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travel insurance

What is the best place to purchase travel health insurance from?
I think my parents, who are seniors, should get health insurance for the trip.
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Old Aug 10th, 2005, 09:40 AM
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Go to www.insuremytrip.com and you can compare policy terms, coverages and premiums for just about every type of trip insurance available.
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Old Aug 10th, 2005, 12:43 PM
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Has anyone heard of IMG Patriot International? Is this a creditable medical insurance?

Thank you so much.
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Old Aug 10th, 2005, 12:57 PM
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I understand that a good policy is available for American Express customers, a yearly fee covering all trips.
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Old Aug 13th, 2005, 09:55 AM
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Old Aug 13th, 2005, 02:17 PM
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ira
 
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Hi T,

Travel insurance is not health insurance.

Do your parents have health insurance other than medicare? Does it cover emergencies overses? Do they need evacuation insurance?

Just how old are these "seniors"?

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Old Aug 13th, 2005, 02:42 PM
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as far as i know, one of the prime benefits of travel insurance is the provision of medical coverage while traveling.

perhaps the poster should tell us where he/she lives as the market for travel insurance differs greatly around the globe.
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Old Aug 17th, 2005, 12:08 PM
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Sorry, I was away for a while.

We live in California, and our parents are 71 and 66 years old.
They have Medical (CA version of Medicaid), and it's my understaind that they are not covered while abroad.

We don't think we need cancellation insurance, just medical insurance.
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 04:45 PM
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 04:51 PM
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When my partner went on Medicare and was shopping for supplemental insurance, he checked a lot of companies, mostly priced pretty much the same. The one big question was "will it cover me when traveling, particularly in Europe?" He chose a policy that did at the same price of many policies that don't.
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 05:07 PM
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People, what travel medical insurance do you buy?

I searched the website, but I'm not familiar with any of them. I don't know if I can trust something like IMG Patriot International.
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 05:16 PM
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Theilian - There used to be an insurance brokerage in So. Cal. called Petersen International and I believe they carry some types of overseas health insurance. Not sure if it is straight travel insurance. I believe they had specialized products, but you might just check with them. I just looked and it appears there is a website for Petersen International Underwriters which is probably the firm I knew of. (I also seem to recall that they are "wholesalers" which means they may only deal with other insurance agents and brokers. Still, you might look up their number and give them a call, or if you have a regular agent or broker, he/she might be able to access Petersen.) Good luck in your search.
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 05:26 PM
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Theilian - I looked at the IMG website, since you asked if they are legit.

For what it's worth, they appear to be, as they say they write insurance for Sirius International, which is part of the White Mountain group. both Sirius and White Mountain are familar names in the international lnsurance industry, not fly by nights.

But, as they must be licensed to sell in California, even over the internet, you should check the California Dept of Insurance website for the above names or give the CDI a call.


Here's what IMG says about itself:

"While IMG provides complete plan administration expertise, our globally-recognized partner, Sirius International Insurance Corporation (publ), offers the financial security and reputation demanded by international consumers. Rated A (excellent) by A.M. Best and A- by Standard & Poor's*, Sirius International shares IMG's vision of the international marketplace and offers the stability of a well-established insurance company.

Sirius International is part of the White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. With approximately $2 billion of regulatory capital and over $2 billion in gross premiums, the Group ranks among the top insurance and reinsurance organizations in the world.

*Sources: A.M. Best reconfirmed their rating in a press release dated April 22, 2004; Standard & Poor's reconfirmed their rating in a press release dated November 19, 2004"

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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 05:36 PM
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Thank you so much for your help.

But I made a mistake. What I came across is Lifeline Plus providing IMG Patriot plan.

I checked with Cal Dep of Insurance, and I cant' find that name.

I guess I'll have try to find another one.

Thank you so much for your help.
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 06:02 PM
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Theilian - that sounds like a prudent decision.

Did you try Petersen International? They are what is called a surplus line broker, and place their business with a variety of insurers, including Lloyd's of London. I checked the CDI website and it shows that at least they are licensed. You should check it yourself. (Note: I'm not endorsing any agent or company. But, maybe they can give you information on how to get what you need from a legit company.)

"Name: PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL UNDERWRITERS License#: 0591207
DBA: PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES
REF: PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS, INC.
REF: PETERSEN MARKETING & MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
Comments:
"PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES" MUST BE USED FOR ALL INSURANCE BUSINESS CONDUCTED IN CALIFORNIA
License type: Fire and Casualty Broker-Agent Status: Active Status Date: 12/23/2002 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
License type: Life Agent Status: Active Status Date: 06/10/1980 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
License type: Registered Adminstrator Status: Active Status Date: 05/28/1992 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
License type: Surplus Lines Broker Status: Active Status Date: 03/20/1981 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
Business Address: 23929 VALENCIA BOULEVARD SUITE 215 VALENCIA, CA 91355

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bond Information
Bond Amount: $10,000 Bond #: FX - 3SM 049 116 00
Surety Co: 22918 - AMERICAN MOTORISTS INSURANCE COMPANY

Bond Information
Bond Amount: $10,000 Bond #: FX - 69612372
Surety Co: 13188 - WESTERN SURETY COMPANY

Bond Information
Bond Amount: $50,000 Bond #: SL - 83BSBBX6295
Surety Co: 19682 - HARTFOR FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Appointments
This licensee is authorized to transact on behalf of the following insurers:
5 STAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 01/05/2005
AIG LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 09/09/1983
CONTINENTAL ASSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 06/20/1983
FIRST COLONY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 07/20/2005
HARTFORD LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 08/01/1983
JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 10/01/1984
NATIONAL FOUNDATION LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 12/07/1984
PAUL REVERE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) For: Life and Disability Effective: 02/19/1987
PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 02/21/2005
REASSURE AMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 08/25/1983
RGA REINSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 07/28/1994
SERVUS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 10/08/1996
ST. PAUL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 02/11/2005
ST. PAUL GUARDIAN INSURANCE COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 02/11/2005
ST. PAUL MERCURY INSURANCE COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 02/11/2005
TRANS WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 08/20/1982
TRAVELERS CASUALTY AND SURETY COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS CASUALTY COMPANY OF CONNECTICUT For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY OF CONNECTICUT (THE) For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY OF AMERICA For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
WESTERN SURETY COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 01/06/2003"

Again, good luck in your search.


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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 06:13 PM
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Waste of money, imho.
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 06:28 PM
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Mikemo, It's a waste of money until you need it. My fiancee's mother died while we were in Italy. The money we got back will pay for the insurance we buy in the future for many trips.

Ever think what you would do if you need to be evacuated for medical reasons. It is quite costly if you don;t have insurance.

Gail
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 06:39 PM
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Some good info here!

Patrick, we are both on Medicare and I too did a lot of research before buying a suppliment, making sure we were covered out of country!So far since we have had this coverage we've only paid $40.00 for the 2 of us and that was for eye exams. And believe me those cardiac stents don't come cheap and are not fully covered by Medicare.

Elaine, I will have to look at AMEX..we have platinumm cards but I've never looked at what might be covered or what is available.

The 100 dollars I spend on travel insurance may not get me anything except peace of mind..but I know I could be evacuated, get reimbursed for lost or delayed luggage, a trip cancellation or a delay, wherein I had to put out money for food or hotel, etc. I'll bet all those BA travelers that were stranded last week are wishing they'd bought it!
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 06:49 PM
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Ah yes, one BIG advantage of old age -- the onset of Medicare. My partner pays about $175 a month for supplemental that has covered EVERYTHING and I do mean EVERYTHING. Meanwhile I pay $500 a month ($6000 a year) and have yet to receive a penny back since my deductible is $2500 a year. Yep, that means I pay $8500 in a year before my insurance will pick up anything. Can't wait till I can get Medicare!
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Old Aug 18th, 2005, 06:57 PM
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Patrick! I'm laughing while you are crying we pay total for 2 about $350. /month and like you we were paying abut $700.. a month with a $5000.00 dedeuctible! I was almost ready to go back to work!

But that is about the only thing that is good about growing older....except the older you get the more eccentric you can be without having to excuse it!
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