In the aftermath of the Madrid bombings, amidst the backdrop of an Iraq war and the specter of September 11, 2001, parents are eyeing study abroad programs with greater scrutiny to ensure their children can avoid being in harm's path from potential terrorist attacks while still benefitting from exploring other cultures and societies. Many are finding unwelcome surprises in their family insurance plans - their coverage stops at the border of their home country.
London, UK (PRWEB) April 26, 2004 -- Are your kids covered? In the aftermath of the Madrid bombings, amidst the backdrop of an Iraq war and the specter of September 11, 2001, parents are eyeing study abroad programs with greater scrutiny to ensure their children can avoid being in harm's path from potential terrorist attacks while still benefitting from exploring other cultures and societies. Many are finding unwelcome surprises in their family insurance plans - their coverage stops at the border of their home country.
"Parents need to be cautious and thorough when sending kids abroad," said Ross Mason, principal agent at InternationalStudentInsurance.com. "Many insurance policies seem thorough at first, until you get to the fine print, where premiums skyrocket or coverage ends as soon as you leave the coutrny." Mason counsels parents to inquire about international terrorism coverage, and whether policies have it built in, offer riders, or have none at all. Regardless of the form of coverage, Mason emphasizes that international terrorism insurance, particularly when American students travel abroad, is vital in the current geopolitical climate. "Unfortunately, the nature of world events means that American students probably need to take more precautions than normal, especially when travelling overseas," Mason said.
Choice of destination makes a big difference, too. Some insurance providers offer little coverage outside a student's home country and a small, select list of destinations that are generally regarded as "safe", though the definition of safe has changed since the Madrid bombings. Others, like InternationalStudentInsurance.com's Patriot travel plans, provide coverage for students to any country except those placed on warning lists, such as the US State Department Travel Warnings list, or the U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Travelers are encouraged to consult these lists and avoid countries and locales listed on it.
Finally, Mason urges all parents and families, regardless of insurance, to use common sense and take appropriate precautions, reinforcing, "Insurance is important without question, but no payout is ever worth the life or health of a loved one."
Parents can check their childrens' destinations for advisories at http://www.fco.gov.uk and http://www.state.gov for the UK and US travel warnings lists. Parents can apply for the Patriot travel insurance plans with terrorism coverage at http://www.InternationalStudentInsurance.com.
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Contact Ross Mason at International Student Insurance by email at rmason@InternationalStudentInsurance.com for more information; to apply for travel medical insurance with international terrorism coverage, parents should visit http://www.InternationalStudentInsurance.com as soon as possible.
InternationalStudentInsurance.com is a division of the Edvisors Network, a multi-national education services company offering students options for managing the entire education lifecycle, from getting into their college of choice to financing their education and beyond. The Edvisors Network is based in Quincy, Massachusetts, with offices in Quincy and London, England. Visit them on the web at http://www.InternationalStudentInsurance.com for more information.
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