| Saigontourist, AIG tie up to provide travel insurance
(SGT-HCMC) Vietnam's leading tour operator Saigontourist Travel Service Co. inked a deal yesterday with AIG General Insurance (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. to provide global travel insurance for tourists. Under the deal signed in HCMC, AIG is the insurance partner to provide global travel insurance for Saigontourist's outbound tourists in one year from April 1. The insurance policy covers health care costs abroad, around-the-clock emergency support by International SOS, accidents, losses, delayed and damaged luggage. Especially, the policy also covers losses or damages caused by terrorism, natural calamities, and epidemic diseases. The two companies declined to announce the fee, but said that the payout can reach US$10,000. Vo Anh Tai, director of Saigontourist, said that the global travel insurance service not only applies to Vietnamese travel abroad but also for overseas Vietnamese and foreigners who buy outbound tourism services at the company.
Driving down cost of insurance products
SHOPPING around for cheaper car , travel and health insurance may not be as exciting as a little retail therapy, but you could end up saving enough money to fund your next buying extravaganza. It's simple to buy cover on the Internet as policies are easily compared and buying online can save hundreds of pounds. Moneyextra offers some top tips on ways to avoid paying over the odds for your insurance policies. Shop till you drop The price of any insurance cover can vary enormously so don't accept the first insurance quote that comes your way . By obtaining several quotes you can compare prices and ensure you are getting cover that meets your exact requirements. If you are changing your policy, always ensure you are buying like-for-like or you may discover you do not have the same level of cover when you come to claim.
Insurance Sector Becomes Keen
Competition in the insurance industry has become very keen with products and premiums being driven by competition and, sometimes, by undercutting.
Travel insurance policies have become a fairly new phenomenon in the industry, but it is one area in which competition has left an indelible mark.
Premiums here have been largely driven by keen competition, having changed about two times a year, industry players have confirmed.
A one-month policy, which costs an average of $70 at the start of the first policy, now goes for about $45 on the average.
Travel insurance used to be part of personal accident policies without health component for most insurance companies until about two years ago when Schengen States, mostly members of the European Union, decided to make it mandatory for travellers to possess travel insurance policies which cover particularly sickness.
Paying for Vaccinations
Whether you're getting ready to enroll a child in school, take an overseas business trip or go on your dream vacation, plan ahead for vaccinations. You may need a variety of inoculations, which may cost a bundle and take time to be effective. Fortunately, many of the vaccinations -- especially the routine ones children and adults receive -- are covered by health-insurance policies. But that may not be the case with some of the shots recommended for travel to less-developed parts of the world. It's not unusual to pay $95 for yellow-fever vaccine, recommended for travel to places such as ... .
Bredesen Formally Launches CoverKids Program
Gov. Phil Bredesen on Monday traveled to a suburban YMCA in Nashville, the Bellevue Family YMCA and J.L. Turner Lifelong Learning Center, to officially launch CoverKids, which provides comprehensive health coverage to uninsured children who do not qualify for TennCare. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will administer CoverKids.
"Over 100,000 Tennessee children go without any health insurance every year. Starting today they are covered," Bredesen said. "CoverKids provides access to complete health care coverage for these children so they have the opportunity for a healthy start in life."
He said CoverKids offers comprehensive health insurance coverage for children 18 years-old and younger, similar to the benefits offered to dependents of state employees. Emphasis is placed on preventive care and services most needed by children, including vaccinations, well-child visits, healthy babies program, and developmental screenings.
The Benefits of Travel Insurance
Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Group Medical Services (GMS) has been providing health and travel insurance to groups and individuals since 1949. We have further diversified by expanding our geographic boundaries from Saskatchewan to other areas of Canada through our subsidiary, GMS Insurance Inc. (established in 2003). Currently, we have branch offices in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Our goal is to offer Canadians a comprehensive choice of health and travel plans for individuals and groups along with a full range of employee benefits for businesses and associations. Mark Mendonca, Business Development Consultant, Group Medical Services - Brampton. (647) 244-9462. Customer Service 1-866-796-9467.Visit us at: http://www.gms.ca/
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Travel Insurance Q & A
Jon Ansell, president and chief executive officer of Henrico County's World Access Service Corp., one of the nation's biggest travel insurers, discussed travel insurance last week. Q: What does travel insurance cover? A: It usually protects against unforeseen events that may cause you to cancel or disrupt your trip. It also provides protections and assistance, whether it's for your health or personal belongings. That being said, travelers should read the specific policy so they can be sure of what is covered. Q: What are some typical kinds of coverage? A: It varies from simple coverage just for your airline ticket to more comprehensive policies that cover trip cancellations and interruptions, baggage protection, delays, medical and dental, and emergency medical evacuation as well as emergency assistance.
Businesses Not Happy With Proposal for Wage Increase
Waiters and waitresses may soon get a raise. Some state lawmakers want to double the wages for tipped workers, but the proposal doesn't sit well with those who would pay the tab. Paul Sirmeyer works at the Traveler's Club Restaurant in Okemos. Sirmeyer says he loves his job as a restaurant server, but it's hard surviving off his income. Paul Sirmeyer, restaurant server: "Day to day, you really getting paid less than the average American, you're not getting health insurance or benefits." That's why some state lawmakers are proposing a bill to increase minimum wage for tipped workers. Right now, tipped workers make about $2.65 an hour. If the bill were to pass, it would put another two dollars on their plate. William White, restaurant owner: "Bad idea." William White owns the Traveler's Club Restaurant.
Workers pay dearly for health insurance, or do without
A self-employed travel consultant with an information technology background, Drewey opted to do without health insurance, even though he has Type 1 diabetes. Drewey, 45, of Mount Vernon, N.Y., said his business isn't far enough along for him to afford a plan.
Apart from the diabetes, Drewey said, his health is good. He manages his condition well with insulin, which he pays for out of pocket, $75 for a two-week supply. Things went well until February, when a celebration he attended sent his blood sugar out of balance.
He spent four days at White Plains Hospital Center. The bill: $10,000. Drewey is trying to arrange a payment plan with the hospital that will spread the cost over several years.
He said he doesn't understand how, in a country like the United States with all its resources, a person can find it so difficult to get affordable health care.
Tourists 'should get travel insurance'
British tourists travelling to Guernsey are being advised to ensure they have adequate travel insurance before leaving for the island.According to Network Insurance, ski and snowboard tourists should consider the small print of their travel insurance policies in case of a medical emergency, reports the Guernsey Press and Star.Managing director for the insurance firm Douglas Goater told the publication: "As well as endangering their health, holidaymakers are risking considerable expense [by not having travel insurance]."Mr Goater also voiced concerns that travel agents and tour operators selling one-off travel insurance cover are not making holidaymakers aware of hidden clauses within their policies.Following an investigation by the Treasury select committee, the Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries claimed that travel insurance providers should supply a standard document to provide consumers with more information about policies at the point of sale.However, holidaymakers will be glad to know that Go Travel Insurance offers a range of comprehensive travel insurance policies covering a variety of sports and activities.© Adfero Ltd .
Legislation on the move in Missouri focuses on trucks; road safety
Bills of interest to truck drivers seemingly have flooded the Missouri statehouse since it opened for business early this year. Among those bills are measures that include incentives to reduce idling, implement rules for household movers and increase safety on the state’s roadways. The Senate approved a bill that would increase the maximum gross vehicle weight limit and axle weight limit for large trucks equipped with idle reduction technology. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, the measure – SB102 – also would authorize affected trucks to weigh up to an additional 400 pounds. The bill has been forwarded to the House Transportation Committee. A measure that has advanced from the House to the Senate would take advantage of an income tax credit made available by Congress in 2005.
Workers pay dearly for health insurance, or they do without
A self-employed travel consultant with an information technology background, Drewey opted to do without health insurance, even though he has diabetes. Drewey, 45, of Mount Vernon, said his business isn't far enough along for him to afford a plan. .
Rising stress of health care
A self-employed travel consultant with an information technology background, Drewey opted to do without health insurance, even though he has Type 1 diabetes. Drewey, 45, of Mount Vernon, N.Y., said his business isn't far enough along for him to afford a plan. Apart from the diabetes, Drewey said, his health is good. He manages his condition well with insulin, which he pays for out of pocket, $75 for a two-week supply. Things went well until February, when a celebration he attended sent his blood sugar out of balance. He spent four days at White Plains Hospital Center. The bill: $10,000. Drewey is trying to arrange a payment plan with the hospital that will spread the cost over several years. He said he doesn't understand how, in a country like the United States with all its resources, a person can find it so difficult to get affordable health care.
Honeymoon couples warned of travel insurance traps
Graeme Trudgill, manager of technical services at BIBA, believes that honeymooners in particular should ensure they have travel insurance policies. This is because many take valuables received as wedding presents and family heirlooms passed on to them one their big day, and he urged all newly married couples to ensure their policy is up to date before travelling abroad. Mr Trudgill also stressed that travel insurance is needed to provide cover in the event of injury, illness and cancellation. "Travel insurance is as important as your suitcase," he advised. "Don't go without it, whatever you do. Even if you get a European Health Insurance card if you're going to Europe, it still doesn't cover cancellation of your honeymoon if you break a leg, or many, many things." "Lots of people, on a wedding day, hand down a valuable family ring, or something, we see that quite often.
Dying beyond your means
Untimely events, such as the passing away of a loved one, often catch families unaware. Yet the vast majority of people continue to spend more on travel insurance, while ignoring the greater risk to family wealth and security posed by a lack of basic life insurance cover. So what are the often ignored areas of complacency, and badly misconceived ideas of false security? Extended lives and uninsurability issues. Protection policies are assessed on risk. Underwriters calculate insurance premiums based on mortality guides taking account of age, sex, health and lifestyle. Therefore, smokers pay more than abstainers; males pay more than females and the elderly more than the young. It pays to start your life insurance early, even if you are single, because premium rates will be cheaper when you are younger.
Individual Health Insurance Overpriced - Insurance Consultant Needed
Florida Health Insurance Consultants are recommended for anyone buying health insurance. Recent polls taken by the Wall Street Journal said, "18 percent of American's do not have health insurance coverage" of any kind. 40% of those polled did not know the difference between a PPO and an HMO. Finding affordable health insurance has never been easy; it is not 'one size fits all.' Now, with the increases in policy rates, hardly anyone in Florida can 'afford' to stay healthy. Depending on your current state of health, budget and individual needs, the best insurance for you may be far different than the best insurance for a friend or another family member. What can you do protect your family? Contact an expert insurance consultant and talk to them about your needs. They can show all available policies, not just one policy from one carrier.
Rendell plan would reshape health care
HARRISBURG — For many Pennsylvanians, the path to medical care may soon be less likely to lead to a doctor.In one of the most far-reaching attempts at the state level to make health care more accessible and affordable to everyone, Gov. Ed Rendell is seeking to lower barriers in Pennsylvania laws and regulations that prevent a wide range of nonphysician health professionals from providing basic types of care.From nurse practitioners and nurse midwives to dental hygienists and pharmacists, the Rendell administration wants to reshape health care practices in Pennsylvania to lower the cost of preventative care.The Democratic governor's initiative is yet another example of states stepping into a void created by a lack of federal action on health care reform."The national agenda's been overwhelmed by Iraq, and Washington has been paralyzed by ideological and policy gridlock on health care," said Drew Altman, the CEO of Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies health policy.
Business for March 15, 2007
NASCAR Busch Grand National and Busch North Series NASCAR driver Mike Speakman from Pylesville Maryland, now calls Apollo Beach home.
Speakman a union carpenter for 24 years and a part time NASCAR competitor since 2000, enjoys running against the big boys with unlimited funds. The race team has had a few top twenty finishes against Americas toughest NASCAR drivers at Dover Delawares monster mile track and also on the twisting turning road courses of Watkins Glen, NY and Lime Rock, Connecticut.
Speakman and his wife, Dawn, have two girls, Kelly 8 and Katie 5 years old. In July of 2006, the family made the big move south to Florida. Racing is put on hold temporarily, until a new raceshop is finished in Riverview.
Dawn Speakman is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty, at the new south shore office, located by Publix, in Apollo Beach.
MetLife may get new Beijing partner -sources
BEIJING/SHANGHAI, March 22 (Reuters) - The Shanghai partner of MetLife Inc. (MET.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has entered exclusive negotiations to team up with the top U.S. life insurer to restructure its joint venture in Beijing, sources close to the deal said on Thursday. If it goes ahead, MetLife would be able to consolidate its operations in China, a market with huge potential as only fewer than 4 percent of its 1.3 billion population have life insurance coverage. MetLife's premiums in China more than tripled last year to 392.9 million yuan ($51 million). At present, the company has two 50/50 joint ventures in China: United MetLife Insurance Co. in Shanghai and Sino-US MetLife Insurance Co. in Beijing. Its partner in Shanghai is Shanghai Alliance Investment Ltd., which is run by the son of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and is an investment arm of the city government.
Rockland medical group cutting ties with Empire insurance
WEST NYACK - One of the largest medical groups in Rockland is dropping its affiliation with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, prompting thousands of patients to scramble to either change doctors or change insurers to maintain their health care. Rockland Pulmonary & Medical Associates, a group of 17 physicians, physician-assistants and nurse practitioners, will no longer accept Empire Blue Cross as of May 1, according to a letter they sent to patients. "This is not something we want to do, and this is not a step we took lightly," said Dr. Mary Leahy, a longtime member of the group. "All we want to do is take care of patients and provide them with excellent medical care." Empire, one of the largest insurance companies in the state, has not increased its payments to the group for nearly 10 years, Leahy said.
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