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Saturday, December 22, 2007

Long Term Health Care Options

Long Term Health Care Options
by: Peter Lenkefi


As you grow older, housing may pose more and more of a concern, especially if your health is failing. If you are worried that you may not be able to take care of your basic needs as you age, such as cleaning, cooking, bathing and maintenance, then looking at your long term health care options is an important choice. Let’s start right away with your options.

In-Home Care
In-home health care is the best option for people who have a higher level of fitness, and want to remain as independent as possible throughout their later years. In this situation, home health care nurses may come and visit you daily, or every couple of days, to take care of your everyday medical needs. Also, a housekeeper may be utilized, as well as a personal health care attendant, who would be responsible for more of the day-to-day living help – such as a companion, driver, cook or the like. In-home health care is quite easy to locate; just contact a nurses’ association or look in the Yellow Pages.

Continuing Care
An intermediary between nursing homes and independent living, continuing care, or retirement communities, offer a wide variety of health benefits and services to their inhabitants. These communities are usually all-inclusive, where dwellers receive lodging, meals, social events, varying levels of health care, and sometimes other perks as well.

Entrance fees for these establishments can be quite high (ranging from $10,000 to over 300,000); added to their monthly fees (ranging from $800-4000), and this option can prove to be expensive health care. However, services are guaranteed for the remainder of your life if you choose this option, and if your health falters, you can always be moved to the nursing home portion of their health care facility.

Because of the all-inclusive nature of this kind of health care, you’ll want to read the fine print carefully in your contract. What are all of the recurring and one-time fees? What exactly is covered with those fees? What health care options are, and are not offered? Do you need to purchase extra health insurance to cover your specific care costs? Also don’t forget to check up with the Better Business Bureau about the status of the facility you are interested in; if you plan on living there the rest of your life, you may want to double check it’s reputation, too.

Nursing Homes
In a very simple sense, nursing homes will take care of your health care needs when you are no longer able to. This may be for a short period of time while you are recovering, or for a longer period of time as you age. Nursing homes are the whole meal deal of health care for the elderly or otherwise incapacitated. If this is an option that you think you may require, there are many things to discuss and consider when looking at your options. Does the home provide the type of care that you will require? Research the history of the nursing home; are there any black spots on their record? Talk to people who have lived there, have used their services, or who are still living there now, if at all possible. Get their viewpoint.


About the author:
For more more information about health care please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/How-To-Jump-Rope-For-Health-and-Fitness.php

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

THE TOP FIVE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS

THE TOP FIVE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
by: David Chandler

Since competition in terms of health insurance is on the rise, it is no wonder that more and more forms of health insurance are being designed. Among these, there are few that are popular and they are briefly described below.

Individual Insurance: Ensuring a person individually is a common mode of insurance. One may be selective about what s/he wants in a plan through this process. Accordingly, one has required premium is calculated, and the insurance plan takes effect.

Group Insurance: Another type of insurance is the group arrangement. Through this type of insurance, one is compelled to abide by what others are going for, and this is dependent on the insurance providers. They are the ones that decide what is feasible to include in a plan, and on that basis, a group insurance can take place.

Indemnity Plan: This plan allows one to go to any doctor when one needs to; there are no restrictions on this, and it is believed to be more of a traditional plan. One does not need permission to go to a particular health care provider. However, usually what happens is that the member pays 20% of the total fee for treatment while the insurance provider pays 80%. In addition to this, there is a period through which one pays up in this manner, and then the company takes over paying the whole 100%.

HMO: The Health Maintenance Organization is one that allows a member to select a particular doctor off the panel. It is these selected doctors that will deal will with members' problems. The selected doctor is the one that will be approached for checkups of any kind, and if there are problems with a member that cannot be handled by him or her, the member is referred to specialists.



About the author:
For more information, visit http://www.healthinsuranceinfocenter.com

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Health Insurance for Expats

Health Insurance for Expats




William has been working for a pharmaceutical company for the past 10 years. The excellent service has been well observed by the bosses. A promotion is near and it is just a matter of time before the papers finally came.



The bosses called William to the office and sure enough, the promotion came. The hard work for many years paid off and there will be a salary raise and a new position. The only catch was that this was no longer to be based in the United States.



William will be sent off to France to head the office there. The entire family will also be relocated so this wouldn’t be a problem. The only thing needed now will be to get some form of insurance since this man will become an expatriate.



Expatriates or expats for short are sometimes considered consultants when given a foreign assignment. There are a lot of benefits that regular employees don’t get to have so this was really something.



The company had an insurance plan but William felt this was not enough. The hospitals in France may not honor the insurance of the American firm, which is why William asked around for international health insurance.



There are a lot of companies that offer international health insurance. These firms promise to give the expat and the family the best care possible. This means access to doctors and hospitals sometimes free of charge.



Some companies will not allow an applicant over the age of 65 to become a member. This shouldn’t be a problem of William who is just 32. The best insurance plan to get should also cover the other members of the family.



The application process starts by filling out the form. The person can get one from the internet and answer the questions there. If the individual needs time to think, this can also be printed then faxed to the number.



The company will also need a medical exam to make sure the person is in healthy condition. When all these documents check out, the individual will become a member and get the policy in 2 or 3 working days.



How much does this cost? This will depend on the type of package the person chooses to get. There are the basic plans and the more advanced ones, which also include annual physical examinations that can be availed of.



Some insurance companies may not have an office in the country where the person will be working in. This is the reason that the emergency contact number which is located on the back of the card can be accessed anywhere in the world toll free. A multilingual staff will be ready to assist to answer any concerns or problems that the expat will encounter.



There are other benefits when the expat is a member. The person can access the company website at any time to receive news and other updates which are important for the individualized plan.



First timers can start off with the basic package first. If the company has proven to be very good in its services, this can be upgraded later on.



Life as an expat and working in a different country may be challenging. The person should just be prepared with the changes that may need to take place as part of the adjustment phase.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Health Insurance for Students

International Health Insurance for Students

A lot of students in the United States prefer to go on educational trips or decide to study abroad. Because of the increasing number, health insurance companies have also come up with packages, which will cater to people far away from home.



International heath insurance for students is not that different than getting for adults. The plans are similar since these include medical coverage, evacuation, baggage loss, travel interruption and terrorism.



Students can get plans for short and long term. Minimum coverage could last from 5 days, which can also be extended for the next three years.



Applying for insurance isn’t hard. The person can download the form and print it or fill it up and send the application via the internet. The student can get the insurance plan on the same day if this was sent online. Those who chose to print and fax will have to wait 1 to 2 business days for approval.



The identification card that has the emergency numbers including the copy of the insurance policy will be sent via parcel once the person becomes a member.



There are times that the person needs this immediately. The insurance company can accommodate this request as long as the individual pays extra for overnight delivery.



The person can save some money if the plan is chosen on a group rate. The maximum coverage for anyone who avails of insurance is from $50,000 to $300,000.



There are a lot of insurance plans out there in the market. It will be a good idea for the student to get a comprehensive plan especially if the parents do not have one which includes the child.



If the child is covered by the insurance of the parents, the student must still have some form of insurance while studying or traveling abroad. This is because the hospital in that country may not honor what is used in the United States. The kind of insurance that the family should get is called emergency insurance.



Another kind of insurance for students is for those that require medical evacuation. This is used In the event that the person has to be treated in another country with better facilities while studying overseas.



Students who wish to study abroad have no choice but to get international health insurance. This is because it is a requirement in some countries before a VISA can be issued. These should also conform to the standards and rules set by the host country so that the person will be safe in the event something happens.



International health insurance for students is the best protection that parents can give to the children who decide to fly far away from home. The plans ensure that the child will get the best possible care by trained professionals in a safe environment.



The best place to get information regarding international health insurance is the United States Department of State. This office has a listing of the companies that can provide the right service to attend to the needs of the student.



The person should compare the prices and check what it covers before deciding on which plan to take. The welfare of the child depends on the choice made by the parents so this should be reviewed very carefully as the child will be flying to learn more in another country.

International Health Insurance Policy

Getting an international health insurance policy

One of the most important insurance policies is an international health insurance policy. This is because it involves your number one asset, you’re health. But in getting an international health insurance policy, you must be very careful. That is why it is easy to get confused if you are policyning to get an international health insurance.



Do not be easily enticed by seemingly nice and cheap deals. You should not scrimp when it comes to your health. You know you deserve the best, so get the best. This article is aimed at helping you get the best international health insurance policy for you.



Below are a few useful tips when shopping for a international health insurance policy.



1. International health insurance policies come in different prices ranging from the affordable to the ridiculously expensive. It is important that you understand the policy and services behind the price of the international health insurance policy. It’s better to pay for an expensive one than a cheap one that do not provide ample protection and coverage. Make sure that you get the protection you and your health require.



2. It is advisable to take note of the other coverage options available in the market. There a host of other insurance policies that offer the same rates and kind of services. Make sure that you have already explored most policies before deciding on what you really need.



3. Look into the policy guidelines before you purchase and make sure that you understand every word in it. Focus in the area that states the kind of service and the protection that the international health insurance plan provides. This is very important because there are some international health insurance plans that have exceptions. What you may see at first glance as adequate may turn out to be inadequate in the long run. Be very careful.



4. Another option to consider is water liability coverage especially if you plan to go into the water during your trip. The insurance policy covers every activity that has to do with water, whether you are idling away the day as a passenger in a cruise ship or a deep sea diver exploring the coral reefs. Make sure that you are amply protected as many accidents happen in water.



5. Look for policies with emergency services protection. This type of coverage provides protection of up to $100. Also available is an extra emergency services as an optional coverage for an additional premium.



6. Good customer service is a must. That way, you can be sure that you will be treated fairly and promptly. Also, look into how responsive they are during emergency situations. How are they when the claiming of the amount for payment is needed. This is important as there are insurance companies that give you hard time claiming your benefits. Ask the company what their standard procedure is in transactions like that.



8. Obtain an international health insurance policy from a company with a good reputation and high standards. This will ensure that you will be amply protected. It is also good to avail of an international travel health insurance from a company that has branches all over the world. That way, they can be easily reached wherever you are in the world.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Internationnal Travel Health Insurance Plan

Tips in buying an international travel health insurance policy


An international travel health insurance policy is often given or offered to people who travel many times in a year or those who plan to stay long in a foreign country. This is to ensure that you have money and service to rely on in case a health emergency occurs in a land where you don’t know anybody.


Another service that international travel health insurance plan provides is reimbursement and a money back guarantee in case your trip got cancelled for various reasons. Some insurance companies even give additional fees for the inconvenience that a cancelled flight has given you. Often the additional fees are for the payments of temporary lodging and food while waiting for the next flight. In addition, an international travel health insurance plan also provides emergency assistance in health-related situations.


If you are planning a really long vacation or if you are one of the jetsetter types but you have not yet availed of any international travel health insurance plan, now is the time to get one. Below are some tips that will help you in buying a health insurance plan.


1. Most airline already provide the same service except that it is more limited. If you feel that you do not really need so wide a coverage, try inquiring about the insurance plan that the airline provides. It may already be sufficient for your needs.


2. If you are still deciding whether to buy an international health insurance plan or not, consider the country that you are going to. If you are comfortable with the weather in the country and you feel that you would not really get sick, forgo with buying the health insurance plan. If, however, you are visiting a country that is known for its deadly diseases as well as its changing weather, an insurance plan for your health may be your best bet.


3. Cost will be a big factor when purchasing an international health insurance plan. Although most insurance plans will be generically priced, there are some that depends on the age of the person and the length of the coverage. There are international health insurance plan that can be availed for the short term, sometimes as short as two months. These kinds of insurance policies cater to travelers who are only on vacation and therefore would not be needing the policy for the rest of the year.


4. Look into the various the international health insurance plans that you can purchase. Compare their services and find out what fits your need the most. Although most plans offer very similar kinds of services, there are some that focus on specific areas. Some will emphasize hospital expenses while others will have special clauses on emergency assistance especially if you need to be transported from one are to another. People who travel to tropical countries or to rural areas need this kind of international health insurance plan.


You can look into the options available to you by reading the policy briefs of each product. These can be found over the internet. You can also try asking people that you know who have already availed their travel health insurance. Chances are they will be able to tell you where to look or even to recommend a specific plan.
International Travel Health Insurance Plan

Monday, January 08, 2007

International Medical Insurance

What should your International Medical Insurance cover?

The price of air travel has gone up in recent years but this has not deterred people from flying and visiting other countries. Some of these individuals save money for a year or two and then splurge on that dream vacation.


When people travel abroad, most tourists only carry enough money for food and a little shopping. This may not cover the hospital bills which makes it very important to have some medical coverage.


Some hospitals abroad will not admit the patient unless the tourist is a member of a known insurance provider. Getting this will allow the person to get the best help from doctors in that region that are equipped with state of the art facilities that the country can offer.


The person can also check the United States Department of State, which has a listing of companies that provide international medical insurance and what countries are covered by these plans.


The person can get coverage for one roundtrip and have this renewed for future travels. Those who travel often which is part of the job description can get a package which has longer terms and better benefits.


The best international medical insurance should include the following;


• The treatment of the patient during emergencies and should the person succumb to illness that may happen during the trip.


• Medical evacuation to another country in the event that the facilities are not equipped to handle the situation.


• Trip interruption, which will allow the person to return home immediately should anything happen back home.


• Policies that have deductibles, so that the person can get treatment for free in that country.


The person should not just get the first that comes along the way. The prices and the coverage of these companies are different so it is best to review and compare each. The traveler should remember that maternity, childbirth and vaccinations are rarely covered by such plans.


If the person has recovered from a health condition, the possibility of having that as part of the coverage doesn’t happen often. The traveler should also check if the plan can also be used at home if the individual has been assigned to another country.


Some of these companies have also included medical insurance when the traveler is on board an aircraft or on a cruise ship. This was adopted in 2004 and includes baggage loss, missed connections and terrorism which higher premiums for medical expenses and transport.


Some people think that getting international medical insurance is expensive but this is not true. In the long run, this will save the person money since the person will have to shell out more if the traveler has to be rushed to the hospital for treatment.


The nice thing about international medical insurance compared to those that person can get in the United States is that there are no limitations on who can be covered. This means there is no age limit or other conditions before one can be considered to become a member.


People who love to travel want to have a good time. Though the trip may be cut short due to certain circumstances, the person will be happy to know that the international medical insurance one signed up came through when the individual needed it most.



International health insurance plan

Why you need it and how to get one

An international health insurance plan is a very important insurance plan to get. This is because it involves your number one asset, you’re health. But in getting an international health insurance plan, you must be very careful. There are many dubious insurance companies out there. That is why it is easy to get confused if you are planning to get an international health insurance.


Do not be easily enticed by seemingly nice and cheap deals. You should not scrimp when it comes to your health. You know you deserve the best, so get the best. This article is aimed at helping you get the best international health insurance plan for you.


Here are a few useful tips when shopping for a international health insurance plan.


1. You should look for an insurance company that is responsive & always available. It is very critical that your company responds when you really need assistance. Help should always be close by when an accident happens, when you need claims or emergency service.


2. You should look for an insurance company with good customer service. It is advisable to choose a company with a large network of agencies, claim centers, and helpful employees that are ready to serve you whenever you need them. In such a case, you can be sure that you will be treated fairly and promptly.


3. Choose an insurance company that is financially stable. Ideally, one with a long history of service to boat owners. Companies with a rich history are generally more stable than new ones. A good way to check the financial stability of an insurance company is to do some research. Check out the financial ratings of A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s for insurance companies.


4. Get an international health insurance plan from a company with a good reputation and high standards.


5. Choose an insurance company with a wide variety of coverage options. This is very important because your needs as a boat owner are very unique. The company’s menu of products should accommodate a circle of protection for your needs both today and tomorrow.


6. Health insurances come in different prices ranging from the affordable to the ridiculously expensive. It is important to understand the policy and service promises behind the price of the international health insurance plan. It’s better to pay for an expensive but good quality international health insurance plan than a cheap one with limited features. It is not advisable to accept low protection just to get a lower price. Make sure that you get the protection you and your health require.


7. Though a international health insurance plan is designed to protect you, it is also advisable to take note of the other coverage options available. An important international health insurance plan option is the medical payment coverage, which can offer medical protection for you.


8. Another option to consider is water liability coverage. There may be instances when you will accidentally injure a person while on water, a passenger, a swimmer or a water skier perhaps. This is where a water-liability coverage comes in handy.


9. Emergency services protection. This type of coverage provides protection of up to $100. Also available is an extra emergency services as an optional coverage for an additional premium.


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