Insurance Blog Posts
6 Best Travel Medical Insurance Providers
Whether you're planning a relaxing beach getaway, foodie-themed city escape, or a safari adventure, you always run the risk of your international trip being cancelled or interrupted by illness. Travel medical insurance provides peace of mind by (typically) covering overseas medical treatments, hospitalizations and medical evacuations, as well as trip reimbursements if you have to go home early. Most policies also offer 24-hour assistance, coverage for terrorism incidents, and reimbursements for lost or stolen luggage.... Read More ...
Why Travelers Need Crisis Response Coverage
Whether you’re taking a business trip or family vacation, you never want to think about the threat of being kidnapped abroad. But kidnappings of international travelers do happen in countries across the globe. One travel danger for international travelers... Read More ...
8 Health Insurance Tips for Worldwide Travelers
Travel medical insurance is a necessity for most world travelers, as many standard medical policies will not cover you when you are abroad. Many travel policies will offer additional benefits, such as medical evacuation or trip interruption coverage.... Read More ...
How to Make Changes to Your Travel Medical Policy
No matter how carefully you prepare for a trip abroad, unexpected situations can still pop up to alter your travel plans. When you need to change travel dates or reschedule a trip, it's important to know the procedure for contacting your travel medical insurance company. Travel Insurance Review notes that insurance carriers are typically very willing to work with travelers in order to make a change or correct a mistake.... Read More ...
12 Travel Insurance Coverages That Might Surprise You
Travel medical insurance is an effective way to protect yourself in the event of a health emergency, whether you need treatment at your destination or if you must be medically evacuated to receive medically necessary care. Travel medical insurance also typically covers trip interruptions, travel delays, and/or lost luggage. But did you know that a travel medical policy can also offer some unexpected benefits? From pet return to emergency dental- and even terrorism coverage- this international insurance is a great way to cover an emergency issue that may arise while you are away from home.... Read More ...
3 Levels of Travel Medical Coverage for U.S. Visitors
If you're in the process of planning your trip to the United States, you've probably come across hundreds of resources directing you toward the latest-and-greatest travel deals, hotel and flight accommodations, and must-see tourist attractions. But understanding your options when it comes to travel medical insurance? That can be tricky. It's important to understand that many standard medical insurance policies do not cover you outside of your home country -- and that, in the United States, people are responsible for their own health care costs. As a result, travelers without applicable healthcare coverage are exposed to these high costs, which can lead to deep debt or even bankruptcy.... Read More ...
What is Terrorism Coverage?
In the world we live in today, bad things happen, including terrorist attacks in wonderful cities like Paris and Brussels. Sad incidents like these shouldn't discourage families from their summer travel plans, but it is important to be insured for the possible travel costs that can arise from an act of terrorism.... Read More ...
Travel Medical Insurance for Parents Visiting the U.S.
It's wonderful to receive a visit from parents who live in a foreign country, but don't forget to have a travel medical insurance policy in place to help cover any unexpected medical costs that might arise while they're in the U.S. When your parents travel, it's likely their domestic medical insurance policy will no longer cover them once they've left their home country. U.S. medical care is among the most costly in the world, and a simple fall could send your parents to the hospital, leaving them with large medical bills.... Read More ...
How Travel Medical Insurance Protects Your Family While Vacationing Abroad
Taking your family vacation international this year? Whether you're planning to soak up the sun in the Bahamas or knock some historical sites off your European bucket list, you're probably determined to relish every second you spend with your family abroad. And while you're bound to have an incredible vacation experience, there are certain health, safety, and financial precautions you can take to secure the welfare of your family. One safeguard worth considering, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is travel medical insurance.... Read More ...
3 Tips for Getting the Best Short-Term Insurance
Sometimes, whether because of a move, a job change, or a family event, we need to find a way to fill the gap in health insurance coverage. Living without coverage is a major risk, as an unexpected illness or injury could lead to tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. To ensure you are covered in between major medical insurance plans, short-term medical insurance might be the perfect fit for your needs.... Read More ...
Is Travel Medical Insurance Right for You?
Travel medical insurance can provide important peace of mind –– and cover life-saving emergency medical services when you're out of the country. Such insurance can cover everything from a doctor's visit to treat an upset stomach to an evacuation back to the U.S. for emergency care. However, travel medical insurance isn't necessarily for everyone –– you may already be protected by an existing insurance policy, your credit card, or other coverage provided by an airline or vacation operator. Here are six questions to ask before purchasing a travel medical insurance policy:... Read More ...
How Long Can You Go Without Health Insurance Without Paying the ACA Penalty?
Think buying health insurance is expensive? It can cost you a lot more to go without. According to Healthcare.gov, if you can afford health insurance, but choose not to buy it, you'll be required to pay a fee for each month you, your spouse, or your tax dependents don't have health insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage. This fee—also known as the individual shared responsibility payment, fine, or Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalty—will be collected when you file your federal tax return for the year you don't have coverage.... Read More ...
If Liam Neeson Isn't Your Dad, You Need Crisis Response Coverage
Imagine you're strolling along the travel destination of your dreams. Someone motions you to check out a great restaurant or the Instagram-worthy scenery around the corner. Before you know it, you've been kidnapped, to be let go after your captor has sucked your bank account dry. It's what's known as an express kidnapping and it's far more common than you'd think. In fact, express kidnappings are on the rise, because unlike classic, elaborate kidnappings, they require just a single delinquent with a weapon, no planning, and go largely underreported.... Read More ...
Travel Insurance vs. Travel Medical Insurance: Is There a Difference?
Purchasing an insurance policy is one of the most important things travelers can do to protect themselves from the health, safety, and financial risks that accompany international travel. But when it comes to travel insurance, it’s often difficult to figure out exactly what you’re getting- or even what it is that you actually need. In this article, we break down the two types of insurance you may be considering: travel insurance and travel medical insurance. Is there a difference between the two? The answer is usually yes.... Read More ...
What is Catastrophic Insurance?
When you shop for health insurance, you will come across many different types of policies designed to match your financial and healthcare needs. Some policies have a higher monthly premium and a lower out-of-pocket cost when you visit the doctor. Others have a low premium but very high out-of-pocket cost for regular care. One such health plan that has a lower premium and a higher deductible is a catastrophic health plan. Here's what you need to know about catastrophic insurance plans.... Read More ...
Open Enrollment is Closed: Now What?
If you've missed the open enrollment window to sign up for an ACA-compliant health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, all hope is not lost. You still have several options to get coverage for the year. Take these steps to find a plan that will work for your needs, no matter the time of the year.... Read More ...
Travel Insurance Five Types and Why You Need Each
There are various types of travel insurance, so how do you know which policies are right for your trip? Below are five common types of travel insurance that can help you protect yourself when you travel.... Read More ...
How a High Deductible Health Plan Affects Your Finances
Your health insurance plan is a major factor in your finance. If you've arrived here, you likely have questions about how you can save money on health insurance and medical expenses. No two situations are alike, so read on to determine whether a high deductible health plan is a good match for your needs.... Read More ...
Managing the Health Insurance Waiting Period
Signing up for healthcare coverage is an important step to take in protecting yourself and your family from financial expenses should a medical issue arise unexpectedly. However, simply signing up does not mean your coverage will begin immediately. If you are enrolling in a new healthcare plan, you can take the following steps to ensure that you remain protected throughout any gaps in coverage.... Read More ...
Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Co-Pays: A Beginner's Guide
Health insurance can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be. Insurers and healthcare professionals often use intimidating terms when discussing paying for your doctor's visit, but with a good understanding of how insurance payments work, you can save yourself both money and stress.... Read More ...
5 Questions to Ask Yourself During Open Enrollment
For many Americans, open enrollment is happening now. Open enrollment is a period each year where employees are able to make changes to their employer-sponsored or state-run marketplace health insurance plans. The 2016 Healthcare.gov open enrollment period lasts from November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016.... Read More ...
What You Need to Know About Health Insurance When Starting a New Job
Starting a new job is exciting, but all the paperwork about insurance, taxes, and benefits can be confusing.... Read More ...
Health Insurance Options for New Hires in the Waiting Period
You’ve just landed a new job and you’re excited about proving your worth to your new employer. Despite your excitement in accepting the job, you’re concerned about your insurance benefits not starting right away. Should you play it safe and find some other coverage or take the ... Read More ...
ACA Open Enrollment Deadline: What Are Your Insurance Options?
The 2016 cut-off for open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will be on Jan. 31, 2016. With the deadline confirmed, here are the choices available to Americans not covered by a plan through their employer:... Read More ...
ACA Deadline Cheat Sheet
The current healthcare marketplace can be confusing. Understanding your options, especially as they relate to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), requires some study. If you are planning to purchase a 2016 health insurance plan during the Open Enrollment Period, you need to be aware of certain dates.... Read More ...
11 Things You Should Know About Cobra Health Insurance
What you don't know about COBRA could come back to bite you. If you've lost or left a job and have employer-sponsored health insurance, you'll likely be offered something called COBRA.... Read More ...
Thousands Left Without Insurance as Nevada Health Co-Op Shuts Down
Thousands of Nevadans will be left without insurance coverage come January 1, 2016, when the Nevada Health Co-Op (NHC) closes its doors. If you are a member of the NHC, you have several options for continued health coverage.... Read More ...
The One Thing Every International Golfer Needs
Did you know that most insurance coverage does not extend to foreign countries? Your golf vacation is not the time to worry about how medical expenses work in a foreign country. You can alleviate your concerns with Atlas Golf.... Read More ...
Travel Health Insurance Myths
Do any of the following travel medical insurance myths sound like a reason that has prevented you from buying a policy? Hopefully your situation is unlike the millions of people who travel every year, and find themselves in precarious circumstances without the protection of travel medical insurance. Here are some travel insurance myths you should learn about before you decide whether or not to purchase a plan before your next trip abroad.... Read More ...
Individual Mandate Changes for Cancelled Insurance Plans
The Obama administration has announced that Americans whose insurance plans have been canceled this year will get a temporary exemption from the “individual mandate” section of the Affordable Care Act. This means that if your insurance company cancelled your insurance plan in 2013, the federal government won’t require you to get health insurance in the... Read More ...
Insurance for Extreme Sports
You love the adrenaline rush of competitive exercise, but simple sports like basketball or tennis are not enough to satisfy you. You long for the next big thrill, whether it comes from mountain biking, dune sliding, or running with the bulls. Luckily, HCCMIS Atlas Travel® now includes insurance for extreme sports.... Read More ...
International Medical Insurance for Students Studying at American Universities
Traveling to the United States to study at an American university can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives you more of a global outlook and helps you identify what you’re passionate about in life. From visiting Mt. Rushmore to standing in the middle of Times Square, international students studying in the U.S. have... Read More ...
How to Determine Your Travel Insurance Deductible
You’ve been looking forward to your trip abroad for months and now you’re finalizing the logistical details – everything from where you’re going to stay to what types of transportation you’re going to use. As your departure date nears, you’ve been thinking about buying travel medical insurance for your trip. Perhaps you’ve heard stories about... Read More ...
HCC Medical Insurance Services Visits Gleaners Food Bank
Every year, local employees at HCC Medical Insurance Services are given a choice. In lieu of funds for the annual holiday party, employees select a charity to support. In 2011, that charity was Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.... Read More ...
Improvements to Atlas Travel® Series
At HCCMIS, we work hard to bring you products that will match your needs. With that in mind, we recently announced some improvements for our Atlas Travel Series. You can find an overview of the improvements in the video above.... Read More ...
Making Sense of Healthcare Insurance Extensions
You aren’t alone if the constant changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) deadlines are making you feel confused. Difficulties with the Healthcare.gov website, program rollouts, and uncertainty about levels of coverage have many American consumers unsure where to begin.... Read More ...
When Short-Term Medical Insurance Might Be Your Best Choice
Many consumers aren’t aware of the benefits of short term medical (STM) insurance. While they may have heard of STM, they could be under the impression that it’s a last-ditch option when securing another form of health insurance has come up empty.... Read More ...
5 Things Your Travel Insurance Company Won't Tell You
Purchasing travel medical insurance is an important step when planning an international excursion. Most policies come with a standard menu of coverage, which includes accident and injury protection and emergency medical evacuation. But some policies provide additional benefits you may not be aware of – and they could be the difference in your out-of-pocket expenses... Read More ...
Top 5 Questions to Ask About Short Term Medical Insurance
You’re in a period of transition – job loss, aging out of your parents’ policy, and so on – and you’re considering the purchase of short term medical (STM) insurance. You know STM is for the gaps when you’re between long-term coverage alternatives, but you still need more information. Here are the top 5 questions... Read More ...
Ebola Outbreak 2014: Facts and Misconceptions
With the Ebola virus outbreak currently raging in Africa, the disease has been in the news a lot lately. Ebola is a severe illness found in humans and other primates, which has primarily appeared in rain forest areas in West Africa, where the current outbreak is located, and in Central Africa. There is no licensed specific treatment or vaccine for humans or animals. Drug therapies exist, but supportive care... Read More ...
Trip Medical Insurance Buying Guide
Whenever we interact with new customers thinking about trip medical insurance, one of the points we try to drive home the strongest is this:... Read More ...
Can I Keep My Old Doctors with STM?
One of the first questions asked by consumers considering the purchase of short term medical (STM) insurance is whether they can choose their doctors, hospitals, or other medical providers. The short answer is yes!... Read More ...
Final ACA Deadline Moved Back to April 15
The Obama administration has granted a brief reprieve for those who started to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace prior to the March 31 open enrollment deadline. If you tried to enroll prior to March 31 but didn’t finish your application in time, you can still get coverage for 2014 if you complete your enrollment by April 15... Read More ...
Can Dependents be Insured Under Medicare?
As time passes and more people wait to marry and to have children, there’s an obvious effect –more people are caring for children later in their lives. If you wait until age 35 to have your first child, you’ll be in your late fifties when he or she graduates from college.... Read More ...
Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Travel Insurance Rep
Many international travelers don’t realize how much travel insurance can vary in terms of coverage, billing and customer service. When you’re traveling abroad and there’s an emergency, the last thing you want is to experience frustrations about unexpected out-of-pocket costs or uncertainty about whether you’ll need approval to seek medical treatment. It’s far better... Read More ...
Why Travel Medical Insurance?
Travel medical insurance probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind as you prepare for an overseas trip. With all the logistics involved in scheduling vacation days at work, planning your itinerary, packing your suitcase, and getting transportation to the airport, travel medical coverage can become an afterthought. But neglecting to think about travel... Read More ...
What to Look for in Your Travel Insurance Policy
Few things are more exciting than taking that long-awaited trip to an international destination. You spend weeks – even months – planning your itinerary and thinking through logistics like how much local currency you’ll need. Despite all the planning involved, many travelers leave home without something quite important: insurance. In fact, only one in three... Read More ...
HCC Medical Insurance Services Gives Back to Its Agents
We’ve all been there. It’s a quarter after five on Friday, and your son’s baseball game starts in 20 minutes. You’re trying to finish up one last comparison for a client who leaves on a business trip to China next week. You’re trying to ensure that you choose the best plan for your client, but the company websites you depend on for plan information and quoting seem like labyrinths hiding the information you’re searching for... Read More ...
Meet Latoiya, Customer Service Specialist
Meet Latoiya, one of our dedicated Customer Service Specialists. HCC Medical Insurance Services offers personal service via phone 24/7 in addition to email, live chat and Twitter during normal business hours. For a full listing of the travel assistance services provided by our service center, visit the customer care page.... Read More ...
Japan Earthquake: 20% Discount for Relief Workers
The catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that recently struck Japan have deeply impacted the staff of HCC Medical Insurance Services (HCCMIS). As individuals from around the world flock to the impacted areas to provide assistance, HCCMIS would like to do its part to support their courageous mission. In a partnership with InsureMyTrip.com, we are offering a 20% discount on our Atlas International insurance product for travelers going to Japan for relief efforts or family reasons.... Read More ...
MultiNational Underwriters to be Named HCC Medical Insurance Services
Effective July 1, 2009, MultiNational Underwriters will be operating under the name of HCC Medical Insurance Services (HCCMIS for short). This new name further assimilates the company with its parent company, HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc, which is rated A+ by A.M. Best and has assets of over $8 billion.... Read More ...
Changes in Healthcare in 2013
The healthcare and health insurance industries have experienced many changes since the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, with more changes to come. The Act will implement more changes to healthcare over a predetermined timeline, and insurance companies and citizens alike will be able to follow this timeline to anticipate changes and react... Read More ...
Three Reasons Why You Should Buy Travel Medical Insurance
So, you’ve decided to travel abroad. The only problem is you have no idea where you want to go. There are so many places you have wanted to visit, things you wanted to see, cultures you have wanted to experience and people you have wanted to meet.... Read More ...
