Iceland’s volcanic activity caused flight delays all across Europe leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded as air traffic control sorts out strategies to get these passengers where they need to go.  With volcanic ash 5 miles into the air this unexpected trip interruption shuts down one of the world most congested air spaces in the world. Aviation experts say flight delays could continue for several days.

One lady says “I just wish I was on a beach in Mexico,” said Ann Cochrane, 58, of Toronto, a passenger stranded in Glasgow

The Ash cloud shut down London’s five major airports including Heathrow, a major trans-Atlantic hub that handles over 1,200 flights and 180,000 passengers per day. Airport shutdowns and flight cancellations spread eastward across Europe — to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Switzerland — and the effects reverberated worldwide.

Not to mention French officials shut down all flights to Paris and surrounding destinations.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration said it was working with airlines to try to reroute some flights around the massive ash cloud. Nevertheless travelers are going to have to be patient.

As FAA figures out how to deal with all these flight cancellations maybe obtaining a travel Insurance policy with includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage along with natural disaster coverage sounds like a smart thing to do.

How Travel Insurance can help?  Click here

Later in 1790, the conquistador Kamehameha established the city of Lahaina, now known as the capital of Maui. In 1831 the first school was built and with it came the introduction of European culture; but it was not until 1898 that Maui and all the archipelagos of Hawai by the mandate of William Mckinley become part of the United States. In 1959 Hawaii officially become the 50^th U.S. state.

The island’s population went from approximately 40,000 in 1950 to 90,000 in 1990 and now about 140,000 people inhabit the island of Maui. Today the island is considered a paradise and popular vacation destination; with wonderful scenery and clear blue beaches it is easy to see why so many people use it as a personal getaway. And the food and local delicacies are amazing.

Whether on vacation or business, millions of people travel at least once or twice a year; however during the process of booking their trip they’re forgetting a very important element, (Travel Insurance). Most travelers don’t take into account the fact that accidents and illness can occur at any time. In addition, travelers are not aware of the benefits until it is too late.

A few of years ago, Diego and Katherine Sanchez traveled from Buenos Aires to Panama on vacation.  After arriving they met up for dinner at a local restaurant with some friends and family. Soon after Katherine began to feel a pain in her lower back, she didn’t think much of it, until the pain got so bad they had to leave the restaurant and head to the nearest hospital. At first the doctors thought the problem was kidney stones then they thought it could be appendicitis. After concluding that it wasn’t appendicitis the doctors began looking at the possibility of it being scoliosis. 

After 10 hours in the emergency room the doctors were not sure what the problem was but Katherine was starting to feel better and got the ok to go back to their hotel. But not before where they slammed with a medical bill of $980 dollars.

Luckily before leaving for their trip the couple purchased a travel insurance policy which reimbursed them the total amount of the medical expense.

The truth is people often think that travel insurance is unnecessary until something like this happens.

Here are some benefits worth having on your trip:                

• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Emergency Medical
• Lost Baggage
• Baggage Delay
• Accidental Death
• Flight Accident
• Pre-Existing Conditions
• Rental Vehicle
• Cancel for any Reason
• Cancel for Business Reason
• Travel Delay / miss connection

The importance of choosing the Right Coverage

It is essential to select the right coverage according to your needs. For example if you’re going to be playing a risky or extreme sport, you should then select the type of insurance policy which covers this type of activity.

Make an informed decision

Before buying travel insurance you should compare prices and coverages, AtlasAssist.com gives you the option to compare travel insurance from the top providers in the industry. With our state of the art engine you can view, compare and buy from over 200 plans in order to meet your travel insurance needs. Just a few questions on your trip and you can receive a travel insurance quote immediately for FREE.

Get peace of mind when you need it most.

Examples:

If a client books a cruise and elects to insure only the cruise component, they can do so and be covered by CFAR provided that 100% of the non-refundable cruise cost is insured.  However, if they booked an inside cabin and then upgraded to an outside cabin later on, you/they must also upgrade their policy to cover the additional cost of the cruise within 15 days of making those changes. 

When enrolling, just indicate in the “Trip Type” field the arrangements to be insured.  For this specific example you would select “cruise”…It’s that simple!

With this major change, we have eliminated the “risk and responsibility” that many times fall on the travel professional if their clients purchase other travel arrangements without their knowledge – such as air and pre/post packages. Under the old terms, those components would have been required to be insured in order to qualify for the CFAR terms.

We are the only company that allows your clients to select the specific travel components they only wish to insure. Our philosophy since introducing this innovative CFAR over 4 years ago is to be the LEADER by striving to be the best and to keep the selling process of insurance easy. 

Atlas Financial Group, Corp is proud to announce the launch of its subsidiary, AtlasAssist.com in Latin America, it will be the first website marketed for the Latin American market where you can compare and buy travel insurance online.

 www.atlasassist.com features over 200 different insurance plans from the top travel insurance providers in the industry. The comprehensive quoting engine and comparison tools allow you to review all benefits and coverages in full detail.

 Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Emergency Medical, Lost Baggage, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, 24 travel assistance, etc. are just some of the benefits to compare from, so you can the most informed decision possible.

To quote, compare and buy visit:

www.atlasglobalnet.com

www.atlasassist.com

AtlasAssist

The H1N1 virus better known as the Swine flu continues to affect world travel. Many people are wondering if they should pack their bags or cancel their travel plans. As a result, you can imagine this is creating a major halt to an already slow travel industry. Although Health Organizations have recommended avoiding travel to Mexico, the good news is there are many things one can do to reduce the risk of infection.

In order to counter the spread, some cruise lines have stopped voyages to Mexico and begun re-routing ships to the Caribbean. Airports also have taken precautions against H1N1 virus by increasing sanitation efforts, and installing thermal scanners to monitor the body temperatures of travelers.

If you are planning to travel within the next 2-4 months here are some things to consider.

• Book early morning or late night flights
• Wash your hands and frequently
• Avoid high congested areas
• Educate children about the flu and the importance of cleanliness
• Try and limit the time you spend at airports, train stations, or any high transit area.

Symptoms of the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus):

• Coughing
• Fever
• Body aches
• Vomiting
• Head aches

Keep in mind that although we must be extremely cautious when traveling this summer, the fact is that there have only been approximately 900 confirmed cases of swine flu throughout the world and with proper medication and rest the virus can be treated.

Travel Insurance:

A good benefit to consider just in case you need to cancel your tip is cancel for any reason coverage. The Cancel for Any Reason benefit is an excellent enhancement to your trip cancellation coverage. No longer do you need a “covered’ reason to cancel your trip. This popular benefit provides reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs in the form of a cash refund. This gives you peace of mind in case you do decide not to travel in the upcoming months.

What is covered?

Travel insurance is designed to insure you against many travel related losses, such as:

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption
• Travel Delay
• Emergency Medical & Dental Expense
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
• Lost Baggage & Baggage Delay
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• 24 hour emergency travel assistance
• Medical Evacuation

Depending on the type of policy some benefits may not be included. So please be aware of all the different plans companies may offer in order to choose the best coverage available.

Comprehensive Packaged Plans

Mostly all the top travel insurance providers offer packaged plans designed to provide the most complete travel protection on a per trip basis. These plans cover any type of trip and offer the highest levels of medical coverage and widest range of benefits. Comprehensive packaged plans are the most inclusive policies available as well as the most expensive.

 Travel Medical Plans

Travel Medical Plans provide international medical coverage while traveling up to one year on a per trip basis. Even if you have comprehensive medical insurance, it may not cover you while traveling outside your home country.  A Travel Medical plan can guard against an unexpected illness, injury, or accident while traveling abroad and help cover those out of pocket expenses.

 Emergency Medical Evacuation Plan

Companies also offer medical evacuation plans that just cover you in the event that you become seriously ill or injured while traveling and need to be medically transported to the nearest medical care facility or hospital or choice. These plans can be purchased for single or annual multi-trip coverage.

 Annual Multi-Trip Plans

These travel medial plans as mentioned above are ideal for the frequent or business traveler looking for basic annual travel medical coverage while minimizing the annual cost of insurance. Coverage is good for every trip taken throughout one year. There is trip length restrictions associated with these plans.

 Student Travel Insurance

Specifically tailored to meet the travel needs of the international student, these plans provide coverage for medical expenses, travel delay, missed connections, AD&D as well as 24 hour assistance services and other unique services. Whether a US citizen studying abroad or an international student studying in the United States, student travel plans will safeguard your next class trip, study abroad program, or spring break vacation.

 Travel insurance and the Schengen Visa

Traveling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area, you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system.  With a Schengen visa, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen zone. Internal border controls have disappeared; there are no or few stops and checks. This means that internal air, road and train travel are handled as domestic trips, similar to travel from one US state to another.

www.AtlasAssist.com

Standard trip cancellation plans already provide essential protection against unexpected events which may cause you to cancel your trip. But sometimes things come up that are not necessarily considered to be unforeseen emergencies but do require our attention, especially if the trip was planned months in advance.

• Your child’s school play or graduation,
• A surprise addition to the family,
• Personal or family issue,
• Or you just simply changed your mind about the trip

These are just some common examples of what life throws at you. The Cancel for Any Reason benefit can allow you to make any changes in your plans without having to forfeit any travel expenses already paid.

To be eligible for Cancel for Any Reason benefits certain policy conditions apply. The plan must be purchased within a certain time of your initial trip deposit or final trip payment (varies by company) and you must cancel the trip before your departure date (usually 2 days prior).

Please view our list of featured plans offering the Cancel for Any Reason benefit:

http://www.atlasassist.com/cancel-for-any-reason.aspx

You’ve planned and packed – you’re all ready for your trip – but you may have overlooked one of the key ingredients for a great vacation: taking the necessary steps to make sure you and your family have a safe and healthy trip.

The healthier your body is, the easier it will be for you to adapt to the effects of jet lag. If you plan a few days ahead, however, even the most out-of-shape may be able to head off the misery of jet lag. Several days before you leave, try going to bed a little earlier or a little later (if you are flying east or west, respectively), and start a stretching regiment. Hydrate yourself and eat lightly the day you travel. The headache, light-headedness and nausea associated with jet lag should lessen significantly when such measures are taken.

COMMON TRAVEL AILMENTS
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is an unpleasant problem for many travelers; however, there are some over-the-counter and prescription medications available. If you wish to combat motion sickness on your own, try the following:

When traveling by car, try to sit in the front seat and, if you can, avoid reading as it only heightens the feeling of motion sickness.

When traveling by boat, sit as close to the middle of the vessel as possible and look straight ahead at the horizon, a fixed point that will not move. Today’s high-tech cruise ships are built for comfort, with stabilizers for smooth sailing, and most passengers experience little or no motion sickness.

When flying, try to sit near the wing of the plane, or the side where you are accustomed to driving. Ear plugs also may help.

Extremes: Heatstroke and Hypothermia
To avoid heatstroke, stay out of the sun for prolonged periods of time. By the same token, try to avoid unusually cold water to prevent hypothermia.

Dehydration
It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of a vacation and get dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you even more.

Allergies
People who suffer from allergies should take the same precautions on vacation as they do at home. Bring any medications used on a regular basis. It’s also a good idea to bring an antihistamine in case of accidental exposure to a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. It also may be helpful to pack your own pillowcase for use in hotels, and to request a non-smoking room.

Arthritis
The inflammation of the joints that occurs with arthritis may be especially troubling during long trips that restrict movement. Taking frequent breaks to walk around and relieve stiff joints and muscles can make car, plane and cruise trips more enjoyable. Remember to pack aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any prescription medications you normally use for arthritis.

Diarrhea
There’s nothing more miserable than getting sick while on vacation. For most destinations, the major health risk to travelers is diarrhea, which may be easily avoided. In general, common sense prevails. When in doubt, steer clear of uncooked meat, raw fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized milk products, and drink only bottled water (although the tip of the bottle may be contaminated, so wipe it clean before drinking from it) or water that has been boiled for at least 20 minutes. If you begin to feel sick or develop a fever, rest and drink tea or purified water. Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea clear up within a few days.

Overactive Bladder and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If you suffer from an overactive bladder or irritable bowel syndrome, you may require frequent bathroom visits during long trips. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications are often helpful for the latter, and there are prescription medications available for people who may experience more severe symptoms. Avoiding stress, caffeine, and certain types of high-fat foods can help keep these conditions under control.

Animal and Insect Bites
If you are bitten by a wild animal, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many animal bites require a tetanus shot and, in certain cases, a rabies shot. If bitten by a snake, lie as still as possible so not to spread the venom that may be present; then send others to get help immediately.

Check your body for ticks. Remove any with tweezers and watch the area for rash over the course of the next few weeks. See your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, rash, cough or weight loss.

FIRST AID KIT
It’s a good idea to keep a first-aid kit handy for any emergencies that may arise during your trip. It should include:

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
Work with your travel agent to get as much information as possible about the destination, especially if you will be traveling alone.

Hotels
Stay in hotels on well-traveled streets in safer areas of any city. The more expensive hotels usually have better security. Stay on lower level floors in case of fire or other need to evacuate quickly. Avoid the first floor, as it may not be safe from burglars. When returning to your hotel at night, use the main entrance. Be observant before entering parking lots.

Close and lock your hotel room door at all times. Check sliding glass doors, windows and connecting room doors. Acquaint yourself with the location of stairways, fire escapes, exits and alarms.

Do not answer your hotel room door without verifying who it is. If someone claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to verify. Never invite strangers into your room.

If you see suspicious activity or suspicious object, contact someone in authority immediately.

Transportation
Your travel agent can arrange for transfers from the airport or port, if necessary. Taxis or private car hires are recommended, as you are more insulated. Most airports, ports and train stations have areas clearly marked for taxis and car service pick-up. Do not enter any vehicle that does not have a proper license or does not pick you up from the designated area.

If you will be renting a car, get maps in advance and clearly write out the directions from the airport to your hotel. If you need to stop for directions, go to well-lit public areas. Keep the phone numbers of your destinations with you.

Lock your car doors while driving. Do not pick up strangers or stop for people you don’t know. Police cars will have blue and red lights; do not stop for cars flashing their high-beams.

Keep a low profile
Do not discuss your travel plans or itinerary publicly. Vary your schedule, if possible. Vary travel routes when possible.

Maintain a low profile. Dress down, if possible, and leave the expensive jewelry and watches at home. Do not display large amounts of cash or travelers checks. Look like a person of modest means. Do not leave your itinerary or other sensitive business information in your hotel room.

Blend in with the locals as best you can so you do not want to stand out. Cultural and racial differences may make this impossible, but you can still make yourself look like a person of modest means.

Be alert for surveillance, especially in high-risk countries. Kidnappers and extortionists identify their targets and then watch their potential victims to determine daily patterns.

Avoid disturbances and civil demonstrations, as they may become violent. Seek safe shelter away from the disturbance as quickly as possible.

Out and about
Keep your valuables, including passports, etc., in a money belt concealed under your clothes. Or, use the hotel safe to store valuables. Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times, but separate from where you are carrying your passport. In high-risk countries, it is a good idea to check in with the American Embassy and provide them with a copy of your passport in case you need to have it replaced. Pickpockets and thieves operate widely in many cities around the world, but especially near tourist attractions.

Whenever you use your credit card, keep an eye on it until it is returned to you. Always verify that it is your credit card before storing it again. Check credit cards when they are returned

If you are unfamiliar with the local language, carry a card or matchbook with the hotel’s name and address. You can show the card or matchbook to a cab driver or police officer if you get lost. Before leaving the United States, make up several pocket cards with key phrases in the local language. (i.e., “Which way is the airport?” and “Where are the restrooms?”)

Be careful when out on the town at night. Watch your drinks being poured and never accept a drink from a stranger. Get advice from your hotel concierge or other trusted source about reputable restaurants and other entertainment. Avoid being out on the streets late at night. Have your hotel arrange for car service or taxi service and know the addresses and directions before getting in the car.

BLAZING YOUR OWN TRAIL SAFELY
If you’re charting unknown territory, you’re going to want to take extra precautions to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way. Plan for the worst. Pack a survival kit that includes your first aid kit, a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof firestarter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain wear, high-energy food and water. Ask your doctor about necessary immunizations. Take a first aid course before you leave and learn the ABC’s of treating emergencies. Learn to recognize medical emergencies and respond to them immediately and appropriately, comforting the victim until help arrives. As common sense would dictate, avoid areas of natural hazards such as avalanche, rock fall, floods, and hazardous plants and animals, and check for potential hazards of terrain, sanitation (including infectious disease) and climate.

What is Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion Insurance?

It is an insurance policy that protects individuals/families and corporations against kidnapping and extortion threats. A policy can cover items such as ransom payments, hostage negotiations, medical and psychiatric care, loss of income, consulting fees, family counseling, rehabilitation and many other related expenses.

Besides the insurance protection, insured’s have access to a crisis management team that focuses on assessment and prevention to ensure a skilled response to the crisis.

After Colombia reported more than 3000 kidnappings in a single year while terrorist threats increase worldwide, more multinational corporations are using K&R insurance to protect themselves, employees, and their assets against these attacks. K&R insurance will help manage the costs associated with an extortion threat, which without insurance could leave a small-medium sized company in a financial crisis.

Ransom Benefits are always on a reimbursement basis only for two reasons:

1. It is illegal to insure an unlawful event. For example, you cannot insure against an act of vandalism, but    you can insure expenses incurred as a result of the act.

2. Negotiations. A person’s net worth maybe in the billions of dollars, but if the majority of the money is in real estate, then the family might have to sell off property which can take several months to raise the ransom payment. Most often negotiations are hastened by access to quick cash, even if it is less than the original demand amount. If the full ransom is paid too quickly then negotiations maybe compromised.

The core of the plan

The primary benefit of K&R insurance is the ransom payments but at the core of the plan is the Crisis Management Teams. These risk assessment professionals in most cases will advise the families or corporations during the ordeal. Crisis Management firms usually have a diverse background including military, FBI, CIA, and anti-terrorist, providing for a qualified and adept handling of a terrorist incident.

First policy issued in 1932

K&R insurance has been around since 1932. It was first offered by Lloyd’s of London, after the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped, however it was only offered to a small number of people and companies fitting a certain criteria. While no one can predict when or where a kidnapper will strike, K&R insurance is good way to protect yourself, company, and employees in the event of such a threat.

Countries with the highest frequency of Kidnap/Extortion

• Brasil
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• India
• México
• Nigeria
• Philippines
• Russia
• Venezuela
• South Africa

The Outcomes

The majority of kidnap cases end with the ransom being paid. The safety of the victim is of principal concern and authorities in most countries use the rescue as a last resort. The average percentage of deaths occurring after a kidnapping is 9%. The percentage of deaths occurring in cases involving control risk is 2%, largely because killings usually take place at the time of abduction rather than during negotiation.

The Payment

Ransom payments are usually confidential. Latin America leads the list, in terms of the largest settlements. There have been cases in Europe, where a large sum of money has been paid. There has been a rise in the average ransom payment in recent years, as the chart below shows.

How to Protect Yourself

• Avoid traveling on airlines that are known to be of high risk and relaxed in security.
• Try to avoid connecting flights, choose direct flights whenever possible.
• Do not display any identifying materials or items that link you to your Company.
• Try to avoid making airline and hotel reservations under your company name. Your corporate affiliation should not appear anywhere your itinerary.
• Try to minimize the time spent in places where foreigners or tourists might gather such as a nightclub, bars, or a well known tourist area.
• Avoid dress and behavior that might identify you as a foreigner (know what locals wear)
• Do not discuss travel plans or agenda with hotel staff, they may be criminal Informants.
• If your destination is known to be of high risk, avoid being met at the airport in a company car or by a high profile person.
• If met at the hotel by a company driver use a password or coded sign to identify yourself. The driver should never carry a sign with your name or company name.
• Avoid using the same entrance or exit while staying at a hotel. It is good to change the times you leave your hotel each day and schedule your work day accordingly so that you’re back before sun down.
• During your flight do not provide anyone with specific details about yourself.
• Prior to arrival do not put any specific company affiliation on your landing card and use general terms such as salesman or businessperson.
• Be suspicious of any chance acquaintances made in or around the hotel.
• Try to keep a low profile and never distinguish your self as a person of high class or standing.
• Be well aware of high peril places, especially while traveling outside the main city.
• Most US embassies can provide you with information.

If traveling to a destination that has a history kidnappings or terrorists attacks:

• Try to discuss plans with travel partners
• Register with the US embassy or consulate
• Do not leave personal or business oriented papers in your hotel room
• Make sure your affairs are in order before leaving home.

What to do if you are already a hostage

• Be passive and cooperative. Do not be aggressive or hostile and comply with all their instructions.
• Try to remain relaxed, prepare yourself physically and mentally for the long haul.
• Avoid direct contact with your captors and do not make your observations obvious.
• Do not resist or make threatening movements, Do not try escape unless your
• ABSOLUTELY sure your will be successful.
• Keep your answers short and do not volunteer information.
• Establish a daily program of mental and physical activities.
• Eat whatever they give regardless of taste. The loss of appetite and weight is normal.
• If involved in a lengthy situation try establish a rapport with your kidnappers, avoid political or confrontational subjects.
• Gradually increase your request for personal comfort or materials (Medicine, books, paper, etc). Make those requests in a low key manner.
• Always motivate yourself by remembering that you’re valuable to your captors so it is important that they keep you alive.

Factors that determine the cost of coverage:

• Your name and location
• Net worth
• Business activities
• Number of people to be insured and their location
• Previous threats or incidents that may give rise to a claim
• Type of Business
• Security plan currently in place

High profile individuals or companies with employees who are traveling or based overseas, particularly Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa, should consider kidnap, ransom and extortion insurance.

 For a complete brochure, write to:

info@atlasglobalnet.com