The Importance Of Informing Insurers About Changes by P Malcolm

Over the years, everyone will undergo many changes in their lives. In terms of insurance, whether it is our property or our own personal circumstances, these changes can affect the conditions of our coverage. Whatever type of insurance you have, it is important that you review it regularly to make sure you are completely protected. If there are changes in your life that affects your insurance policy coverage, you must report it to your insurance provider.
Insurance providers for such types of policies as home, vehicle, life, and health, mandate that you inform them of any changes that can affect your insurance coverage. You will normally have to notify them by phone, special form, or letter outlining what changes have taken place in regards to your policy coverage. Your insurance rate is based on risk and value. The specific conditions are outlined in your insurance policy. Coverage only extends to what is included in the policy and any changes will impact your policy coverage. Insurance providers price the insurance risk on the information the owner provides and if that information proves to be false, the provider has the right to cancel or reassess the policy. Depending on the situation and type of insurance, it could even result in a policy holder paying a fine for not reporting important changes.
Health insurance is one example where changes must be reported. For instance, if you have a health insurance policy where your spouse is included, and you get a divorce, you will have to notify your health insurance provider of the change in circumstance. If you do not keep your policy information current, it could result in losing your coverage or having delays in reimbursement.
Another instance where not reporting changes can affect insurance coverage is your car insurance. If there is a change in such areas as: installing expensive electronic devices such as a stereo, the addition of a mechanical feature such as an expensive brake system, an increased risk of theft, a change in the safety of the car, or a change in the vehicle's performance, you must report them to your insurance provider. If you do not report the changes, you could lose coverage or you will not be covered if something happens such as if your car is stolen or damaged.
Home insurance is another type of insurance that requires reporting any changes to the insurance company. For instance, insurance premiums are calculated based on a number of factors that can include: the type of house, the number of bedrooms...etc. If you add a room, it can affect your premium rates.
You are required to inform your insurance company should there be changes regarding your address, occupation, personal pursuits, and property being insured which would affect your risk profile. If not, you could end up in a terrible situation such if your house and your belongings were destroyed in a fire, and you did not have insurance protection.
Purchasing insurance is an important investment to ensuring that you and your family are protected in case of a sudden event that could put your future at risk. It is important that your insurance provider is informed of any changes to ensure your coverage remains intact.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PROTECTION by Ray Sandeo

Nothing offers the same opportunities for learning about new places and cultures like travelling abroad. Without proper medical insurance, an unexpected health problem can quickly ruin a trip. Unfortunately, many health insurance plans that cover students at home may not include international care. With an international student health insurance plan, however, students can be well-prepared for unexpected illness and injury when studying abroad.International student health insurance offers coverage that is similar to a traditional plan. The plans typically offer coverage for trips that are between seven days and twelve months. Coverage often includes up to $1 million dollars in coverage for any expenses that are related to treatment for illness and injury.Medical insurance that is offered for international student travel (often referred to as “study abroad insurance”,) is a valuable addition to any student travel plan. Being away from home and with limited financial resources can makes any medical situation seem frightening. With study abroad insurance, students are protected for their entire stay, 24 hours a day.In case of emergency, study abroad insurance often includes coverage for expenses related to transporting the student to the nearest medical facility, or repatriation. This is an added benefit that many traditional insurance plans do not offer.To learn more about the various types of international student health insurance policies, start by researching the companies that offer them. It’s important to ask key questions about what conditions are covered and the deductible type.Learning what types of expenses are associated with an study abroad insurance plan is very beneficial. Doing so will help to fully prepare the student with the best health insurance benefits possible while travelling abroad.Any overseas travel plans should include a plan for the unexpected – study abroad insurance coverage prepares any student for unexpected medical problems. All students who are studying abroad can benefit from health coverage, whether they are studying for six months or a year.Assuming that a traditional medical insurance plan will provide all of the coverage that a student needs can be a big mistake. Health insurance plans for international students prepare all students for an exciting and healthy study abroad experience, no matter what the destination.

Do Older People Need Life Insurance Policies? by Marilyn Katz

Have you outgrown your need for a life insurance policy after your old term life policy expired? Did you have group life at work, but that ended because you retired or changed jobs?
Many of us purchased term when we were younger. Or we signed up for a group life insurance plan at work. We were worried about covering our home mortgages, kid's education, etc. in case we passed away. And yes, younger people may need good coverage. But does that mean older people do not need coverage?
Now we find ourselves in our fifties, sixties, and seventies, and we lack coverage. A group policy may have ended when we retired or changed jobs. A term contract may have ended. Or maybe we just let our policy lapse when we thought we did not need it any more. Either way, at a time when we are more likely to plan for the future, we lack a life insurance policy!
So in middle age or retirement years, we find that we may still have obligations. Many of us are still working at jobs, running a business, or responsible for other people.
The kids did not always grow up and get on their own like we thought they would. Nowadays, many grown children are returning to live with parents, and sometimes they bring their own kids! You may actually have more people who depend upon you than you did before.
The house loan may not have gotten paid off. Some people move, and others have to take out a second loan or delay payments because of financial reasons.I am certain that your situation is not the same as you thought it would be when you were 35 years old. Who will make that payment without us?
And sometimes we take on added duties as we age. Many people start a small business in middle age or even older. If the business loses us, what will happen to it? Key man or business owners policies can keep it running. Business policies can also be used to guarantee financing and settle estates.
And these policies are available. Since people are living longer and healthier lives, major insurers are willing to issue coverage. It may be tough to find a 30 year term policy at age 70, but many people can qualify for 10 year term. And whole life policies get issued to seventy year olds, and sometimes, even up to age 85!
What type of life insurance should older people consider?
You need to consider your own situation. This would include your financial goals, what you need to protect, and your general health status. The cheapest term policies may require an applicant to be in reasonably good health for their age. Some whole life policies will ask few, or no, health questions though.
Whole life policies will cost more per dollar of coverage, but they can also be considered assets with possible cash or life settlement values. Term life usually costs less, but of course, it will expire, and cannot usually be considered any sort of an asset.

15 Year Term Life Insurance by Dennis Jarvis

One of the first big considerations you will hit when comparing term life insurance plans and rates is the length of coverage that is needed (and affordable). The range can be from 5 to 30 years for most carriers but this choice has pretty big implications later on during the policy. 15 year life is traditionally a popular choice for a few reasons and uses so let's take a closer look.
With a range of 5 to 30 years for most term life policies, 15 fall right in the "goldilocks" range...not too short and not too long (loosely translated as expensive). 5 and 10 year policies are so short that they tend to work well for specific issues or financial responsibilities you are insuring against. For example, you have 10 years left on your mortgage or you want to insure the principles in a new business venture during the first 5 year start up phase. 15 years is a little different. 15 year term life is more of what you think of when shopping for term life insurance in the first place. It's to protect your family from the big "what if" for all the different financial reasons that life insurance needs to address.
15 year term length is long enough to really cover a good range of a person's earning life depending on when they purchase it. For example, most people start to think of getting life insurance when they start a family or enter into a mortgage. Actually, most people put off life insurance (rolling the dice) a few years after and then finally decide they can't take the risk any longer. This most likely is the result of seeing friends, coworkers or loved ones who had the unimaginable happen with or without life insurance. That can be a big wake-up call and by chance, you may come across such a situation in your late 30's early 40's. 15 year term life then takes your family out past college years and protects your family into early adulthood.
It also address a big part of your mortgage requirements for a typical house. If you have a 30 year mortgage and you're 10 to 15 years into it, 15 year term life carries you out through this financially responsibility. Even if you have 25 years left on your mortgage, 15 years of term life will afford you a length of time to adjust, re-evaluate, and move forward financially without the immediate pressure of a monthly mortgage that is no longer afforded without the primary earner in the family.
Affordability and the ability to pay the actual monthly term life insurance premium is a critical concern. Insurance agents are always quick to recommend lots of insurance but if you can't afford it, what's the point. With many kinds of insurance, covering 100% of the risk rarely makes sense as you're paying a dollar to get a dollar. That's why health insurance doesn't cover 100% (unless maybe you work for the Senate and Congress). It would be so expensive that it wouldn't make sense. Assuming a certain amount of term life benefit, 20 or 30 year term might be too expensive. Again, you need to afford the coverage. 15 year term life allows you to cover a great deal of the financial risk while still being able to pay the premium over the life of the policy. When you run your term life instant quote, adjust the desired amount of term life benefit while comparing 15, 20, and 30 year term. Take a look at the premium difference between especially the 15 and 20 year term life period. Of course, 20 might be better but only if it makes sense especially during the occasion financial tough times that a family or person may face.

Foreign Travelers in America Are at Risk Without Insurance by Debra Dragon

Health insurance in the United States is necessary to ensure individuals have adequate protection and coverage when facing injury, illness or medical emergencies. Unlike some countries which have a health care system managed by the government, having health insurance in America is the responsibility of each citizen and foreign traveler.
While it is illegal to turn away uninsured individuals who need life saving treatment, it is not uncommon for doctors or hospitals to refuse treatment to uninsured individuals who are not in immediate danger of losing their life. Having health insurance can mean the difference between having adequate and necessary treatment, suffering due to non-treatment or incurring thousands of dollars in medical expenses for procedures and treatment not covered by insurance. Foreign travelers to the United States should be aware that their own health insurance will not provide coverage while they are traveling. Here are a few things to consider to avoid purchasing an insurance policy that puts you at risk.
Find a reliable company- There are several companies offering visitor and travel insurance for people coming to the United States. Look for a company that has friendly, courteous and knowledgeable staff that is willing to answer all your questions and provide information that helps you find the best policy- even if it is not their own.
Understand limits- Insurance policies often have "limits" to the amount of costs they will cover for specific services. It is not enough to have insurance, you must look for a policy that can provide reasonable coverage in the event you need to seek medical attention. Policies that have a specific limit for procedures and services may not provide adequate coverage which will end up costing you more money in the long run.
Deductibles- There are few if any insurance policies that cover all expenses. Most insurance policies require the policy holder be responsible for a certain amount of expenses before coverage kicks in to pay for health costs. In many cases you may find insurance premiums that are less expensive only to discover you end up paying more out of pocket expenses before your coverage begins. Carefully review information in regards to deductibles and weigh the cost of paying these deductibles with the cost of the premium.
Benefit period- Consider the benefit period offered by each insurance policy. There are policies that limit the length of time they will cover expenses regardless of whether or not you still have coverage. In this case it is possible to have a condition which requires treatment that exceeds the "benefit period" making you responsible for expenses that occur after that period expires.
Maximums- Similar to benefit periods, some policies will only cover a predetermined dollar amount before coverage is not longer available. This is referred to as lifetime or per occurrence maximums. If you find yourself facing a major medical issue which requires expensive or lengthy treatment you may find you are out of insurance before you have received all the care needed to treat your condition.
Foreign travelers to the United States must understand that the health care system in America may vary greatly from their native country. The most affordable policy is not always the least expensive as it is possible to pay a lower premium only to find yourself paying much more in out of pocket expenses. Carefully consider all the limits, out of pocket expenses and exclusions before determining which policy will provide the best coverage.

Credit Cards & How They Work by Larry L. Taylor

Those with less than a desirable credit history can be hurt severely by insurance, car loan and mortgage rates. Not only that but it can be extremely hard to even get a credit card. The whole financial picture can become a nightmare.
Quite often consumers wonder what they can do to rebuild their credit. The first thing is to get a credit card designed for people with bad credit. The second thing is: READ THE FINE PRINT.
There are only so many credit cards available for people with bad credit. At first glance, many look the same. They all help build and rebuild your credit by reporting to the major credit bureaus on a monthly basis. They all provide you with the Visa or Mastercard you need to make many purchases. And they are all necessary evils that can save you thousands of dollars in mortgage and car loan rates in the future.
You must read the fine print before applying for one of these credit cards, as they often charge high yearly fees, set-up fees, and even monthly fees. Here, are a few examples of charges current "bad credit" credit cards bury in the fine print. Of the three major cards, only one stands out as consumer-friendly. Which one is it? Read and Heed.
"Bad Credit" Credit Card #1:
This credit card charges a very low interest rate for an unsecured credit card. However, your first fine print glimpse reveals that there is a one time setup fee of $29. Not too bad. So far, since the next charge is a one time fee of $95. So far, we're up to $124 in expenses. That's got to be it, right? No. Add in another $48 for the annual fee and $6 per month in account maintenance fees. That's brings the cost of your new credit card to $244 the first year, and $120 each additional year. This is no small change, and a card such as this should be considered only if you cannot be accepted for a better unsecured credit card for bad credit.
"Bad Credit" Credit Card #2:
This credit card charges a very high interest rate for an unsecured credit card. This can't be good. But the setup fee is only $29. Maybe this card isn't so bad. There is that pesky monthly maintenance fee of $6.50 per month which brings the cost of this unsecured credit card to $107. Maybe we've found a bargain. Not quite. The annual fee is a whopping $150. Yes, $150 every year. That not only brings the initial cost up to $257, but you will also pay $228 a year just to maintain the credit card. There has to be a better offer.
"Bad Credit" Credit Card #3:
This credit card is available as both a secured and unsecured credit card, based on the issuer's review of your credit history. The interest rate is average, even competitive. Now, the fine print reveals that there is a one time setup fee. However, based on your credit, this fee can be as low as $0 or as high as $49. So far so good, especially if your credit is not that bad. But, there must be a huge annual fee. Not exactly. The annual fee for a secured credit card is only $35, and for an unsecured credit card, this fee can be as low as $39 or up to $79. So far, the cost of this card ranges from $35 to $128. Now its time for the monthly maintance fee. This one has to be huge. Or not. Its $0. That means the most you could possible be charged to obtain this credit card is $128, about half of what competing cards are charging.
Clearly, there are substantial difference between "bad credit" credit cards. Of the three offers we have examined, only one doesn't take you to the cleaners. In fact, "bad credit" credit card #3 provides great value. All positive changes to your credit history and credit score will translate into lower loan rates, lower credit card interest rates, lower insurance rates, and ultimately, thousands of dollars in savings. The path to rebuilding credit has its costs, but in the long term, rebuilding your credit with a "bad credit" credit card is the fastest and most cost-efficient way to correct the often unfortunate circumstances that have damaged your credit in the first place.©2006 Credit Card Depot Inc.
And now please visit the ACreditInfo website listed below for updated information on Credit and Debt Help.

How to Do it Yourself Debt Settlement by Alfred Baldwin

Do It Yourself Debt Settlement sometimes called self help Debt Settlement is a viable alternative choice to resolving your debt. The dirty small secret Debt Settlement firms don't would like you to know is : They charge you thousands of dollars for a service that you can finish yourself. Hiring a debt settlement company or cash advance company is like hiring somebody to tie your shoes. if you're like millions of americans, you are looking for solutions to your finance problem. With a jobless rate of 9.7 percent as of June 2009, many economists are concerned the current trend might have disastrous implications on the economy as a whole. The State by State jobless rates are even more disturbing. As of May 2009 12 States have unemployment rates that exceed 10 %. Of the 12 States four have unemployment that exceeds 12 percent. These States South Carolina and Rhode Island with 12.1 percent, Oregon with 12.4 percent and of course Michigan with an astounding 14.1 % unemployment is clearly suffering the most. The above statistical data aren't good news for the average consumer who is already experiencing monetary problems. The prospects through the remainder of 2009 and early 2010 doesn't look encouraging either. In saying this, if you are already considering debt settlement, the question arises ; how do I start dealing with my creditors directly? the first step to self-help Debt Settlement is to research the entire process. There are a myriad of websites devoted to the method of debt negotiation. Many of these web sites ( In the interest of full discovery, our web site as well ) are trying to sell you something. The majority of these websites provide you with info that was gathered from the internet. People can find all this info online with a little research. the next step is to collect all of your regular debts together and create a once a month budget. Make a list of your necessary monthly expenses to include your mortgage or rent, auto payments, utilities, Insurance, gas, food and other household bills. Take this amount and multiply that sum by 1.2 ; this may give you an additional 20 percent cushion for unexpected costs or emergencies. The difference between your total household income and the formerly calculated amount is your monthly settlement budget.Start setting this amount aside as your settlement fund, as this fund accumulates use this as your benchmark for amounts you offer your creditors. at that point you need to make an intractable commitment to the method. It is essential that you understand that your lenders, in nearly every case, won't even debate settlements if you are currently paying them. Once you stop paying your creditors, the debt settlement process begins. The creditor is going to start escalating their collection processes in a plan to lessen their financial losses. Your lenders will start calling you to bring your account current. Do not avoid all these telephone calls ; these calls are your chances to advise your creditors of your inclinations and initiate the negotiation process. when you're negotiating settlements with your lenders it is always in your best interest to offer settlements in one one-off sum payments. If you have access to immediate money, this is the perfect time to use it. Creditors are also experiencing financial difficulties in these trying commercial times. If you make a decision to use investments ( 401k, Stocks, Bonds, IRA's and like investments ) to settle your debt, seek the steering of a seasoned accountant first. The query you should ask any accountant is : Will I save cash in the long run by utilizing these funds. Remember, your investments at best are generating 10 -12 % interest even for bad credit loans. Your creditors are most likely charging you 2 - 2.5 times this amount in interest on your due balance. Now that way we have described the fundamentals, is it any wonder why Debt Settlement companies are flooding the airwaves ( both TV and radio ) with their commercials. These Settlement corporations are preying on your fears and shortage of data with commercials that make it sound like they are doing something special. The truth is ( as several State lawyer Generals have latterly stated ) many settlement companies are making guarantees they can't, or never intended to keep just to separate you from your money.