"Winging it" abroad without proper coverage is a dangerous way to travel. In the best case scenario, you never catch a cold, sprain a foot, or look at a stethoscope. But if something does go wrong, you could find yourself in a foreign hospital bed, knee deep in medical costs, maxing out your only credit card.

For those who travel regularly or are planning an extended excursion, having the peace of mind that they will have medical, travel and personal protection is an important first step towards a safe and successful voyage.

"No one expects to get injured or sick while on vacation," says John Knapp, VP of marketing for International SOS Assistance, a provider or worldwide medical, personal and travel assistance services.

According to statistics, the majority of medical problems abroad are the result of car and bike accidents. In early July, a group of UW medical school students were on a month-long AIDS research program in central Africa. During a bus ride, the students were involved in an accident, unfortunately killing one student and the driver. The other five members were hospitalized in Johannesburg, South Africa. Without proper coverage, the group could have run into bureaucratic problems paying for treatment. However, International SOS Assistance was acknowledged by the associate dean of the medical school for arranging for emergency medical care and taking care of other business for the crash victims.

Insurance Consultants International
is a unique insurance agency catering to the global community. Insurance Consultants International provides "affordable" medical coverage to all types of study abroad teachers and students, expatriates, international travelers, overseas retirees,immigrants, U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, corporations, missionaries, and humanitarian organizations.
Phone Toll Free: 1-800-576-2674
Visit our Website at: www.globalhealthinsurance.com
email us at: Linda@globalhealthinsurance.com

International SOS Assistance
call (215) 244-1500
or go to www.intsos.com

Insurance Carriers
Hinchcliff International Group Services
offers its "Preferred Health Overseas" plan for American students engaged in international educational activities.
www.HIGSinc.com
or call (800) 242-4178
Wallach and Company
(800) 237-6615
Cultural Insurance Service
(800) 303-8120