Travel Insurance
Dangers of nosebleeds when flying …..
An Air Transat flight from Toronto to the Dominican Republic faced a unique situation when the pilot experienced an “uncontrollable nosebleed” three hours into the flight.
An off-duty captain, who happened to be on board for vacation with his family, stepped in to take control of the Airbus A330. The airline assured that its pilots are well-trained to handle such situations independently.
The plane landed safely, and all 299 passengers were unharmed. The incident highlights the expertise of the airline’s pilots and the fortunate presence of a qualified backup on the flight.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada reported the incident, emphasizing the smooth continuation of the journey without further issues.
What causes nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, can occur for various reasons. Some common causes include:
- Dry Air: Dry or low-humidity environments can dry out the nasal membranes, leading to irritation and potential bleeding.
- Nasal Trauma: Injury or trauma to the nose, such as a blow to the face, can cause blood vessels in the nose to rupture and result in a nosebleed.
- Nasal Irritation: Exposure to irritants like smoke, chemicals, or strong odors can irritate the nasal passages and trigger nosebleeds.
- Nasal Infections: Infections, particularly those affecting the nasal lining, can contribute to nosebleeds.
- Nasal Allergies: Allergic reactions, especially those causing persistent nasal congestion and itching, may lead to nosebleeds.
- Nasal Decongestant Spray Overuse: Frequent or prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays can cause the nasal tissues to become dry and more prone to bleeding.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders, liver disease, or conditions affecting blood vessels, can make individuals more susceptible to nosebleeds.
- Medications: Some medications, like blood thinners, may increase the risk of bleeding, including nosebleeds.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can contribute to nasal dryness and increased susceptibility to nosebleeds.
- Foreign Bodies: Inserting objects into the nose can cause trauma and lead to nosebleeds.
In most cases, nosebleeds are not severe and can be managed at home by tilting the head forward, pinching the nostrils together, and applying cold compresses. However, persistent or recurrent nosebleeds may warrant medical attention, especially if they are associated with an underlying health condition.
Current Travel Stories
What is Family Travel Insurance?
Family Travel Insurance
Family travel insurance is typically a normal travel insurance policy that has been extended to include members of a family. This is usually teenagers, younger children or babies, although it can include extended members of a family as well.
This applies to single trip insurance policies, annual travel insurance policies, cruise holidays etc.
It is similar in a way to a group insurance policy, where it is easier and usually cheaper to have one policy that covers everyone, rather than individual policies.
Some insurance companies will charge extra for family members, other companies will let them be included at no extra cost depending on the number of people and their ages.
It is important to remember that each family member must be named on the policy, and all medical history disclosed for each one where appropriate. Each family member will need their own passport and it is important to check what vaccinations if any are required for any countries which will be visited.
Insurance companies may take different views as to what constitutes a family, taking into account things like whether or not the individuals live together. whether step children are involved etc.
Family travel insurance policies generally cover a range of situations, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, and other travel-related issues.
What is Cancellation Travel Insurance?Â
Cancellation Travel Insurance
What is Medical Travel Insurance?
Medical Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to provide financial protection for individuals who are traveling abroad and may need medical care during their trip.
It is also sometimes referred to as travel health insurance or international health insurance.
This type of insurance is particularly important because standard health insurance plans may not cover medical expenses incurred outside of your home country.
Medical travel insurance typically offers coverage for a range of medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription medications. It may also cover other travel-related issues such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, or emergency evacuation.
Key features of medical travel insurance may include:
- Emergency Medical Coverage: Covers the cost of medical treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries during your trip.
- Medical Evacuation: Covers the cost of transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility in case of a medical emergency that requires specialized treatment.
- Repatriation: Covers the cost of returning your remains to your home country in the unfortunate event of your death during the trip.
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Reimburses non-refundable trip expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons, such as a medical emergency.
- Lost or Delayed Baggage Coverage: Provides reimbursement for the value of lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.
- 24/7 Assistance Services: Many travel insurance plans offer 24/7 assistance services, including a helpline to connect you with medical professionals or assistance in finding local healthcare providers.
It’s crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of a medical travel insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and any pre-existing conditions that may affect the policy.
Travel insurance needs can vary depending on the destination, the length of the trip, and individual health considerations. Travelers are advised to purchase medical travel insurance before embarking on international trips to ensure they are adequately protected in case of unforeseen medical emergencies.
Difference Between Travel Medical Insurance and Regular Health Insurance
The main difference between travel medical insurance and regular health insurance is the duration of coverage and the type of protection provided.
Travel medical insurance is designed to cover emergency medical expenses during a trip, such as ambulance services, doctor bills, and hospital charges.
It can be primary or secondary coverage, depending on the plan. In contrast, regular health insurance, whether domestic or international, provides long-term coverage for most medical bills, including non-emergency treatment, prescription medication, and chronic conditions.
It does not typically cover trip disruptions. Travel insurance, on the other hand, is intended to cover short-term trips and may include benefits such as trip cancellation, lost luggage, and travel delay
Cost of Medical Travel Insurance
The cost of travel medical insurance is typically lower than that of regular health insurance. Travel insurance policies can cost between $35 and $200, depending on various factors such as age, trip duration, location, and the level of coverage selected. On average, travel insurance is about 5% to 6% of your total trip cost.
In contrast, regular health insurance, whether domestic or international, involves long-term coverage for medical expenses and is usually more expensive than travel medical insurance.
The cost of regular health insurance can vary significantly depending on factors such as the level of coverage, the individual’s age, and pre-existing conditions.
To choose the right travel medical insurance plan, consider the following steps:
- Examine your current health care plan: If you have private health insurance in your home country, research whether it covers you internationally.
- Review and compare travel medical plans: This will help you get an idea of what different companies offer, pricing, and the benefits included. Look for plans that provide the freedom to seek treatment with a hospital or doctor of your choice.
- Consider your specific needs: Determine what benefits are important to you, such as coverage for emergency medical treatment, medical evacuations, emergency dental procedures, and any pre-existing conditions.
- Check for coverage limits and exclusions: Understand the limits of coverage for medical expenses, as well as any exclusions or limitations for pre-existing conditions, adventure activities, or hazardous sports.
- Seek advice from insurance professionals: If you’re unsure about which plan is best for you, consider consulting with insurance agents or brokers who can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances.