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Archives for 2013

Rising Healthcare Costs in the U.S. Leading to Bankruptcies

August 9, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

According to a recent NEW study, more than 60 percent of the bankruptcies in the US are caused by the overwhelming medical expenses. The spiraling health care costs in the US are causing enormous financial stress to people, forcing them to juggle their household budgets like never before.

medical

As a result of high medical costs, people have to resort to extreme measures to keep their heads above water. Studies show that in order to afford health care, families are cutting back even on basic necessities like food and housing; there are stories of running up credit card debt just to pay off medical bills. Illness related financial challenges have an impact on a family’s expenses on utilities and savings too. As health care costs bite into a major chunk of a family’s income, it is natural to be concerned about finances. It is shocking that millions of low income groups in the US do not get the healthcare they need because they just cannot afford it. Also, the lack of health insurance contributes to thousands of deaths in the US every year.

Though America offers some of the best medical care in the world, it is also very expensive and the only way to afford it is with good insurance coverage. Statistics show that almost 85 percent of the population in developed countries invests in health insurance. If you are expecting your family or friends to visit you in the US, it would be wise to get some insurance coverage for them. As domestic insurance policies are ineffective on foreign trips, visitors’ medical insurance coverage becomes necessary for parents or visitors traveling to the US. Most of the plans provide good coverage for unforeseen illnesses or injuries, hospital charges and other related medical expenses. With a good insurance plan to take care of all their medical expenses, visitors to the US can have a secure stay.

Filed Under: Insurance, Travel Tips, Visitor Insurance USA

Experience the life and culture of USA

July 23, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

The US is a melting pot of cultures with people from different countries living in harmony. It boasts of great ethnic diversity with its history of mass immigration dating back to the 17th century. With the largest economy in the world, the US offers immigrants a great opportunity to experience the life and culture of America. With a standard of living that is one of the best in the world, the US attracts immigrants from all over the world with its promise of life, liberty and happiness. People living in the US have access to the best employment opportunities that the country has to offer; their children can grow up in a world where they have the personal freedom to make individual choices without the constraints of class, caste, religion or race.

US

The US is a diverse country with different climate zones, terrains and lifestyles, one can choose among the fifty states with the best climate to live in. It is also a land of opportunities with something to offer to everyone, from huge metropolitan areas to sprawling suburbs for people who are looking for a more relaxed lifestyle. People in the US are very friendly and welcoming; it is the best place to socialize as you can meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures and languages. When it comes to health care, America has some of the best hospitals in the world; also, people who cannot work after a certain age can get social security and many medical benefits from the government.

Living in the US can give you a new perspective of things; most people live and settle in the US, not just for the sake of making money, but because of the fact that life in the US is more comfortable, more independent and with many options for enjoyment.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

Plan Before Applying for a USA Visa

July 12, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

A Visa is a document which is issued by the person’s country of citizenship. It is next to impossible to travel to United States till an individual has USA Visa. In order to obtain a visa to visit USA, one needs to fulfill the necessary requirements.

Visa Application

Classifications of US Visa:

Immigrant visa- This type of visa is provided to the people who have decided to reside permanently in United States. The person is required to be sponsored by anyone who is a resident of America. What is needed to be submitted is an affidavit in US Embassy giving the details of the financial capability of the person who is sponsoring the visa application.

Non Immigrant Visa- This type of visa is provided to those people who are living outside the domestic circle of United States of America but wish to enter the territory of America for some specific purpose, for example, medical treatment, education, commercial meeting, visitors, etc.

How to apply for US Visa
One needs to take an appointment from the local visa consulate to visit the US Embassy. You can take the appointment through telephone, internet or mail services and better confirm the fees and mode of payment for US visa interview before approaching the embassy.

To be at a safer side take all the necessary documents to the US Embassy like completely filed application form, valid passport, specific reason to travel to the USA, documents to support the application form that contains details of employment, financial capability. You have to submit the proof regarding payment of visa fees to the visa consulate.
You will be provided a visa after 4 weeks of interview and what is important to know is that there is no such guarantee that you’ll get the visa as it solely depends on your interview with the visa officer.

The submitted information by the USA visa applicant are scrutinized deeply and thoroughly by the help of a popular security database and in case the name of the applicant is wrongly mentioned, it will automatically delay or halt the process due to security concerns. So make sure you fill all the forms very carefully and without any mismatch from the related documents.

Read more: List of important documents for international travel

Filed Under: Travel Tips, Visitor Insurance USA Tagged With: Iimmgration, US, visa

How To Get Green Card For Your Parents

July 5, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

Many people living in the US as a lawful permanent residents like to have their family members to come and join them. Green Card holders or permanent residents are authorized to live and work in the US permanently; they are eligible to sponsor their relatives or family members to become permanent residents too. Most people get a green card through their parents, spouse or siblings living in the US.

Indian family
Getting a green card for your family is a two step process. The first step is Family Immigration Petition where a qualifying relationship needs to be established between the petitioner who is a US citizen and the Green Card applicant. While sponsoring a family member, The US citizen needs to file an Affidavit of Support, he or she also needs to file a Form I-130 or petition for Alien Relative for the applicant. Once the petition is received, it will be checked for completeness and supporting evidence. If the applicants are the parents of a US citizen, then they come under the category of immediate relatives. However, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family members do not come under this category.

The question is how long relatives need to wait before they get their green card; immediate relatives can get a green card without worrying about long waiting periods. It is important to remember that only a certain percentage of green cards can go to any one country each year. If a particularly high number of people from a certain country submit petitions, as is often the case with India, Mexico or China, their family members end up waiting longer than others. There are annual limits on the number of green cards that are given out and given the unpredictability of the number of people submitting petitions each year, one cannot exactly predict the waiting period for applicants. As a general rule, applicants in higher preference categories will have a shorter waiting period.

References
Tips for visiting parents in the US

Filed Under: Insurance, Travel Tips, Visitor Insurance USA Tagged With: citizenship, Green card, usa

Top Tourist Attractions of Atlanta

June 22, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

Atlanta with its charm of the Old South is a bustling city that attracts tourists from all over the world. The list of attractions in Atlanta includes an array of interesting options for visitors of all age groups. Most of the tourist attractions are easy to reach by public transportation. Here are a few fun things to do when you are visiting Atlanta:

Skyscrapers in Midtown Atlanta

The World of Coca Cola is a famous Atlanta attraction with artefacts and interactive exhibits. There is a Coke and pop culture gallery and a 4-D theater too besides a tasting lounge featuring as many as 70 beverages. The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the world and one of Atlanta’s top attractions. It houses a growing coral reef and a huge tank with white beluga whales.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in midtown Atlanta features 30 acres of gardens with fragrant rose gardens and one of the best orchid displays. The canopy Walk is a big favourite with tourists, extending through an urban forest forty feet above the ground. The Atlanta History center is a great place to explore with exhibits about the Civil war, folk arts of the South and many more. There are on site historic homes and a living history farm to add to the experience. The Fox Theater is a premier entertainment venue attracting over 70,000 visitors every year. With an array of performances from concerts, operas, movies and Broadway shows, the Fox Theater is a must see. Apart from these sightseeing options, Atlanta also hosts many events and festivals such as The Atlanta Dogwood Festival in the month of April featuring a kite flying contest, hot air balloons and an arts and crafts show. The Yellow daisy festival held in September is one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the nation. Plan a fun trip to Atlanta and enjoy a truly memorable vacation in this great Georgia city.

Get more information on trip to USA here

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: Atlanta, tourism

Getting Fit For Your Holiday in USA

June 15, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

When you plan your vacation, make sure you enjoy every minute of it. Being physically fit is the first step to enjoying a relaxing holiday. Here is how you can stay fit and live it up at the same time:

travel essentials

Before your trip, have a talk with your doctor about your travel medications and any immunizations you might need. Discuss any dietary precautions you need to take and ask for emergency tips. Take your doctor’s consent before undertaking a new exercise program. Start off with a healthy diet and try to sample the food you might encounter on your trip. Be sure to inform your airlines and tour operators about your dietary preferences well in advance. Stay hydrated during your journey by drinking plenty of water. Sunburn can ruin a vacation; be sure to carry a sunscreen lotion or cream with you. Test your sunscreen lotion to make sure it does not irritate your skin and carry your sunglasses and a sunhat if possible.

Wear comfortable walking shoes while traveling; remember that you will also need them for exploring places when you reach your destination. Be prepared for uneven surfaces, it is good to practice walking on different surfaces like gravel and sidewalks. If you have trouble with your balance, consult your doctor for some balance exercises and consider buying a cane to use on your trip. Deep vein thrombosis is a serious concern on long haul flights as it causes blood clots in arms and legs. During your flight, walk around the cabin and do some stretching exercises. To avoid lifting heavy bags, pack light and distribute items between bags, be sure to carry a smaller, lighter carry-on bag.
Go ahead and enjoy your holiday in USA, but do not neglect your fitness, your body will thank you for it.

Filed Under: Travel Tips, Visitor Insurance USA Tagged With: healthy, travel tips

Selecting US Destinations for Visit

June 10, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

Traveling to USA or within USA can be very expensive and so to make best use of your money, it’s a good idea to do proper research about your travel destination. In order to enjoy your trip, it’s better to choose a destination city you would like to explore. Using traveler reviews & opinions make you understand everything about particular destination you wish to visit. It is equally important to compare prices or checking accommodation availability for a truly memorable stay in any US destination.
place

A travel plan must be prepared under proper logic. Zero upon best destination through awareness for the places to visit while touring to America. Planned visits definitely help improve your traveling experience and avoid any unwanted complications. Check for American travel destinations by narrowing down your search to top places you may explore.

The destinations chosen must fulfill your criteria like innovative cuisines and the options for drinking as well as enjoying scenery from spectacular natural beauty to the fun-filled places. Take for example Louisville in New Portland area in Kentucky which remains one of the top destinations and having been liked by millions of visitors recently, it is a prominent place to explore. Urban Bourbon Trail makes it easy for travelers to explore the region to the best. Likewise, other notable destinations could be as follows:-

• Fairbanks
• Alaska
• San Juan Islands
• Washington
• Philadelphia
• American Samoa
• Eastern Sierra
• California
• Northern Maine
• Minnesota
• Verde Valley
• Arizona
• Montana

If you aim to explore true adventure in America then Fairbanks in Alaska is a suitable destination for you to explore in a memorable American trip. Late summers are the most suitable periods to visit this major destination to enjoy it to the fullest. Likewise, Eastern Sierra in California offer unique experience to visitors. Amazing San Juan Islands in the northern part of Seattle is an ideal choice for adventure junkies.

Other attractions can be Doe Bay Cafe on Orcas Island besides Willows Inn on Lummi Island for pleasant tours. Do groundwork to make best use of your US tour with a focus on what you would like to explore in America in your next visit.

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: travel, US

Safe Stay in The US – Tips For Visitors

June 3, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

For people visiting the US, especially seniors, staying healthy in a foreign environment is often a serious concern. For your safety and wellbeing, it is good to take the necessary precautions, so you can avoid falling sick and ruining your vacation.

doctor with old patient

Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings; take care while moving around the house as slipping or skidding in the washroom can lead to some serious injuries. Make sure you have a non-skid bath mat in the tub to avoid slipping in the soapy water; look out for slippery floors and be sure to cover them with rugs and carpets. Weather changes in the US are quite frequent and visitors who are not used to this fall sick often. It is good be prepared with appropriate clothes for all the changing seasons in the US. When traveling, get the weather information before hand, so you are well equipped with the right kind of clothes.

Another major cause of injuries in the US is road accidents; be sure to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules and road regulations. Elders need to pay special attention while crossing the road and should follow pedestrian safety rules. To play safe, carry all your medicines and prescriptions from home and stock extra in case you are planning a longer stay. As medical care is very expensive in the US, it is wise to have a health insurance plan that protects you during your stay in the US. Besides taking care of all medical emergencies during your stay, a good insurance plan will save you from high medical bills, ensuring that you have a peaceful stay. However, read all the documents carefully to know the benefits and coverage offered before you decide on the right plan and remember do renew your policy if your stay is extended.

Filed Under: Insurance, Travel Tips, Visitor Insurance USA Tagged With: travel, US

Explore North America’s Top Amusement Parks

May 31, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

You cannot find more family-friendly daredevil thrills and gentler rides than in the USA and Canada. Here is a list of some of the best amusement and water parks in North America (diplomatically listed in alphabetical order):

amusement park
Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario
The first major park in Canada has nearly a dozen coasters amongst its 250 rides, including the nations biggest, the Behemoth, plus fun thematic areas like Medieval Europe.

Cedar Point, Ohio
Nothing can beat Sandusky’s Cedar Point when it comes to freefall thrills. Here you’ll find the world’s greatest roller coasters, 18 in all, including the world’s third fastest a 420-ft drop aboard the Top Thrill or the 95-degree incline of the Maverick, as well as a beach and water park.

Knoebels Amusement Park, Pennsylvania
Knoebels, located in north-central Pennsylvania is a real shoestringer’s delight and is one of America’s best throwbacks, offering free admission and bargain tickets for individual rides.

Noah’s Ark, Wisconsin
Noah’s Ark Family Park is America’s largest water park, with half a hundred water slides, a couple of rivers to float, an island ‘playzone’ for the whippersnappers, a ‘haunted water ride’ called the Curse of the Crypt and many other attractions. Located in the city of Wisconsin Dells, also known as the “Water Park Capital of the World, Noah’s Ark is a popular tourist attraction.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Texas
The best of the four-park chain of Schlitterbahn is in New Braunfels, Texas. Borrowing some Bavarian castle motifs from a certain Walt, the 65-acre park situated along the river has 40 rides including speed slides, tube chutes, activity pools and a wave river to float down.

Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
Home to the tallest and fastest roller coaster in America, Six Flags serves the millions of residents of the New York area. If you’re not very much interested in hardcore adventures, there’s a Wild Safari zoo and a 15-storey Ferris wheel.

Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
In the hub of Hollywood, is this movie-based theme park with a mix of entertaining thrill rides including The Simpsons and the 80-ft raft drop of Jurassic Park, plus the action-packed tram tours of the studio back.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Florida
The Magic Kingdom – one of several Disney parks, including MGM Studios and Epcot – is the heart of central Florida trips. The pre–Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean, the nightmarishly looped recording of ‘It’s a Small World’ and the indoor coaster at Space Mountain are timeless.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Important Documents for Overseas Travel

May 29, 2013 by Chiranth Nataraj

International travelling is a thrilling exploration, but keeping all your documents prepared prior to your journey is an absolute necessity. International travel systems can be stringent and intolerant at times, particularly if you don’t have all the necessary documents in advance. Be equipped with all the below mentioned documents before you leave your home country so you can enjoy your trip abroad to the fullest.

Passport
Passport
A passport is must for all overseas travel, whether entering into the foreign country or re- entering into the US. Therefore, ensure that your passport must be valid for no less than six months after the date you plan to go in a foreign country. Also, make a couple of copies of your passport to keep in your luggage, so as to help you if in case the original is lost or stolen.

Visa
A travel visa is also an important as well as must document required by most countries worldwide, however, not all countries require them in advance. Visit the Department of State website for the latest country-specific details concerning visas.

Flight and Hotel Information
Always carry along a copy of your flight itinerary and any other details with regard to your stay like hotels, during your trip abroad. As a rule, most of the countries will need a proof of an onward ticket. Also, the address where you plan to stay is required for the entry card when you initially arrive in a foreign country.

Driver’s License
You must bring your driver’s license if you plan to drive a vehicle or rent a car while overseas. Several countries call for an international driver’s license, but other countries grant a specific driving period with verification of a driver’s license from your home country. Check with the rental car agency of your destination country for precise rules and regulations guidelines regarding international driving.

Insurance
Do carry proof of your international medical and/or travel insurance if you have procured it prior to your voyage. Though these are not must documents for a trip abroad, but having them with you is a sensible thought depending on the nature of the trip you’re scheduling to take. Keep a copy of insurance details at a different location in your luggage in case your original copy is stolen or lost.

Filed Under: Travel Tips, Visitor Insurance USA
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