Expatriate Forums in Nicaragua

Useful Nicaragua information

jdezio — Sat Mar 03, 2007 3:46 pm

Author: jdezio

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 3:46 pm

Hey guys,

Just wanted to add another good resource for anyone who might happen on this page. Between the Waves Magazine ( a good buddy of mine ) just launched their website. It's a good resource and has some good nicaragua articles. http://www.wavesnicaragua.com

LIVING IN NICARAGUA / NICARAGUA LIFESTYLE

Nicaragua Info — Sun Nov 26, 2006 10:21 pm

Author: Nicaragua Info

Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2006 10:21 pm

LIVING IN NICARAGUA

Devastated by the wrath of mother nature, its tumultuous political past, and a streak of misfortune, the country is now poised to emerge as a travel hot-spot, a potential haven for expatriates and a place where unlimitied opportunities await the energetic entrepreneur.

In the 1980s most of Central American including Nicaragua was ground zero in the cold war, with the Soviets, Cubans and U.S. orchestrating events behind the scenes. The dictatorship, economic hardship and natural disasters which devastated Nicaragua are disappearing into the past.

At present, Nicaragua can perhaps be most seriously considered the land of opportunity of all the countries in Central America. The country is ripe for investment because it is so underdeveloped. The government, in partiuclar the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute, is bending over backwards to lure investors with the most agessive incentive-filled law in Latin America. They realize the importance of the country’s 300 days of sunshine per year and tourist attractions like the country’s wide, unspoiled Pacific beaches, wildlife, lakes rivers and volcanoes which are virtually untapped. They know what a potential impact tourism can give the country’s economy and have witnessed what the touism boom has meant for neighbouring Costa Rica.

As a result of this ambitious effort to boost the tourist trade and other prudent financial polices, foreign investment has jumped from zero to more than 100 million dollars in recent years. A decade of political stability and an improving economic picture have combined to lay the cornerstone for a promising future for the country. Nicaragua has a long way to go, but there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel with the country on the threshold of an increasing influx of tourists.

Businessmen will be pleased to know the country offers a large under-employed labour pool from which to draw workers. A newly enacted labour code was designed to improve the conditions of workers. The only real drawback is that much of the country’s labour is unskilled and will require training.

Nicaragua has a myriad of business opportunities, perfect for the small and medium-sized entrepreneur looking to start a business on a shoestring. You can run a web-based global business by using the Internet, fax machines and cell phones. At present there are over 10,000 people with Internet accounts in Nicaragua. In general Latin America is a good place to invest. The region has received more foreign investment than any other region in the world — even surpassing Asia. Latin America is also a good place to do business. The opportunities are sizeable and the commercial climate has dramatically improved over the last decade.

With the new millennium upon us, a shrinking world due to better communication, and a burgeoning global economy the possibilities are unlimited for doing business in Central and South America. Trade pacts between Nicaragua, U.S., Mexico and South America will be reality by 2005. They promise to link all of the nations in the hemisphere in to one trading block.

Tax incentives and a government that encourages investments and affords investors virtually the same rights as citizens, contribute to Nicaragua’s propitious business climate. Many countries do not permit noncitizens to own property or place restrictions on foreign-owned real estate, but this is not the case in Nicaragua.

You can even purchase your own “piece of paradise” for a fraction of the cost you might pay in the U.S., Canada or even Costa Rica. One gentleman bought a beachfront lot for a mere $20,000 and spent another $30,000 in constructing his dream home. The same home would have cost three times as much in Costa Rica and probably six to ten times as much in California.

People just scaping by on on a small pension or living below the poverty line in the U.S., will be able to live in moderate luxury and upgrade their lifestyle in Nicaragua. Whether you are a retiree or entrepreneur, you’ll definately get more “bang for your buck” in Nicaragua.

The government has gone to great lenghts to offer retirees a one-time duty-free exemption. Basically, retirees are only required to have a fixed income of at least four hundred dollars monthly from a pension or annuity. In addition, they are allowed to bring $10,000 worth of their household goods and other personal items duty-free and untaxed when they first arive. Another perk is an exemption from income taxes on income generated from abroad.

As an expatriate, you have the challenge of immersing yourself in a new culture and even reap the rewards of learning a foreign language. You’ll be surprised to know that as an expat you’ll make friends easily because foreigners gravitate towards one another.

The country, however, is not for the faint-hearted, but for adventurous souls in search of new horizons and a change of pace. Only these people will reap the rewards of living in a country like Nicaragua. Much like the pioneers who shaped the U.S. in the 19th century, Nicaragua is the “New Frontier.’

HOUSING IN NICARAGUA / NICARAGUA HOUSING GUIDE

Nicaragua Info — Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:53 pm

Author: Nicaragua Info

Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:53 pm

HOUSING IN NICARAGUA

BUYING PROPERTY IN NICARAGUA

Much has changed in Nicaragua in the last ten years and the purchase of real estate is no exception. Anyone can buy real estate property in Nicaragua. There is free access to the real estate and credit markets. However, the lack of clear title on some properties, both urban and rural, should be a major consideration for investors.

Here is some information on how to buy and sell property in Nicaragua. This information is provided so you can understand how things have changed in this country. You should always consult a reputable attorney before buying and selling real property. To both foreign and local investors, this is a process that requires sound professional advice.

From 1979 to 1990, Nicaragua had a command economy wherein a large part of the production of goods from factories and agriculture was controlled by the Sandinista government. One part of the new system was agrarian reform. Some houses and real property were confiscated from the original owners without just cause. In addition, between the months of January and April of 1990, the outgoing government, through executive decree, gave government-controlled property to individuals.

In 1990 a new democratic government was elected and some of the original owners have attempted to legally recover property that was formerly theirs. Unresolved property disputes still exist. For this reason an investor in real property must secure the services of a competent attorney to be sure that their investment has clear title. Failure to do so could result in a future legal dispute.

In Nicaragua today the construction, real estate and tourist industries are among the fastest growing sectors of the economy. Land prices are still low by US standards and good investments opportunities exist throughout the country. There is no need to be deterred from investing in Nicaragua as long as you secure the services of competent professionals.

The Documentation You Need:

* Property Deed
* Property History (Abstract of Title) for the last 25 years. This is obtained from the Public Registry
* Property Map or Survey
* History of Property Tax Payments Year to Date
* Municipal Tax Payment History

Try To Avoid Properties That Have:

* Agrarian Reform Titles
* Supplemental Titles Issued by Court Order

Legal Considerations

* Check to be sure the property was not formerly purchase through "Law 85". This law distributed luxury homes and properties larger than 100 square meters.

* Check to be sure the property was not formerly purchased through "Law 86". This law distributed smaller homes in popular neighbourhoods.

* Check to be sure the property was not formerly purchased through "Law 88". This law distributed land to poor people through agrarian reform.

* Check to be sure the property was not formerly purchased through "Law 209". This law was part of modifications to agrarian reform.

* Check that the Title and Deed meet all legal requirements.

* Check to see that the Title is properly registered in the real estate section of the of the Property Registry Office in the city where the property is located.

* Study the details and history of the property for the last 25 years in the Real Estate Property Office.

* Find out from neighbours if there are or have been any problems with neighbouring properties.

* Verify that the owner is in full possession of the property.

Exceptions: The only secure way to buy property that has been affected by Laws 85, 86, 88 and 209 is to have a Settlement Statement issued by the Territorial Ordinance Office, referred to as OOT, which is under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance, and verify that the ordinance is registered in the Real Estate Property Registry.

Steps to Buying and Registering Property:

* Use the services of a real estate professional to find property that meets your needs and desires.

* Get all the property documentation
* Hire a competent real estate attorney to review the documentation and give you a legal opinion.

* Once verified that the property has no liens or encumbrances, have a notary prepare a sales agreement.

* After closing, have the attorney register the property in the Public Registry. To be considered the legal owner of property you should possess the property title which has been properly annotated by the registrar.

Title Insurance

Title Insurance is readily available on any property which meets the above requirements. First American Title Insurance Company's Caribbean and Central American Division, http://www.facm.com/title-caribbean/1000.html will generally insure title to properties with the above qualifications. The Title Company relies on the legal opinion of the attorney handling the transaction, and has a list of attorneys whose opinions they will accept; so the attorney you select to issue the opinion must be on their approved list. The cost of a title policy is generally about $500 U.S. for every $100,000 insured.

Transfer Tax

The real estate transfer tax is 4% of the value of the property and is paid only once at the time of purchase. The seller pays this tax.

Recording Fee

The recording fee is 0.5% of the value of the property. This is paid only once by the buyer at the time the deed is recorded.

Annual Real Estate Tax

Real estate taxes are 1% of the value of the property and are paid to the Municipal Government. This tax is paid each year.

Legal Fees

Legal fees on real estate transactions are 1%.

Other Documents

In addition to the documents list above, the seller should provide the following:

* Sellers Tax ID Number (RUC)
* Land Registry Certificate
* Land Registry Survey
* Power of Attorney (if not the property owner)
* 1% Withholding Tax
* Verification that all taxes have been paid to date

The buyer should provide either a RUC number if Nicaraguan or a Passport number.

Homeowner's Insurance

Insurance policies covering fire, earthquake, other accidental damage, and theft are readily available from reputable insurance companies within Nicaragua. The cost of these policies is roughly the same as you would expect to pay in the United States.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN NICARAGUA / NICARAGUA SCHOOL GUIDE

Nicaragua Info — Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 am

Author: Nicaragua Info

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 am

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN NICARAGUA

American-Nicaraguan School
INCEG 800 varas al oeste,
Lomas de Montserrat,
Managua,
Nicaragua
Tel: +505 278 0029
Fax: +505 278 2565
Email: director@ans.edu.ni
Website: www.ans.edu.ni

Colegio Aleman Nicaraguense
Carretera Sur km 10/12,
Apartado 1636,
Managua,
Nicaragua
Tel: +505 258758
Fax: +505 265 8117

College Victor Hugo
Belmonte-Velez Paiz,
3 Cuadras Arriba,
1/2 Cuadra al Sur,
Managua,
Nicaragua
Tel: +505 265 0526
Fax: +505 265 0526

Lincoln International Academy
UAM 296,
Las Colinas Sur Managua,
Nicaragua
Tel: +505 276 3000
Fax: +505 276 1700
Website: www.lincoln.edu.ni

Nicaragua Christian Academy
Apartado 842,
Managua,
Nicaragua
Tel: +505 265 2277
Fax: +505 265 2360
Email: ncadirector@gmail.com
Website: www.nca.edu.ni

Notre Dame School
Km 8 Carretera a Masaya,
Managua,
Nicaragua
Tel: +505 276 0353
Website: www.notredame.edu.ni

HEALTHCARE IN NICARAGUA / NICARAGUA HOSPITAL GUIDE

Nicaragua Info — Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:58 am

Author: Nicaragua Info

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:58 am

HEALTHCARE IN NICARAGUA

GENERAL

Each department of Nicaragua has a public hospital. These do not charge for emergency services, but will charge for supplies and medicines. There is an extensive network of health posts and health centres in rural areas, however, their resources can be limited. There are about 10 private hospitals/clinics in Managua. Many doctors and hospitals will require payment in cash before treatment, although some private hospitals may accept credit cards. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.

Several hospitals and private clinics in Managua and Granada provide high-quality healthcare at a very affordable price. It costs just $30 for an office visit. A house call is only $35...and house calls are routine. A CAT scan costs $100, an x-ray $17. Some drugs manufactured in Europe that are not yet approved for distribution in the United States are available here.

DIRECTORY OF HOSPITALS & CLINICS

Clinica de Asma y Alergia
Reparto Serrano #12
Managua
Nicaragua
Tel: + 505 278 1169

Hospital Bautista de Nicaragua
P.O. Box 709
Managua
Nicaragua
Tel: + 505 249 7327
Fax: + 505 249 7326

Medical Insurance & Health Insurance Guide

admin — Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:05 am

Author: admin

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:05 am

Expatriate Insurance, Medical & Health Insurance Guide

For new ex-patriots, leaving our Countries to be based in a developing country, perhaps for some years, it is often a shock to discover that medical treatment of a reasonable quality is just not available, or very expensive, in their new location. Conditions can differ vastly from Baku to Beijing to the Bahamas. Many documented case histories sadly indicate the devastating experience both mentally, physically and financially of falling seriously ill when overseas, can become. Private Medical Insurance when abroad is like a parachute when flying. You may not need one but it better be there, as you and your family would may not survive without one. e.g.: Being evacuated from the Gobi desert, following a car accident resulting in broken bones, coupled to a suspected fractured skull is not an easy matter at any time.

The medical insurance plans you may need are readily available through a worldwide network of specialist Brokers, Independent Financial Advisors, or via the Plan Insurers themselves, who advertise extensively through magazines and expatriate media. Several specialist independent Brokers now have their own websites, offering multiple choices of health insurance plans. The taking of independent advice is always recommended, in order that you not only buy the right plan, but pay premiums appropriate to your new country area. Do not buy a plan without studying the policy wording carefully, particularly underwriting conditions, benefits, etc. If in doubt, ask and then complete all application forms fully, to the best of your ability.

The Premium/Benefit Trade Off

Too frequently, a potential customer or new client will look to lowest price or premium cost comparisons, before really considering the specific benefits and area of cover they may actually need. The ex-patriot client should carefully review benefits of cover offered, check out any limits to that cover and any exclusions made by the insurer. Some plans are cheaper for a reason. Often they include large voluntary deductibles on any claim you might make in future and may severely cap the benefits received under the plan. Cover limits can vary from ?50,000 total cover to as much as ?5,000,000 total cover. Any major operation in the USA or perhaps an organ transplant can soon eat up a " capped cover" plan. Exclusions to the policy should also be read carefully and advice taken from an independent Advisor. Our motto is for clients to "define their needs" first, particular Area of cover they need, then their annual healthcare insurance budget. Then, they should look to premium comparisons, last of all.

Many new entrant expatriate Insurers are taking a much easier line on HIV and AIDS issues as well as offering chronic conditions cover, if such conditions develop during the plan lifetime. Post September 11th 2001, many expatriates are now considering the purchase of income replacement insurance, term life and kidnap insurance, or travel insurance, in addition to their Health Insurance Plans.

Underwriting Terms of Plans

For the individual expatriate or family there are usually only two ways to take out international medical insurance. By means of a "moratorium" application or a "full underwriting" application. It is important to understand this rather jargonised phrases as claims can be rejected if you have inappropriate underwriting. A moratorium plan means that any "pre existing" condition, for which you have had treatment, advice or consultation upon during the last 2,3 or even 5 years in some cases, will be EXCLUDED from cover. Should you then not have any treatment, advice or consultations for such conditions for a further two years, your insurer may add that condition to your policy. Full underwriting applications mean that all medical history questions have to be completed (not needed on a moratorium plan) and that most insurers may then exclude any particular stated condition, which they feel will lead to claims upon them. Full underwriting schemes are a little more complex as sometimes confirmation and clarification letters may be needed from your Doctor in order to have a specific condition covered under your new plan, or for that insurer to offer cover at all (E.g.; HIV or AIDS conditions cover or other long-term endemic/chronic conditions.)

For larger groups of expatriates and large corporate plans, Insurers will frequently offer cover on a "Medical History Disregarded" basis, meaning that a new plan member might even be in hospital for a triple bypass, but still have that condition included in the total corporate plan. Clearly with larger numbers of people in a plan, insurers are prepared to take higher risks and offer lower premiums. Company plans can have premiums some 15% to even 40% less than individual plans, due to the larger numbers of employees and higher annual premium overall, charged by that Insurer.

Vital Questions for the Insurance Provider

1. Does the plan allow for cooling off periods, cancellation and then repayment of premium in full?

2. Does the plan offer "Moratorium or is it "Full underwriting" and do I need to have a medical examination before joining.

3. Does the new Insurer offer a 24 hour help line, 7 days a week, available from anywhere in the World (free phone)? Most Insurers now offer this facility

4. Are my pre-existing conditions excluded when joining and if so, for how long are such conditions excluded?

5. Or all and any Nationalities accepted or are there restrictions applying to local nationals? Some Insurers will only take expatriates abroad and not local nationals into an overseas plan (e.g.: - They may cover six British Nationals in Zambia, not the 100 Zambian local national employees)

6. Does the plan allow you to continue cover unbroken through your lifetime? In most cases insurers will continue to offer existing clients cover year on year, irrespective of age or claims history. I.e.: - Once a customer, you may remain a customer, although premium rates charged can increase dramatically with old age.

7. Does the Insurer allow for any Doctor or Consultant or Hospital within the plan? Are there any restrictions in this respect? Most international plans do not place restrictions on either hospitals or Doctors, but almost all demand that their help lines are called first prior to approval of any inpatient care. (I.e.: pre qualified claim or placing of a bond with a specific hospital by Insurance Company)

8. Does the Insurer provide for direct settlement of bills presented by hospitals worldwide, regardless of location? (Or do I have to pay first?)

9. What are the Insurers procedures for Outpatient claims? Do these require any pre authorization or if stated in the plan can I just pay and claim? How long before I get my money back from the Insurer? (14 days? 28 days?)

The vast majority of expatriate health plans DO NOT exclude certain occupations as do many UK based insurance plans. Expatriate plans do however add to premiums for such as Winter Sports or diving holidays.

Nomenclature, names and Plan Titles

The Product Providers and Insurers delight in launching new plan names with "exclusive" qualities in their brand names over those of their direct competitors. However, international medical insurance plans broadly have three key components, which are in-patient or daycare treatment, outpatient treatment, and then and add-on options.

In this way, a basic or standard plan usually includes in-patient and daycare, but no Outpatient or other cover. Comprehensive plans mostly cover outpatient in addition to the inpatient costs, often with a capped limit, whilst "deluxe" "platinum" or "Premier Plus" plans offer a full cover range of inpatient, daycare, outpatient with routine dental. Possibly maternity, evacuation, personal accident cover and even chronic conditions cover in certain cases. (All the bells and whistles plan) We tend to ignore the names of plans but ensure we have clear ideas of benefits specifically, capping, area of cover and any exclusions, when comparing plans against a clients requirements. For example a USA passport holder living in Paris, who never needs cover in the USA apart from the occasional holiday trip, could take Area 1 European cover, which is often half the price of full world wide cover including the USA. Area 2 is usually described as Worldwide cover excluding the USA or Canada" with Area 3 being the most expensive offering global cover including the USA, all year round

A small travel add-on option can often help with up to 30 days emergency cover in USA or Canada should such be needed. Elective care in USA can also be added for just thirty days a year too, at a substantial discount to full Area 3 cover premiums. Some Insurers now offer modular benefit packages where clients can "pick and choose" benefits, working out their own premiums, at the end of this mix and match.

Emergency, Evacuation and Repatriation

1. Does the Plan include evacuation and repatriation and mortal remains repatriation or are these benefits add on extras?

2. What costs are included in the evacuation or repatriation cover? Some plans only cover travel costs, not accommodation; some plans only give cover one way.

3. Does the Plan cover both your outward journey and pay for you to return from where you started?

4. Does the plan cater for one person or can a business colleague or a family member accompany the Plan holder when travelling for treatment after evacuation? Emergency treatment when abroad can be very stressful at the best of times and being accompanied can be a huge comfort.

Outpatient Costs and General Practitioner Costs

Expatriates with families and small children will know that "Outpatient costs" and visits to the local Doctor are usually the main cost area at home, but particularly whilst abroad. Expats in developing countries are more prone to ill health and most will have at least one or more visits to a GP during a tour of duty. You need to know that GP costs will be fully reimbursed, or that you know the level of deductible, which will be made from any and all outpatient claims. (Each and every claim or an amount, which cumulates annually) Read your Plan carefully.

1. Many Insurers offer a limit or budget Outpatient benefits and these issues should be carefully studied in the new plan. Note any restrictions

2. Check the wording of drugs and dressings offered to note whether "Full Cover" or financial limits are set in the plan.

3. Few plans offer "Elective" or "Well woman " Well man" checks. Most international plans cater for healthcare once the patient has symptoms or is ill. They do not offer preventative checks or Health Checks at the control of the client. (Some larger company plans do offer well man checks)

Outpatient Cover, Complementary Medicine, Dental plan or Routine Maternity plan

If you are able to afford the premiums, Outpatient cover added to in-patient/daycare cover makes sense. In-patient care gives catastrophic cover or a hospital cost cover, but gives no cost cover if you are "walking wounded". A medium range comprehensive plan may well limit the amount you may claim on the Outpatient costs, but a deluxe or fully comprehensive will give Full Cover for this benefit.

Many plans do offer benefit for accidental damage to teeth by accident, but not routine elective dental healthcare Routine Dental treatment is mostly quoted as an optional extra, as is any option to take out routine maternity treatment. Thus, if you break a tooth you are covered but if you visit the dentist for a crown, beware, you may have to pay. Routine maternity care cover can be a valuable part of overseas family planning, yet many women and families overseas, unfortunately only contact their Broker or Insurer when already pregnant. Few Insurers will allow routine maternity costs re imbursement when a woman is pregnant actually taking out the plan. Almost all Insurers will consider an existing pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, but will cover emergency in pregnancy. If a couple have held medical insurance for one year, the Insurer may offer an option, with CO-insurance for routine maternity costs to a budget limit. Talk this over with a specialist Advisor in Expatriate Health Insurance

More Insurers are now taking a more enlightened approach to the subject of complementary care and costs of such as chiropractioners, osteopaths, homeopaths, acupuncturists and the like. These benefits are usually severely "budget capped" by the Insurers, however.

Other Cost Considerations and Options

With the growing range of plans available across the world, across a vast premium spectrum, several new benefit cost areas are mentioned below, which are not always available from all Insurers, but can be quoted selectively in certain Plans.

Well Child care, well man and well woman checks, all can be quoted

Prosthetic Appliances, can be quoted but capped

Eyeglasses and tests quoted on many deluxe and top plans

Crowns, dentures and bridges, routine dental quoted on top plans

Death of Close Relative, round trip costs covered on many plans

Treatment in USA elective or emergency usually can be quoted

Vaccinations, quoted on some plans

Annual Health Checks, quoted on some top plans

Organ Transplants, AIDS and Chronic cover on some top plans

Hazardous Sports, quoted on some plans.

Legal Costs after accidents abroad, quoted in some plans

Complaints

All Insurer Plans should clearly stipulate the complaints and disputes procedures they follow together with any Regulator. They should illustrate how you may contact the right adjudicators in their company or contact your independent Advisor for help) There are also independent Regulatory Authorities available n most Western countries, such as the UK, who can assist you with a dispute with an Insurer (who is being difficult when settling your claim) If you have bought your Plan through the offices of an independent Broker or Specialist Advisor they will almost certainly be glad to help in legitimate disputes with an Insurer. If you are right, have proper records, the Insurers will pay up.

Overview

Generally, as with most Insurance services, you get what you pay for. Read the documentation carefully, particularly the benefits and exclusions clauses. International Medical Insurance is a complex and difficult field. Many Insurers are competing for your long-term business. They all will argue, "Their Plan is Best." Certain strategic insurance considerations have been also affecting the expatriate market since the World Trade Centre disaster. Many ex-patriots are now looking for international term life and income replacement cover, as well as medical insurance. Time will tell how long term insurance growth is affected in this expanding expatriate global market place.

If you purchase a comprehensive plan from a reputable Insurer, via an independent Broker, you are usually not disappointed. However, if you buy what is clearly a cheap cut plan, without advice, beware when trying to make a claim. (They may well have pages and pages of exclusions in the small print)

It is also important for your budget to choose the correct geographical area of cover. Routine travel options can be taken at much less cost than full-blown USA cover, if you do not really need elective USA cover. Voluntary excesses on claims can substantially reduce premiums, as can co- insurance payments. (Sharing risk costs with the Insurer)

In the final analysis, international expat medical insurance is best to have at your side so that "you may sleep at night abroad" rather than to think of ways to claim. If both parties fully understand the contract and deal in good faith, Insurers very much want to keep clients for the long term. It is always better however, to compare and study at least three packs of brochures from differing Insurers, or have a review done by an independent Broker specializing in the Healthcare Insurance field. All the material needs attention and careful reading. Understand what you are committing to, what the contract actually states, not what you may think it states (or some salesman told you) and what geographical limitations are set giving your area do cover.

You may not need to read this contract again until the moment you need medical aid. Remember, that Brand name alone does not necessarily indicate good service, but that in 2002, many lesser-known expatriate specialist Insurers offer excellent premiums, wide benefits, good claims records and fast efficient electronic client services. Professional support teams are vital in overseas emergencies. Your Helpline card is the key to medical help and assistance 24 hours a day, whilst Overseas. Make sure that you have it to hand and that you know how to use it. With most Insurers now offering toll free global lines 24 hours a day, these vital help-lines are the first port of call, prior to any treatment being arranged, with the exception of emergencies. Establish contact as soon as you can, then let the Insurers assistance teams do the rest.

Article Prepared By

J Leslie Smith B Sc Econ Honours Associate IEE
Chairman and Managing Director
Medibroker International