Over the past few months we have been listening carefully to what you have been saying about how we might add further value to our international medical insurance plans, so from the 1st June we will be introducing either new cover or increasing existing benefits across our Prima Healthcare plans. To find out more, contact your nearest ALC Health sales centre.
Category Archives: Global Health News
Six Travel Etiquette Tips
If you’ve ever travelled before (you have, right?), you’ve likely witnessed or personally experienced an encounter with an obnoxious traveller. From berated flight attendants to loud talkers to the person who reclines their seat so far back, they’re practically resting on your lap—these types of travellers are sadly not uncommon writes the healthytravelblog.com
The Golden Rule is important when you’re traveling too; travelers need to treat others as they want to be treated. In other words, be kind and remember you’re not the center of the universe.
If anything, being a polite and respectful traveler will not only make life easier for those you encounter, but it will provide you with a better traveling experience as well.
Not sure if you’re practicing the proper travel etiquette? Here’s what you should know:
Use Inside Voices The best way to judge if you’re talking too loud? Stop chatting for a minute and listen to how everyone else is talking (or not talking). Either bring your conversation down to a whisper, or match it to the volume of those around you. Appropriateness for how loud you’re allowed to be differs across cultures, especially when in a confined space such as a train or car.
Pack Lightly Although packing less is a great way to save a little money on fees, the fact that you’ll be able to get around with ease makes it simpler for yourself and those around you who would be obliged to help. Plus, this way people won’t be bumping into your bulging backpack all day long.
Don’t Stand In Front of Everything From monumental statues and paintings to entranceways and aisles, avoid making it difficult for people to walk around and/or see important attractions. If you need to have an important conversation with someone or must linger for some reason, try to move to the side.
Be Ready If you’re waiting in line for something, make sure you’re ready when you get to the front. If you’re going through airport security, for example, keep your boarding pass and personal identification in hand and take off your shoes and belt well in advance. This makes the process much faster for employees and those waiting behind you.
Understand Cultural Differences What is accepted in your home country might not be in another. From language to dress to cultural taboos, it’s important to acknowledge these differences and accept them. While you should do as much research as possible about the local culture before your trip, be respectful to others and don’t fight it if you’re told to do something differently.
Limit Mobile Technology Use Texting, talking loudly on the phone, or taking selfies while walking is a recipe for disaster—and can be an extreme annoyance to those around you. Restrain your mobile technology use in public, and you’ll not only make it a more pleasant experience for others, but you might get more out of your travels as well.
We’re at the 8th Asia Health Insurance Conference
18th-19th June 2014, Singapore
This year’s Asia Health Insurance Conference is being held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore and will see ALC Health Director, Andrew Apps taking on the role of Conference Chairman as well as making a key note presentation on “providing innovative high-end insurance products to the region”.
As Asia’s comprehensive Health Insurance Strategy Conference, the event brings together senior executives from private insurance, government, providers and industry experts to discuss business potential in this important market.
If you are attending the conference, and would like to set up a meeting with Andrew, do let us know and we’ll arrange a time and place .
NHS cuts free care for British expats living in the EU who retire early
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has caused a stir this week by banning Brits who retire early in the EU from accessing its free health care. This move will affect many British expats who have taken the opportunity to retire early in the sun but who rely on cheap or free care back home writes Bryony Ashcroft
The current legislation means British expatriates under state retirement age (65 for men, 60 for women) can receive free health care in countries such as France and Spain even though they are ineligible because they don’t work. The cost to European Union countries of treating these early retirees is reimbursed by the NHS.
The new rules are part of cost-cutting measures being reviewed by the NHS and will come into force on April 1, says the Department of Health.
Currently early retirees complete a S1 form before they leave the UK which entitles them, and possibly their dependents, to free care for two and a half years. To qualify for the full cover period, expats should have paid National Insurance contributions in the UK for three years prior to moving abroad.
The changes won’t affect those who currently have a valid S1 form, but once it runs out they will be required to make arrangements to cover their health care costs. As the rule is likely to come into force in April, expats who think they’re eligible are advised to fill in an S1 form now, which will enable them to have access for the next two and a half years.
The most recent figures show 2,355 residual S1 forms were issued in 2012/13, with many valid for the full 30 months.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that the NHS is sustainable and fair for the British taxpayer. The changes only apply to new applications. All existing residual S1 forms will remain in place and continue to be valid until their cessation date.”
The removal of NHS care for expats will mean they will need to find other cover options such as private medical insurance to cover any expenses until they reach retirement age. This will be very costly for some, and for others with pre-existing conditions, it may be impossible to find.
The changes will only affect those who are not working but are under state retirement age and living within the EU. People who qualify for emergency care with the European Health Insurance card (EHIC) will still be able to access treatment.
Happy Valentine Day from ALC Health
ALC Health appoints Managing Director to spearhead major client services and systems growth
Global private medical insurance provider ALC Health has announced the appointment of Stephen Godbold as the company’s new Managing Director, taking over from founder Sarah Jewell who moves into the role of Group CEO.
With a career of over 35 years across the insurance sector, Stephen has held a number of high level appointments most recently as Chief Operating Officer at Lorica Insurance Brokers where he was responsible for managing both operational and technical matters across a variety of platforms.
Joining ALC Health at a time of continued growth, Stephen will lead the development of the company’s new IT infrastructure, customer service delivery and compliance management.
Sarah Jewell, Founder and CEO comments :
“As the company continues to enjoy record growth, the importance of ensuring that our members and distribution partners continue to receive the very best customer service and support remains our number one priority.
Stephen joins an already experienced management team and brings with him an additional skill sets that will help ALC Health continue to grow as a specialist boutique iPMI provider with a reputation for delivery excellence”.
ALC Health reports a 38% growth in global medical insurance
International private medical insurance provider ALC Health (à la carte healthcare) today reported a 38% growth for 2013 over the previous 12 month period.
Andrew Apps, Director at ALC Health comments:
Over the past four years we have seen a continued steady growth across our business and with 2013 once again proving to be another record year for the company.
Our customer focused boutique approach and competitive pricing structure has enabled our members to choose the cover they want at an affordable price whilst enjoying the very highest level of personal service and support that has become the hallmark of ALC Health’s success. The past year also saw the successful launch of two new core plans – Prima Platinum and Prima Concept – adding further to our existing suite of global medical insurance plans created for the expatriate and global citizen.
2013 was another exciting one for ALC Health and we are looking forward to pushing forward the boundaries even further in 2014.
For further press information contact Sheena Young at sheena.young@alchealth.com
T: +44 (0) 1903 817970
Best New Year’s Celebrations Around the World (And How to Stay Safe)
It’s only appropriate that we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new in a way that’s universally understood: With tons of parties.
Whether everyone sings Auld Lang Syne, throws flowers into the sea, or watches a ball drop, every culture and city has its own traditions for kicking off the New Year on the right foot writes the healthytravelblog.com
But wherever you choose to celebrate, remember to take extra precaution. With the crowds, festive drinks, and overall excitement of the day, it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities. Be sure to travel with a friend or in a group and stay alert as much as possible. Have a glass or two of champagne to celebrate if you’re of legal drinking age, but remember it’s always safest to stay in control. And of course, book a hotel nearby and don’t hesitate to get a taxi if necessary.
If you’re still not sure what you’ll be dong this New Year’s Eve (or want ideas for next year), here are some of the best celebrations around the world:
Sydney It’s no surprise that one of the first cities in the world to celebrate the New Year would also host a massive celebration filled with an incredible lightshow, fireworks, and pyrotechnic displays over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Attendees can also enjoy entertainment acts such as aerial acrobats and a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smoking ceremony, which is done to cleanse bad spirits. At the end of the night, the festivities conclude with the Harbour of Light Parade, which features a variety of illuminated boats throughout the harbour.
Hong Kong Hong Kong is the home of an incredible fireworks display and pyrotechnic lightshow. At Hong Kong’s Time Square (yes, there are two of them!), you’ll also enjoy a taste of New York City’s famous celebration; the city also hosts a ball drop ceremony similar to the one in New York. Or, visit the Victoria Harbour and watch the countdown displayed in the sky, followed by a fireworks finale.
Cape Town While there are plenty of New Year’s Eve festivals and events to take part in, the real party in South Africa begins on New Year’s Day with Kaapse Klopse, the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival. Watch parades, performances of traditional dancers, musicians, and locals dressed up as minstrels as you celebrate a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
Vienna Visit the charming city’s famous Christmas markets and join thousands in watching the fireworks at the Wiener Prater fun fair. Vienna is also a great place to go if you’re looking for a classy celebration; you can attend glamorous balls, galas, and concerts such as the “Grand Ball” at Hofburg Palace.
London Over 250,000 people head to the area surrounding River Thames to view the night’s events, which includes a 10-minute lightshow, fireworks, and a countdown that concludes with Big Ben striking midnight. On New Year’s Day, watch the parade in central London, which includes floats, marching bands, and even an appearance by the Queen’s horses.
Edinburgh In Scotland, an evening and a day aren’t enough to ring in the New Year. Instead, Edinburgh hosts Hogmany, which is a four-day long festival of events. Thousands of people attend the festival, which includes a traditional Celtic party, live music, and other performances on stages throughout the city. The event culminates with a pyrotechnic show at midnight on New Year’s as everyone sings Auld Lang Syne, a classic Scottish song.
New York City The Big Apple is an iconic New Year’s Eve destination, bringing in millions of people around the world to watch the ball drop—a tradition that’s been around since the early 1900s. But there’s more than just that—visitors can also enjoy celebrity performances, a lightshow, fireworks, and other festivities. But if you’re looking to enjoy the celebration without the crowds, consider viewing from a nearby hotel or restaurant.
Rio de Janeiro In the capital of Brazil, locals and visitors from all over the world head to the famous Copacabana beach to watch performances and dance the Samba. Think Carnival meets New Year’s Eve beach party—which is great for those looking to stay warm this holiday. If you go, be sure to wear white, which is said to bring good luck for the New Year. Countdown to midnight, throw flowers into the ocean, and end the night with an incredible fireworks show
ALC Health adds more tools to ALC World, its dedicated online member service
ALC Health has added yet more online tools and technology to its dedicated member only service ALC World (www.alchealth.com/alcworld). Provided as part of each ALC Health policyholder’s membership package, ALC World offers a wealth of information covering medical facilities and services worldwide including city profiles, a drug and medical phrase translation service and local security updates.
Adding a further 500 medical providers to its contracted community, an increase of 9% and 200 new facilities, an increase of 14%, ALC World has also expanded the number of countries included in its Drug Equivalency Guide including the Philippines, Panama, Cyprus, Turkey, Jordan, Bahamas and Jamaica bringing the total number of countries to 42.
Additional languages are now included as part of the Medical Translation Tool which now includes audio and bilateral translations for twelve languages representing the primary languages for 193 countries: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Andrew Apps, Director at ALC Health adds “For many expatriates, finding the right doctor or medical facility in an unfamiliar country can be difficult at best of times.
With ALC World our members have access to a wealth of comprehensive data covering doctors, specialists, clinics and hospitals which enables the user to make an informed decision when making that all important choice of who to use, for what and where. With a further expansion of the online drug translation tool, making sure the correct drug is prescribed when a repeat prescription is needed becomes simple and straightforward”.
Travelling While Pregnant
The moment a woman discovers she’s pregnant, her life immediately changes forever. Not only do you have to prepare for your new baby’s arrival, but you must also take the necessary steps and precautions to ensure he develops safely and properly. And if you’re the type who loves to travel and doesn’t plan on stopping until absolutely necessary (or as recommended by your doctor) there are some specific travel tips you should consider before embarking on a trip writes the healthytravelblog.com
Know the best times to travel (and the worst). While pregnancy can cause nausea and fatigue, these symptoms typically don’t last throughout the entire pregnancy. The second trimester is considered the best time to travel since you’re less likely to experience morning sickness and fatigue. You should however try to avoid traveling after 36 to 38 weeks of pregnancy, unless your doctor gives you permission. If you do plan on flying late in your pregnancy, check to see if your airline requires a note from your doctor if you’re scheduled to deliver within 30 days of takeoff.
Bring a copy of all necessary medical information. If you need treatment from a local doctor during your trip, it’s important to have a copy of your prenatal records to help him better understand your pregnancy and specific needs.
If flying, opt for a pat down instead of getting scanned. When going through security at the airport, try to avoid AIT scanners (the ones that spin around you) and ask to receive a pat down instead. Since the effects of the scanners on the fetus are unknown, doctors advise women to avoid them altogether.
Choose an aisle seat. This will give you more room to stretch and allow you easier access to the bathroom. Be sure to take frequent walks to the bathroom to prevent blood clots. You might also want to wear compression socks or tights to keep your blood circulating.
Bring healthy snacks and drink plenty of water. While women should drink tons of water when pregnant, this is especially true when traveling. Aim for eight to twelve glasses of water a day to ensure the fetus is getting enough.
Pack loose and comfortable clothing. Avoid anything that’s too tight to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible during your travels.
Watch what you eat. Traveling can make it difficult to maintain a healthy and regular diet. Be sure to cut back on foods and drinks that are likely to cause gas and heartburn, and opt for foods that are high in fiber. Instead of eating three big meals a day, aim for several small meals and take your time when eating.
Slow it down. Since it’s easy to get tired when pregnant, it’s best to keep your schedule light and simple. Scheduling time to nap each day may be a good way to re-boost your energy stores and avoid exhaustion.