Tag Archives: insurance

Winter Sports & Sports Insurance

ice-skate Is it risky to do winter sports without the sports insurance?

Yes. If you have to pay your own hospital bills for a broken bone, you might be shocked at how much that would cost. I checked this website for some cost estimates.

Here are a couple examples:

  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (that does not require surgery) it could cost up to $2,500.
  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (requiring surgery) it could cost $16,000 or more.

    • I wanted to make sure everyone understands how the medical coverage works for sports related injuries. There is a list of “high-risk sports/activities” that are not covered with the basic or upgrade medical insurance plans. Those activities are only covered with the Sports Insurance Package (also known as Option A.)

    The Sports Insurance Package was available pre-departure and may also be purchased at any time during your year. It takes effect within 48 hours of your enrollment and it is good for 12 months. The cost will be the same ($75) whether you have a month left or your whole year ahead of you. I recommend you pay for it early on, if you didn’t already purchase it. You never know when an opportunity might present itself and you don’t want to miss out on an adventure. You also don’t want to take a risk on getting injured and being responsible for the bill on your own.

    Below is a partial list of sports that are only covered with the sports insurance package:
    Football, Rugby, Scuba diving, Ski-doo,  Wakeboarding, Skydiving, Parachuting, Rock climbing, Zip line, Skate boarding, Rollerblading, Roller skating, Ice Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiles & Snowshoeing.  View the full list on page 3 of the insurance brochure HERE (2013 arrival au pairs) & HERE for (2014 arrival au pairs)
    Note: Injuries sustained while partaking in these sports are covered with purchase of the Sports Insurance ONLY.

    How to register for the Sports Insurance
    Download the form HERE and follow the instructions. It takes a few days for your coverage to begin. If you think you will be doing any of these sports, you should get it now.

    What to Keep in the Car Glove Box

    If you are like me, you probably have napkins and straws from fast food restaurants and other assorted items in your glove box in the car.  It can be a nifty storage place, but it’s main purpose is to keep some important documents related to the car. glove box

    It is very important that you keep all of the necessary documents in the car glove box. These items will be necessary if you are stopped by a police officer or have an auto accident. Not having these items can result in your receiving a ticket (citation) from a police officer.

    Essential Documents

    *Some host parents may tell you to carry these in your wallet instead of keeping them in the car. Follow their instructions.

    Helpful Extras

    • Flashlight
    • Tire Pressure Gauge
    • Vehicle Owner’s Manual
    • Map or GPS
    • Tissues and Hand Sanitizer
    • First Aid Kit

    In Your Wallet
    Carry your Maryland license or country driver’s license and international driver’s permit with you at all times, especially when you are driving. You should leave your passport and Social Security Card and other documents at home, to reduce the risk of losing them.

    Places To Go For Urgent Medical Care

    update

    In a true emergency, seek medical attention as soon as possible at the hospital emergency room. I have local hospitals listed on the Cluster Google Map, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with where they are, in case you should ever need to know.

    What I am talking about here are medical problems where you would like to be seen the same day, but you do not feel that it is an emergency. If you go to the emergency room for something that is not an emergency (like for a sore throat or pink eye), they will see you and treat you, but will not admit you to the hospital. In a case like that, there is an additional charge by the insurance company. The emergency room is not to be used as your regular doctor.

    Here is the link to the medical insurance information and claim forms: APIA Medical
    You may go to any doctor or clinic you choose, but you will pay less if you go to an in-network doctor. You may need to pay up front and submit a claim form to be reimbursed (providing you have met your deductible, if applicable.)

    Urgent Care Clinics

    These clinics all participate with our medical insurance as of 8/8/2012. This is subject to change, so verify when you make your appointment by telling them you have insurance through First Health Network.

    CVS Minute Clinic – www.minuteclinic.com
    Open daily – Hours vary by location. No appointment necessary.
    Locations including: Annapolis, Bethesda, Crofton, Ft. Washington, Laurel, Rockville, Upper Marlboro & Wheaton
    For less complicated illnesses including: Allergies, Bladder Infections, Colds, Ear Infections, Pink Eye & Styes, Sinus Infections, Strep Throat, Swimmer’s Ear, Athlete’s Foot, Cold Sores, and Vaccinations.
    Visit their website for a complete list of locations, conditions they will treat and the costs.

    Righttime Care Centers – http://www.myrighttime.com/ – 1-888-808-6483
    (formerly Nighttime Pediatrics & Adult Care)
    Open 11am-Midnight daily. Appointments not required, but strongly encouraged (to reduce your wait time.)
    Locations: Annapolis, Columbia, Gambrills, Pasadena and Rockville

    Xpress Med Care – http://xpressmedcare.com/
    13671 Georgia Ave
    Silver Spring, MD 20906-5214
    240-558-3131
    Monday-Saturday, 9 am-9 pm
    Sunday, 10am-5 pm

    Patient First – www.patientfirst.com
    Open 8 am-10 pm daily. No appointment necessary.
    Laurel, 301-497-1820
    Waldorf, 240-427-1926

    Concentra Medical Center – www.concentra.com
    Lanham, (301) 459-9113
    Monday-Friday,7am-6 pm
    Capitol Heights (Steeplechase), (301) 499-4655
    Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm
    Weekends, 9am-3 pm

    Secure Medical Care – http://securemedicalcare.com/
    10452 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD
    (Route 1, 1/2 mile north of IKEA)
    (301) 441-3355
    Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm
    Weekends & Holidays, 10am-6pm