Monthly Archives: April 2019

Do You Need Sports Insurance?

Trying out or participating in various sports can be very exciting, especially if this is your first time experiencing certain activities. However, you should also know the risks and be prepared.

Is it risky to do 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.

The Sports Insurance 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 ($90) 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 your insurance brochure.

Note: Injuries sustained while partaking in these sports are covered with purchase of the Sports Insurance ONLY.

How to register for the Sports Insurance
Contact Cynthia or Sarah, if you are unsure which insurance package you have. To sign up, submit a completed copy of the Sports Insurance Enrollment Form along with payment to Au Pair in America. It takes three days for your coverage to begin. If you think you will be doing any of these sports, you should get it now.

Spring Break – School’s Out Boredom Busters!

Looking for some fun ideas for Easter and Passover celebrations and spring break activities? Check out the Au Pair in America Pinterest board for lots of great ideas!

Easter Egg lunch

Passover crafts and ideas   

Bake and decorate chick cupcakes

Easter egg hunt in the dark?

Paper plate bunny basket

Make a foosball game out of a shoebox

Go on a scavenger hunt at the park

Make finger leg puppets

Play the Draw A Monster Game

Photo by Michael

Education Requirement Explained

Au pairs are required to complete 6 credits or 8 CEUs or 72 or more hours. We will work with each au pair to ensure that she earns the appropriate amount.

An au pair may take credit or non-credit classes from an accredited college.  If you want to take a class at a school not listed here on our blog, please check with us first to make sure it is accredited. Otherwise, it would not count toward your education requirement.

Your host family will pay an education allowance to assist you in completing your education requirement. They will also ensure your transportation to class (access to a car and gas expense will be covered). The education allowance is $500.

There are ways to get your credits for close to  your education allowance, but it will not give you a lot of choices. Normally au pairs will contribute some of their own money ($200+) towards their education. We can help you plan out your year of classes to make it fun, interesting and educational!  CollegeDegrees360

The APIA Advantage UCLA Course is the only State Dept. approved class with an online component. No other online classes are accepted.

  • NOTE – Au pairs are allowed to take one weekend course for up to half their education requirement per contract year.  The Department of State views our program as a cultural exchange experience and an au pair going to a campus over the length of a semester alongside her American Peers facilitates this while promoting the spirit of the program.  

Photo Credit: CollegeDegrees360 (flickr)