ISA Updates and New Products

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

How I Spent My Spring Break

Dear Mom and Dad, Spring Break is a blast, wish you were here. The ocean is just beautiful, and the water is so clear you can almost see the jellyfish before they sting you. Boy those little suckers really hurt! I think I might remember where I left my wallet, too. I sure hope so, cause for the past few days I have been existing on a diet of Chicklets that I purchased from one of the roadside natives here. I tell ya, people can be very friendly to tourists. Just yesterday, some people told me to take a hike. I thought that was very nice of them to suggest recreational activities. Unfortunately, since the airline lost one of my bags on the way down here, I didn't have my hiking boots, and when that lizard bit my ankle, it hurt almost as bad as falling down that hill afterwards. Thankfully, my friends were able to assemble a makeshift stretcher to help me get back to the main road, and boy were we ever relieved when that nice man in the truck came by to give us a ride to the clinic. At least, I think it was a clinic. I mean, there were cots there with a bunch of sick people laying on them, and I really think that if we had waited just a little longer, someone would have assisted us eventually. I'm really not sure. I was kind of beginning to pass out from the pain and none of the people dressed like nurses spoke English. My buddy had his translation dictionary with him, and although he tried to get help, it seems the clinic wouldn't treat me unless I paid them first. Unfortunately, they did not accept Chicklets. Don't worry about me though, my foot is still black but I am beginning to get the feeling back in my toes which is certainly a good thing when you're sleeping outdoors. There are some crazy insects around here! I sure wish the hotel wouldn't have lost my reservation. You know what mom and dad? I've been thinking about how you told me to get trip insurance from Insurance Services of America. I guess I didn't think I would need it, but it sure would have been nice to have someone who could have gotten me a new hotel room, or some emergency cash when I lost my wallet, or bought me some new boots, or paid the clinic so they would treat me and get me back home safely. Just like you would have done yourself if you were here. For under 2 bucks a day, a travel medical plan could have protected me and given you peace of mind, too. But don't worry about me, mom and dad! I think I might be coming home soon. I found a company that does medical evacuations, and although it is a bit costly, at least I'll be safe. And I promise, I will totally pay you back the Fifty Thousand Dollars just as soon as I can.

See you guys soon, Your Son.

posted by ISA Brokers # 2:26 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Save Money When you Travel During The Off-Season

Planning to visit Hawaii, Aspen, New York, Paris or Napa, might require a hefty vacation budget, but if you time it right, you can visit these destinations when these places are at their most affordable.

The best time to travel varies from destination to destination. That can mean shoulder season or off season, or finding that window in high season when rates take a dip, if only for a couple of weeks. And it's worth the effort, because the savings can range from 20 to 50 percent off high-season prices. They may not be truly "cheap”, but certainly more affordable. Take London for example; both airfares and hotel rates fall between Oct. 15 and March 31, with the exception being the Christmas-through-New Year's holiday period. The caveats here: weather and daylight. Wet, rainy and cold weather is to be expected, and the lack of daylight might turn off some travelers. In mid-winter the sun sets in London at 3:45 p.m. But if you accept that museums, the theater and restaurants are where you'll spend most of your time, you probably won't mind it so much.

Then there's Hawaii. Go now, while recession continues to leave thousands of empty hotel rooms throughout the state. If you're willing, postpone travel between September and early December, which has long been the low season for the Aloha State.

The month of May is a great time for Caribbean travel. By then prices could have dropped as much as 50 percent from winter highs, the weather is still terrific and the spring break crowds are gone. The weather gets warmer in June, but it can still be a terrific time to go. While July and August are quite hot, they might still be preferable to the weather in the U.S. at the same time. (Certainly cooler than our Arizona office!) September through November are the quietest time in the islands. Of course there is one caution to heed in the Caribbean, and that's hurricane season, which extends from June through November. You should have travel insurance and stay at a hotel that has a hurricane policy (with refunds clearly spelled out). Skiing in Aspen without dipping into your retirement fund? Go in early December. A rate at a popular luxury hotel was $219 a night for a mid-December stay in a basic room. In February that same room had jumped to $439 per night. Other dates worth looking at are the entire month of January, except Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Balmy breezes and empty beaches make Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket best during May and June. Before the private jet set arrive on these pricey islands every summer and fall, most hotels offer weekend deals to entice us regular folk. You'll especially see a lot of midweek deals. You can stroll these island beaches during May and June, but the waters don't really begin to warm up until July.

A trip insurance plan from Insurance Services of America fits nicely into your budget-conscious vacation plans. Since trip insurance rates are based on the cost of your trip, saving money at your destination means saving money on your coverage. Call the experts at Insurance Services of America.

Show us your plans, and we'll show you ours!

800-647-4589

posted by ISA Brokers # 11:17 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Friday, January 22, 2010

International Travel is Flying High!

Interest in international travel is on the rise.

A popular online travel booking site has reported an increase in searches for international airline tickets so far this year. Data for the first three weeks of January shows a 25% increase in search for international destinations versus the same three weeks last year.

Top search destinations include Cancun, Mexico; London, UK; Manila, Philippines; San Juan, Costa Rica and Frankfurt, Germany. Likewise, the volume of users searching for international flights from January 1-20, 2010, is up 28% compared to searches from December 1-20, 2009.

Insurance Services of America is the nationwide independent leader in International health and travel medical insurance. We and our agents have been busy securing coverage for clients all around the globe; traveling overseas for business, pleasure, humanitarian efforts, school, and more.

Are you already signed up to sell our fabulous International Travel Insurance products? ISA brokers enjoy personalized marketing supplies, free training webinars, online quote and apply links, and guidance and support from our dedicated staff of agent assistants.

The future of U.S. health care is uncertain, but International Travel is soaring. If you have not already signed up to sell International Travel Insurance, call our marketing department today to get started. Already appointed? Let the professionals at ISA assist you with quotes, supplies, and marketing ideas!

800.647.4589

Click here to register to attend our next FREE webinar

Thursday, February 11th!

posted by ISA Brokers # 8:22 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hey ISA Broker! Insurance Services of America encourages all agents to attend the Producer Zone Webinar from HCC !

The producer zone is an incredibly useful tool for agents who are looking for a quick and easy way to bind coverage for their clients and manage their business online. From the Producer Zone, you can track your online sales, renewals and commissions, print duplicate policy documents, download personalized sales materials and banners for your website, and much more!

Please join us on February 2nd at 11AM Pacific, 12PM MST and 2PM EST.

Click here to register!

posted by ISA Brokers # 1:36 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Thursday, January 7, 2010

New Year, NEW WEBINAR!

Have you registered to attend our next

HCC Life STM

Webinar?

If you are licensed in –ANY State EXCEPT: CT, MD, MA, MN, MT, NJ, NY, ND, VT & WA:

Insurance Services of America invites you to attend an online presentation to learn about our NEW “ HCC Life STM" (formerly the 'Amigo'), underwritten by HCC Life Insurance Company, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.

As the national marketing office of the HCC Life STM, ISA encourages you to register for this meeting to become educated on the many features and benefits that set this new plan apart from other temporary health plans in the market. During this professional 30-minute webinar hosted by Mike Watts of HCC Medical Insurance Services, you'll get the insight to one of one of the fastest growing products in the health insurance market.

The following features and benefits WILL broaden your client base & increase your revenue:

*NO Decline Question (Your client can answer YES to the question “Have you ever been declined for insurance?” and coverage can still be issued as long as they can answer NO the qualifying medical questions)

*Available to U.S. and non-US citizens legally residing in the US

*NO SS# required

*Only a $50.00 Urgent Care co-pay benefit

*GREAT Rates!

*Eligibility from age 2 through age 64*

*Customizable plan options to fit various needs and budgets

*Broad range of deductibles ($250 - $7,500)

*Coverage periods of up to 6 months or 12 months (12 months in most states) *Opportunities for re-application

*Freedom to choose doctors and hospitals without facing out-of-network penalties

*Fast and easy online quoting

*Immediate online fulfillment of certificates and id cards (printed in English and Spanish)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER to attend the FREE Webinar!

Download your 2010 materials now at http://www.isabrokers.com/ or call Kina for assistance!

INSURANCE SERVICES OF AMERICA

800-647-4589

posted by ISA Brokers # 11:59 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Strange Policies from Lloyd's:

Insurance Services of America markets a number of quality health and travel medical plans that are underwritten by Lloyd's of London, the oldest insurer in the world. They even insured the Titanic! Here's a list of some of the other off the beaten path policies covered by Lloyd's:

Coffee taster Gennaro Pelliccia, who samples products for Costa Coffee, has had his tongue insured for $1.6 million with Lloyd's of London.

Lloyd's has insured the smile of America Ferrera, star of the hit television show Ugly Betty, for $10million.

The London insurance market has also insured Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards' fingers and Marlene Dietrich's legs – and, according to one history book, actress Bette Davis once insured her waistline against expansion.

Lloyd's developed a policy to cover loss of chest hair which could adversely impact a person's image or career. Under the terms of the policy, the policyholder would have to lose more than 85% of his chest hair through an injury to his chest in order to make a claim. This loss would have to be verified by a panel of trichologists.

In 2008 Dutch wine maker Ilja Gort insured his nose for $5 million to cover against any incident that could threaten his livelihood.

It has also insured Santa's beard, providing coverage for Brady White – the professional Father Christmas at Macy's department store in New York who also visits the likes of Pamela Anderson and Rene Russo.

In June 2004, history was made when SpaceShipOne became the first privately manned aircraft to reach space. Lloyd's insurer Amlin was lead underwriter for the $100m liability policy for the craft.

One film company took out a million-dollar policy with Lloyd's against the possibility of one of their actresses falling in love and getting married during her contract service. In the early part of the 20th century, Lloyd's insured moviegoers against death from excessive laughter while at the cinema.

Formula One racing drivers at the front of the grid can buy cover for up to $50 million, while those at the back are likely to have protection of around $500,000.

Golf: Hole-in-one insurances are regularly placed at Lloyd's, sometimes for as much as $50,000 a time.

2004, Lloyd's insured the $30 million worth of jewelry worn by the stars at the Oscars.

...And you thought ISA had some interesting NICHE products!

At Insurance Services of America, we won't be able to insure your nose hair, but we do have a long list of quality medical, dental, guaranteed issue, and travel plans to fill your portfolio.

Give our marketing department a call to see how easy it is to get set up to sell our terrific niche plans.

800.647.4689

posted by ISA Brokers # 10:56 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The REAL Meaning of Christmas...

Merry Christmas from your friends at

Insurance Services of America!

posted by ISA Brokers # 7:40 AM 0 Comments Links to this post