Does Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

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An overseas trip can be an exciting adventure. But what if you need medical treatment? Even in the safest countries, there’s always at least a slight risk of illness or injury. Will your Iowa health insurance cover international travel, or should you apply for some extra medical coverage? It depends on your current health plan and what care you’re most likely to need.

Overseas Coverage

Many but not all insurance plans cover necessary medical treatment in foreign countries. You’ll need to bring your insurer’s claim form and card. With a few exceptions, standard Medicare doesn’t provide health care outside of the United States. Certain Medicare supplemental plans add overseas coverage, and you can also obtain separate insurance for this purpose.

Treatment Restrictions

Your insurer might restrict overseas medical care, such as only covering emergency treatment. Some Iowans qualify for non-emergency care if they visit specific health providers that their insurance companies have approved. You’ll probably need to seek treatment in the country you visit; standard medical plans rarely cover medical evacuations.

Additional Coverage

If you discover that your existing plan doesn’t offer adequate international coverage, several solutions exist. You could acquire travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, or a supplemental Medicare policy. Another option is to switch to a completely different medical plan that covers more types of treatment when you travel abroad.

Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. can help you choose a policy with suitable international coverage. Our independent agency also offers Medicare supplemental and travel insurance plans from an assortment of trusted insurers. We have offices in Union, Eldora, and Marshalltown, Iowa. To find the right health coverage for your next overseas trip, please call 641-939-3404 to reach Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc.

How Do Home and Condo Insurance Differ?

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Home and condo insurance have many more similarities than differences. Both protect against unfortunate events such as damage to your living space or injuries to others that might occur there. Since a home or condo is generally among your most significant investments, it is critical to have insurance coverage that protects your assets financially. Our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team, serving the State of Iowa, will work with you to structure a policy meeting your needs.

What Does Condo Insurance Cover?

Home and condo insurance have several common elements. Both protect your belongings and liabilities due to the following:

  • accidental injuries and property damages caused by you or household members
  • medical expenses when you or household members are responsible for injuries to others

The difference between home and condo insurance is how they cover the dwelling or building. Home insurance covers freestanding buildings, so home policies cover all parts of the building and grounds. Since condos are shared properties, the association’s insurance covers the common areas and some portions of the building.

Condo associations have master policies that are either "bare walls-in" or "all-in." "Bare walls-in" policies cover the building exterior and common areas, while your condo policy covers everything inside the walls of your condo. 

An "all-in" policy covers the building exterior and common areas as well as your interior walls, appliances, flooring, and lighting. Your condo insurance covers everything the condo master policy doesn’t handle, including all your belongings, so you must be aware of your association’s master policy coverage when acquiring condo insurance.

Working with Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc

Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., serving Iowa, has deep experience providing home and condo insurance. Call or stop by today to structure a policy to meet your needs.

Umbrella Insurance When You Are Outside the USA

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The Necessity of Umbrella Insurance for Wealthy Families

For Iowa’s affluent families, umbrella insurance provides additional much-needed liability protection. At Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., we always remind our high-net-worth clients that they equally need this extra coverage when traveling outside the United States. With umbrella insurance, you’re covered for any incidents where you might be liable — even those occurring beyond American borders.

Examples of Incidents Covered by International Umbrella Insurance

Are you curious about what type of mishaps the international umbrella insurance covers? Here are a few examples:

  • Your pet accompanies you overseas and bites someone in a local market.
  • You rent a car and opt for the necessary liability insurance but end up in a collision that surpasses the rental car policy’s limits.
  • Following a bad service experience at a restaurant abroad, you publish a negative review online and face a defamation lawsuit.
  • You collide with another skier on the slopes or hit another boat while sailing, and you’re held accountable.

Umbrella insurance offers financial protection from such unforeseen issues when you’re overseas. It can assist in managing your liability and securing legal representation, handling your extended stay costs, and compensating for any lost income back home while dealing with a liability issue in a foreign country.

Protect Your International and Domestic Liability

It is crucial not to leave your international liability coverage to chance. Before your trip, knowing what measures you can take to handle a claim against you is important. We at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. can review your home, auto, and commercial liability coverage to ensure you are protected whether at home in Iowa or abroad.

Why basic auto insurance isn’t always the right choice

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If you are concerned about basic auto insurance coverage in the state of Iowa, you can turn to the team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. As independent insurance agents, we work for our clients, not for the insurance carriers, and we are in a position to provide more chosen and the best possible deals. In Iowa, basic auto insurance is 20/40/15. 

What is basic auto insurance?

In Iowa, basic insurance is liability coverage, which protects other drivers from you and an accident you may be responsible for. It will take care of medical expenses and legal action if you get sued. It also covers damage to personal property like their vehicle or another vehicle or stationary item like a fence or pole. The rates of 20/40/15 are very basic and if you have assets, not enough. 

Do you have an auto loan or lease?

If you have an auto loan or are leasing a vehicle, basic auto insurance won’t be acceptable. You have to cover the vehicle with collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Do you use your car daily?

If you don’t use your vehicle every day to run errands, go to work, or take children to school and appointments, then maybe you can live with basic insurance that will not allow you to repair or replace your vehicle. But if you are like most vehicle owners, you will find it difficult to live without a means of transportation. 

Can you afford to replace or repair your vehicle?

If you can afford to repair your vehicle yourself, replace it if needs be, or if it has no real value, then basic insurance may be the right choice for you. 

Reach Out To Us

Contact our office at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. in Iowa, when you have questions or need to discuss your auto insurance coverage. 

Can I add dental insurance to my plan?

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Dental care is a vital part of your overall health, but dental insurance is not automatically included in a traditional healthcare plan in Iowa. The good news is that you can still get insurance even if it was not part of your original healthcare package. Even better, you will not have to wait for an open enrollment period to speak with the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. about your options.

Three Ways To Get Dental Insurance

Some health insurance companies offer dental insurance for an additional price as part of your overall package. In those cases, you may need to add dental insurance as part of your original purchase.

Other health insurance companies recognize that dental insurance is different, and you can add your dental insurance to an existing plan when you feel the need. There may be terms and conditions.

There are also companies in Iowa that sell dental insurance separately. If you think that is your best option, we at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. will help you to look for a plan.

Things To Keep In Mind

One important thing to remember is that every dentist does not accept every kind of insurance. If it is important to you to use a certain dentist, you need to make sure they take your insurance beforehand. Once you see which companies offer insurance, check that they offer what you really want.

Some dentists may not want patients who don’t carry dental insurance. Even if you are willing to pay out of pocket, your dental care team may feel more confident treating you if you have that protection.

Getting dental insurance in Iowa is surprisingly affordable. If you have any questions about health or dental insurance, please call the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. today.

How does remodeling affect home insurance?

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Remodeling or renovating can be an exciting opportunity to make a house become the home of your dreams. However, the home of your dreams is often among your most significant investments, so it is critical that you adequately protect that investment during and after a remodeling project. The Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team will happily work with you to properly structure home insurance coverage that meets your needs in Iowa.

The Impact of Remodeling and Renovating

A home insurance policy generally offers some protection during the remodeling process. Still, it is a good recommendation (and sometimes a requirement) that you advise your insurance agent of your plan before starting work to confirm your coverage. Consider acquiring an umbrella policy or extending your liability and medical coverage for damages, theft, or injuries during the project. 

A remodeled or renovated home often increases your home’s square footage and furnishings, adds higher-quality countertops or cabinets, or brings more valuable artwork or collectibles into your home, leading to the need to enhance your coverage.

Meanwhile, additions such as new pools or hot tubs make your home more enjoyable but are considered "attractive nuisances" that increase your risk. On the other hand, some renovations reduce your risk. Sprinkler and security systems, improved roofing, and updated heating, plumbing, and electrical systems can lessen your risk, decreasing premiums.

So, regardless of your planned changes, please consult with your agent to see how they may affect your home insurance coverage.

Working with Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc.

Each client has unique home insurance needs. Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., proudly serving the residents of Iowa, can help you avoid mistakes and protect your home and family against unforeseen events. Call or stop by today to discuss your condo insurance options.