Travel-Snap: News & Notes

If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. However, payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.

Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition.

THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL COSTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A. ...

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U.S. Department of State

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reminding the public of the October 31, 2005 deadline for comment on the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

The ANPRM seeks comments on how to implement a mandate established by The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) which requires the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State to develop and implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport or other appropriate secure identity and citizenship documentation when entering the United States. IRTPA will require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted documents that establish the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.

IRTPA, and implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, will affect all United States citizens entering or re-entering the U.S. who do not currently possess valid passports. It will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States, namely Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and Mexican citizens. ...

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today reopened Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) to certain pre-cleared General Aviation (GA) operations, including corporate and charter aircraft.

“Opening up Reagan National to General Aviation underlines TSA’s commitment to balance the security and commercial needs of the Capital Region,” said Pat Hynes, Federal Security Director for TSA at DCA. “We recognize the economic importance of providing access to the airport so we worked with key stakeholders to develop stringent requirements that allow private aircraft to return here.”

The TSA’s DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) -- which was developed in coordination with other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, and other federal agencies -- addresses the special aviation security needs in the National Capital Region.

TSA’s plan allows access for up to 48 GA flights into DCA per day from from twelve “gateway” airports. These airports are: Seattle-Tacoma, WA; Boston Logan; Houston Hobby; White Plains, NY; LaGuardia, New York; Chicago Midway; Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN; West Palm Beach, FL; San Francisco, CA; Teterboro Airport, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; and Lexington, KY. ...

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Transportation Security Administration

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