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We at Sunburst International Risk Management are dedicated to being your trusted source for global risk assessment and mitigation consulting and training services. Whether you travel for business, leisure, adventure, or study, the best way to ensure an enjoyable, productive, and safe trip is to be aware of what types of problems you may encounter, take steps to prevent problems before they happen, and be prepared to deal with problems if they do occur. We focus on the things that we believe matter most to our clients - helping them learn how to reduce the uncertainties of international travel and providing them with global protection and peace of mind. We are committed to delivering individualized services, risk assessment expertise, and carefully considered advice to our clients. We are proud to provide superior global protection and peace of mind to international travelers in over 100 countries.
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BROCHURE
Liaison
® International
Underwritten by Nationwide Insurance Co.,  Rated A "Excellent" by A.M. Best

Medical Insurance for Persons Traveling Outside of their Home Country
5 DAYS TO 6 MONTHS (Renewable) OF COVERAGE FOR:

NON-CITIZENS VISITING THE UNITED STATES.
         
UNITED STATES CITIZENS TRAVELING OVERSEAS.
  INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS REQUIRING CONTINUING COVERAGE

point1.gif (1057 bytes) Click here for Online Quotes & Online Application
Please read the Scheduled Benefits and Exclusions carefully before applying for this plan.

Get A Quote for Liaison® International

SCHEDULE OF COVERAGE
All coverages and plan costs listed in this brochure are
in U.S. dollar amounts.

Benefits

Limits

Medical Coverage Maximum $50,000; $100,000; $500,000; and $1,000,000 (ages 80+, maximum limited to $15,000)
Deductible: $0; $100; $250; $500; $1000; and $2500 Deductible is per person per policy period, maximum of 3 Policy Period deductibles per family. The selected Deductible and Coinsurance amount must be met for each 12-month period (see Continuing Coverage)
Coinsurance: Inside the United States and Canada: After you pay the deductible, the program pays 80% of the next $5,000 of eligible expenses, then 100% to the selected Maximum.
Outside the United States and Canada: After you pay the deductible, the program pays 100% to the selected Maximum.
Hospital Indemnity: $150 / night (traveling outside the U.S. and Canada) In addition to any other Covered Expense.
Dental (Emergency): $100 (or $500 for accidents) Only available to programs purchased for 1 month or more.
Emergency Medical Evacuation/ Repatriation: $300,000 (in addition to the Medical Maximum)
Home Country Coverage Incidental Trips to The Home Country: $50,000 Follow Me Home Coverage: $5,000
Return of Mortal Remains: $50,000
Emergency Reunion: $50,000
Return of Minor Child(ren): $50,000
Interruption of Trip: $5,000
Loss of Checked Luggage: $250
Local Ambulance Expense: $5,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): $25,000 Principal Sum for Insured or Insured Spouse, $5,000 for Dependent Child.
Common Carrier Accidental Death $50,000 per adult, $25,000 per children under age of 18; $250,000 Maximum per family
Hospital Room & Board: Usual, reasonable and customary to the selected Policy Maximum
Intensive Care: Usual, reasonable and customary to the selected Policy Maximum
Outpatient Medical Expenses: Usual, reasonable and customary to the selected Policy Maximum
Terrorism Usual, reasonable and customary to the selected Policy Maximum (This benefit not available for states underwritten by certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London)
Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions: Up to $20,000 for U.S. citizens traveling outside the United States and Canada (refer to exclusion #1 for details)
Benefit Period: Six months
 
 

globe3.gif (1126 bytes) WHY INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE?
Each year, millions of people travel outside of their Home Country, beyond the boundaries of their medical insurance. If you are concerned with the potential out-of-pocket expenses that could result from an injury or illness while traveling, Liaison International offers medical coverage and emergency services to individuals and families traveling outside their Home Country. This brochure is a brief description of Liaison International. Once you are approved for coverage a complete Program Summary will be mailed to you.

globe3.gif (1126 bytes) ELIGIBILITY
Liaison® International provides coverage as outlined in this brochure for individuals and families (including unmarried dependent children over 14 days and under 19 years of age) while traveling outside of their home country.

Home Country is defined as - The country where an insured person(s) has his/her true, fixed and permanent home and principal establishment.

globe3.gif (1126 bytes) PERIOD OF COVERAGE
The minimum period of coverage under Liaison International is 5 days, maximum is 6 months (see Continuing Coverage section). Coverage can be purchased in a combination of monthly and/or daily periods by paying the appropriate plan cost.
If you are traveling for a long period of time, please refer to "Continuing Coverage" section.

Effective Date
Your coverage will begin on the latest of the following: 1) The moment you depart your Home Country; or 2) The date and time the Application and full plan cost is received and accepted by Seven Corners, Inc.; or 3) The date requested on the Application.

Expiration Date
Coverage will end on the earlier of the following: 1) Your return to your Home Country *; or 2) The date shown on the ID Card, for which plan cost has been paid; 3) The date you are no longer eligible under this plan *See Home Country Coverage Section.

Please read the Scheduled Benefits and Exclusions carefully before applying for this plan.
 
Get A Quote for Liaison® International

globe3.gif (1126 bytes) DESCRIPTION OF COVERAGE

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Medical
When you incur a covered Injury or Illness, the program will pay Usual, Reasonable and Customary medical charges for Covered Expenses, excess of the chosen Deductible and Coinsurance, up to the selected Policy Maximum. Only such expenses, incurred as the result of a disablement, which are specifically enumerated in the following list of charges, are incurred within six months from the onset of an Injury or Illness, and which are not excluded in the Exclusions, shall be considered as Covered Expenses:

  1. Charges made by a Hospital for room and board, floor nursing and other services inclusive of charges for professional service and (with the exception of personal services of a non-medical nature); charges made for an operating room.
  2. Charges made for Intensive Care or Coronary Care charges and nursing services.
  3. Charges made for diagnosis, treatment and Surgery by a Physician; charges made for the cost and administration of anesthetics.
  4. Charges made for Outpatient treatment, same as any other treatment covered on an Inpatient basis. This includes ambulatory Surgical centers, Physicians' Outpatient visits/examinations, clinic care, and Surgical opinion consultations.
  5. Charges for medication, x-ray services, laboratory tests and services, the use of radium and radioactive isotopes, oxygen, blood transfusions, iron lungs, and medical treatment; dressings, drugs, and medicines that can only be obtained upon a written prescription of a Physician or Surgeon.
  6. Charges for physiotherapy, if recommended by a Physician for the treatment of a specific Disablement and administered by a licensed physiotherapist.
  7. Ground ambulance (within the metropolitan area) to and from the nearest Hospital with facilities for required treatment. If the Insured Person is in a rural area, then licensed air ground ambulance transportation to the nearest metropolitan area shall be considered a Covered Expense.
  8. Hotel room charge, when the Insured Person, otherwise necessarily confined in a Hospital, shall be under the care of a duly qualified Physician in a hotel room owing to unavailability of a Hospital room by reason of capacity or distance or to any other circumstances beyond control of the Insured Person.
  9. Charges made for artificial limbs, eyes, larynx, and orthotic appliances, but not for replacement of such items.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Dental - Emergency Only - The Emergency Dental Benefit is available to you provided you have purchased 1 or more months of coverage . Treatment necessary to resolve acute, spontaneous and unexpected inception of pain to sound natural teeth ($100) or Dental treatment necessary to restore or replace sound natural teeth lost or damaged in an Accident which is covered under the program ($500). This benefit is subject to the Deductible and Coinsurance.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation - The program will pay Covered Expenses incurred if any covered Injury or Illness commences during the Period of Coverage that results in the Medically Necessary Emergency Medical Evacuation or Repatriation (your medical condition warrants immediate transportation from the medical facility where you are located to the nearest adequate medical facility where medical treatment can be obtained). The benefit must be ordered by the Assistance Company in consultation with the local attending Physician.*

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Return of Mortal Remains - The Program will pay the reasonable Covered Expenses incurred up to a maximum of $50,000 to return your remains to your Home Country, if you should die.*

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Emergency Medical Reunion - When Emergency Medical Evacuation or Repatriation is ordered and the attending Physician recommends that a family member travel with you, the program will arrange and pay, up to $50,000, for a round trip economy-class transportation for one individual of your choice, from your Home Country, to be at your side while you are hospitalized and then accompany you during your return to your Home Country.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Return of Minor Child(ren) - Should you be traveling alone with a Minor Child(ren) and is hospitalized because of a covered Illness or Injury and the Minor Child(ren), under age 19, is left unattended, the program will arrange and pay up to $50,000 for one way economy fare to their Home Country (including the cost of an attendant/escort, if necessary to insure the safety and welfare of a Minor Child(ren)).*

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Hospital Indemnity - If you are hospitalized while traveling outside of the United States or Canada, and the hospitalization is considered a Covered Expense, the program will indemnify you a $150 for each night spent in the hospital (this benefit is in addition to any other covered expenses of the program).

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Interruption of Trip - If you are unable to continue the Trip due to the death of an Immediate Family member (parent, spouse, sibling, or child) or due to serious damage to your principal residence from fire, flood or similar natural disaster (tornado, earthquake, hurricane, etc.). The program will reimburse you (up to $5,000) for the cost of economy travel, less the value of applied credit from an unused return travel ticket, to return you home to your area of principal residence. *

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Loss of Checked Luggage - If your checked luggage is permanently lost by the airline, the program will reimburse you for the replacement of clothing and personal hygiene items lost to a maximum per bag limit of $50 (up to $250). This benefit is secondary to any other (including airline) coverage available. You must furnish proof to the Company that full reimbursement has been obtained from the airline. *

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Assistance Services - Upon enrollment into Liaison International, you are eligible to use any of the assistance services provided by the Assistance Services Provider. Additional information is contained in the Program Summary. Open 24 hours / day, 365 days a year, Multilingual personnel, Physicians / Nurses on staff, Locate local facilities to Help with emergency situations.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Home Country Coverage - Incidental Trips to Your Home Country: This benefit covers you for incidental trips to your Home Country (60 days per 12 months of purchased coverage or pro rata thereof - example: approximately 5 days per month of purchased coverage). Maximum benefit is reduced to $50,000 for any illness or injury occurring while on an incidental trip to your Home Country.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Follow Me Home Coverage: This plan shall pay for Covered Expenses incurred in your Home Country up to $5,000 for conditions first diagnosed outside Your Home Country (Does not apply for Emergency Evacuation or Repatriation).

*note.gif (85 bytes): In the event of an Emergency Medical Evacuation, Repatriation, Return of Mortal Remains, Emergency Reunion, Return of Minor Child(ren), Interruption of Trip, Loss of Checked Luggage benefit is needed or utilized, arrangements must be made by the Assistance Service Provider. Complete details about the benefits and about the required notification of the Assistance Service Provider are contained in the Program Summary.

globe3.gif (1126 bytes) OPTIONS

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Continuing Coverage
For those who are intending longer international trips, an option is available to you. If you choose this option on the application and enroll for at least three (3) months of coverage, a notice will be sent to your address of correspondence, allowing you to purchase an additional period of coverage (minimum of 1 month, maximum of 12 months). If you purchase at least three months of coverage, SRI will continue to send notices to your address of correspondence. If you choose to purchase less than three months of coverage, SRI will assume that your international trip is complete and will not send any further notices.

While a new period of coverage will be issued, your original effective date will be used with regards to calculating your deductible and coinsurance (for up to a total of 12 months, then both will begin again), as well as determining any pre-existing conditions. Since SRI's Benefit Period states that the program will pay up to a total of 6 months for any one eligible condition, you can be protected beyond your period of coverage.

The maximum period of time SRI will offer this feature is three years (one year for persons age 65 and over). It is important to note that rates and benefits may change for each subsequent period of coverage. A $5.00 Administrative Fee will be included on each notice. This option is not available if you allow coverage to expire prior to reapplying. If this happens, an entirely new program must be purchased (pre-existing condition begins again).

Continuing Coverage is available in periods as short as 5 days at a time when purchased using Seven Corners' online system.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Hazardous Sport Coverage - To cover motorcycle/motor scooter riding, mountaineering (4500 meter limit), hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping, water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and snow boarding.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) PRE-NOTIFICATION / REFERRAL
In order to ensure your claims are addressed as efficiently as possible, you or the provider of service must contact the Assistance Company for pre-notification prior to any medical treatment in the U.S., as well as hospital admissions and inpatient / outpatient surgeries incurred worldwide. The Assistance Company has trained personnel available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year to answer your questions, provide assistance, and guide you to an appropriate facility if necessary. In the case of an Emergency Admission, the Assistance Company must be contacted within 48 hours, or as soon as reasonably possible. Pre-notification does not guarantee that benefits will be paid. Failure to pre-notify will result in a 20% reduction in Eligible Benefits.

note.gif (85 bytes) Please be aware that this is not a general health insurance policy, but an interim, limited benefit period, travel medical program intended for use while away from your Home Country. Liaison International does not guarantee payment to a facility or individual for medical expenses until the Plan Administrator determines that it is an eligible expense.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) REFUND OF PREMIUM
The Plan Administrator realizes that there is uncertainty in international travel. Refund of total plan cost will only be considered if written request is received by  the Plan Administrator prior to the Effective Date of Coverage.
If written request is received after the Effective Date of coverage, the unused portion of the plan cost may be refunded minus a cancellation fee, provided no claim has been submitted to the Plan Administrator for reimbursement.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) CLAIM SUBMISSION
Filing a claim is easy. You will receive a Liaison International identification card and claim form once you are approved for insurance. When you receive treatment, send the original, itemized bills to  the Plan Administrator  within 90 days. Eligible bills are automatically converted from local currencies to US dollars. For payments of eligible medical expenses, notify the Plan Administrator of pending treatments and we can refer you to approved health care providers worldwide. You're only responsible for your deductible, coinsurance amounts and non-eligible expenses. For more details, consult the Program Summary that is provided with your insurance kit, or contact the Claim Department.

globe3.gif (1126 bytes) EXCLUSIONS
For Medical benefits, this Insurance does not cover:

  1. Any Injury or Illness which meets the following criteria: a) condition(s) that would have caused a person to seek medical advise, diagnosis, care or treatment during the 36 months prior to the Effective Date of coverage under this Policy;
    b) condition(s) for which manifestation, medical advise, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended, received, or noticed during the 36 months prior to the Effective Date of coverage under this Policy;

     
    If you are traveling outside the United States and Canada, the period is 12 months instead of 36 months.
     
    If you are a United States citizen and the United States is your Home Country, this exclusion is waived for the first $20,000 in eligible medical expenses incurred outside the United States and Canada (for persons age 65 and over, the amount is $2,500). This waiver does not include coverage for known, scheduled, required, or expected medical care, drugs, or treatments existent or necessary prior to the effective date of this program.
     
  2. Charges for treatment which exceed Reasonable and Customary charges; or Charges incurred for Surgeries or treatments which are Investigational, Experimental, or for research purposes; expenses which are non-medical in nature; expenses for Vocational, Speech, Recreational or Music Therapy.
  3. Expenses which were not recommended, approved and certified as Medically Necessary and reasonable by a Physician.
  4. Suicide or any attempt there at, while sane or self destruction or any attempt there at, while insane; intentionally self-inflicted Injury or Illness; or expenses as a result or in connection with the commission of a felony offense.
  5. Any consequence, whether directly or indirectly, proximately or remotely occasioned by, contributed to by, or traceable to, or arising in connection with war, invasion, act of foreign enemy hostilities, warlike operations (whether war be declared or not), or civil war.
  6. Injury sustained while participating in professional, sponsored and/or organized Amateur or Interscholastic Athletics.
  7. Routine physicals, inoculations, or other examinations where there are no objective indications or impairment in normal health.
  8. Treatment of the Temporomandibular joint.
  9. Services or supplies performed or provided by a Relative of yours, or anyone who lives with you.
  10. Treatment and the provision of false teeth or dentures, normal ear tests and the provision of hearing aids, cosmetic or plastic Surgery (including deviated nasal septum), routine dental expenses, eye care or eye related expenses, unless caused by Accidental bodily Injury incurred while insured hereunder.
  11. Treatment in connection with alcoholism and drug addiction, or use of any drug or narcotic agent; any Mental and Nervous disorders or rest cures; Injury sustained while under the influence of or Disablement due to wholly or partly to the effects of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
  12. Congenital abnormalities and conditions arising out of or resulting therefrom.
  13. Expenses incurred during a hospital emergency room visit which is not of an emergency nature.
  14. Injury sustained while taking part in mountaineering where ropes or guides are normally used, hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping, racing by horse or motor vehicle or motorcycle, snowmobiling, motorcycle / motor scooter riding, scuba diving involving underwater breathing apparatus (unless PADI or NAUI certified), water skiing, snow skiing and snow boarding. *
  15. Treatment paid for or furnished under any other individual, government, or group policy or charges provided at no cost to you.
  16. Treatment of venereal or sexually transmitted disease.
  17. Pregnancy expenses or Illness resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, or miscarriage; or for miscarriage resulting from an Accident.
  18. Drug, treatment or procedure that either promotes or prevents conception, or prevents childbirth.
  19. Expenses incurred while you are in your Home Country (except as provided under the Home Country Coverage benefit).
  20. Expenses incurred for which travel was undertaken to seek medical treatment for a condition; or incurred after the Insured Person's physician has limited or restricted travel.

* Options are available to include all or part of these risks.

THE INSURANCE COMPANY
Liaison International is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc., rated A- "Excellent" by A.M. Best and located in Illinois.
(In NY, OR, KS, the plan is underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London.)

INFORMATION
This Insurance, under Policy HTP01158B is underwritten by: Virginia Surety Company, Inc.

Policy terms and conditions are briefly outlined in this brochure.

Complete provisions pertaining to this insurance are contained in the Master Policy on file with the trustee, American Consumer Insurance Trust, and Liaison International. In the event of any conflict between this brochure and the Master Policy, the Policy will govern. A Program Summary, listing more detailed exclusions, will be mailed to you along with Your ID Card once coverage is purchased.

Notice to Florida residents: the benefits of this policy providing your coverage are governed by the law of a state other than Florida. Your Homeowners policy, if any, may provide coverage for loss of personal effects provided by the Loss of Checked Luggage coverage. This insurance is not required in connection with the purchase of your travel arrangements.

point1.gif (1057 bytes) Click here for Online Quotes & Online Application
Please read the Scheduled Benefits and Exclusions carefully before applying for this plan.

 Get A Quote for Liaison® International

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us .

877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316
 

 

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Online International Travel Insurance Quotes | International Insurance Plans | Disability Insurance Plans
point1.gif (2258 bytes) Risk Consulting Services | Risk Reduction Training | Risk Mitigation Solutions
point1.gif (2258 bytes) Companies We Keep | Who Are We?| Contact Us | Home Page| Site Map| Privacy Pledge
point1.gif (2258 bytes) Click Here to Visit Home of Sunburst on the World | Legal Terms of Use
Click Here for Current Travel News & Travel Advisories
Click Here to Join Sunburst on the World, a Global Community

HERE'S THE FINE PRINT:
Availability, features, benefits and rates for all plans described on this site are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the insurance carriers. This site is updated weekly, but we recommend contacting us directly to be assured of getting the most up-to-date information available.

Copyright © 2002-2011 by Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services &
Sunburst International Risk Management
. CA License #
0B65721
Warning: All of the pages on this site are protected under U.S. and International Copyright laws.
Reproduction by any means or for any purpose, except as specified on certain pages, is not allowed
 without the express written permission of the copyright owner.

 

 

  INTERNATIONAL SECURITY NEWS BRIEFS:
Please note that we at Sunburst International Risk Management provides the International Security News Briefs as a value-added service to our international clients and visitors of this website. Our International Security News Briefs are updated frequently, in order to provide you with current and reliable news and events as quickly as we can. We have no control over the content of external websites, and links to various external news sources may become inactive at any time. We suggest that you bookmark our website and return frequently to check the current global news posted on our website.

Near East > Iraq > Baghdad
A roadside bomb exploded Monday morning next to a French Embassy convoy traveling through downtown Baghdad, wounding seven Iraqis, officials said more...
 
Western Hemisphere > Brazil > Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian security forces have occupied one of Rio de Janeiro's biggest slums as part of a major crackdown ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. more...
Europe
Anti-austerity rallies have been held across Europe – in Spain thousands marched to protest against high unemployment and their government’s handling of the economic crisis. more...
Europe > Greece > Athens
The area in the centre of the Greek capital is playing host to thousands of angry demonstrators more...
Europe > Spain > Madrid
Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Madrid and other Spanish cities in a mass march against austerity measures, social spending cuts and unemployment. more...
Europe > United Kingdom > London
Supporters of anti-tax avoidance group plan 'public spectacular' in London in solidarity with civil servants, teachers and lecturer more...

School walkouts planned to coincide with public sector strikes 6/19/2011

Europe > United Kingdom > London
Thousands of school and college students prepare to join public sector strikes against cuts on 30 June more...

Pentagon: Hack Attacks Can Be Act of War 6/1/2011
For the first time, the Pentagon has formally concluded that computer sabotage carried out by another nation can constitute an act of war that warrants a response of traditional military force, according to published media reports. more...

Kidnapping in Tijuana: The New Normal 6/1/2011
Tijuana is facing a new trend in kidnapping. Unlike the wave of indiscriminate abductions for ransom that hit this Mexican city in 2008, this time the kidnappings seem more of a way of doing business. more...

Japan widens evacuations outside plant zone May 15, 2011
Japan on Sunday started the first evacuations of homes outside a government exclusion zone after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami crippled one of the country's nuclear power plants. more...

U.S. citizen among bus passengers abducted in Mexico April 12, 2011
At least one U.S. citizen was among dozens of men reportedly forced off passenger buses by armed attackers in the northeastern border state of Tamaulipas, where 72 bodies were found in mass graves last week, U.S. officials said Sunday. more...

Burma earthquake: More than 60 killed March 25, 2011
More than 60 people have died in a magnitude-6.8 earthquake in Burma which struck near the Lao and Thai borders. more...

Thai 'Yellow Shirts' to pay US$17m for airport seizure March 25, 2011
A Thai court on Friday ordered 13 leaders of the influential "Yellow Shirt" protest movement to pay US$17 million in compensation over their involvement in crippling airport blockades in 2008. more...

Thousands march against India's embattled government  February 25, 2011
At least 100,000 trade unionists marched through the Indian capital Wednesday in a protest against high food prices and unemployment, piling pressure on an administration under fire over corruption scandals. more...

China's Web police block US ambassador's name  February 25, 2011
China widened its Internet policing after online calls for protests like those that swept the Middle East, with social networking site LinkedIn and searches for the U.S. ambassador's name both blocked on Friday. more...

Kidnapped Mexican Sugar Baron Found Dead February 22, 2011
Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Monterrey
Mexican sugar baron Federico Safi Chagnon, cousin of World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman, was found dead two weeks after he was abducted from his home, members of the victim’s family told Efe Friday. more...

BAHAMAS MURDER RATE JUMPS February 2, 2011
More murders were recorded in The Bahamas in January 2011 than in any month in 2010, according to police statistics.

SOLDIERS DETAIN 9 KIDNAPPERS, FREE 4 CAPTIVES IN MEXICO February 2, 2011
Nine suspected kidnappers, including a minor, were arrested and four captives rescued during an army operation in Coatzacoalcos, a port city in the Mexican Gulf state of Veracruz, the Defense Secretariat said Tuesday.

Major 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Chile January 3, 2011
A major earthquake of 7.1 magnitude hit central Chile Sunday, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties, local emergency officials said. more...

Reports: Blasts at Swiss, Chile embassy in Rome December 26, 2010
News reports say a package has exploded at Chile's embassy in Rome following a parcel bombing at Switzerland's embassy earlier in the day. more...

U.S. tightens air cargo security rules November 8, 2010
The U.S. has banned toner and ink cartridges that weigh more than a pound from checked and carry-on luggage. This ban, aimed at preventing a plot similar to the one foiled last month, also applies to some inbound international air cargo shipments. In addition, all cargo identified as high-risk will be subject to additional screening. The U.S. will continue to ban all air cargo shipments from Yemen, and it has also banned shipments from Somalia. The Air Transport Association issued a statement noting that U.S. air carriers "are in full compliance with the new TSA security requirements regarding printer and toner cartridges." CNN (11/8)

TSA faces growing criticism of passenger screening November 8, 2010
Travel groups are voicing increasing frustration with TSA passenger screening procedures, charging that longer delays, reduced privacy and embarrassing pat-downs have done little to increase security for the flying public. "The system is broken, it's extremely flawed and it's absurd that we all sit back and say we can't do anything about it," says Geoff Freeman of the U.S. Travel Association, which fears people will eventually stop flying rather than face the security gauntlet.

US Considers Warning On Europeon Travel « WWJ AM - October 02, 2010
Oct 2, 2010 ... A European official briefed on the talks said the language in the ... The implications of a blanket “travel warning” for all of Europe could be big. ... While the government cannot stop people from traveling there or ...
wwj.cbslocal.com/2010/10/02/us-considers-warning-on-europeon-travel/

Jumbo jet makes emergency landing minutes after Heathrow take off  - October 02, 2010
Telegraph.co.uk: A British Airways jumbo jet forced to make an emergency landing minutes after taking off from Heathrow airport.

Security tightened for red rally  September 16, 2010
East Asia / Pacific - Thailand  Bangkok city inspectors, or Thetsakit, will work with police in guarding about 40 locations in the capital when supporters of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship gather on Sunday. more...

Jakarta International Airport faces passenger overcrowding September 03, 2010
INDONESIA: Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is facing serious problems of overcapacity and an out-dated air traffic control system. Authorities are rushing to make improvements, after two recent mishaps left thousands of passengers stranded.

Bomb Wounds 20 in Mexican Resort City August 27, 2010
Americas - Mexico  At least 20 people were wounded, four of them seriously, when unidentified individuals tossed a bomb into a bar in Puerto Vallarta, a resort city on Mexico’s Pacific coast, police said Thursday. The attack occurred around midnight Wednesday at the Pink Cheladas bar, where about 150 young people were partying, Puerto Vallarta police department spokesmen told Efe. more...

Turkey and Russia world's riskiest places to go online August 26, 2010
Turkey is the riskiest place in the world to surf the web, according to a recent survey conducted by security company AVG and reported by softpedia.com. more...

Thousands evacuated after floods in China, N. Korea August 21, 2010
More than 120,000 people have been evacuated in northeast China following serious floods that have already left four dead and forced the relocation of thousands in neighbouring North Korea. more...

Eight Mexican Cops Arrested on Kidnapping Charges July 13, 2010
MEXICO CITY – Federal Police officers arrested eight municipal police officers in Tierra Blanca, a city in the Mexican Gulf state of Veracruz, on kidnapping and other charges, the Public Safety Secretariat said.
The officers were arrested at Tierra Blanca city hall “while roll call was taking place,” the secretariat said.

Drug war hits Mexico's richest city July 9, 2010
 Mexico's richest city, once a poster child for development with its high-rise office blocks and flourishing industries, is being gripped by drug war terror with rising violence forcing dozens of its factories to freeze investment.

Thai government extends state of emergency in Bangkok July 6, 2010
The Thai government has extended a state of emergency in 19 provinces, including the capital Bangkok, because of fears of renewed violence.  more...

Japanese kidnap victim sold to FARC July 1, 2010
The wife of a Japanese man who was kidnapped in south-west Colombia on March 23 says the army told her that the criminal gang which abducted her husband sold him to the FARC. more...

40,000 may be evacuated in southern Philippine floods June 1, 2010
Up to 40,000 people may be forcibly evacuated after torrential rains caused heavy flooding in the southern Philippines, an official said Tuesday. Ten villages in the town of Sultan Kudarat on southern Mindanao island were under waist-deep waters after a river overflowed its banks due to rains that began on Friday, local social welfare department head Pombaen Kadir said.

Indian plane crash kills scores May 22, 2010
A plane crashes on landing near India's southern city of Mangalore with 166 people on board, with reports of seven survivors.

Thai protesters fortify camps in heart of Bangkok April 20, 2010
Thai protesters said Tuesday that they would fortify their sprawling encampment in Bangkok's upscale hotel-and-shopping district before venturing out to "wage a big war" to topple the government they decry as illegitimate

Thailand's PM declares emergency April 7, 2010
Thailand's prime minister declares a state of emergency in Bangkok amid growing anti-government protests. In a televised address, Mr Abhisit said the move - which gives sweeping new powers to the security forces to tackle protesters - would help restore order. It comes hours after thousands of "red-shirt" protesters marched on parliament - forcing MPs to flee the building.

1,000 Die Of TB In India Every Day, Says WHO March 25, 2010
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 5,000 Indians develop TB and nearly 1,000 people die from it every day - the equivalent of two deaths every three minutes. Yesterday was World TB Day, organised by the Stop TB Partnership, a network of organisations and countries fighting the disease, which currently infects one-third of the world’s population, according to the WHO.

Massive earthquake strikes Chile February 27, 2010
A massive earthquake has hit central Chile and killed at least 122 people, though the toll is expected to rise. The 8.8 quake caused widespread damage, destroying buildings, bridges and roads in many areas, including the capital where a chemical plant caught fire. President Michelle Bachelet declared a "state of catastrophe" in affected areas and appealed for calm.

Olympic security doesn't stop at Canadian border February 10, 2010
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A few days before the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic Winter Gamesin Vancouver, the doors to a nondescript warehouse will open here without fanfare.

Tourists still stranded at Machu Picchu January 28, 2010
Clayton Fredrik is standing in the distant shadow of the Incan ruins in Machu Picchu, battling boredom and helping locals repair flood-damaged roads. One of many foreign tourists stranded in the town at the base of the fabled Peruvian site since the beginning of the week, the 24-year-old Dutch man from Amsterdam has been twiddling the time away before a helicopter flies him off -- hopefully in a day or two.

Security fears in quake-hit Haiti January 16, 2010
Security concerns rise in Haiti's capital as distribution problems continue to hamper the supply of aid to desperate quake survivors. Days after the quake devastated Port-au-Prince, killing tens of thousands, there are some reports of gangs preying on residents and looting. Officials say thousands of prisoners are unaccounted for after the main prison was destroyed. Relief has been arriving, but little has moved beyond the jammed airport.

U.S. toughens air screening rules January 4, 2010
Passengers flying to the US from or via 14 nations deemed a security risk face tougher screening, under new measures.

Pilot praises crew in Jamaica runway incident  December 29, 2009
The pilot of an American Airlines plane that overshot a runway in Jamaica last week praised the quick-acting crew during the incident. "It's a testament to the professionalism of American Airlines," he said. "I have the highest praise for my first officer and eternal gratitude for the way the flight attendants reacted in their professionalism to get all the passengers home to their families, as well."

Saudi Official: 5 Dead From Swine Flu at Hajj Nov. 29, 2009
MINA, Saudi Arabia – Five people died from swine flu during the hajj, Saudi Arabia said Sunday, a relatively small number considering the event is the largest annual gathering in the world and is seen as an ideal incubator for the virus.

Flights cancelled as Beijing blanketed in snow November 10, 2009
BEIJING - Nearly 70 flights were cancelled and more than 30 delayed at Beijing's airport Tuesday after the second major snow storm of the season blanketed the Chinese capital, airport officials said.

Massive security at Asian summit in Thailand October 22, 2009
Thailand has mounted one of its biggest security operations in recent history with more than 36,000 military and police to prevent anti-government demonstrators from overrunning a summit of Asian leaders, an official spokesman said Thursday.

Chinese ship hijacked in Indian Ocean: EU  October 18, 2009
East Asia / Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa - China, Seychelles  A Chinese bulk carrier was hijacked in the Indian Ocean on Monday, the EU's anti-piracy naval mission in the region reported, immediately launching an investigation into the incident.

UK Taxi driver told to bring 'bomb'  October 16, 2009
Armed and masked men in Strabane told a taxi driver they had put a bomb in his car and ordered him to bring it to the town's courthouse.

China number two in world for rabies deaths  East Asia / Pacific - China  September 28, 2009
BEIJING: China is second only to India worldwide in the number of people killed by rabies every year, the government reported, making the disease one of the nation's biggest public health threats. "China is one of the countries most severely affected by rabies, and in recent years the number of annual reported deaths from rabies has averaged around 2,400," the health ministry said in a statement on its website. "It is only inferior in number to India, and gives us the world's second-place ranking." The statement, issued to coincide with World Rabies Day on Monday, said rabies was among the top three infectious diseases in China.

China Bars Foreigners From Making Visits to Tibet  East Asia / Pacific - China  September 25, 2009
China has stopped issuing travel documents to foreigners seeking to visit Tibet, according to local tour operators, another indicator of the government’s skittishness over the coming anniversary of the Communist victory in 1949.

U.S. Embassy in Honduras to stop issuing most visas August 26, 2009
Americas - Honduras  The United States will stop issuing most visas on Wednesday at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras because the current government is standing by its refusal to sign an accord that would bring back overthrown President Manuel Zelaya.
 
Beyoglu, a safe place to go? July 22, 2009
Europe - Turkey  After a German tourist was killed in broad daylight Monday morning on İstiklal, a crowded pedestrian street in Taksim, the question of safety in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu area has once again become the talk of the town.
 
French car parts workers threaten to blow up factory July 13, 2009
Europe - France  Workers at a bankrupt car parts supplier are threatening to blow up their factory unless they get paid a EUR 30,000 compensation.

Tensions linger between Colombia and Ecuador July 13, 2009
Americas - Colombia, Ecuador  Ecuador today will begin imposing stiff tariffs on hundreds of Colombian imports, the latest round in a festering dispute between the neighbors.
 

Swine flu sickens Argentine economy July 10, 2009
Americas - Argentina  Normally the winter period in July is the most profitable time of year for children's theatre companies and cinema owners in Argentina. But swine flu has changed everything this year.
 
Hong Kong police investigate acid attacks June 9, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - Hong Kong, SAR  Hong Kongers ventured out unafraid Tuesday, as police searched for suspects behind a third acid attack that injured 24 people in one of the city's most densely populated shopping districts. Nearly 100 people have been injured in the assaults so far.
 
Deadly gun battle rocks Acapulco June 8, 2009
Americas - Mexico  Sixteen gunmen thought to be linked to drug cartels and two soldiers have been killed in clashes in the Mexican resort of Acapulco, officials say. 

2 JOURNALISTS ON TRIAL IN N. KOREA June 4, 2009
SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea's top court began hearing the case Thursday of two American journalists accused of crossing into the country illegally and engaging in "hostile acts" -- charges that could draw a 10-year sentence in a labor camp...

French plane lost in ocean storm June 1, 2009
An Air France airliner carrying 228 people from Brazil to Paris vanishes over the Atlantic after a possible lightning strike.

EARTHQUAKES May 28, 2009
A powerful earthquake of 7.1 magnitude has struck off Honduras and a tsunami watch is in effect for Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. The quake knocked out power in some areas and a handful of houses collapsed in the town of Santa Barbara in northwest Honduras, but there were no immediate reports of deaths. The quake hit 39 miles (64 km) northeast of Roatan, an island in the Islas de la Bahia, and had a shallow depth of 6.2 miles.

Authorities scramble to halt swine flu in Asia May 2, 2009
East Asia / Pacific, South / Central Asia  Health authorities across Asia were scrambling Saturday to limit the spread of swine flu after reporting two confirmed cases in one of the world's most densely populated regions.

11 bodies found in Mexico, some with torture signs April 6, 2009
Americas - Mexico  Eleven people were found shot to death around Mexico on Saturday, some bearing signs of torture and left with threatening messages emblematic of drug violence.

 
US to boost Mexico border defence March 25, 2009
Americas - Mexico  The US government is to increase security at the country's border with Mexico in an attempt to combat drug cartels, the White House has announced.

HLLN on the report that 30000 Haitians have been ordered deported ... March 19, 2009
Atlantic Free Press - Groningen,Netherlands
At this point, Haiti is in much worse shape than Central Americans were at ... the need for France to repay the extraordinary 1825 ransom it extorted from ...

8 Terrorists Taken Under Custody in Capital, Ankara March 11, 2009
Europe - Turkey  Turkish police lead an operation against the terrorist group called Marxist Leninist Communist Party (MLKP) on 10th of March.

5 human heads discovered in ice chests in central Mexico March 11, 2009
Five human heads were found in ice chests on Tuesday under a ficus tree in the central Mexican state of Jalisco, police said. The grisly find appeared to be the latest indication of drug cartels fighting for supremacy in battles that have left thousands dead. Police in the municipality of Ixtlahuacan del Rio were informed of the discovery at 2 a.m., the prosecutor's office said in a written statement.

Canada warns about Mexico travel - International Herald Tribune
Feb 27, 2009 ... TORONTO: Canada issued an travel advisory Friday warning a surge in ... The U.S. State Department recently issued a travel alert for... International Herald Tribune, Alison Smale, on the big global issues of the week. ...

Mexican Police Attacked by Suspected Cartel Hitmen March 2, 2009
Americas - Mexico  Federal police made two arrests and confiscated weapons and marijuana Sunday in Tijuana, across the U.S. border from San Diego, after coming under attack by men linked to a drug cartel.
 
Mexican town fed up with violence turns to army February 27, 2009
Americas - Mexico  The people of Villanueva said they'd had enough. Men in cowboy hats, women with hand-scrawled signs, children on bikes -- they gathered outside town and blocked the main interstate highway.
 
Turkish plane crash in Amsterdam February 25, 2009
Europe - Netherlands, Turkey  A Turkish Airlines plane has crashed on landing at Amsterdam's Schiphol international airport, killing nine people and injuring 84, six critically. The plane, carrying 127 passengers and seven crew, crashed short of the runway near the A9 highway. It broke into three pieces, but did not catch fire.

'Small cell' behind Cairo blast February 23, 2009
Middle East / N. Africa - Egypt  Security services in Cairo believe a small Islamist cell carried out Sunday's deadly bombing, according to reports in the pro-government press.