Hurricane Ike Insurance Tips - How to Get the Life Insurance Benefits After Hurricane Ike

It is almost a month now after Hurricane Ike devastated the island city of Galveston, Texas where billions of dollars worth of property was damage. At times like this, when survivors are in the dire need, the task of filing a claim for life insurance can be a very difficult and frustrating one, especially where life insurance policies have been destroyed in the storm and death certificates difficult to come by, policy holders may find themselves overwhelmed and confused as to how to obtain their life insurance benefits. Here are 4 Hurricane Ike insurance tips to help you get the life insurance benefits in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and the few things to keep in mind when making a claim with your life insurer.Galveston Home Insurance

Hurricane Ike Life Insurance Tips

Decide on cash loans against your policy

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, most individuals will be struggling to find work and some may be in serious cash crunch. Some insurance companies may offer you emergency loans against the cash value of your current policy. Such loans are targeted at those who need help in recovery and rebuilding. However, you must know that such loans are not available in a standard term-life policy. Unlike a bank loan, you are allowed to borrow with interest against the money without providing any collateral or credit information. If the policy holder dies before the loan is paid off, the beneficiary will receive the death benefit minus the amount that was owed on the loan.

Inability to produce relevant documents

One of the biggest headaches among potential life insurance beneficiaries or claimants is the inability to produce relevant documents or outright lack of proper documentation. However, Hurricane Ike victims can obtain the money they are entitled to even if they no longer have the policy documents or are unable to produce a death certificate. A sworn affidavit from a funeral home director, an affidavit from surviving family members, hospital records or a statement from a physician could be accepted in lieu of a traditional death certificate.Seabrook Home Insurance

And for those seeking disability benefits in the wake of Ike, a letter from a physician or the hospital where you were treated for your injury is the best way to get your claim. Life insurance companies are prepared to verify your policy without the policy number as long as the beneficiaries can provide basic information on the policy holder.

Your Employee Benefits can become useful

If you do not have individual life insurance policies, remember to find out any group life policies you may have through your employer. Group life policies are an area that can be overlooked in a crisis -- often because a policy holder is not sure of which insurance company provides the policy -- but can provide some financial relief. Employers are usually the best source of information when it comes to finding out the terms of your policy. Many insurance companies are reaching out to employers and while it may a take a while longer to match the provider with the employee, a little perseverance could make all the difference.Deer Park Home Insurance

A Trek Through Malaysia's Tropical Rainforest

Lush green, prolific life surrounding the giant trunks of ancient trees is most people's idea of a tropical rainforest. If you've always dreamed of seeing one for yourself or going on an adventure holiday, Malaysia's foremost national wilderness is my recommendation. It's called Taman Negara which means "national park," but with Malaysia's strict conservation laws, it's more wilderness than park. Deer Park Home Insurance

The vast swath of protected land lies in the heart of continental Malaysia in the Cameron Highlands. It not only boasts countless varieties of plant and animal life, but also varied terrain that is still accessible to most active people. Besides such exotic flora as tree ferns, orchids and rafflesia, it is home to endangered species of Asian elephants, tigers, and rhinos. Sightings of endangered species are rare, but iguana, deer, birds and bats are easily seen if you know how and where to look. Local tour guides love to show these off.

It's well off the beaten path for most Westerns, which is part of its charm for enthusiasts. In fact, most visitors must reach park headquarters in small riverboats. The only road would be rough even for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Other parts of the park are only accessible by foot. A trek up Mount Tahan takes about four days of backpacking.

But if you're looking for adventure on the wild side, here are a few tips:

1. Book a group stay. You must book ahead, and most tours have a minimum number of persons required (some as low a four). If someone in your group speaks Malay or Indonesian, so much the better.La Porte Home Insurance

2. Obtain photo permits. If you want to take pictures, get a permit. It's the law.

3. Have local cash currency. There are no banks in a foreign wilderness.

4. Pick a good time of year to travel. This would be when it isn't too wet or too crowded with locals. Did I mention it's a rainforest? March is the driest month and is mating season for many species.

5. Wear protective clothing. Heavy jeans, long sleeved shirts and sneakers are ideal. This might seem hot, but tropical rainforests are home to large quantities of insects and leeches. I suggest protection first and comfort later.

6. Get international travel insurance. Make sure you are healthy enough for wandering through a wilderness several hours from any medical help. If you are, check out travelers insurance for any unforeseen emergencies you might encounter. Illnesses and injuries occur more frequently than we want, often necessitating emergency medical evacuation.Alvin Home Insurance