Welcome to www.WorldwideMedicalPlans.com!
 
At Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services, we are dedicated to providing you a trusted source for international travel, medical, life, and accident insurance with global emergency evacuation assistance 24/7/365 and war and terrorism related coverage for U.S. citizens traveling abroad, new immigrants, international employees, and non-US citizens worldwide. We are committed to providing quality global insurance protection and superior worldwide travel assistance to international travelers in over 100 countries. You can purchase high quality insurance coverage with ease and confidence from Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services. We are knowledgeable about international insurance and responsive to your needs. You can easily get instant quotes and apply online for these global coverage from our secure system on our website. You also can find current and reliable International Travel News Briefs on our website. Wherever you are in the world, our worldwide assistance is by your side 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 Bookmark Site

SBWIS_logo_B_small.gif (31534 bytes)

Integrity 901bbalb.gif (879 bytes) Experience 901bbalb.gif (879 bytes) Dependability

 

point1.gif (1077 bytes) List of International Insurance Plans | Request Custom Quotes | Online Instant Quotes
| Companies We Keep | About Us | Contact Us | Site Map | Home Page | Privacy Pledge | What's New?
 Breaking News that International Travelers Need to Know! |  Sign Up Enewsletter for Smart TravelersSM   



n a Hurry? 1plane4-thumb.jpg (1504 bytes)
arrow.gif (61 bytes) Click here for Quick Online Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Life Insurance & Trip Protection




welcome2.gif (7525 bytes)Introducing nstant q.gif (2570 bytes)uote & o.gif (2625 bytes)nline Application Systems for over 20 global travel, medical, accident, life, and emergency evacuation insurance plans

Special Note: All of our Online Applications are secure for your protection.
Please read the following instruction carefully:

arrow.gif (61 bytes) Before submitting your application, please read Scheduled Benefits and Exclusions of your selected plan carefully.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) When you click "Submit" button to send your application online for Travel Medical Insurance or Trip Protection/Cancellation, your application will go directly to the underwriting department of the insurance company. It will take only from 2 to 3 minutes for your payment to be approved. Then, you will receive Virtual ID Card(s) and Summary of Coverage immediately on your computer monitor. They are the official document. Please print them out for your records. You can use your Virtual ID Card to verify benefits and obtain worldwide assistance 24/7 while traveling.

arrow.gif (61 bytes) If you apply online for a International Major Medical Plan or Term Life Insurance, your application will go to the underwriters for evaluation and approval. We will contact you by e-mail or phone soon regarding the status of your application.

Guide_2.jpg (1373 bytes) If you have any questions or need help to select a suitable insurance plan, please contact our friendly specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com

877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316

arrow.gif (61 bytes) It's a long list. Please scroll down slowly to make your selection.
Click on any plans listed below to get instant quotes and online applications.

Travel Medical Insurance

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  Atlas Travel Medical Insurance Series underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, Individuals & Families traveling overseas -- Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the Atlas plan is just what you're looking for. The packages are available from a minimum of 5 days up to a maximum of one year. Renewable up to 36 months. During your trip, if you have to return home for a short period of time, the Home Country Rider is also available. Sport Rider is available.  announ2.jpg (919 bytes) Terrorism coverage is included. You can get quotes as well as purchase Atlas Travel Insurance online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam. 

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online    Review Coverage    Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  Patriot Travel Medical Insurance(R) underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated, for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, Individuals & Families traveling overseas from 5 days up to 2 years coverage. announ2.jpg (919 bytes) Terrorism coverage is included. There are two Patriot Travel Medical Insurance programs available to meet your needs, providing up to US$2,000,000 of medical coverage. Coverage can be obtained from a minimum of 5 days up to a maximum of 2 years. Patriot products address the travel medical insurance needs of US citizens and foreign nationals who need temporary medical insurance while traveling for business or pleasure anywhere outside their country of citizenship. Coverage includes medical evacuation, repatriation, and your choice of deductibles and policy limits. You can get quotes as well as purchase Patriot Travel Medical Insurance online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) Liaison Majestic underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, rated A "Excellent" by A.M. Best. Medical Insurance for people traveling outside their Home Country. Perfect for trips between 5 days and 6 months. Monthly renewal option available. announ2.jpg (919 bytes) Terrorism coverage is included. You can get quotes as well as purchase Liaison Majestic online using our secure system. Immediate coverage is available once you are satisfied with the quotation. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online    Review Coverage   Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) StudentSecureSM underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated, worldwide health coverage for students pursuing their education abroad. StudentSecureSM is designed specifically to meet the insurance needs of international students. Whether you are looking for individual coverage or coverage for the entire family, our select and budget options have the features you need. Each plan includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation, intercollegiate sports, acts of terrorism and more! No Required Physical Exam.  note.gif (85 bytes) If you reside reside in Florida or have a mailing address in Florida, please contact us at 877-211-3654 or Info@worldwidemedicalplans.com before submitting your application for this plan.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online    Review Coverage    Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  Atlas Professional underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated, for business travelers, U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. The Atlas Professional is available to executives who require a 12 month comprehensive medical policy with coverage for multiple trips of 30 days duration or less. If you maintain medical coverage in your home country, the Atlas Professional is designed to take the risk out of your business travel. You can get quotes as well as purchase Atlas Professional online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam. note.gif (85 bytes) If you reside reside in Florida or have a mailing address in Florida, please contact us at 877-211-3654 or Info@worldwidemedicalplans.com  before submitting your application for this plan.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online    Review Coverage    Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)   Patriot Executive(R) Travel Medical Insurance  underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated, for Business travelers, U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, (annual coverage) If you are an executive that travels frequently outside your country of citizenship throughout the year, don't risk finding yourself ill or injured in a foreign country. Make sure you have a plan that provides appropriate medical coverage. Patriot Executive provides up to US$1,000,000 of medical coverage for these individuals and their families. You can get quotes as well as purchase Patriot Executive Plan online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers  Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) Liaison International underwritten by Virginia Surety Insurance Company, A+ Rated,
Medical Insurance for people traveling outside their Home Country. Perfect for trips between 5 days and 6 months. Monthly renewal option available. announ2.jpg (919 bytes)
Terrorism coverage is included. You can get quotes as well as purchase Liaison International online using our secure system. Immediate coverage is available once you are satisfied with the quotation. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage    Insurers   Home Page

Major Worldwide Medical Plans

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  CitizenSecureSM underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated, Annually-renewable, long term international medical insurance for U.S. citizens traveling overseas and non-US citizens worldwide. The International Citizen Series is available to citizens of all countries of the world. The CitizenSecureSM offers worldwide coverage. You will have freedom to choose doctors and hospital around the world. For worldwide coverage, excluding the U.S. and Canada, either the Premier or Risk Share plans will meet your needs. You can quote as well as purchase the CitizenSecureSM online using our secure system. Your Application will go directly to the Underwriter for immediate evaluation.  

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online     arrow.gif (61 bytes) Tips on How to Apply 
           
Review Coverage                    Insurers           Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  International Citizen Economy (ICE) underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated,
Annually-renewable, long term international medical insurance for US citizens traveling overseas and non-US citizens worldwide. Long term international medical, dental and term life insurance for international citizens. The International Citizen Economy plan is available to citizens of all countries of the world offering affordable worldwide coverage. You can quote as well as purchase International Citizen Economy online using our secure system. Your Application will go directly to the Underwriter for evaluation.  note.gif (85 bytes) If you reside in Florida or have a mailing address in Florida, please contact us at 877-211-3654 or Info@worldwidemedicalplans.com before submitting your application for ICE.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online               arrow.gif (61 bytes) Tips on How to Apply 
        Review Coverage                                    Insurers     Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)   Global Basic InsuranceSM underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated, for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, Individuals & Families traveling overseas (1 year or longer)  Annually renewable Global Basic Insurance is designed to provide coverage similar to Global Medical Insurance, however, it features specific dollar limits on most benefits. This is the perfect plan for those who want coverage for a variety of medical services, but are seeking to reduce their premium costs. You can quote as well as purchase Global Basic Insurance online using our secure system. Your Application will go directly to the Underwriter for evaluation.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online            arrow.gif (61 bytes) Tips on How to Apply 
       
Review Coverage                                  Insurers      Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)   Global Medical Insurance(R) underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated, for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, Individuals & Families traveling overseas (1 year or longer) Global Medical Insurance is a long-term, annually renewable, medical insurance plan with a $5,000,000 lifetime policy limit. Global Medical Insurance is designed to provide worldwide coverage to non-US citizens and to US expatriates who want a quality medical insurance plan that will respond to their medical needs anywhere in the world. You can get quotes as well as purchase Global Medical Insurance online using our secure system. Your Application will go directly to the Underwriter for evaluation and approval.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online                  arrow.gif (61 bytes) Tips on How to Apply  
       Review Coverage                                 Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) RESIDE Prime Worldwide Medical Plan underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated, Renewable permanent health coverage for non-U.S. residents and U.S. Expatriates. Providing comprehensive health insurance for persons residing outside of the United States, RESIDE Prime also provides benefits to non-U.S. residents. You can quote as well as purchase RESIDE Prime Plan online using our secure system. Your Application will go directly to the Underwriter for evaluation and approval.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage  Insurers   Home Page

Emergency Medical & Political Evacuation Insurance

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) Liaison Traveler underwritten by The Insurance company of the State of Pennsylvania, A+ Rated. Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Personal Liability coverage for the International Traveler. If you already have medical coverage outside your home country, Liaison Traveler can provide protection against non-medical situations when traveling abroad. Liaison Traveler provides Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Personal Liability coverage to the international traveler. You can get quotes as well as purchase Liaison Traveler online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) Sky RescueSM underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated.
Sky Rescue
SM provides international Emergency medical Evacuation, Repatriation, Political Evacuation to meet your needs in an emergency. This coverage is available to those under the age of 65 traveling outside their country of citizenship. The plan may be purchased for three months, six months, or 12 months. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/ Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers    Home Page

Global Accident & Sport Insurance

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) MultiNational Accident Plan (MAP) underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated. The first comprehensive personal accident plan for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, individuals & families, international travelers . MAP features high limit Accidental Death and Dismemberment and high limit Permanent and Total Disability insurance - including coverage for most acts of War and Terrorism. This plan may be purchased alone or as a supplement to any other product. No Required Physical Exam. You can get quotes as well as purchase MultiNational Accident Plan online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. 

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  Patriot ExtremeSM underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated, Travel Medical Insurance & Hazardous Sport Coverage for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, Individuals & Families of  traveling overseas. Patriot Extreme is designed for the adventurous international traveler. Patriot Extreme provides benefits for those traveling abroad who also intend to participate in a select group of athletic activities. You can get quotes as well as purchase Patriot ExtremeSM online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers  Home Page

Worldwide Group Travel Medical Insurance

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)   Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance(R) 5 or more individuals (5 days up to 1 year) Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance is designed for organizations who have a group of 5 or more members that will be traveling together, and are traveling to a destination that is not the country of citizenship of any of the traveling members. Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance provides the same benefits as the individual Patriot Travel Medical Insurance but with a 10% discount for applying as a group. You can get quotes as well as purchase Patriot Group TravelSM online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers    Home Page


earth6.gif (21878 bytes) Atlas Group Series
underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated, for 5 or more individuals, U.S. citizens and non-US citizens. Traveling internationally in a group of 5 or more individuals for at least 5 days? Atlas Group coverage may be right for you! Atlas Group Travel Insurance provides the same quality coverage as the Atlas Series product at a discount group rate making it ideal for student groups and missionary organizations. announ2.jpg (919 bytes) Terrorism coverage is included.  You can quote as well as purchase Atlas Group Series online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes /Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers    Home Page

 

Designed for a group of students studying abroad or participants of a group cultural exchange program.  Three plan options are available.  Basic short-term travel plan is an economical plan. Standard short-term travel plan is designed to meet the U.S. visa travel insurance requirements.  Long-term annual plan has the flexibility to be tailored to meet specific needs of each program and can be renewed annually.  Plans are available in monthly increments and if a minimum of 3 months is purchased, coverage may be renewed (without break in coverage) for a total of 24 months. 

International Term Life Insurance

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) IC +International Term Life Insurance underwritten by Lloyd's of London, A+ Rated, Ten year international term life insurance available Only to individuals outside of the United States. Need long term coverage? IC+ will cover you for ten years while traveling abroad. This life insurance product is ideal for individuals relocating abroad who require family, corporate or bank protections. You can quote as well as purchase IC+ online using our secure system. Your Application will go directly to the Underwriter for evaluation and approval. 

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online    Review Coverage    Insurers   Home Page

Trip Cancellation Insurance

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  RoundTrip Travel Benefits underwritten by Nationwide Insurance Company, A+ Rated, Protect your tickets, your luggage and your health worldwide. Why RoundTrip? So you'll be prepared. Who knows what could happen during a trip abroad – or before you even depart. Benefits include: Trip Cancellation; Interruption/Delay; Medical Transportation; Lost or Stolen Baggage; Missed Connection; Assistance Services. You can get quotes as well as purchase RoundTrip Travel Benefits online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage  Insurers   Home Page

earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  Patriot T.R.I.P. EliteSM Premier Trip Cancellation Insurance underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated, To provide superior protection for a picture perfect vacation, there is Patriot T.R.I.P. Elite, a travel cancellation insurance program. Patriot T.R.I.P. Elite provides coverage for many of those unforeseen circumstances that may force the cancellation or interruption of your covered trip. In addition, this program can provide benefits for travel delays, baggage delays, emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation while you are away from home. You can get quotes as well as purchase Patriot T.R.I.P. EliteSM online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online   Review Coverage   Insurers    Home Page


earth6.gif (21878 bytes)  Patriot T.R.I.P.
SM
Trip Cancellation Insurance underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Company, A+ Rated. To help protect you from losing the money you've spent to travel, there is Patriot T.R.I.P., Patriot T.R.I.P. provides protection to travelers who are unable to travel or are interrupted during their trips due to circumstances such as illness or injury, jury duty, job layoff, terrorism or the bankruptcy of the tour operator, cruise line or airline. You can get quotes as well as purchase Patriot T.R.I.P.SM online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online    Review Coverage    Insurers    Home Page

Visitor & Immigrant Insurance

earth6.gif (21878 bytes) Inbound Immigrant underwritten by The Insurance company of the State of Pennsylvania, A+ Rated. Medical protection specifically designed for foreign visitors, new immigrants to the United States. Finding coverage for immigrants is difficult, especially when trying to locate reasonably priced protection. Providing up to 5 years of protection, Inbound Immigrant is a scheduled benefit program that offers U.S. immigrants security against unforeseen medical conditions. You can get quotes as well as purchase Inbound Immigrant online using our secure system. You will even receive a Virtual ID Card immediately that you can print to your local printer. No Required Physical Exam.

point1.gif (2258 bytes) Get Quotes/Buy Online  Review Coverage  Insurers   Home Page



Our Commitment to Confidentiality

At Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services, any and all of your information that you provide to us will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Any personal or medical records which you authorize us or our administrators or underwriters to request from any source will be returned only to the originating source, and any information compiled from the personal and medical records will be kept in strict confidence and will not be disclosed to any other party.

Bon Voyage!
Haben Sie eine sichere Reise! Abbia un viaggio sicuro!
¡Tenga un viaje seguro! Ayez un voyage sûr! Have a safe trip!


 Guide_2.jpg (1373 bytes) If you have any questions, please contact our friendly specialists.

877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316

point1.gif (1077 bytes) List of International Insurance Plans | Request Custom Quotes | Online Instant Quotes | Companies We Keep
  About Us | Contact Us | Site Map | Home Page | Privacy Pledge | What's New?
 Breaking News that International Travelers Need to Know! |  Sign Up Enewsletter for Smart TravelersSM     

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 companies. This site is updated frequently, but we recommend contacting Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services directly to be assured of getting the most up-to-date information available.

Copyright © 1999-2009 by Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services. CA Insurance 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.

LEBANONC.GIF (7675 bytes)JAPANC.GIF (8167 bytes)KYRGYZSC.GIF (7851 bytes)PALAUC.GIF (7518 bytes)PARAGUAC.GIF (7334 bytes)ROMANIAC.GIF (7634 bytes)SAO_TOMC.GIF (7049 bytes)IRAQC.GIF (7099 bytes)GRENADAC.GIF (8218 bytes)DENMARKC.GIF (7354 bytes)

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS:
Please note that we at Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services provides the International Travel News Briefs as a value-added service to our international clients and visitors of this website. Our International Travel 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.

 
Australia swine flu cases hit 400
June 1, 2009
Australia's swine flu cases jumped by nearly a third to pass 400 on Monday, making it the Asia-Pacific region's worst-hit country and intensifying a major health emergency.

Flu death toll 'less than feared' May 2, 2009
Mexico's health minister revises down the number of suspected swine flu deaths in the country from 176 to 101.

Avian Flu Cases in Egypt Raise Alarms April 21, 2009
Middle East / N. Africa - Egypt An unusual pattern of avian flu cases in Egypt — almost all are in toddlers, all of whom have survived — has led some flu-tracking Web sites to speculate that dozens of silent cases are circulating there.

U.S. Embassy warns Americans to stay sober in Tokyo neighborhood April 10, 2009
American men are being surreptitiously drugged as they drink, especially when alone in strip clubs, embassy officials said. While they are unconscious, the perpetrators – including scantily clad women with whom they might be socializing – take their credit cards and run up large bills.

Eiffel Tower closes due to strike April 8, 2009
PARIS – An official at the Eiffel Tower says the attraction is closed to visitors because of a strike. The official said the tower did not open Wednesday morning and is expected to remain closed all day. She was speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with the job regulations. It was not immediately clear how many workers were on strike or what their demands were.

Argentina Facing Worst-Ever Dengue Outbreak April 5, 2009
BUENOS AIRES – The Argentine government acknowledged on Friday that the outbreak of dengue affecting the country’s northern provinces is the worst in its history, although it stressed that this is not a nationwide epidemic.

Lao province at risk of bird flu outbreak March 30, 2009
Many areas of Phongsaly province of Laos are at risk of infection from the H5N1 bird flu virus as local people are continuing to bring in poultry and eggs illegally from neighboring countries, the Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Monday.  

200 feared dead in Indonesian dam burst March 30, 2009
It is feared the final death toll from a flash flood in Jakarta caused by a collapsed dam could move past 200.
Ninety-eight people are already confirmed dead in the flood in the Indonesian capital, but 132 more cannot be accounted for.

 
State health agencies ban travel to Mexico
March 22, 2009
McALLEN — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has banned workers in five state agencies from traveling to Mexico to conduct research or work on binational health programs because of fears of kidnappings and other drug cartel-fueled violence.

Death Toll From Dengue Hits 15 in Brazilian State March 15, 2009
BRASILIA – The death toll from dengue this year in the Brazilian state of Bahia has risen to 15, health officials said, adding that they were still awaiting the results of tests on 30 other people who died recently.

DENGUE FEVER: March 11, 2009
Outbreaks of dengue fever have risen in the Asia Pacific region in the past year, killing three times more victims in 2008 than in recent years, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Chusak Prasittisuk, a dengue specialist with the WHO, says efforts to prevent and control dengue have been constrained due to lack of political commitment, inadequate resources and lack of coordinated efforts. Dengue, the most widespread tropical disease after malaria, is transmitted by mosquitoes. Approximately 2.5 billion people globally are at risk, the majority in Asia Pacific.

East Asia / Pacific - Thailand
Airport thieves under spotlight
Police don't believe the arrest of three suspects last month will end the scourge of thieves targeting outbound passengers at Suvarnabhumi airport. "I believe there is more than one gang operating at the airport," tourist police chief Adis Ngamchitsuksri said. Suspects Amorn Wisetya, Suranart Channum and Pairat Saengpong were arrested on Feb 26 after the Tourist Police Division was contacted by Mohammad Umar. Mr Mohammad, a 57-year-old Qatari, left Bangkok on Feb 11 only to discover after picking up his luggage in Doha that a bag had been damaged and the lock broken.

British travellers warned of Nørrebro violence March 3, 2009
Europe - Denmark  The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office has advised travellers to be cautious when visiting areas affected by recent gang violence

Vietnam has 54th death from bird flu February 27, 2009
HANOI (Reuters) - A 32-year-old Vietnamese man infected with the H5N1 bird flu strain has died in hospital in the capital Hanoi, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, quoting the health ministry.

State Dept. Cites 'Large Firefights' in Travel Alert on Mexico ...February 21, 2009
The latest travel advisory for Mexico from the US State Department will certainly not please the ... the travel alert issued Friday reads like the plot of a crime thriller. ... "Recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades," the advisory reads.. ...

Americas - Mexico
Mexican town on drug-smuggling route left defenseless after police quit
Feb. 20, 2009
VILLA AHUMADA, Mexico – For people caught inside Mexico's drug corridors, life is about keeping your head down and watching your back, especially when the sun dips behind the cactus-studded horizon.

Marchers block Mexico-US border February 18, 2009
Mexico  Hundreds of people in Mexico have blocked key crossings into the US in protests against the deployment of the army to fight drug traffickers.

Aids is China's deadliest disease February 18, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - China  Chinese officials have said that HIV/Aids was the leading cause of death last year, compared with other infectious diseases.

6.0 quake rumbles in Peru February 9, 2009
A significant earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, occurred Monday near the coast of northern Peru, quake monitors said.The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblor took place at 9:09 a.m. at a depth of 6.2 miles. Its epicenter was 95 miles west of Chiclayo, 470 miles northwest of Lima and 475 miles south-southwest of Quito, Ecuador.CNN and Sky News said there were no immediate reports ...

US diplomat expelled from Ecuador February 7, 2009
Americas - Ecuador  Ecuador's left-wing president has ordered the expulsion of a senior US diplomat, accusing him of suspending aid to Ecuador's anti-drugs programme.

Is China Covering up a New Bird Flu Epidemic? February 3, 2009
Certainly there seems to be very strong evidence it is. There have already been eight reported cases of humans contracting the potential deadly H5N1 virus, from which
five people have died this year. And despite the fact that Hong Kong officials have been finding dead birds infected with the virus washing up onto its shores in recent days from the mainland, China has not made any official statement concerning an outbreak among birds.
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/eyeonasia/archives/2009/02/is_china_coveri.html?campaign_id=rss_blog_asiatech

Security providers in Thailand say business is good amid downturn Feb. 02, 2009
BANGKOK: Thailand's economic woes continue to deepen due to the gloomy global financial picture and the Kingdom's ongoing political unrest. But security providers said that business is good even in these hard times.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/406432/1/.html

Floods in southern Brazil kill 12, uproot 3,600 Feb. 02, 2009
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Floods have killed 12 people in Brazil's southernmost state Rio Grande do Sul and forced some 3,600 people from their homes, a state emergency coordinator has said.

Thailand issues bird flu warning January 18, 2009
THAILAND'S