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Key Information for Travelers Concerned with H1N1 Travel Guard Supplements New H1N1 Guide with Key Information for Travelers Concerned with Virus’ Impact on Winter Travel Stevens Point, WI – (October 20, 2009) – Travel Guard is providing consumers with key facts on travel insurance coverage related to H1N1 following the U.S. Department of Health’s recent release of an official response guide designed to educate Americans about the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu precautions. Specifically, Travel Guard is advising travelers to take precautionary measures to minimize H1N1’s potential impact on their winter travel plans. Travel Guard is supplementing the information featured in the new Department of Health guide titled “H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizations” (available at http://flu.gov/professional/community/cfboguidance.html) by advising clients to take appropriate precautions when traveling to areas affected by H1N1, and responding to client questions regarding travel insurance coverage and H1N1 as the winter travel season begins. Below are commonly asked questions and answers regarding Travel Guard’s retail travel insurance plans and H1N1:
Q: If I were to contract the H1N1 virus, would I be covered for trip cancellation? A: Most plans provide trip cancellation coverage as long as the plan was purchased before the traveler contracted H1N1, and the traveler selected a plan that includes coverage due to unforeseen illness.
Q: If I were to contract H1N1 on my trip, would I have coverage for medical expenses? A: Most plans can provide medical coverage as long as the virus was contracted while on the trip.
Q: Would I have coverage if I am quarantined for health related reasons while traveling? A: Yes, some plans can reimburse the insured for additional expenses incurred if the insured is quarantined due to H1N1 or other covered reasons, up to the maximum limits of the coverage.
Q: If I am afraid to travel to a specific area because the H1N1 virus has been detected, will I have coverage for trip cancellation? A: Like most in the industry, Travel Guard plans do not offer coverage for fear of traveling to a specific region. However, travelers who purchase a Travel Guard plan that includes the “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage option can be covered for up to 75% of trip cost for trip cancellation in this instance.
Q: Would I have coverage for trip cancellation if the government issues a travel warning covering the area I am scheduled to travel to? A: Generally, travel insurance plans do not provide trip cancellation coverage due to government warnings.
“Our worldwide travel assistance division continues to monitor developments related to H1N1 and its impact on winter travelers,” said Dan McGinnity, Vice President of Travel Guard. “We encourage travelers to contact us for updates, health warnings, prevention and treatment tips, along with all other information regarding H1N1 and travel.” Travel Guard is North America’s leading provider of travel insurance plans and assistance services. For more information about Travel Guard, travelers can see their travel agent, visit www.travelguard.com/or call Travel Guard’s World Service Center at 1-800-826-1300.
About Travel Guard Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com/), a Chartis company, helps millions of individual travelers and corporate clients solve problems and manage risks worldwide. In addition to an extensive portfolio of travel insurance coverage and benefits, Travel Guard offers a wide range of travel, travel medical and personal assistance services through its wholly-owned assistance centers conveniently located in Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Travel Guard’s global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities ensure that clients and policyholders receive best-in-class care. Travel Guard’s suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels.
About Chartis Chartis is a world leading property-casualty and general insurance organization serving more than 40 million clients in over 160 countries and jurisdictions. With a 90-year history, one of the industry’s most extensive ranges of products and services, deep claims expertise and excellent financial strength, Chartis enables its commercial and personal insurance clients alike to manage virtually any risk with confidence. Chartis is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty and general insurance operations of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.chartisinsurance.com/. All products are written by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of Chartis Inc. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties. Certain coverage may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are, therefore, not protected by such funds.
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