FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, August 22, 2013 — Travel insurance policyholders are reimbursed for non-refundable trip expenses, compensated for unforeseen hotel stays, and given 24-hour access to travel and other professionals when storms and hurricanes hit, according to the
US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) and the
Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
“Last year’s Superstorm Sandy, for instance, upended travel plans for thousands of people,” said Linda Kundell, Spokesperson for the US Travel Insurance Association. Her advice: “Purchase a travel insurance policy when you pay for your trip because once the National Weather Service has named a tropical storm it is too late to do so.”
“The Atlantic hurricane season continues until November 30, so if you’re paying thousands of dollars to book a fall vacation, buying a travel insurance policy is definitely an option worth exploring,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, Senior Vice President and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. “Travel insurance can financially protect the cost of a vacation and provide extremely helpful assistance when traveling.”
To gain the most benefit from travel insurance, the UStiA and the I.I.I. advise travelers to:
- Keep all receipts and a copy of your itinerary in the event you need to file a claim.
- Read your travel insurance policy and be sure you understand what is and is not covered. If you feel the policy does not meet your needs, the premium cost is usually refundable within a defined grace period.
- Check to see if the policy discusses pre-existing medical conditions; this is significant because many travel insurance policies cover policyholders if they become severely ill while on their trip. Some policies waive pre-existing conditions if the coverage is purchased within 10 to14 days of the initial trip booking.
For more information and a list of UStiA member companies, visit
www.ustia.org. UStiA also sponsors TRIP (Travel Responsibly, Informed, and Protected), a consumer advocacy web site with helpful information including timely tips on travel, health, safety, and security. Visit
www.TRIP.ustia.org.
RELATED LINKS
About UStiA
UStiA promotes fairness, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in the travel insurance industry. With a mission to educate the public on travel insurance while maintaining high industry standards, UStiA is a non-profit association of insurance carriers and allied businesses involved in the development, administration and marketing of travel insurance and assistance. Travel insurance and assistance services are available from travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, hotels and resorts, and insurance brokers, as well as through the Internet.
Contact:
Linda Kundell
Kundell Communications
212-877-2798
The I.I.I.’s free mobile apps can help you create a disaster plan, learn about selecting the right insurance for your needs and budget, and create and maintain a home inventory. Learn more about our suite of apps here.
THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org