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Comments (4)
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Save/ShareNow here's a great service.
Any traveler can phone a hotline set up by insurer Travel Guard if they need medical referrals, questions about symptoms, or updates on areas affected. You don't have to be a policyholder to benefit from the free service. The number is 866/644-6811 (US and Canada toll-free) or collect at 1-715/295-1209 (for international callers). Travel Guard is the largest seller of travel insurance in the U.S. and is a company that Budget Travel recommends for policies, among other companies.
Don't run out and try to buy a policy against swine flu, though. It won't be covered as a justified excuse for canceling a trip for most policies issued by major providers, reports Michelle Higgins of the New York Times. One exception: If you bought a "cancel for any reason" option.
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines suspends port calls to Mexico indefinitely. Contact the company for details (royalcaribbean.com).
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Swine flu: Travel update
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I returned from Mexico last night to Chicago. Staying in Acapulco Mon-Wed, I can say the Swine Flu has had minimal impact on the coastal town - thus far. The breezy ocean air can't hurt chase off flu germs, right? I only noticed public employees wearing masks (likely mandatory), with citizens wearing them in the airport. This was drastically different than what I experienced in Mexico City, where virtually everyone had a mask on in the airport. God bless the Mexican people, they showed me that they were doing everything they could to minimize the spread of the flu - public restrooms were constantly getting cleaned, the restaurants opened (all in airports btw, none closed in Acapulco that I saw) were taking every precaution. Over all, I was not fearful of catching anything. The service by all travel professionals was excellent.
Posted By Andrew Yeager on April 30, 2009, 10:17 AM
going to mexico in 2 months I bought travel guard would like to change destination but the airlines want to charge me 150.00 per person. my whole famiily are flying . any way just got a letter stating that my daughters empoyers have banned mexico travel this summer and have stated if they go against company policy it would mean termination. he is one of the CEO's of the company also, my doctor has stated that since we have babies and children that we should not go. if we go and get sick not to call him. what is your policy about all this.all i want to do is avoid the 150.00 per person.
Posted By dorothy on April 30, 2009, 11:14 AM
dorothy, your comments are not ringing true. I was somewhat skeptical until I read that your doctor said not to call him--LOL! This is going against the first oath a doctor takes. I understand the frustration with an insurance company--I think part of their deal is to ensure that you'll have difficulty getting any money out of them. Re-read all the fine print, then call the Better Business Sureau if warranted. Since Budget Travel recommends Travel Guard, write to their travel ombudsman and see if he can help.
Posted By Susan on April 30, 2009, 12:10 PM
What travel insurance can and cannot do: 1) If you should contract Swine Flu after having purchased your travel insurance policy, most providers will treat it as any other covered sickness, under their cancellation and interruption provisions.
2) Canceling or interrupting a trip due to FEAR of contracting the flu is not a covered event.
3) To obtain maximum flexibility, you can purchase the Cancel for Any Reason benefit, which allows for reimbursement of part to all of your prepaid trip cost (depending on the plan you buy) if you simply change your mind and decide not to travel, up to two days prior to planned departure.
4) If you are quarantined, benefits are available under trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay coverages.
5) Since your personal situation may be complex, talk with a licensed, independent travel insurance professional to get the answers you need.
Posted By Travel Insurance Lady on April 30, 2009, 5:56 PM