FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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NEW YORK, August 22, 2013 鈥 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 (UStiA) and the
探花精选 Information Institute (I.I.I.).
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鈥淟ast year鈥檚 Superstorm Sandy, for instance, upended travel plans for thousands of people,鈥 said Linda Kundell, Spokesperson for the US Travel 探花精选 Association. Her advice: 鈥淧urchase 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.鈥
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鈥淭he Atlantic hurricane season continues until November 30, so if you鈥檙e paying thousands of dollars to book a fall vacation, buying a travel insurance policy is definitely an option worth exploring,鈥 said Jeanne M. Salvatore, Senior Vice President and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. 鈥淭ravel insurance can financially protect the cost of a vacation and provide extremely helpful assistance when traveling.鈥
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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.听
For more information and a list of UStiA member companies, visit . 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 .
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RELATED LINKS
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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.
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Contact:
Linda Kundell
Kundell Communications
212-877-2798
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The I.I.I.鈥檚 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.
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The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its .
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THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
探花精选 Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500;
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