Tuesday, February 14, 2012, the Minnesota Insurance Department announced an enforcement action against Travel Guard and their underwriting company, National Union Fire Insurance Company (a part of Chartis), due to allegations that they violated Minnesota State Law by automatically enrolling travelers, who booked their trip through Travelocity.com, in travel insurance without their affirmative consent. The…
Access America is now Allianz Global Assistance
Access America has officially changed their name to Allianz Global Assistance, as of February 1st. Nothing else has changed in the plans that we offer from them, still the same Basic, Classic and Deluxe that have been Access America’s offering for quite some time now.
Travel Insurance and the Costa Concordia
I read today that Carnival Corp, the owner of the ill-fated Costa Concordia has stated that they are providing “lodging, refunds and other support to people affected by the accident”. I instantly thought about what would have been covered by travel insurance if Carnival didn’t step up to the plate to do the right thing.…
Travel insurance resolutions for 2012
Resolution 1: Make sure you qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage. The biggest “gotcha” is the exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Many plans offer a “waiver of pre-existing conditions” provided you buy the insurance early, within the required time period – usually 10 to 30 days depending on the plan following your first trip payment date. We…
Good News for Consumers – DOT New Advertising Regulation
The United States Department of Transportation has established new rules governing advertising that go into effect on January 24, 2012. The new rules establish higher standards for how airlines, tour operators, and travel agents advertise airfares. Here are some highlights: Airfares will now have to be advertised inclusive of all fees including taxes. Post-purchase increases…