According to data availed by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, only 30% of U.S. travelers buy Travel Insurance, which is usually dominated by travelers going on cruises, tours or international journeys. The numbers have been increasing in recent years due to factors like terrorism and natural disasters.
However, the recent outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico has seen a surge in travel insurance popularity. It's amazing how bad news can sometimes be good for business. According to Multitrip.com, their bookings have surged by over 300% since the outbreak of swine flu was first reported in Mexico.
Similarly, Travel insurance company InsureandGo has seen an increase by 49% as travelers are concerned that Swine Flu could spread to many countries other than Mexico and prevent them from going on holiday. InsureandGo has also received around 20% more calls to its claims department as customers inquire about canceling their holidays to Mexico.
These rises come as more cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the United States and the UK. Ciaran Mulligan who is the director of Multitrip.com alludes this increase to the fact that many travelers are concerned about their holiday arrangements and the current H1N1 flu outbreak. People are more cautious and less willing to speculate by avoiding purchasing travel insurance.
However, not all travel insurance policies will cover you if you want to cancel a planned trip because of the Swine Flu virus. When the California Department of Insurance was tasked to explain this situation, this is what the agency Commissioner Steve Poizner had to say: “not all travel insurance policies will fully reimburse trip cancellations due to the H1N1 flu outbreak. “Cancel for any reason” policies are the only variety of travel insurance policies that will typically reimburse a policyholder for reasons pertaining to H1N1 flu.”
According to travel insurance broker Squaremouth.com, there is no insurance policy that allows the insured to cancel or postpone a trip due to fear of contracting H1N1 flu. However, there can be a travel insurance coverage if the insured person purchases the “cancel for any reason” upgrade which is available in some Travel Insurance policies.
The swine flu situation seems to be spreading to more countries with health officials and the travel industry uncertain of where the flu will attack next. However,annual Travel Insurance policies such as those offered by Multitrip.com will ensure that travelers are covered for a whole year. Travelers are being advised to purchase travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday to ensure they are fully covered abroad in case they contract Swine Flu.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
