Swine Flu Outbreak
September 2009 Updated Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still purchase insurance for travel and be covered for this outbreak of H1N1?
Yes. For claims incurred in 2009, if you or other covered individuals purchase your policy before contracting H1N1 and no other terms and conditions exclude or limit coverage, we will extend benefits to you as outlined in your Letter of Confirmation and Certificate of Insurance/Policy.
What benefits am I eligible to receive if I contract H1N1?
If you become ill with H1N1 you may have several benefits available to you, depending upon the coverage purchased, including:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption
- Emergency Medical and Dental
- Emergency Medical Transportation
- Travel Delay
- Trip Inconvenience
Please review your Letter of Confirmation and Certificate of Insurance / Policy to understand the coverage purchased.
Can I change the travel dates on my policy if my supplier is allowing me to rebook?
Yes. We are happy to adjust the travel dates on your policy as long as you have not filed a claim and you have not departed on your trip already.
Can I cancel if I'm afraid to travel?
Our travel insurance plans do not provide coverage if you cancel because you are afraid to travel.
Does my policy cover medical care if I become ill with H1N1 while traveling?
Yes. We will cover emergency medical treatment for H1N1 as long as you bought the policy before you contracted the illness. Your Letter of Confirmation will state whether you have emergency medical and dental coverage and what the benefit maximum is.
What should I do if I become sick while traveling?
We recommend you seek immediate medical care. If you need assistance locating a doctor, contact us and we can assist you. Also, your policy contains important information about what to do if you become sick while traveling. We urge you to read your policy and keep our phone number (1-800-654-1908) and your policy identification number in a safe place where it can be quickly retrieved.
If you still have questions about your policy, please call 1-800-284-8300 or email customerservice@accessamerica.com.
More Information about Specific Policy Benefits
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
There are four covered reasons that may apply for cancellations/interruptions related to H1N1:
- Illness/Injury
- Death
- Quarantine and
- Loss of Accommodations
All claims involving fear, quarantine of healthy travelers, or other government prohibition remain excluded. Please refer to your Letter of Confirmation and Certificate of Insurance/Policy to verify the coverage you purchased.
Emergency Medical and Dental
H1N1 would be considered an emergency medical condition if you contract it while traveling. Coverage may be primary or secondary depending on the policy purchased.
Emergency Medical Transportation
If you contract H1N1 and require evacuation, as determined by our consulting physician and the local attending physician, we will take you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. All evacuations must be coordinated by our staff.
Travel Delay
If you are quarantined because you have H1N1, most of our policies will pay up to $150 per day per person up to the coverage limit for unexpected meals, accommodations and transportation that result from your delay. Quarantine of healthy travelers or other government prohibition remain excluded.
Trip Inconvenience
If you are admitted to the hospital as an inpatient due to H1N1, your policy may provide coverage for a one-time inconvenience payment. Please refer to your Letter of Confirmation and Certificate of Insurance/Policy to verify the coverage you purchased.
Each of these benefits is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Certificate of Insurance/Policy.
General Information about Novel Influenza A (H1N1)
The CDC has posted its comprehensive guide "Novel H1N1 Flu and You" on its website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm. Should you be concerned about H1N1, we strongly suggest that you review this excellent resource.
You can keep up with the latest H1N1 briefings on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
Or check the CDC Twitter link: http://twitter.com/CDCemergency.
