Travel Guard® North America Providing Free Assistance Services to U.S. and Canadian Travelers Affected by Hurricane Irene

STEVENS POINT, Wis. Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Irene continues on its path through the Atlantic, Travel Guard North America® (www.travelguard.com), a leader in travel insurance and assistance plans, announced today that it will provide emergency travel and medical assistance services free to all U.S. and Canadian travelers and their families affected by the storm. Travel Guard's free services offer travelers emergency travel assistance such as flight rebooking, hotel booking, emergency cash coordination and message relay, as well as emergency medical assistance including referrals, access to air ambulance and medical providers and more.

Travelers and their families seeking Travel Guard's assistance services can reach the company directly by calling (866) 644-6811. Travel Guard has experienced a 30 percent spike in call volume over the past several days and has already assisted a number of its customers with rescheduling flights and other travel arrangements in the Caribbean.

Though Hurricane Irene is the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, it may not be the last. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) hurricane outlook for 2011 indicates an above-normal Atlantic season, which runs through November 30. For those planning to travel during this time, a travel insurance plan can provide helpful assistance in the event of a travel disruption or emergency, as well as reimbursement for losses due to covered reasons. Travelers should keep in mind that, even if their final destination is not affected by a hurricane, they may still experience trip disruptions due to hurricane-related airline delays and cancellations.

For hurricane related losses to be covered, travel insurance must be purchased before a hurricane is named, said Carol Mueller, vice president at Travel Guard. Once a warning is issued, losses resulting from a named hurricane on, before or fewer than 14 days after the effective date of coverage are excluded.

Travel Guard's travel insurance plans can cover vacation investments if severe weather directly affects arrangements or accommodations. For example, if a traveler is forced to cancel a trip due to a named hurricane, a travel insurance plan with trip cancellation coverage can reimburse pre-paid nonrefundable expenses, up to the limit of coverage purchased. If a covered severe weather condition forces the evacuation of the traveler's hotel or resort, travel insurance can provide reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses and additional travel expenses.

"We've had a few calm hurricane seasons, which can lead to complacency when it comes to travel planning," said Mueller. "Hurricane Irene is a good reminder that major travel disruptions can arise quickly during hurricanes and other severe weather situations, so it's important to be prepared. A travel insurance plan is one of the best ways for travelers to maintain confidence about their travel plans."

Travel Guard's assistance service centers have access to the most current information regarding airline flight schedules, can act as emergency travel counselors and are prepared to help travelers with alternative travel solutions. Travel Guard North America's core insurance plans (Platinum, Gold, Silver, My Travel Guard, Basic and other select plans) include coverage for trip cancellation, interruption and delay in the event of a natural disaster or inclement weather. All coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions and limitations.

For more information about Travel Guard's selection of travel insurance and assistance service plans, travelers can talk to their travel agent, visit www.travelguard.com or call Travel Guard's World Service Center at 1.800.826.1300.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks. Travel Guard's global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allows clients to receive best-in-class care. Travel Guard's suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels. The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com, www.travelguard.ca and www.travelguardworldwide.com.

The coverage listed here is for U.S. residents only. To learn more about coverage in Canada, please call 1-866-648-8422.

The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard in the United States are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. This is only a brief description of the coverages available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Coverage may not be available in all states.

SOURCE Travel Guard