RBC Insurance advises Canadian travellers: Don’t let
the flu interfere with your holiday travel plans
TORONTO, November 24, 2009 — As the busiest time of the year for
travel approaches, RBC Insurance offers Canadians important
travel advice as it relates to this year's flu season and
H1N1.
"With many Canadians debating over whether they should
travel during the flu season to visit friends and family for
the holidays, it's important that they are aware of how travel
insurance can protect them financially," said Martha
Turnbull, director, Assistance and Claims, RBC Insurance Company
of Canada.
Ms. Turnbull is available for media commentary to discuss
the benefits of travel insurance and why Canadians shouldn't
be discouraged from travelling this flu season.
Here are some frequently asked questions posed by Canadian
travellers regarding seasonal flu and H1N1:
1. Can I cancel my trip because I have become ill with
seasonal flu or H1N1? Trip cancellation insurance provides
coverage if you become ill with the flu, as long as you purchased
your insurance policy before developing flu-like symptoms
and received confirmation from a doctor that you have the
flu.
2. If I get the H1N1 vaccination and exhibit side effects
before my travel date, can I cancel my trip? Trip cancellation
insurance provides coverage if you develop side effects from
the vaccination, as long as you have purchased your insurance
policy before developing side effects and received confirmation
from a doctor that you have side effects.
3. If I get the H1N1 vaccination and exhibit side effects
while travelling, am I covered? Emergency medical insurance
and trip interruption insurance will provide coverage for
emergency medical treatment and additional costs such as accommodations,
meals and transportation if you exhibit side effects from
the H1N1 vaccination while travelling and can't return home
as scheduled.
4. Can I change the dates on my travel insurance policy
because I have become ill with the seasonal flu or H1N1 and
can't travel? If you get the flu, you may be able to change
your travel dates for no extra cost as long the length and
cost of the trip remains the same.
5. If I get the seasonal flu or H1N1 while travelling,
am I covered? Emergency medical and trip interruption
insurance will provide coverage for emergency medical treatment
and additional costs such as accommodations, meals and transportation
if you get the seasonal flu or H1N1 while travelling and can't
return home as scheduled.
6. If I didn't purchase travel insurance at the time I
booked my trip and I am worried about H1N1, can I still purchase
it? Some insurance companies may allow you to purchase
travel insurance at any time right up to your departure date,
but it must be purchased before you develop flu-like symptoms.
7. What happens if I am denied boarding at a Canadian
airport or denied entry at my destination, as a result of
exhibiting flu-like symptoms? If you are denied boarding
or denied entry as a result of exhibiting flu-like symptoms,
trip interruption insurance provides coverage as long as you
have purchased your insurance policy before developing flu-like
symptoms and received confirmation from a doctor that you
have the flu.
8. Can I cancel my trip because I am afraid of getting
the seasonal flu or H1N1? Travel insurance companies have
products that are designed to provide coverage for a variety
of situations, but fear of getting the flu is not usually
covered.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Margie McNeil, RBC Insurance, 905.606.1425, margie.mcneil@rbc.com
André Roberts, RBC Corporate Communications, 416.974.3180,
andre.roberts@rbc.com
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