INSURANCE CONSUMERS PROTECTED BY SOLVENCY STANDARDS
Regulatory Safeguards Offer ‘Insurance Policy’ in Times of Crisis

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sept. 16, 2008) — National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) President and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger today issued the following statement in response to the financial issues facing American International Group (AIG):

“We have a very strong message for consumers: If you have a policy with an AIG insurance company, they are solvent and have the capability to pay claims. Our job is to ensure that they continue to have the ability to pay.

“In this particular instance, AIG’s insurance subsidiaries are being asked to provide liquid assets to the financially distressed non-insurance parent company in exchange for non-liquid assets. The New York State and Pennsylvania Insurance Departments are working with AIG to review the transaction. State insurance regulators will only approve this type of action if they are assured it is part of a total resolution of the liquidity issue at the parent company and fairly compensates its insurance company subsidiaries.

“As a holding company, AIG is a separate, federally regulated legal entity that is distinct and apart from its subsidiary insurers. The subsidiary insurers are governed by state laws designed to protect the interest of policyholders. State insurance regulators are committed to protecting the interest of policyholders and will work closely with AIG management and other regulators to fulfill this commitment.

“The No. 1 job of state insurance regulators is to make sure insurance companies operate on a financially sound basis. If needed, we immediately step in if it appears that an insurer will be unable to fulfill the promises made to its policyholders. This includes taking over the management of an insurer through a conservation or rehabilitation order, the goal being to get the insurer back into a strong solvency position.

“State regulators have numerous actions they can take to prevent an insurer from failing. Claims from individual policyholders are given the utmost priority over other creditors in these matters — and, in the unlikely event that assets are not enough to cover these claims, there is still another safety net in place to protect consumers: the state guaranty funds. These funds are in place in all states. If an insurance company becomes unable to pay claims, the guaranty fund will provide coverage, subject to certain limits.

“It is a state insurance regulator’s responsibility to protect policyholders and ensure a healthy, competitive market for insurance products. Strict solvency standards and keen financial oversight — based on conservative investment and accounting rules — continue to be the bedrock of state-based insurance regulation.”

Iceland’s volcanic activity caused flight delays all across Europe leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded as air traffic control sorts out strategies to get these passengers where they need to go.  With volcanic ash 5 miles into the air this unexpected trip interruption shuts down one of the world most congested air spaces in the world. Aviation experts say flight delays could continue for several days.

One lady says “I just wish I was on a beach in Mexico,” said Ann Cochrane, 58, of Toronto, a passenger stranded in Glasgow

The Ash cloud shut down London’s five major airports including Heathrow, a major trans-Atlantic hub that handles over 1,200 flights and 180,000 passengers per day. Airport shutdowns and flight cancellations spread eastward across Europe — to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Switzerland — and the effects reverberated worldwide.

Not to mention French officials shut down all flights to Paris and surrounding destinations.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration said it was working with airlines to try to reroute some flights around the massive ash cloud. Nevertheless travelers are going to have to be patient.

As FAA figures out how to deal with all these flight cancellations maybe obtaining a travel Insurance policy with includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage along with natural disaster coverage sounds like a smart thing to do.

How Travel Insurance can help?  Click here

As you may have read, all regions of the U.S. have now reported positive cases of the H1N1 flu. The latest comments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the situation remains fluid.

UnitedHealthcare will provide coverage for the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine for all members covered by its fully insured plans.

We intend to process all self-funded member claims as a covered service unless clients explicitly direct us otherwise. If your client’s plan does not currently cover the administration of the vaccine, and you notify us of your client’s intent not to cover the vaccine in the future, UnitedHealthcare will reimburse the cost of the administration of the vaccine. The federal government has said that the vaccine will be provided at no cost to health care providers.

UnitedHealth Group will coordinate its efforts with federal and state authorities to ensure the widest possible administration of the vaccine in an effort to mitigate the potential consequences of an H1N1 pandemic.

Based on its analysis of the current situation, The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing the following population segments to receive the vaccine:

• pregnant women;
• caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age;
• health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years old; and
• persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications.

Other population segments will be able to receive the vaccine, as it is made available.

Prescription Coverage
Antiviral therapy is an important part of the prevention and treatment of H1N1 flu. For clients that have UnitedHealthcare prescription benefit plan managed through UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions, Tamiflu^® (oseltamir) and Relenza^® (zanamivir) are covered drugs. The drugs are also covered under legacy PacifiCare and UnitedHealthcare prescription benefit plans administered by Prescription Solutions, which have lifted all prior authorization requirements until further notice.

Member Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To better inform members and help answer common questions, we have developed an H1N1 member FAQ, that can be accessed at myuhc.com. The FAQ is updated frequently with the latest guidance from the CDC.

Business Continuation Preparedness
We want to reassure clients that if this situation escalates, UnitedHealthcare is fully prepared to initiate our business continuation program, which is designed to minimize any type of service disruption.

For More Information
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the CDC’s Web site www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. 

UnitedHealthcare to Cover H1N1 Flu Vaccine for its Members

As you may have read, all regions of the U.S. have now reported positive cases of the H1N1 flu. The latest comments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the situation remains fluid.

UnitedHealthcare will provide coverage for the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine for all members covered by its fully insured plans.

We intend to process all self-funded member claims as a covered service unless clients explicitly direct us otherwise. If your client’s plan does not currently cover the administration of the vaccine, and you notify us of your client’s intent not to cover the vaccine in the future, UnitedHealthcare will reimburse the cost of the administration of the vaccine. The federal government has said that the vaccine will be provided at no cost to health care providers.

UnitedHealth Group will coordinate its efforts with federal and state authorities to ensure the widest possible administration of the vaccine in an effort to mitigate the potential consequences of an H1N1 pandemic.

Based on its analysis of the current situation, The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing the following population segments to receive the vaccine:

• pregnant women;
• caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age;
• health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years old; and
• persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications.

Other population segments will be able to receive the vaccine, as it is made available.

Prescription Coverage
Antiviral therapy is an important part of the prevention and treatment of H1N1 flu. For clients that have UnitedHealthcare prescription benefit plan managed through UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions, Tamiflu^® (oseltamir) and Relenza^® (zanamivir) are covered drugs. The drugs are also covered under legacy PacifiCare and UnitedHealthcare prescription benefit plans administered by Prescription Solutions, which have lifted all prior authorization requirements until further notice.

Member Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To better inform members and help answer common questions, we have developed an H1N1 member FAQ, that can be accessed at myuhc.com. The FAQ is updated frequently with the latest guidance from the CDC.

Business Continuation Preparedness
We want to reassure clients that if this situation escalates, UnitedHealthcare is fully prepared to initiate our business continuation program, which is designed to minimize any type of service disruption.

For More Information
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the CDC’s Web site www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Here’s an idea, protect your travel investment against inclement weather with a simple travel insurance policy. During June through November travelers tend to experience stress and frustration due to trip delays, reschedules, and cancellations caused by the Atlantic Ocean’s Hurricane season.

Airlines and cruise lines sometimes redirect travel to certain destinations when weather becomes too severe. As a result this can disrupt your travel plans and cause you lose  those nonrefundable travel expenses. The solution is a simple travel insurance policy that not only can reimburse you for your travel expenses, but also allow you take advantage of the other great benefits like Trip delay, Baggage loss,etc… which come already included in most travel insurance policies.

With travel insurance policies as low as $20 I ask  this question*.

What would you prefer?  

1. To lose hundreds to even thousands of dollars by having to unexpectedly cancel your vacation thanks to Mother Nature or…
2. To Purchase  travel insurance for as low as $20 and have piece of mind this hurricane season.

The good news is it’s not too late!  Obtaining hurricane/natural disaster coverage is only a click away.

Tips for this Hurricane Season

• Plan your trip/vacation in advance
• Monitor weather reports for hurricane/ tropical storm activity
• Obtain trip cancellation/interruption coverage with (hurricane/natural disaster coverage)
• Consider an optional Cancel For Any Reason benefit. This offers incredible flexibility,  giving  the traveler(s) the option to cancel his or her vacation  regardless of Mother Nature.

*Travel insurance premiums vary depending on the length of your trip, age of traveler (s) coverage amounts as well as residency. Please visit www.atlasassist.comto find the right travel insurance plan for you and your family.

 PRESS RELEASE

Covering yourself for lost or delayed baggage can be a smart move, advises the US Travel Insurance Association. With record-breaking travel, baggage mishaps are on the rise. In fact according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (U.S. Department of Transportation), the nation’s 20 largest carriers posted a mishandled baggage rate of 7.25 reports per 1000 passengers for the first nine months of 2007, an almost 20% increase from 6.5 reports over the same time in 2006. The Association of European Airlines reports that in the second quarter of 2007, 16 bags out of every 1,000 passengers were delayed.

“That translates into nearly 3.5 million bags delayed, lost or damaged for domestic airlines alone,” says Brad Finkle, immediate past president, US Travel Insurance Association. ” If you are traveling to Athens, Greece and your luggage arrives in Athens Georgia you have a problem.

The Baggage Delay Misconception

“Many travelers assume that the airlines must cover delayed baggage,” says Finkle. “While airlines may be liable up to $3,000 on domestic flights for lost or damaged baggage, compensation for baggage delays in case of bad weather or situations beyond the airline’s control is up to each individual carrier. One airline may provide toiletries, another up to $25 per day, and yet another may not provide anything for such delays. What constitutes a delayed or lost bag also varies widely between airlines, and can range anywhere from 5 to 21 days,” he points out.

International airlines may subscribe to either the Montreal or Warsaw Conventions and compensation for loss, damage or delay under these agreements are substantially less than U.S. requirements.

Passengers with travel insurance don’t have to worry about when and whether their airline will cover necessary expenditures in case of weather or non-airline caused delays. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include a delayed baggage benefit of $100 to $500 total to help with necessary purchases. Depending on the policy, the delayed baggage coverage may become effective within four to 24 hours from the time you report your luggage missing.

 “The assistance hotline provided with most travel insurance policies will also help track and coordinate the return your bags so that you don’t have to worry about calling the airline each day to find out the status of your bags,” adds Finkle.

 Non-Airline Delay or Loss

Often, people don’t realize just how many potential baggage problems there can be during a trip, advises Finkle. Scenarios include:

• Your bag being damaged while being loaded on a van for a transfer from the airport to your hotel;
• The bellman at your hotel accidentally damages your bag;
• After storing baggage in a hotel or at an airport baggage storage facility you find the baggage is damaged or items are missing when you retrieve it.
• Your baggage is damaged or mishandled during a cruise.

 Hotels, baggage storage facilities, and cruise lines may not assume any liability and are not required to reimburse you for damage. However, typically, the baggage/loss benefit provided by travel insurance will cover you during the course of your entire trip, and provide reimbursement up to a set amount, notes Finkle.

The H1N1 virus better known as the Swine flu continues to affect world travel. Many people are wondering if they should pack their bags or cancel their travel plans. As a result, you can imagine this is creating a major halt to an already slow travel industry. Although Health Organizations have recommended avoiding travel to Mexico, the good news is there are many things one can do to reduce the risk of infection.

In order to counter the spread, some cruise lines have stopped voyages to Mexico and begun re-routing ships to the Caribbean. Airports also have taken precautions against H1N1 virus by increasing sanitation efforts, and installing thermal scanners to monitor the body temperatures of travelers.

If you are planning to travel within the next 2-4 months here are some things to consider.

• Book early morning or late night flights
• Wash your hands and frequently
• Avoid high congested areas
• Educate children about the flu and the importance of cleanliness
• Try and limit the time you spend at airports, train stations, or any high transit area.

Symptoms of the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus):

• Coughing
• Fever
• Body aches
• Vomiting
• Head aches

Keep in mind that although we must be extremely cautious when traveling this summer, the fact is that there have only been approximately 900 confirmed cases of swine flu throughout the world and with proper medication and rest the virus can be treated.

Travel Insurance:

A good benefit to consider just in case you need to cancel your tip is cancel for any reason coverage. The Cancel for Any Reason benefit is an excellent enhancement to your trip cancellation coverage. No longer do you need a “covered’ reason to cancel your trip. This popular benefit provides reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs in the form of a cash refund. This gives you peace of mind in case you do decide not to travel in the upcoming months.

The process for such authorization can be found in the following link:

U.S. government Web site

New York, NY – December 10, 2007 –With Christmas around the corner, a recent survey reveals that 93% of Americans believe travel-related problems and the risk of lost luggage increase during the peak holiday season. The survey, conducted for the US Travel Insurance Association, also revealed that one in four persons believes that the airlines will fully reimburse for travel-related problems.

“Many people mistakenly think that the airlines will reimburse for most travel-related problems. However, policies vary among carriers, and airlines are not required to reimburse for hotel and other expenses due to delays caused by bad weather or natural events,” says Brad Finkle, UStiA president.

For example, the Christmas blizzard of 2006 closed Denver Airport for more than two days, affecting flights nationwide, points out Finkle. Stranded passengers slept in airport lounges, while others faced luggage delays of several days.

“During the holidays travel insurance can help. If you have to stay overnight because severe weather closes the airport, travel insurance reimburses for hotel costs up to a set limit so you don’t have to sleep in the airport. The 24- hour hotline assistance with most travel insurance policies also helps you locate a room and assists in notifying friends and family of your delay. Most comprehensive policies additionally provide a daily allowance up to a set limit to purchase essential items in case of delayed baggage. The assistance hotline also helps track lost baggage so travelers don’t have the stress of phoning the airline daily.”

• Reimburse for hotel stays
• Help locate hotel accommodations
• Notify friends, family
• Provide money for essential items
• Help trace lost luggage

Editor Note: MSNBC’s “Gut Check”

Air travel is statistically one of the safest forms of transportation used by millions of people every year.  However most travelers have thought of the risks associated with being 30,000 feet in the air, one time or another. And yet millions take the risk and fly unprotected against the possibility of such accidents. Considering most people would not drive their cars every day without some auto liability protection or own a home without personal and homeowners insurance. Why not consider travel accident insurance.

Travel accident insurance pays out an indemnity to the insured or beneficiary in the event of an accidental loss of limb or death. A travel accident policy can provide coverage from $100,000 to $1 million, and some high limit policies offer as much as $20 million in accidental death and dismemberment. The cost for these plans is relatively very inexpensive, as little as $40 can buy $1 Million in coverage.

There are two types of travel accident coverage:

• Flight accident AD&D this covers you only while traveling on a commercial airplane.
• Common Carrier AD&D these plans offer broader protection since coverage extends to any licensed air, land, or water transport. 

No one expects have any problems when traveling, but accidents do happen when you least expect. Why not protect your loved ones and leave them financial prepared if the impossible happens. With the threat of terrorism and added security measures, now more than ever has the need for travel accident insurance become more apparent. These policies offer valuable coverage at a low cost, which makes it an excellent supplementary benefit when added to any travel insurance plan.  

For a free quote, please visit us at www.atlasassist.com.

 

Travelex Insurance Services will be introducing several new product enhancements and offerings to better serve their customers. In addition to the many great benefits customers are used to expect from Travelex, the new plans will offer coverage upgrades such as a Cancel for Any Reason pak, Transportation pak, and even Lifestyle paks depending on the type of traveler or trip.

PRESS RELEASE

·         Primary Coverage

·         Competitive Pricing & Commissions

·         Cancel for Any Reason Pak Upgrade

·         Transportation Pak Upgrade

·         Customized Coverage with Lifestyle Pak Upgrades

·         Exclusives & Highlights (may not apply to all products):

·         Travel delay of 30% or more as a trip cancellation reason

·         $1,000 trip interruption included in post departure coverage

·         5 hour travel delay

·         21 and 30 day pre-existing condition waivers

·         60 day look back for pre-existing conditions applies to travelers only

·         Children under 18 covered at no additional cost

Travel Basic

Meets essential travel needs with a simple base travel protection plan and upgrade options. A great alternative to supplier coverage.

Travel Select

Offers complete travel protection and customization options with five Lifestyle Packs: Professional, Family, Adventurer, Protector, and Athlete/Student.

Travel Max

Our highest level of travel protection with many extra benefits automatically included such as hospital of choice, identity theft services and pet coverage.

At this time, the new products are not available to residents of Indiana, New Hampshire and Washington. Travel Max and the Travel Select Lifestyle Pak upgrades are not available to residents of New York.

For more information please visit AtlasAssist.

Identity theft is a fast growing problem affecting millions of people worldwide. From stolen credit cards to total identity kidnapping, these crimes are one of the most difficult to detect and hardest to resolve. Most prevalent pieces of information used are your social security number and birth date; this along with your full name makes it quite easy for someone to take your identity.

Identity thieves are always looking for opportunities when and where you least expect. Travelers especially must be alert of such situations. Here are some tips to keep in mind especially while on your trip:

·         Only take what’s absolutely necessary. Take as few credit cards as possible and leave any identifying information such as your social security card, birth certificate, checkbook, or any personal identification number at home. Make photocopies of travel documents and keep them in a secure location (travel pouch). Most importantly, never under any circumstances leave personal items unattended for any amount of time.

·         Watch for shoulder-surfers. When entering PIN numbers or a credit card number in an ATM machine, at a phone booth, or even on a computer/laptop, be aware of who is nearby and make sure nobody is peering over your shoulder to make a note of the keys you’re pressing.

·         Use your ATM/Credit Cards sparingly. Only use your ATM card at well known banking centers or facilities for cash withdrawals only. ATM scams are very common in high traffic tourist areas and once your ATM is stolen funds are taken directly from your bank account. Also replacing a lost or stolen ATM card can be costly and you most likely will detect the problem upon returning home or receiving your bank statement. For purchases it is recommended you use cash or a credit card. Sticking with only one card during your trip preferably one with a low credit limit is a wise choice. It is much easier to identify and verify one credit card statement than it is 3 or 4. Also most credit card companies extend a zero liability policy to customers in the event their card is lost or stolen.

·         Carry Cash Safely and Securely. Keeping your cash in a money belt or travel pouch/fanny pack that goes securely around your waist under your shirt is a good way to protect against pickpockets, especially around well known tourist areas.

·         Don’t leave personal information and valuables lying around your hotel room. Lock up any important documents and items of value in the room or hotel safe. Unfortunately, we can’t assume that the nice house keeping lady is not really out to steal your identity.

·         Take care of that overstuffed mailbox. Speak with your local post office before traveling and ask for your mail to be placed on “postal hold” this way all mail will not be delivered to your home but held at the post office. Make arrangements so that mail may only be picked up by you, and that your driver’s license or ID card (with photo and current address) must be shown to receive the mail.
Don’t leave a pile of newspapers in your driveway. This is a dead give away to thieves that no one’s home. Call your newspaper provider and request they stop delivery until you return.

Upon returning from any trip it is important that you verify all balances and charges on your debit and credit cards. It’s always smart to periodically check all of your accounts to ensure all things are in order whether or not you’ve been on a trip. As with everything in life, we all must take precautions and be aware of the people around us as well as our surroundings. The more we know the better prepared we will be.

www.AtlasAssist.com

Release Date: 9/3/08 

There are two scenarios that may come into play when a traveler is charged a baggage fee by the airline.  Please read the following carefully to determine if the baggage fee charged by the airline may be covered under the plan.                                                                                           

1.     If the traveler interrupts his/her trip for a covered reason but is still traveling on the same airline as originally scheduled, and is charged a fee by the airline for checking more luggage than allowed, the expense is not covered.  This expense is not covered since the traveler would have incurred the expense regardless of which flight the passenger was traveling with the airline (i.e. this is not an “additional” transportation expense).

Example:  The traveler is originally scheduled to travel on American Airlines but due to a covered reason under Trip Interruption, the traveler must travel on a different American Airlines flight.  American Airlines allows each traveler to check one piece of luggage without a charge.  If the passenger is charged a fee by American Airlines to check an extra piece of luggage, this expense will not be covered as this is not an “additional transportation expense. 

2.     If the traveler interrupts his/her trip for a covered reason but is traveling on a different airline than originally scheduled, and is charged a fee by the airline for checking more luggage than allowed, this expense may be covered if the new airline’s luggage requirement is stricter than that of the originally scheduled airline.

Example:  The traveler is originally scheduled to travel on Lufthansa but due to a covered reason under Trip Interruption the traveler must travel on an American Airlines flight.  Lufthansa allows each passenger to check two pieces of luggage without a charge and American Airlines allows each passenger to check one piece of luggage without a charge.  If the passenger is charged a baggage fee by American Airlines, we would pay the cost to check one additional piece of luggage under Trip Interruption as an “additional transportation expense.”

Of course, in order to determine whether baggage fees can be covered in case of travel on an airline different than originally scheduled, you will need to know the rules for both the original airline and for the different airline.