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Travel insurance is the best way to handle H1N1-related trip cancellations, airlines say


October 29, 2009   by Canadian Underwriter


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The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued travel guidance asking Canadians sick with the H1N1 virus to postpone their travel plans — and has requested that airlines make it easier for travelers to re-book their flights.
The airlines have responded by saying travel insurance is the best way to handle the re-booking of flights as a result of the H1N1 virus.
“Everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus,” said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones in a press release. “If you are sick, you should postpone your travel plans until you feel well enough to participate fully in all regular activities.”
The federal government also asked “travel companies, airlines, bus lines and others who operate public conveyances allowing Canadians to easily rebook their travel plans if they get sick.”
Thus far, however, Air Canada and WestJet Airlines reportedly say their re-booking procedures are already accommodating enough.
“You should always have travel insurance — and H1N1 is no different than anything else,” Andrew Hopkyns, director of business development at AMA Travel, said to Reuters, published on canada.com.
FlightNetwork.com, Canada’s second-largest online travel sales site (second to Expedia in Canada), issued a press release saying travel insurance remains the best way to handle a sudden change in travel plans arising from H1N1.
“Travel insurance remains the best way for consumers to protect their financial and health interests,” said FlightNetwork.com president and CEO Naman Budhdeo. “Considering that travel insurance covers injury, cancellation due to illness or any travel advisories against a destination and is available at a fraction of the cost of your trip, it’s the best way to protect you and your family.”


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