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Florida Travel Bill Doesn’t Protect Traveler in Emergency, Says Travel Assist Network

HB299 Would Force Life Insurers to Cover Death Benefits, Does Nothing to Get Injured Traveler Home

MIAMI — June 27, 2006 — Travel Assist Network, a leading provider of travel-related emergency services for business and leisure travelers, called for clarity today in the debate surrounding HB299, the Freedom to Travel Bill, pointing to common misconceptions surrounding the differences between life insurance and travel insurance and the limitations on coverage for travelers.  The law, which was signed by Governor Bush on June 13 and takes effect July 1, prohibits life insurers from asking questions and denying coverage based on past and future travel plans. 

The issue came to the forefront when Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Weston) was denied life insurance coverage because of future travel plans to visit the Middle East.  While a similar bill failed in the U.S. Congress, the Florida bill, sponsored by Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres), passed the Florida House and Senate unanimously.

While the bill would make it easier for world travelers to protect their family from financial loss in the event of the traveler’s death, the bill does nothing to address the everyday risk travelers face when traveling overseas.  Few are aware of the limitations of medical and travel insurance and that most plans will not pay for medical evacuation or emergency medical services while abroad.  In many parts of the world, health care is limited, with higher death rates occurring in overseas hospitals.  Many hospitals will not accept a U.S. insurance card or release the patient until the medical bill is paid in full.  The average cost of a medical evacuation can be $50,000 or more.

In a recent insurance survey, 74 percent of Americans fear a medical emergency while traveling, and 1 in 30 Americans will require emergency care while traveling abroad.

Said Travel Assist Network Executive Vice President Joe Aiello, “While the Freedom to Travel bill may protect families financially in the event a loved one passes away, it does nothing to protect the family from the financial loss should that loved one be trapped in an overseas hospital.  It is important that we educate travelers about the risks and limitations of various insurance and health plans so that they can make an informed decision on how to protect themselves not only in death but in life.”

Florida’s economy depends greatly on the tourist industry for economic growth with Miami ranked as one of the top two ports of departure for world travel in the U.S.  The tourist industry has rebounded since 9/11 and the general collapse of the airline industry, but according to first quarter statistics published by the Travel Industry Association of America, visitor volume for Florida is down slightly.

Travel Assist Network CEO Tim Prero noted, “When the bill becomes law in July, life insurance companies can take steps to reduce their increased liability by encouraging higher-risk individuals to obtain emergency services protection.  The goal is not to pay out a life insurance benefit.  The goal is to save lives by supporting solutions that limit the risk for both insurance companies and travelers alike.”

Travel Assist Network provides annual memberships to travelers through the Air Rescue Card program.  Any person, regardless of age or medical history is covered.  Members are evacuated to the hospital of their choice with the support of Travel Assist Network trained medical flight crews and state-of-the-art air ambulance equipment.  The Air Rescue Card membership also includes a guaranteed trip home for family members and dependents.  Annual plans start at $235 for individuals and short-term trips start at $75. 

About Travel Assist Network
Travel Assist Network is a global emergency services network providing medical assistance, evacuation, and critical information services to business and leisure travelers anytime, anywhere. As a single, direct and dependable source for life-saving, emergency services, Travel Assist Network gives members the confidence and freedom to do more and see more of the world without compromise. For more information, visit http://www.travelassistnetwork.com.

Travel Assist Network™, Air Rescue Card™ and the Travel Assist Network™ logo are trademarks of Travel Assist Network, Inc.