Travel Insurance Is Worthwhile Hedge Against Potential Job Loss
Uncertain economy makes travel insurance prudent investment

Richmond, Va., March 5, 2009 - In today's economic climate, travelers hesitating to pull the trigger on making early reservations can take comfort in what travel experts say could be the most compelling reason to invest in travel insurance - a recovery of the lost trip costs should they lose their job and have to cancel the trip.

"In these uncertain times, if I had to point to just one reason to buy travel insurance, the possibility of job loss would be it," said Mark Cipolletti, vice president for communications at Access America, one of the nation's leading travel insurance providers. "It's a longstanding aspect of our coverage and during this period of economic uncertainty, it's a particularly important means for providing broad peace of mind among the traveling public."

Access America's travel insurance products provide coverage for having to cancel or interrupt a trip for a variety of unforeseen reasons, including unexpected job loss. The coverage applies if a trip is cancelled because "you or a traveling companion are terminated or laid off from a company after the plan's effective date." Additional requirements include a certain number of years of continuous employment with the same employer (12 months for a Deluxe plan; three years for a Classic plan) and that the termination be a lay-off and not for cause.

Access America also offers products that address workplace issues less dire than job loss. For instance, the company's BizPack Expanded Coverage, an add-on feature that is included with the Deluxe Plan, provides coverage for having to cancel or interrupt their leisure trip due to work reasons such as being required to work or a company merger. The coverage has become a popular option for busy executives and professionals with unpredictable schedules.

For more information about Access America and its travel insurance options, please visit: www.accessamerica.com

About Access America
Access America is the consumer travel insurance brand of Mondial Assistance. Access America travel insurance and assistance products are purchased by millions of travelers each year, through leading travel suppliers including resorts, airlines, travel agents and more. Access America and Mondial Assistance are part of the Allianz (NYSE: AZ) family of companies. Visit www.accessamerica.com.