Travel Guard® North America Offers Assistance to U.S. and Canadian Travelers Affected by Japan's Natural Disaster

STEVENS POINT, Wis., March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Japan and the Pacific Rim region reel in the devastation from this morning's earthquake and subsequent tsunami, Travel Guard® North America (www.travelguard.com), a leader in travel insurance plans and assistance services, has announced that it will provide emergency travel and medical assistance services to all U.S. and Canadian travelers and their families affected by the disaster.

Travel Guard's services include emergency travel assistance such as flight rebooking, hotel booking, emergency cash coordination, and message relay as well as emergency medical assistance including medical referrals and access to air ambulance and medical providers. Travelers and family members seeking these services for their traveling relatives can call Travel Guard's 24-hour World Service Center at 1.866.644.6811.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives have been devastated by this morning's tragic events," said Carol Mueller, Travel Guard North America Vice President. "We have a number of Travel Guard customers who are affected by this natural disaster and we're diligently working to provide them the assistance they need. When major events like this occur, we believe it is our responsibility to extend our expertise to affected travelers and have already been able to assist callers with emergency assistance, flight rebooking and message delivery to family members."

Travel Guard's assistance service centers have access to the most current information regarding airline flight schedules, can act as emergency travel counselors and are prepared to help travelers with alternative travel solutions. Travel Guard North America's core insurance plans (Platinum, Gold, Silver, My Travel Guard, Basic and other select plans) include coverage for trip cancellation, interruption and delay in the event of a natural disaster or inclement weather. All coverages are subject to policy terms, conditions and limitations.

For more information about Travel Guard's selection of travel insurance and assistance service plans, travelers can talk to their travel agent, visit www.travelguard.com or call Travel Guard's World Service Center at 1.800.826.1300.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas.  Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks.  Travel Guard's global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allows clients to receive best-in-class care.  Travel Guard's suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels.  The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc.  For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguardworldwide.com.

The coverage listed here is for U.S. residents only. To learn more about coverage in Canada, please call 1-866-648-8422.

The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard in the United States are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in New York, NY. This is only a brief description of the coverages available.  The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions.  Coverage may not be available in all states.

SOURCE Travel Guard North America