Provider Asks for Clarification on Florida Freedom to Travel Bill

Independent agents that sell travel insurance will be interested in the outcome of Florida’s Freedom to Travel Bill, HB299, but the Travel Assist Network, asked for clarity in a debate about the differences between life insurance and travel insurance and limitations on coverage for travelers.

HB299, signed by Gov. Jeb Bush June 13, takes effect July 1. It prohibits life insurers from asking questions and denying coverage based on past and future travel plans.

According to Travel Assist Network, a provider of travel-related emergency services for business and leisure travelers, 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.

A TAN press release says that 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 travelers 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, TAN said. 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.

“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,” Joe Aiello, TAN executive vice president said. “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.

“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,” Tim Prero, TAN CEO said. “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 an 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. Air Rescue Card membership also includes a guaranteed trip home for family members and dependents.

Source: Travel Assist Network

Topics Florida USA