Consult A Doctor Expands Telemedicine Market Share in Travel Industry

Consumer-Directed Telemedicine Company and CSA Travel Protection Extend Telemedicine Access to New Customers, Including Marriott Rewards Members

SAN DIEGO, 2012-01-04 - Access to quality healthcare is important for all consumers in the office or at home, but for those travelling or vacationing, it can provide an invaluable level of protection and peace of mind. As the only telemedicine company to offer 24/7/365 access to board-certified physicians in all 50 states, Consult A Doctor has seen significant expansion of its telemedicine services in the travel industry. The most recent example being the Marriott Rewards® announcement that its members can now use their Marriott Rewards points to obtain 24/7 access to Consult A Doctor's telemedicine services through its CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offering.

"Marriott Rewards shares our commitment to offering travelers the highest level of travel protection benefits available," said Kathy Townend, CSA Product Manager. "With CSA's Protect Me Plan, Marriott Rewards members can travel at ease as they enjoy 24/7 access to U.S. board-certified physicians no matter their destination -- whether that be in the U.S. or abroad. The Consult A Doctor telemedicine service represents a level of support, safety and convenience that you just cannot find anywhere else."

Consult A Doctor's telemedicine services give consumers the freedom and flexibility to access a physician 24/7/365 and receive remote consultations via telephone, secure email, video and mobile applications. CSA offers the Consult A Doctor service with many of its other travel insurance packages. "As part of our dedication to providing affordable travel insurance services, Consult A Doctor was the obvious choice when selecting a healthcare coverage enhancement for our On Demand Medical Care program," said Townend. "Consult A Doctor's service has proven itself as a valuable market differentiator that has generated great interest from our consumers and prospects. With round-the-clock access to Consult A Doctor's national network of licensed physicians, consumers save both time and money and enjoy their travel with a sense of confidence and security."

Consult A Doctor originally announced its partnership with CSA in January 2010, allowing CSA consumers to tap into its national physician network for non-emergent consultations. With Consult A Doctor's service now part of the Protect Me Plan available only to Marriott Reward's members, the company is expanding its market reach to the travel industry during a time of major growth.

"We are excited with the recent momentum Consult A Doctor has experienced and are looking forward to the continued expansion of our telemedicine offerings to healthcare stakeholders in all markets," said Wolf Shlagman, Founder and CEO of Consult A Doctor. "In an age where technology empowers us to do almost anything at the click of a button -- from changing a flight ticket to transferring funds -- it only makes sense to be able to do the same with something as universally important as healthcare. Now, through our telemedicine solutions and platforms, we can help improve the lives of millions by enabling fast, secure access to quality care while reducing the healthcare costs of every organization and individual across the globe."

About Consult A Doctor
Established in 2007, Consult A Doctor is the leading innovator of cloud-based telemedicine services and technology solutions for health plans, providers, groups and patients. With years of direct-to-consumer telemedicine services, Consult A Doctor is transforming the economic equation of care with a PaaS (platform as a service) solution that grants patients unmatched access to quality care, offers a new revenue source for providers, and lowers costs for health plans, employers and groups. Consult A Doctor's telemedicine service offers patient's 24/7/365 access to the largest national network of board-certified providers, via phone, email or video. Done right, telemedicine means faster access, most appropriate level of care, more revenue for providers and lower costs for all. For more information about Consult A Doctor, please visit: www.consultadoctor.com , or email us at telecare@consultadr.com.

About Marriott Rewards
Marriott Rewards is free to join. The program has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,500 Marriott(R) International hotels around the world. Members may also choose to earn airline miles or redeem points for miles with more than 30 airline mileage programs. In addition to hotels and frequent flyer miles, members can also redeem points for merchandise, cruises, car rentals and more. Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program," and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

Consult A Doctor
Jessica Cohen, 617-332-9999 x203
jcohen@ariamarketing.com

CSA Travel Protection Expands Sales Team

SAN DIEGO, 2011-12-15 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a Europ Assistance Group company dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today announced that Wendy Stahl and Susan Weiss have both joined the company as national account executive, retail and custom markets. Stahl is responsible for the eastern region, with Weiss working in the western region, growing CSA's retail and custom sales channel that includes travel suppliers and aggregators, traditional and online travel agencies, tour operators and other travel organizations as well as specialty markets.

With decades of success and experience in the travel insurance and travel industries, Stahl and Weiss will help increase sales of CSA travel insurance products, as well as Europ Assistance's identity theft, travel and assistance services, to distributors and aggregators selling travel insurance to the traveling consumer.

"We're very excited to welcome Wendy and Susan to our dynamic sales team," said Jeff Cain, national sales manager, retail and custom markets at CSA. "We continue our efforts to bring in outstanding sales team members who know their markets better than anyone, and now offer solutions no other company in our space can match."

A veteran of STA Travel, Inc., Stahl achieved success in various roles and responsibilities, including account management, sales and leadership. Weiss spent the past 17 years - most recently as director of sales - at Travel Guard developing key accounts across various lines of business. Prior to CSA, both held positions in the airline industry.

CSA's Protect Me Plan Protects You When You Travel

Use Marriott Rewards Points to Purchase Travel Insurance

SAN DIEGO, 2011-11-28 - Now travelers can use Marriott Rewards� points to protect all their travel year-round with such services as 24/7 access to Consult A DoctorTM, no out-of-pocket medical expenses and coverage for emergency medical care anywhere in the world. With CSA's Protect Me Plan, they'll have protection during travel for such events as travel delays, rental car damage, loss or delay of baggage and personal effects and much more. Whether traveling for business or leisure, staying in a hotel (even those outside of the Marriott� portfolio of brands), or just visiting family and friends, this program covers all travel1 throughout the year. This travel insurance plan from CSA is only available to Marriott Rewards members.

The Protect Me Plan provides peace of mind to travelers and covers a wide variety of travel needs. The policy costs 30,000 Marriott Rewards points or $149 for one year. Plan holders and their travel companions (up to 10 per policy) would be covered for the following:

Any hotel room, plus other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, if delayed on a trip due to reasons such as canceled or delayed flights, a traffic accident delaying one's arrival to the airport, or lost or stolen travel documents.*
Coverage for replacing essentials if baggage is lost for 24 hours or more during a covered trip.*
Medical or dental coverage for emergencies on a covered trip that standard medical insurance does not cover.*
Emergency medical transportation if the Plan holder or travel companions need to get home for treatment or to a medical facility. It also covers round-trip airfare for a companion to visit if the Plan holder is traveling alone and is in the hospital for more than 7 days.*
Coverage for damage to a rental car such as a collision, fire, flood, vandalism, windstorm or hail.*
Consultation with a doctor for information, advice and treatment, including prescription medication when necessary.**
Roadside assistance.**

Travel insurance is administered by CSA Travel Protection and Insurance Services. 1A covered trip is travel away from Home to a destination (if such travel exceeds 75 miles or greater) and from the destination to Home (if such travel exceeds 75 miles or greater), provided the Covered Trip does not exceed 31 days in length.

*Insurance coverages are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, an AEGON Company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC# 10952.

**Non-insurance services are provided by CSA's designated service providers. For more information about the policy or how to purchase, visit www.youtravelweprotect.com/rewards. About CSA Travel Protection CSA Travel Protection, a Europ Assistance company, is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Now celebrating its 20-year anniversary, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and by offering products and services to meet their needs.

Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

About Marriott Rewards
Marriott Rewards is free to join. The program has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,500 Marriott� International hotels around the world. Members may also choose to earn airline miles or redeem points for miles with more than 30 airline mileage programs. In addition to hotels and frequent flyer miles, members can also redeem points for merchandise, cruises, car rentals and more. Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program," and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines. For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 800-450-4442 or visit MarriottRewards.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Jeff Cain Joins CSA Travel Protection

Travel and Technology Veteran Named National Sales Manager, Retail and Custom Markets

SAN DIEGO, 2011-10-21 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a Europ Assistance Group company dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today announced that Jeff Cain joins the company as national sales manager, retail and custom markets. Cain will be responsible for driving CSA's retail and custom sales channel that includes travel suppliers and aggregators, traditional and online travel agencies, tour operators and other travel organizations, as well as specialty markets.

With more than two decades of experience in the travel and technology industries, Cain brings strong sales leadership and account management experience to CSA. He and his team will focus on increasing sales of CSA's travel insurance products, along with Europ Assistance's identity theft, travel and assistance services, to distributors and aggregators selling travel insurance to the traveling consumer.

"We're energized that Jeff is joining our growing sales team," said Glenn Maykish, vice president sales and marketing at Europ Assistance USA and CSA. "We continue to focus on bringing in the best sales consultants who know their markets better than anyone, and now offer solutions no other company in our space can match."

Prior to joining CSA, Cain held sales positions across national and international markets with organizations in the airline, global distribution system, travel management, hospitality technology, financial services and online procurement application industries.

Hatteras Area Update

Updated 9/28/2011

SAN DIEGO, 2011-09-28 - The aftermath of Hurricane Irene has left the Cape Hatteras area with unique complications after the lifting of the mandatory evacuation on September 15, 2011. Dare County is allowing visitors to return to the area, but major bridges and roads remain out of service. Ferry service is available, but the demand for this exceeds capacity, preventing some vacationers from getting to the area on originally scheduled travel dates.

This is an unprecedented situation that has affected vacationers, vacation rental companies, and companies such as CSA. As along-term partner of vacation rental companies and vacationers in the Outer Banks area, CSA is committed to those relationships.

CSA's policies provide coverage for mandatory evacuation, which was lifted for parts of the Hatteras area on September 15. They also provide coverage for interruption of road services for up to 15 days following the original service interruption, which ended on September 11, 2011.

We do appreciate the unusual difficulties this situation causes for some travelers. After an in-depth discussion with our underwriter, we can provide Travel Delay coverage under the policy language for this distinct set of circumstances. Travel Delay coverage provides reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred, such as accommodations, meals and local transportation, if one is delayed 6 hours or more during a trip due to a covered reason.

We encourage our policyholders to file a claim for their particular situation as each individual claim will be examined and reviewed on its own merit. CSA has provided coverage to customers affected by the mandatory evacuation and road closure, and remains committed to providing the best service possible to its customers, partners and all parties involved.

Statement Regarding Hatteras Area Following Hurricane Irene

Updated 9/20/2011

SAN DIEGO, 2011-09-20 - The aftermath of Hurricane Irene has left the Cape Hatteras area with unique complications after the lifting of the mandatory evacuation on September 15, 2011. Dare County is allowing visitors to return to the area, but major bridges and roads remain out of service. Ferry service is available, but the demand for this exceeds capacity, preventing some vacationers from getting to the area.

This is an unprecedented situation that has affected vacationers, vacation rental companies, and companies such as CSA. CSA is a long-term partner of vacation rental companies and vacationers in the Outer Banks area and is committed to those relationships.

CSA's policies provide coverage for mandatory evacuation, which was lifted for parts of the Hatteras area on September 15, and for interruption of road services for up to 15 days following the original service interruption. This time has passed, but we do appreciate the unusual difficulties this situation causes for some travelers.

We are working with our underwriter to determine if there is coverage under the policy language for this unusual set of circumstances. We encourage our policyholders to file a claim for their particular situation as each individual claim will be examined and reviewed on its own merit. CSA has provided coverage to customers affected by the mandatory evacuation and road closure, and remains committed to providing the best service possible to its customers, partners and all parties involved.

Phone Scam

Alert of a phone scam offering fast CSA claims resolution

SAN DIEGO, 2011-09-01 - As with every crisis, some people will try to take advantage of the situation. We have already been alerted of one phone scammer pretending to be a CSA claims representative requesting a credit card so they could provide an immediate refund. We think the scammer may have found the information on Facebook. We want to take this opportunity to remind your guests to be wary of callers asking for sensitive information. CSA Travel Protection representatives will never call to ask you for a credit card number to facilitate the claims process.

Below are some general tips to keep in mind:

Phone Scams

Be wary of anyone calling to confirm your personal or financial information. Often, these are criminals trying to obtain those facts under the guise of "confirmation." CSA Travel Protection representatives will never call to ask you for a credit card number to facilitate the claims process.
Before you share any personal information, confirm you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Call the company back using a phone number from a statement or from the telephone book (not a phone number the person who is calling gives you). Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly.

Social networks

Make sure your screen name and profile information doesn't provide too much information that could make you vulnerable to identity theft. While any one piece of information may be harmless, the combination of a few key pieces of information about you (e.g. your name, date of birth, hometown, age, phone number, travel schedule, home address, etc.) makes it easy for a criminal to do damage.

Also see our pages on Travel Tips http://www.csatravelprotection.com/tips-vacation-insurance.do

CSA Travel Protection Offers Free Emergency Assistance Services To U.S. Travelers Caught in Hurricane Irene's Path

Toll Free Number Provides Help for Stranded Travelers and Families Due to Storm

SAN DIEGO, 2011-08-26 - As Hurricane Irene heads straight for the US eastern seaboard, CSA Travel Protection (CSA) is providing emergency travel and medical assistance services free to all US travelers and their families affected by the storm.

Anyone seeking assistance services can reach the CSA assistance centers directly by calling (866) 690-5113. Free services include flight and hotel booking, medical and legal referral, traveling companion assistance, emergency cash transfer and interpretation/translation services.

While a comprehensive travel insurance policy is the best way to protect oneself while traveling, CSA understands that some travelers do not feel they need the full benefits it provides. Access to the travel and medical assistance will hopefully provide these travelers with some aid and comfort.

"Travel insurance is something one hopes to never need or use," said Bob Chambers, CSA vice president operations. "But even the best planned trip can be impacted by the unforeseen, such as a hurricane. Protecting your trip from the unexpected can give you peace of mind while traveling."

Hurricane Irene may be the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, but it's not likely the last. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association anticipates an above-average 2011 Atlantic season running through November 30. Travelers must remember to plan early for protection from an unforeseen hurricane disruption.

Storms are full of surprises, and while experts predict above-average activity this season, there are potential mishaps that can happen even if a storm doesn't make an appearance on a trip. Anticipating the unexpected - such as medical emergencies, flight delays, identity theft or a natural disaster at home before leaving - and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises. Travelers can find out more about CSA and travel insurance by contacting their travel agent, vacation rental management company or visiting www.csatravelprotection.com.

George Meshkov Joins CSA Travel Protection

Travel Sales Expert Named Lodging Market Sales Manager

SAN DIEGO, 2011-07-12 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today announced that George Meshkov joins the company as lodging market sales manager, supervising the sales of the company's travel and security deposit protection insurance products.

With an 18-year background in the vacation rental and hospitality industry, Meshkov brings effective sales management, direct sales and marketing experience to CSA.

"We're delighted to see George join our growing sales team," said Lee Hughes, vice president sales division at CSA. "He adds a fresh perspective from his deep roots in hospitality and software background that will be invaluable to the CSA team and its clients."

Prior to joining CSA, Meshkov worked for travel market companies such as Infogenesis, First Resort Software, Blizzard Internet Marketing and Instant Software. Meshkov holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Tropical Storm Beatriz Reminder For Staying Safe This Season

CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA Offer Hurricane Safety Precautions & Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2011-06-20 - The hurricane season is officially underway with the second storm in 2011, Beatriz, already underway. To help travelers stay safe this season, CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, and Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting travelers when the unexpected happens, offer preventative measures and tips for staying safe during and after a major storm. Preventative measures go a long way in staying secure in the event a storm is approaching:

Prepare an evacuation plan and be ready to leave accommodations if necessary.
Ask property management upon arrival about possible safe places.
Monitor local media and prepare to leave in the event of an evacuation order.
When a hurricane is approaching, store food and water for a few days.
Bear in mind that some roads, airports and hotels may close if a hurricane approaches.

When finding oneself in the middle of a hurricane:

First and foremost, remain calm.
If communications systems are working, continue monitoring local media for up-to-the-minute information.
If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
If not, remain in place keeping away from windows and doors. Go to an interior room on the lowest level of the building (winds are stronger at higher altitudes) and do not move.
The "eye" (center) of a hurricane results in no winds and near silence. If the wind stops, wait for official confirmation that the storm is over as the wind may resume blowing in the opposite direction as the second half approaches.

Once the storm has passed:

If indoors, stay inside until officially informed that the hurricane has ended.
If evacuated, wait for official orders before returning to accommodations.
Wait for official clearance before drinking tap water. One may need to use boiled water, as hurricanes can destroy water supplies and sanitation infrastructures.
Check to ensure there are no gas leaks. If the smell of gas is detected, open windows and leave the premises. If possible, turn off the gas and call special services.
Check electrical installations. When experiencing sparks, stripped wires or a burnt smell, turn off electricity and call special services.
Check for any damage to water or sewage pipes. If damage is suspected, do not use the bathrooms or tap water and call a plumber.

Travelers must remember to plan early for protection from an unforeseen hurricane disruption. Once the World Meteorological Association names a storm you can no longer obtain coverage for that storm.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA takes care of consumers, corporate customers and their employees when the unexpected happens, anywhere in the world, providing immediate support and assistance to individuals in times of emergency and distress. Leveraging its worldwide network of 40 always-open multilingual assistance centers and 420,000 partners in 208 countries and territories, EA USA offers personalized medical travel assistance, identity theft resolution, data breach response and beneficiary assistance services to half of the companies listed in the Fortune 100, including insurance companies, financial institutions, corporations and government organizations. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is part of the Europ Assistance Group, which is owned by Global 500 insurance conglomerate Generali Group.

National Travel & Tourism Week: Thoughts On Why Travel Matters

CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA Online Communities Share Why Travel Matters to Them

SAN DIEGO, 2011-05-06 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, and Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting travelers when the unexpected happens, support the U.S. Travel Association's National Travel & Tourism Week (May 7-14) by asking its online community why travel matters to them.

Travel is a necessity and a privilege. People around the world travel daily for business, entertainment, family, education, relaxation and an overall better quality of life. One of America's largest industries, travel generated $1.8 trillion in economic output, with $759 billion spent directly by domestic and international travelers that spurred an additional $1 trillion in other industries.*

CSA and EA USA celebrate this important activity with the U.S. Travel Association and its members this week by asking travelers on Facebook and Twitter, "Why does travel matter to you?" Here is a sampling of responses from around the country:

"Travel is fun to me because it opens my mind up to new perspectives. I start questioning my way of life and what I can improve." (Julie Wagoner - Boulder, CO)
"Travel matters to educate your children (and sometimes yourself) on how others live outside your own small circle. Travel matters to bring to life our country's history and culture. Travel matters to showcase this world's glorious creations." (Sharon Kenagy-Finley - Emporia, KS)
"Travel matters to me b/c I like to think I'm a cultured individual lol. I can always brag about which places I've been to!" (Christina Gregor - San Diego, CA)
"For the mind opening experiences it provides!" (Kirsten Khire - East Lansing, MI)
"The people and the habitats are important to me, the more I travel, the more I get to experience the diversity of both." (Brenda Boitson - Lancaster, PA)
"Travel matters because (for our trips) it is just about fun and being with the family. We get time to not get caught up in work, chores, or other tasks. We just get to get up, explore, and enjoy the new place we are in." (Kim Jester - Menifee, CA)
"Here's a Mark Twain quote I've always loved and expresses why travel matters: 'Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.' -Mark Twain" (Michelle Schamberger - Leadville, CO)
"Travel matters: I get quality time with people I love. I see new places and expand who I am. I learn. I get a break from reality." (Natalie Wardel - San Diego, CA)
"You really have no real concept of places - and the distance between them - until you have been there. As others have said, travel helps us understand regional differences and experience life outside of ourselves." (Kellye Crane - Atlanta, GA)
"Travel matters because it allows your mind to 'travel' or wander away from your life. It gives the partially insane sanity even just for a few days. It gives the home sick a touch of memories, it can provide the cluster-minded business people, a vacation. Because whether you're a mom, a dad, a bum, a business executive, a garbage man, or a retired grandparent, travel gives you that few seconds of freedom from every little thing you want to escape from." (Breanna Humphrey - Oceanside, CA)
"Because it helps us remember that the world is bigger than just us and that there is always an adventure just around the corner ... and the obvious, it gives us a chance to get away from the 'norm' and refresh our souls." (Jean Chadwick - Los Angeles, CA)
"Travel brings reality to non-fiction." (Angela Bailey - Independence, MO)

Travelers can find CSA Travel Protection on Twitter (@CSATP) and Europ Assistance USA on Twitter (@EA_USA) and Facebook.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA takes care of consumers, corporate customers and their employees when the unexpected happens, anywhere in the world, providing immediate support and assistance to individuals in times of emergency and distress. Leveraging its worldwide network of 39 always-open multilingual assistance centers and 410,000 partners in 208 countries and territories, EA USA offers personalized medical travel assistance, identity theft resolution, data breach response and beneficiary assistance services to half of the companies listed in the Fortune 100, including insurance companies, financial institutions, corporations and government organizations. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is part of the Europ Assistance Group, which is owned by Global 500 insurance conglomerate Generali Group.

Travel Agents Can Take Simple Steps to Greatly Reduce Risk of Data Breach and Protect Customers from Identity Theft

CSA Travel Protection Leads Cruise3Sixty Panel Identifying Risks and Offering Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2011-04-15 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, will moderate a panel today here at the Cruise3Sixty conference to identify the risks and the potential liability associated with Identity (ID) Theft, specifically as it impacts travelers and travel agents as well as solutions. Also discussed will be the importance of securing sensitive customer information to prevent data breaches, and the steps travel agents can take to reduce the risk of a breach and minimize their potential liability.

Panel experts include moderator Frank Shellabear, president of the sales divisions of both CSA and its sister company Europ Assistance USA, as well as Patrick Simmons, national accounts manager at CSA, Vladimir Poletaev, director of strategic account management at Europ Assistance USA, Brent Agar, director of North American operations for SentryBay Ltd. and Jeff Winton, head of partner development for IJET.

Recent reports indicate that travelers are vulnerable to identity theft due to hackers targeting hotels and restaurant networks. The session will delve deeper into this trend, as well as discuss and assess additional points of interest, such as:

According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 160 data breaches have already occurred in 2011 (as of April 12).
These data breaches involve nearly 10 million known records.
63 of these data breaches contain an unknown number of records.
Breaches are happening anywhere your customer is using a credit card during their travels - even at major hotels, resorts and airlines.

In addition, the panel will share tips on how travel professionals can protect their business and their customers from the growing trend of information and identity theft:

Create a breach task force - don't ignore the issue; be proactive
Review your organization's security systems and information/data flow.
Survey internal processes, communication and training - using firewalls and encryption is not enough; humans aren't always as careful.
This is not just an IT issue - the entire organization must be involved.

Cruise3Sixty attendees can sit in on this important discussion, titled "Data Integrity and ID Theft: the Traveler & the Agent today at 5:45 PM at the Broward County Convention Center. Attendees can also stop by the CSA booth (505-507) for more information.

Filing Taxes Online at the Last Minute? Don't Compromise Your Personal Information

Tips on Keeping Your Identity Secure While Filing Online From Home or on the Road

SAN DIEGO, 2011-04-06 - BETHESDA, MD--(Marketwire - April 6, 2011) - According to the Internal Revenue Service, 99 million tax returns were e-filed -- and 35 percent of taxpayers prepared and e-filed their federal tax returns themselves. As with any online activity, it's important for Americans to be vigilant in keeping their personal information secure. Europ Assistance USA, a provider of identity theft resolution and online data protection services, reminds Americans to pay close attention as they prepare and file their last-minute returns online this year:

Be sure to use a reputable online tax preparation service with strong security measures in place. Be wary of emails offering unfamiliar, often phony, services. Also take heed when typing in the URL of any online service in case you misspell the name and end up on a fraudulent site created to look like the real one.
Make sure your computer is free of malware like computer viruses and spyware that can steal a copy of your social security number or account passwords, like those of your bank and other financial institutions.
Sharing music, photos and other files is popular with many consumers, as well as sharing information on social networks. Especially when using the same personal computer for filing your return, it's imperative to not share personal information like a social security number and birth date. Better yet, prepare taxes on a different computer.
Never confirm your social security number or bank account details by email or over the phone.
The IRS never sends unsolicited e-mails asking for detailed personal information. Additionally, the IRS never asks people for PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. Taxpayers should forward suspicious emails claiming to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.
When keeping a copy of your tax return on the PC, make sure the file is password protected and encrypted so prying eyes can't access it.
If you do use an accountant, don't email tax information or returns to him or her. Email is not a secure way to send any document.
Once tax season is over, shred unnecessary documents and copies. Offline thieves will be on the prowl to get your banking account details and social security numbers once you're done.
If you're on the road and struggling to get your tax return in on time and not sure about the site you're visiting or just don't feel that your information can be submitted securely, file an extension and finish when you're in a safer environment.
Last, but not least, check your credit report soon after tax time and again a few months later to ensure your personal information wasn't stolen and used fraudulently.

About Europ Assistance USA
As the most experienced company in the assistance industry, Europ Assistance has been helping customers in times of crisis for more than 47 years. The company's expertise in managing the complex issues involved in identity theft, and its 24/7 team of resolution specialists, have handled thousands of cases and protected millions of customers. EA was one of the first companies to provide identity theft resolution services and today provides white label identity theft protection solutions to millions of customers on behalf of financial institutions, corporations and insurance companies. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is part of the Europ Assistance Group, which is owned by Global 500 insurance conglomerate Generali Group.

New PBS Reality Travel Series Brings "Togethering" to TV

Getting Away Together highlights the real experiences of travelers sharing vacations with friends and family across America

SAN DIEGO, 2011-03-28 - The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) today announced its new PBS reality television show Getting Away Together. The first travel show to focus on the "togethering" trend, this exciting new series is set to feature diverse groups of real travelers vacationing together across America. The program will also follow participants staying together underneath the same roof in vacation rental homes, villas and condos - one of the fastest-growing lodging segments today.

"More than 25 million American households are interested in staying in vacation rentals during the next two years, and many will be doing so for the first time," explains Alex Risser, President of the VRMA.

The organization introduces the show as part of its Discover Vacation Homes awareness initiative, together with series sponsors TripAdvisor�, CSA Travel Protection and 13 dynamic travel destinations. According to the second annual vacation rentals survey conducted by TripAdvisor.com, 40 percent of respondents said they are planning a vacation rental stay in 2011, indicating that rental homes are poised for a busy year ahead. Thirty-three percent of travelers said they stayed in a vacation rental in 2010.

Getting Away Together debuts in October 2011, calling attention to compelling life stories, destinations, "best-kept" travel secrets and takeaway tips to help viewers make decisions about their upcoming travels. From girlfriend getaways to family reunions and milestone celebrations, each episode features a new group of travelers as they unwind with meaningful travel experiences in fun locales, with vacation rentals as their home base.

The VRMA, together with its series and destination sponsors, have committed to producing the show in support of vacation rental hospitality, which boosts vital tourism economies across North America.

The series is produced by Emmy Award-winning PineRidge Film & Television Company for distribution exclusively on PBS member stations nationwide.

For information and updates about Getting Away Together, please visit www.GettingAwayTogether.com or "like" the series on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GettingAwayTogether.

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About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor� is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, Vacation Rentals, TripAdvisor Mobile and TripAdvisor Trip Friends) with seamless links to booking tools.
TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor.com and the TripAdvisor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. �2011 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved.

About the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
The VRMA is the professional trade association of the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Founded in 1985, the VRMA has served up to 600 property management and associate members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean.

About VRMA's Discover Vacation Homes Initiative
Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice on vacation rentals, providing an official resource for vacation rental travel information. As the awareness initiative of the VRMA, it has represented up to 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the most well established vacation rental management companies in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

About PineRidge Productions
As a division of Jerry Smith Film & Television, PineRidge Film & Television Company develops, produces and delivers quality television programs, utilizing an Emmy Award-winning production team. Since 1985, PineRidge has commissioned more than a thousand half-hour shows and 34 hour-long Prime Time specials. Perhaps best known for their series on Discovery Travel Channel including Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America and Samantha Brown's Weekends, PineRidge also produces for HGTV, Fine Living Network, Food Network and PBS stations nationwide.

Media Contact:
Amanda Drake
Ypartnership
727) 420-8395
Amanda.Drake@ypartnership.com

STA Travel Names CSA Travel Protection "Best Mates"

STA Travel Employees Choose CSA as Their Favorite Vendor

SAN DIEGO, 2011-03-10 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, is honored to announce that STA Travel, the youth travel expert enabling students and young adults to explore the world by creating experiences filled with adventure, discovery and personal growth, recently named CSA as the winner of its "Best Mates" awards program for 2010.

"The Best Mates award means a lot to our partners because it is voted on by the staff of STA Travel - the people who are selling the product day in and day out," said James Bell, STA travel commercial vice president. "CSA is a great partner for STA Travel, and we expect to see them in the running for this award year after year thanks to their excellent service and fantastic product."

A two-step process, STA Travel's Best Mates Awards program celebrates the company's top vendors, as chosen by their employees. Six finalists are named after an initial round of nominations. Employees then vote for their favorite from the pool of finalists. After four weeks of voting and 14,000 ballots cast, CSA pulled in more than 37 percent of the votes.

"We couldn't be more pleased to be recognized by such a valuable partner," said Lisa Wanzenreid, director of business development at CSA. "Winning this award is a great testament to the personalized service, support and commitment we extend to partners like STA Travel."

About STA Travel
STA Travel is the youth travel expert enabling students and young adults to explore the world by creating experiences filled with adventure, discovery and personal growth. For more information, or to find a STA Travel Store near you, visit statravel.com.

Countrywide Snow and Ice Stranding Calls for Imaginative Entertainment

CSA Travel Protection Offers Stress-Reducing Tips for Anxious Travelers

SAN DIEGO, 2011-02-03 - Multiple airport closings and dangerous icy conditions mean thousands of travelers are today finding themselves spending much more time in an airport than they planned. To alleviate some anxiety and help these travelers make the most of this unexpected "time off," CSA Travel Protection offers stressed-out travelers some tips for keeping themselves entertained while stranded at the airport.

Ten fun games to play while stranded at an airport:

1. Buy $15 margaritas and $10 sandwiches for all your "new friends."

2. Hog all power outlets by charging your phone, laptop and iPod at the same time.

3. Create intriguing, soap opera-like background stories for other waiting passengers.

4. Play the "count the Starbucks� in the terminal" game.

5. See how many people you can get to smile back at you.

6. Visit a local merchant - or event gate - more times than necessary to try and win the crown of Foursquare mayor.

7. Check the payphones and vending machines for change.

8. Note - and admire - bad ties.

9. Return all the unclaimed smart carts.

10. Create an amusing Twitter hash tag, like the popular #snOMG and #snowpocalypse, and see if you can make it a trending topic.

CSA Travel Protection knows this is one of the most difficult and nerve-racking times for both business and leisure travelers. While travel insurance can't stop the unexpected from happening, it can protect and support travelers when mishaps occur, such as flight delays and missed connections.

Travelers can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance by contacting their favorite travel agent or CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.

The Europ Assistance Group Debuts New Branding Tagline

New "You Live We Care" Signature Precursor to 2011-2015 Road Map for Positioning Company as Most Innovative in Sector

SAN DIEGO, 2010-12-08 - Paris, France - December 8, 2010 - The Europ Assistance Group today launched its new branding signature, "you live we care," which will be rolled out via the Group's 36 companies throughout the world. The launch precedes the deployment of the Group's new 2011-2015 strategic plan as it seeks to become the most innovative company in its sector.

The "you live we care" signature debuts today as an integral part of the Europ Assistance logo block and reflects the support of its customers in all of life's circumstances, from the most routine to the most exceptional, by offering them prevention, protection and assistance services in the areas of mobility - travel and automobile - health and home and family.

This positioning aims to meet consumers' rapidly and considerably changing needs, demonstrating a real Care Revolution in services for individuals: the combined effect of globalization, increased life expectancy, growing urbanization, mobility, health needs and increased free time generates an explosion in demand for increasingly personalized information, prevention, protection and support services, in everyday life as well as extraordinary circumstances.

It is for this reason that Europ Assistance, in referring to the concept of Care that reflects the ideas of individual attention, cover, continuous protection and trust with regard to its customers and consumers, is asserting its goal to be the leading company in Care Services.

The new signature also asserts the Group's and the Europ Assistance brand's global dimension by being entirely in English, which is used in all the Group's subsidiaries on the five continents where it operates. The Group has made that choice in order to capitalize on its brand in a unique way for its 300 million customers and network of 410,000 listed service providers.

The use of blue and red in the signature increases the logo block's power by strengthening the uniformity of the colors of both the logo and signature. It also underlines the continuity in the development of Europ Assistance between the past and its ambitions over the next few years. The handwriting script font expresses closeness and above all the human relationship Europ Assistance has with its customers.

This signature also demonstrates the role that the Europ Assistance Group intends to play as a responsible company by contributing to a new type of solidarity and progress for its economic and social environment. Its partnership with ASHOKA, the international association for social entrepreneurship, is an example of this.

Beginning December 8, 2010, the new signature will roll out simultaneously in the Group's 36 companies throughout the world within the framework of its 2011-2015 road map to make Europ Assistance the most innovative company in its sector.

With revenue that has more than doubled, and an operating profit that tripled between 2004 and 2009, the Europ Assistance Group is entering into a new cycle of profitable, sustainable growth. Following this buoyant growth phase, the Group has set itself a new road map for the next five years aimed at strengthening the current strategy, primarily around four areas:

To speed up the rebalancing of the business portfolio by expanding new growth relays in health and home and family services, representing more than one-third of the Group's business by 2015. At the same time, Europ Assistance will strengthen the competitiveness of its traditional businesses, in the travel and automobile sectors, with new supplementary travel insurance and car repair guarantees.
To pursue geographic stability by speeding up development in North America, South America and Asia to obtain a return on investment in these continents over the last few years. At the same time, European business activities will see their commercial and financial competitiveness strengthened, with strong development in the new businesses of health and home and family services. Between now and 2015, the contribution of subsidiaries outside Western Europe should account for more than 27 percent of the Group's revenue.
To develop distribution models by increasing sales of optional services - as opposed to inclusive sales - with the Group's major partners and direct sales to consumers, particularly on the Web. With this in mind, Europ Assistance will work to forge new local and international partnerships.
To strengthen its profitability by more selective growth of its insurance-related business activities, the Group will seek to improve its operational efficiency, particularly by speeding up the use of new technologies in its production processes.

Placing innovation at the core of its strategy by routinely enhancing services using the latest technological innovations in the field of mobility, health and everyday life, Europ Assistance will routinely enhance its value-add assistance services. This includes 24-hour availability and direct or remote human intervention of its 7,000 employees and 410,000 service providers for its customers, as well as the inclusion of new technologies, such as using position determination technology in combination with mobile and Internet terminals to better serve and protect its customers when travelling or driving, or the deployment of telemedicine, tele-monitoring and robotics to make everyday life easier and safer for fragile people or those who are chronically ill or dependent.

With this new road map, Europ Assistance is poised to become the most innovative company in the Care Services sector.

U.S. Towns Help Build Spirit For Holiday Travel Plans

Holiday and Winter Named Places Can Put a Dash of Celebration in Your Trip

SAN DIEGO, 2010-11-04 - The holiday season is approaching faster than a transatlantic cruise ship, with Thanksgiving only three weeks from today. Holiday travel planning and activity can be stressful, so CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offers a list of favorite towns with winter- and holiday-themed names to help travelers get in the spirit.

No matter what part of the country you call home, there's a town nearby with a name that sparks the seasonal frame of mind:

Evergreen - The site and smell of this plant that bears leaves during every season, emotes the cheer and warmth of the holiday season. One can find a town with this name in Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina and Virginia.
Gift - No matter how one celebrates the holidays, gifts are almost always part of the fun. Both Mississippi and Tennessee give the gift of towns named Gift.
Holiday, Florida - Named in 1967 from a spark of marketing inspiration, the Tampa suburb even includes a neighborhood called Holiday Lake Estates.
Holiday Hills, Illinois - Comprised of one square mile in McHenry County, this tiny town's population is 831 (according to the 2000 census).
Snow - Some people love it, some don't. But this fluffy covering that is pretty to the eye, but a potential danger or inconvenience to travelers, prompted seven states (Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah) to name a town after it.
Snowflake - Three states, Arizona, Virginia and West Virginia, found the "only one like it" particle of snow to be their muse when naming these towns.
Snow Hill - The Maryland town of this name was coined by English settlers after a place in England with the same name. In North Carolina, the naming history is a bit more in question.
What Cheer, Iowa - After first being named "Petersburg" after its founder, the Post Office rejected the name and the town was renamed four years later in 1879.
Winter Garden, Florida - How can one not love a town that has a short-term goal of being the best little city in Florida, and a long-term goal of being the best little city in the U.S.?
Winter Park, Colorado - Initially two separate settlements of Old Town and Hideaway Park, this skier haven was settled as recently as 1978. While the town's population is around 600 (2000 census), tourists and seasonal workers greatly raise the number of people living in the town at any given time.

And for those not feeling the spirit this season, there's even a Humbug, Arizona, an old gold mining town just off the Humbug Creek.

Planning is key to a successful trip, but unexpected weather and illness can disrupt even the most carefully organized excursion. This coming holiday season, travelers can learn more about how travel insurance can protect their family or leisure trip by contacting their favorite travel agent, or CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.

iPhone App Helps Prevent Cultural Gaffes While Traveling In Europe and Asia

Europ Assistance USA and CSA Travel Protection Debut Dos & Don'tsTM app that helps travelers understand local culture so they don't accidentally offend anyone.

SAN DIEGO, 2010-10-11 - Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting corporate customers and employees when the unexpected happens, and CSA Travel Protection (a Europ Assistance company), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, recently debuted the NetGlobers Dos & Don'tsTM application for the iPhone. Created specifically to help global travelers avoid societal blunders, the Dos & Don'ts app is available now from iTunes.

With the Dos & Don'ts app, travellers may now avoid cultural blunders that can arise from a simple unfortunate gesture. Nodding one's head, making certain signs with a hand, and even looking a certain way at people are all key aspects of body language that can quickly lead to a misunderstanding. While at times humorous, these instances can also be offensive to the person on the receiving end. In an educational and instructive manner, the new app explains common gestures, phrases and hand signals to avoid.

The free version of the Dos & Don'ts app offers audio programs, videos and language tips for countries in Europe, while the premium app ($.99) also includes the same for several Asian countries (China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam). Two future editions will include South America and the Middle East, two regions with intensely rooted customs.

In addition to audio programs that help you learn common phrases for each country, you can also look up common "dos & don'ts" by country or theme, such as Body Language, Visiting People, Insults, Table Manners, Bar Culture and Gifts.

The Dos & Don'ts app, designed for the iPhone and iPod touch, is a companion to the Netglobers.com website, Europ Assistance's real-world travel advice destination providing travelers with country-specific travel, medical and safety information and tips.

Both the free and premium versions of Dos & Don'ts are available for download from the iTunes App Store or the Netglobers website.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA takes care of corporate customers and employees when the unexpected happens, anywhere in the world, providing immediate support and assistance to individuals in times of emergency and distress. Leveraging its worldwide network of 38 always-open multilingual assistance centers and 410,000 partners in 208 countries and territories, EA USA offers personalized medical travel assistance, identity theft resolution, data breach response and beneficiary assistance services to insurance companies, financial institutions, corporations and government organizations. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is owned by Generali and part of the Europ Assistance Group.

Tropical Storm Earl and Hurricane Danielle

Reminders for Travel Insurance Planning and Benefits

SAN DIEGO, 2010-08-26 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds travelers of how travel insurance can protect them from many of the unexpected mishaps that occur when a hurricane hits. With Hurricane Danielle still in the Atlantic Ocean, and Tropical Storm Earl now being the fifth named storm of the year, hurricane season is well under way.

Trip Cancellation provides reimbursement for unused non-refundable prepaid trip expenses if a traveler is prevented from taking a trip due to a covered reason. One such reason could be when a mandatory evacuation is called in the area from or to where one is traveling.

Trip Interruption reimburses unused non-refundable prepaid trip expenses if a trip is interrupted due to a covered reason. It also compensates for any additional transportation cost to return home or join a group. This coverage is especially helpful if one must cut the trip short.

Trip Delay covers reasonable expenses incurred, such as accommodations, meals and transportation if one is delayed six hours or more during a trip due to a covered reason. Delays due to flight disruptions caused by weather fall under this category, even if the weather isn?t in the city from which one is traveling.

Anticipating the unexpected — such as medical emergencies, flight delays or a natural disaster at home before leaving — and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises.

Make sure to include travel insurance with your next trip. Travelers can find out more about CSA and travel insurance by contacting their travel agent or vacation rental management company, or by contacting CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.

*Benefits are described on a general basis and not available in all policies.

Traveling The World? Now There's An App for That

Europ Assistance USA and CSA Travel Protection Debut NetGlobers Trip OrganizerTM iPhone App For Those Traveling Abroad

SAN DIEGO, 2010-06-28 - Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting corporate customers and employees when the unexpected happens, and CSA Travel Protection (a Europ Assistance company), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today debuted the NetGlobers Trip OrganizerTM application for the iPhone. Created specifically for the needs of the global traveler, the Trip OrganizerTM app is available now through the Apple iTunes Store.

With the new free Trip OrganizerTM app, travelers enter country of residence, nationality and destination countries to create a personalized checklist and one-stop repository for helpful and necessary items for the trip, including:

Weather and time for each destination
Pre-travel "to-do" list
Storage for all personal, medical and official document information, such as itinerary, passport and visa numbers
List of recommended medications to pack
Updated local events
Useful numbers like local police and fire, medical emergency and embassies

"While there are many travel apps on the market, until now there hasn't been one that provides everything an individual needs to prepare for traveling across the globe," said Guillaume Deybach, EA USA CEO. "Our new iPhone app is like the Swiss Army Knife of travel apps, providing valuable services and tools before leaving home, as well as once travelers have reached their destination."

The premium Trip OrganizerTM app ($4.99) also offers additional features, such as:

A list of required and recommended vaccinations for destination
Phrase books for 10 languages
Currency converter for 34 currencies that is updated daily
"Don't Forget" list of important travel items that can be customized

Based on the traveler's destination, travel insurance and identity theft protection services are also offered and recommended in both versions of the app. Users can sign up for either directly from their phone.

The Trip OrganizerTM app for iPhone is a companion to the Netglobers.com website, Europ Assistance's real-world travel advice destination providing travelers with country-specific travel, medical and safety information and tips. Consumers who create a NetGlobers account at www.netglobers.com receive the premium app free of charge.

Former CIGNA Executive Joins Europ Assistance USA

Glenn Maykish Named Vice President of Sales and Marketing

SAN DIEGO, 2010-06-11 - Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting corporate customers and employees when the unexpected happens, today announced that Glenn Maykish, long-time CIGNA executive, joins the company as vice president of sales and marketing.

Maykish now manages the sales, marketing and client management departments of EA USA and CSA Travel Protection (acquired by the EA Group in 2008), ensuring that the product development and distribution strategy is tailored to Europ Assistance?s U.S. markets.

With a 25-year background in domestic and international employee benefits distribution, Maykish brings valuable experience that will drive strategic and profitable revenue growth.

"Glenn is the perfect choice for helping us achieve our expansion goals," said Guillaume Deybach, EA USA CEO. "He is positioning EA to expand its reach in the U.S. through continued support of our business-to-business model, investigating alternate distribution initiatives and leveraging the strength of Europ Assistance?s global footprint throughout the world."

Prior to joining EA USA, Maykish was vice president of sales, marketing and client management at CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits, a division of CIGNA Corporation. There, Maykish was responsible for U.S. and Canadian market expansion over a seven-year period, resulting in significant growth for his business unit.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA takes care of corporate customers and employees when the unexpected happens, anywhere in the world, providing immediate support and assistance to individuals in times of emergency and distress. Leveraging its worldwide network of 38 always-open multilingual assistance centers and 410,000 partners in 208 countries, EA USA offers personalized medical travel assistance, identity theft resolution, data breach response and beneficiary assistance services to insurance companies, financial institutions, corporations and government organizations. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is owned by Generali and part of the Europ Assistance Group.

CSA Travel Protection Offers Cruise Passengers Consolation When Sailing Isn't So Smooth

First Travel Insurance Company to Offer Missed Port of Call Coverage

SAN DIEGO, 2010-06-02 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, debuted today coverage for missed port of call at Cruise3Sixty, the official travel agency conference of the cruise line industry. A first in the cruise and travel insurance industries, cruise passengers now receive monetary consolation for one of the most common and uncontrollable events while on a cruise.

With recent events, such as the Icelandic volcano eruption, Gulf Coast oil spill and political unrest in various regions of the world, trip interruptions and inconveniences - like a missed port of call - are on the minds of cruise passengers more than ever.

But with proper planning and CSA's newest coverage specifically for missed port of call, passengers can be rewarded up to $200 per port per person to spend any way they please. Some cruise liners and ships currently offer a refund for a missed port of call in the form of "ship credit," but that does not include gratuity and can only be spent towards the cruise.

"We understand missed ports of call happen, resulting in disappointment but not necessarily interrupting or delaying a trip," said Bob Chambers, CSA operations executive. "We innovated this coverage to sympathize with cruise passengers weathering the storm."

Missed port of call coverage is now available to select business partners of CSA. Travel agents can find out more by calling 800-873-9855 or visiting www.csatravelpro.com.

CSA is a proud Executive Partner of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), an exclusive pool of fewer than a 100 members that work together to address industry issues and discuss new technologies with innovative approaches that will further establish and grow the passenger cruise industry. CSA's Missed Port of Call feature is one of those innovative ideas, easing the lives of cruise travelers.

STA Travel Selects CSA Travel Protection As Travel Insurance Partner

SAN DIEGO, 2010-03-22 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today announced that STA Travel, a global travel specialist with 30 years experience helping students, teachers and young professionals travel the world, will now offer CSA travel plans to its customers when booking travel.

STA Travel's customers can purchase travel insurance plans - available for as low as $48 - designed for the student traveler, which includes coverage for trip delays and cancellation, medical care and accidents, loss of baggage and other effects, as well as 24-hour worldwide assistance services.

"Travel insurance is a must-have for students planning a trip, and a safety net for their parents," said Kevin Jacobs, STA Travel's managing director. "CSA is a trusted brand among consumers and travel professionals alike, making it the perfect travel insurance choice for our young travelers."

"While most students and young travelers believe they are invincible, an accident or medical emergency, lost passport or luggage, or delayed trip can ruin the most carefully planned trip," said Bob Chambers, CSA director of operations. "STA is the leader in student travel, and we're excited to provide this much needed service to its valuable customers."

According to the Student Youth & Travel Association, 86 percent of parents believe that travel is an essential part of their child's educational experience. Whether it's for summer vacation, spring break or study abroad, the best way to protect against unforeseen catastrophes is with student travel insurance, advises the U.S. Travel Insurance Association.

About STA Travel
STA Travel is a global travel specialist with 30 years experience helping students, teachers, and young professionals travel the world. STA offers a unique range of products with exclusive discounts on airfare, accommodations, tours, rail passes and more. The company holds a global presence in 90 countries with 400 retail locations, sending more than six million travelers away each year.

Taking a Break From Spring Break

CSA Travel Protection Offers Suggestions for Spring Vacations Free of Partying College Kids

SAN DIEGO, 2010-03-04 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, shares suggested spring trips suited to the taste of people looking to spend quality time with friends and family:

The Fieldtrip The cultured traveler can enrich his or her brain by heading to a cultural or education hot spot, such as Washington, DC or New Mexico . The nation's capitol is an educational destination rife with monuments and museums. Santa Fe, one of the most important art centers in the United States ? as well as Taos and Albuquerque ? contains unique art galleries and historical references.

The Excursion Many snow resorts offer great skiing through May. From Mammoth Mountain on the west coast to Colorado's famous Rockies to the hills of Vermont , there are many choices for taking in the scenery while carving away or running the slalom. If a warmer adventure is more to your liking, dude ranches and surf camps can be found throughout the country.

The Home Away from Home There is no reason to stay in cramped hotel rooms and search for good food while on vacation. Beautiful, spacious homes and cabins that offer all the comforts (maybe even more) of home can be rented for a weekend or more. Vacation rentals are becoming popular and can be found in just about any place you can imagine. And you can go one step further by joining a vacation exchange network to help you find a comparable place to stay in some of the most desired spots on Earth.

The Volunteer Voyage Whether it's helping a small village install running water, teaching simple math to a child, helping researchers save endangered sea turtles from extinction or aiding nurses in a clinic, the volunteer vacation is a trend gaining popularity.

No matter what type of trip you take this spring, travel insurance can protect against the unexpected. Learn more about travel insurance by calling your favorite travel agent or vacation rental manager, or by contacting CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.

Barefoot Technologies Offers "Real Time" Travel Insurance Reporting With CSA Travel Protection

New Capability Saves Vacation Rental Managers Time and Money

SAN DIEGO, 2010-02-11 - Woburn, MA - February 11, 2010 - Barefoot Technologies, offering an accounting-based vacation rental management software solution, is teaming up with CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a leader in value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, to fully integrate "real-time" travel insurance reporting system to showcase Barefoot's new time-and money-saving business advantage.

The new "real-time" system automatically relays insurance policy information — name, address, phone number and premium information — to CSA when entered in to the Barefoot software program at the time of reservation.

"Vacation rental managers tell us repeatedly they'd like to find a way to streamline administration activities while increasing the level of service to their guests," says Lee Hughes, CSA's sales division vice president. "This automated solution helps us better meet the needs of these valued clients and their guests."

The Barefoot/CSA fully integrated solution is also a paperless process that saves managers valuable time and money associated with back-office tasks like running reports and policy fulfillment. There is no longer a need to run reports at the end of the month, or mail fulfillment packets. CSA automatically issues policy information to the insured, billing the property once a month.

"I am extremely pleased with this solution," says Ed Ulmer, director of business development, Barefoot. "Rental software is all about making things easier and more efficient for our clients, and that is exactly what we have accomplished with this new link to the very popular products offered by CSA."

About Barefoot
Barefoot is a leading provider of browser-based reservation and asset management systems in the vacation rental industry. It has the distinction of being the first browser system in the industry, the first to provide online booking, tenant, owner access and to offer social media tools and is designed to be tailored to meet clients' exacting needs. Barefoot is also the only system with a full Customer Relations program wrapped into the program which in effect makes it the only full service system in the industry. Founded in 1998, by leading technology and industry players, the ".NET platform" has become a standard for those who are trend setters in the industry and those who desire to dominate their market with unique functionally. For more information, please contact Edward Ulmer at 603-428-6255, ed.ulmer@barefoot.com

Liverez To Offer Integrated Travel Insurance With CSA Travel Protection

Vacation Rental Bookings Solution Now Includes Insurance Option at Time of Reservation

SAN DIEGO, 2010-01-13 - Eagle, ID - January 13, 2010 - LiveRez, Inc., redefining professional vacation rental property management solution, today announced LiveRez will integrate CSA Travel Protection (CSA) travel insurance plans into its tailored website and marketing solutions for rental managers.

CSA travel plans are now available at time of reservation, allowing for real-time connectivity and an additional revenue stream for vacation rental managers.

"We couldn't be more pleased to work with such a trusted, up and coming name in the vacation rental market," said Lee Hughes, CSA's vice president, sales division. "Rental managers are looking for ease-of-use and additional revenue streams, and this combined solution delivers just that."

"CSA's track record and dedication to customer service make it an excellent partner for our valued customers," said Tracy Lotz, CEO and founder of LiveRez. "We're excited to offer rental managers a truly integrated, real-time solution for travel insurance. This is the first of what will be a set of added value services our partners will experience as part of the LiveRez network."

Vacation rental managers working with LiveRez can conduct business with a professionally designed and hosted website that includes all the marketing and sales benefits required for success, including local guides and coupons. And now, they can offer travel insurance when customers call or book online in LiveRez to reserve their spot, ensuring the trip - and helping grow the rental managers bottom-line.

Vacation rental managers can find out more about integrated book solutions at www.LiveRez.com, and more about vacation rental insurance at www.vacationrentalinsurance.com.

About LiveRez
LiveRez Inc. is redefining the solutions available to professional vacation rental property managers. Our partnership approach aligns our success with the success of our customers, and allows property managers to take advantage of new technology and best-practices with a minimal upfront investment and risk.

Hungry For Holiday Spirit In Your Travel Plans?

U.S. Towns with Holiday Names Can Put a Dash of Celebration in Your Trip

SAN DIEGO, 2009-11-05 - The holiday season is approaching faster than a transatlantic cruise ship, with Thanksgiving only four weeks away. Holiday travel planning and activity can be stressful, so CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offers a list of favorite towns with holiday-themed names to help travelers get in the spirit.

No matter what part of the country you call home, there's a town nearby with a name that sparks the holiday frame of mind:

Holiday - A suburb of the Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla. metropolitan area.
Joy - Double the joy, double the fun. Joy, Ark. is a township in White County; and Joy, Ill. is a village with a population of less than 4001.
Thanksgiving, Md. - A town just about five miles west of Easton.
Turkey - Just like on the meat on Thanksgiving, there's an abundance of towns named Turkey. You'll find one in Ky., N.C., Ohio, Texas and W.Va.
Pie, W.Va. - If you live in or near W.Va., you can enjoy as much Turkey and Pie as you can stand in one day.
Pumpkin - You'll find Pumpkin, Ga. northeast of Atlanta, and Pumpkin, Texas is adjacent to the Sam Houston National Forest.
Cranberry - It's anyone's guess if the residents prefer them dried, sauced or jelled, but you'll find towns named after these tart little berries in Md., N.C., Pa. and W.Va.
Eggnog, Utah - It's most likely difficult to find a rum version of this popular drink here.
Chestnut - Go a little nuts and take a drive to a town called Chestnut in Ala., Ill., Ky., La., Mont. or W.Va.
Snowflake - No two towns named Snowflake, whether in Ariz., Va. or W.Va., are alike.

Planning is key to a successful trip, but unexpected weather and illness can disrupt even the most carefully organized excursion. Travelers can learn more about how travel insurance can protect their trip by contacting their favorite travel agent, or CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.

CSA Travel Awarded Two Nexion Agent Choice Awards

Recognized for both customer service and sales support

SAN DIEGO, 2009-10-26 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA) today announced it was awarded two Nexion Agent Choice awards, for both customer service and sales support, at Nexion's annual member conference held earlier this month. CSA was recognized in the Nexion Agent Choice Awards for Best Pre & Post Trip Customer Service (Insurance) and tied for Best Agent Sales Support (Insurance).

"Delivering top-notch service and support to travel agents is a top priority for CSA," said Les Maine, CEO of CSA. "We couldn't be more proud of our customer service and sales support teams, and we look forward to continuing to wow Nexion members in the future."

"It's clear our agents value the tools and resources our preferred suppliers provide to help them accelerate their success," said Jackie Friedman, CTC, CTIE, General Manager of Nexion. "CSA was so honored when we congratulated them on this recognition by our agents. We are proud of the tremendous partnership that exists between CSA, our agents and Nexion."

Recognizing that agent success, as well as the success of the travel industry, is built upon great partner relationships, Nexion recently conducted a member survey, asking members to vote for their favorite travel supplier in 12 categories. The awards were presented during CoNexion 2009 during a supplier reception and then announced to conference attendees on October 3 during the closing lunch.

About Nexion Nexion� is a fully licensed, bonded and accredited agency, which has been an industry pioneer and a host agency since 1995. Nexion, the travel industry's premier and most trusted host agency, is in business to help independent travel professionals accelerate their success. Nexion enables members to operate more efficiently and profitably by reducing costs and increasing revenues. Nexion provides ticketing, operations, fulfillment support and marketing services (through their sister company, CBMS and through the Vacation.com Engagement program), allowing members to focus on selling travel. And, unlike other host agencies, Nexion does not sell directly to consumers or compete with its members. Nexion is a Sabre Travel Network? brand.

Sabre Holdings connects people with the world's greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. More information is available at www.sabre-holdings.com.

September Home To More Major Hurricanes Than All Other Months Combined

U.S. Hurricane Trivia from CSA Travel Protection

SAN DIEGO, 2009-09-01 - With Hurricane Jimena heading toward Baja, and September being one of the more active months of "Hurricane Season" each year, CSA Travel Protection compiled and offers 10 facts of U.S. hurricane trivia*.

1. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 miles per hour.

2. The National Hurricane Center began naming tropical storms in 1953.

3. The naming of hurricanes alphabetically, alternating male and female names, began in 1979.

4. For the United States, September has had more major hurricanes than all other months combined.

5. However, five of the most devastating hurricanes did not occur in September: Katrina (August 2005), Andrew (August 1992), Camille (August 1969), Audrey (June 1957) and Hazel (October 1954).

6. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history, repeatedly shattering previous records.

7. Hurricane Katrina was the most costly hurricane in U.S. history, costing an estimated $75 billion.

8. The three deadliest hurricanes in US History are: Galveston, TX (1900) with 8,000 people reported killed; Lake Okeechobee, Fla. (1928) with 2,500 reported dead; and Katrina (2005) where 1,800 people perished in Louisiana and Texas.

9. Only three hurricanes, in the past 100 years, have hit landfall as a category 5: Florida Keys (1935); Camille (1969) in Mississippi, southeast Louisiana and Virginia; and Andrew (1989) in southeast Florida and southeast Louisiana.

10. The average life of a hurricane is nine days.

Storms are full of surprises, and while experts predict near-normal activity this hurricane season, there are potential mishaps that can happen even if a storm doesn't make an appearance on a trip. Anticipating the unexpected - such as medical emergencies, flight delays, identity theft or a natural disaster at home before leaving - and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises. Travelers can find out more about CSA and travel insurance by contacting their travel agent.

*Sources: National Hurricane Center (NHC.NOAA.gov) and Infoplease.com.

Stay Safe And Prevent Mishaps On Your Vacation Overseas

CSA Travel Protection Offers International Travel Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2009-07-16 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers the following travel tips unique to a trek overseas:

1. Check the State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web sites for potential travel alerts before departing.

2. Take a mobile phone, and "Internationalize" it. Buy an international SIM card for your phone so you can call home, fellow travelers or elsewhere without worrying about finding and using a pay phone.

3. Research your destination beforehand. The World Factbook from the CIA is a helpful site featuring overviews of the history, climate, political situation, demographics and industries of countries around the world.

4. Educate yourself on exchange rates for each currency you will experience so you are sure of exactly how much you are spending.

5. Leave copies of itineraries and passports with family at home, and scan and send these travel documents to your web-based email account such as Yahoo! or Gmail. You can then retrieve them at an Internet caf� or similar location. Should you lose your passport or luggage, having copies of these important documents can help you get out of a jam.

6. Contact your bank and credit card companies and brief them on your itinerary so they know to authorize payments.

7. If you have food allergies, write down how to say each food in the language spoken in each country you are visiting. It is amazing how people can communicate without speaking the same language, but if your throat swells after eating shellfish, you may want to learn the Italian word for shrimp.

Tips are a good start, but they don't protect from every instance. Travel insurance provides an added layer of protection against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and theft. It also safeguards against trip cancellations such as job loss and health-related incidents of non-traveling family members. Additionally, most travel insurance plans include emergency assistance services to provide expert help with just about any situation while traveling.

Even the best-planned vacations can be turned upside down by unforeseen circumstances. Vacationers ready to take that next overseas trek can find out more about the benefits of travel insurance from their travel agent.

CSA Travel Protection Offers A Second Chance At Vacation Rental Insurance

Managers Can Now Also Offer Supplemental Insurance to Help Protect Customers' Investments

SAN DIEGO, 2009-07-08 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments, today announced that vacation rental managers can now offer customers a second chance at purchasing travel insurance.

If a customer turns down vacation rental insurance at the time of booking, managers can now communicate to customers that it's not too late to sign up for coverage. If they purchase coverage before leaving on their trip, they can still be covered for unforeseen circumstances such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel and Baggage Delay and Emergency Assistance.

"Everyone in the travel industry knows all too well that illness, severe weather, delayed flights and lost luggage can force customers to cancel or interrupt their vacation," said Lee Hughes, CSA's vice president, sales division. "Can your customers afford not to purchase travel insurance?"

In addition to offering a second chance to purchase insurance, managers can now also offer customers coverage for additional arrangements. This type of coverage protects provisions that aren't included in the traveler's original travel insurance policy. With CSA Travel Protection, customers can protect their entire vacation, from rental property to flights to a round of golf, while the manager can earn a commission.

The CSA Vacation Rental Insurance plans are for those travelers choosing the increasingly popular option of renting homes, condos, villas and cabins for their vacation. Benefits for these travelers also include coverage for baggage and personal effects - including sports equipment, as well as benefits for travel delay and emergency medical transport.

Travel agents and vacation rental property managers can learn more about offering travelers CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling (888) 470-9123.

Stay Safe And Prevent Mishaps On Your Summer Vacation

CSA Travel Protection Offers Travel Safety Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2009-06-11 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers important travel safety reminders to ensure smooth sailing - or driving, flying, hiking or scuba diving, for that matter - when taking the "Great American" summer vacation.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. Travel Association, more than half (54 percent) of American households plan to take at least one leisure trip this summer. While many experienced travelers know the ins and outs of safe travel, CSA offers the following tips for everyone to help keep them safe and protected from mishaps on their next trip.

Create a meeting schedule, and a Plan B. When traveling with a group, make sure everyone agrees on a meeting place at a designated time before and after outings. If, in the event, someone becomes separated, agree to always meet at a "base camp," like your hotel or campground office.
Your camera is your friend. In many ways. Your camera isn't just a tool for creating memories of your trip. It is also the perfect device for helping you if lost and to document pre-rental conditions. Take a picture of your hotel or landmarks to help you later if astray, or snap shots of each side of your rental car before leaving the lot to prove any damage that may exist before taking possession.
Back up everything, and make it accessible from anywhere. Copy, scan or take pictures of important documents - such as your driver's license, passport, credit cards, travel insurance policy and other travel documents - and email the images to your web-based email account. This way you can access them from anywhere in case of loss or theft.
How's the weather out there? Besides having to worry about what kind of clothes to pack (hint: layers), review often the weather forecast for your destination. Do you really want to drive through heavy rain in a town of which you are unfamiliar? Also understand that area's propensity for hurricanes, wildfires, flooding or other natural disaster so you are prepared before leaving.
Use your travel insurance provider's assistance hotline, and keep the number with you at all times. Nearly all travel insurance plans include 24-hour, worldwide emergency assistance services. If something happens, you're not alone. These experts can help with just about any situation, from finding a dentist in Venice in the middle of the night, to helping replace a lost passport, to assisting with travel arrangements if you miss your flight.
Avoid carrying excessive amounts of money and multiple credit cards. Also keep a back-up credit card in case you are a victim of theft or lose your card.
Put a vacation hold through the U.S. Postal Service. Your mail can be held at your local post office until you can pick it up or are home to receive it. Not only will you help thwart potential burglars, but you may also protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft.
Don't let your guard down when you are in your hotel. Take advantage of in-room or front-desk safes by locking up passports, credit cards, and other important documents.
Read your cruise ship's inspection report before booking. The Vessel Sanitation Program at the Centers for Disease Control and others regularly inspect ships for cleanliness, repair, food preparation and storage, water quality, hygiene, and pest management, for example. Read your ship's report ahead of time to make sure it has a healthy track record.
It's Hurricane Season; be prepared. Check with the hotel or property manager before booking to determine what type of policy is offered during your stay in the event of a storm. Is there a "hurricane guarantee" or other policy that will guarantee a refund of the cost of your stay, as well as any potential property damage if you are forced to cancel or evacuate due to a hurricane? Also check the National Hurricane Center for the latest on approaching storms.

Travel insurance provides an added layer of protection against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and theft. It also safeguards against trip cancellations such as job loss and health-related incidents of non-traveling family members. Even the best-planned vacations can be turned upside down by unforeseen circumstances. Vacationers ready to take that trip this summer can find out more about the benefits of travel insurance from their travel agent.

CSA Travel Protection Custom Plans, Now Available to all Agents, Offer Greater Savings and Flexibility

Plans Also Expand Domestic Partner Coverage

SAN DIEGO, 2009-06-08 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments, today announced its Custom travel insurance plans are now available to all agents. CSA Custom plans are often less expensive than competitive policies and tailored for each specific trip, increasing flexibility.

CSA Custom plans are especially beneficial to those traveling on a budget or making last-minute bookings, costing less than major competitors most of the time. Each plan is developed and quoted based on specific trip details and includes coverage for No Out of Pocket Medical (up to $1,000), Missed Connection and Rental Car Damage, for example.

"Partners and clients tell us over and over again choice and value are of the utmost importance to them and their customers," said Frank Shellabear, president, sales division of CSA. "Now not just select agents, but all travel professionals, can offer the plan best suited for their customers, at the best value."

For those agents servicing clients with more specific needs, such as business or adventure travelers or those who want more coverage with higher benefit limits, CSA Freestyle products remain available. Freestyle Luxe, for example, includes Cancel for Any Reason.

In addition, CSA Custom and Freestyle plans offer expanded domestic partner coverage that includes travel delay or interruption due to sickness or injury of a Domestic Partner's family members whether the insured is traveling with the domestic partner or not.

Travel professionals can learn more about which CSA travel insurance plan is right for their customers by visiting www.csatravelpro.com or calling (800) 873-9855.

CSA Travel Protection Debuts Enhanced Vacation Ownership Insurance

Essential Protection for Potentially Unused Fees and Travel Costs

SAN DIEGO, 2009-05-05 - Vacation property owners can now protect their investment like never before. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, introduces vacation ownership insurance that offers strong protection from the unexpected, including job loss that can result in unused fees and travel costs.

The new CSA ProtectME vacation ownership insurance policies protect vacation property owners from unused maintenance and exchange fees, as well as costs associated with additional travel arrangements, rental car damage, roadside assistance and more.

"Vacation ownership insurance is now more important than ever. Travel delays and cancellations due to unforeseen economic and weather situations make planning trips today risky," said Frank Shellabear, president, sales division at CSA. " Our goal is to remove that risk by protecting vacation owners' maintenance and exchange fees, as well costs associated with additional arrangements."

Given today's economic conditions, coverage that includes involuntary termination of employment or layoff is essential. With CSA's ProtectME plans, owners working continuously by the same employer for at least two years are covered from job loss that is not under their control.

Many travel costs are protected under the plans' Additional Arrangements benefit, including pre-paid, non-refundable airfare to and from the property location or pre-paid, non-refundable activities, such as theater tickets, tee times or hot air balloon rides.

The ProtectME plans also include Rental Car Damage and Roadside Assistance coverage, as well as post-departure benefits like Identity Theft Resolution Services. If a policy is cancelled within 10 days of purchase, CSA will refund the policy price if the traveler hasn't left on their trip or filed a claim.

Property owners and resort managers can find out more about the additional benefits of CSA vacation ownership ProtectME plans by visiting www.protectmyvacations.com or calling (800) 834-8438.

CSA Travel Protection Updates Vacation Rental Insurance Plan With Enhanced Job Loss Coverage

SAN DIEGO, 2009-04-16 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments, today announced it has updated its vacation rental insurance plan with enhanced job loss coverage.

Effective April 1, 2009, Vacation Rental Insurance policies purchased through CSA will offer expanded coverage to include job loss after one year of continuous employment*. Agents and property managers can protect their customers by offering CSA Vacation Rental Insurance that covers them from the unexpected, including an involuntary termination of employment, layoff or job relocation.

"Today's headlines are rife with news about unemployment and layoffs, and many travelers are nervous when it comes to booking vacations in advance," said Lee Hughes, CSA's vice president, sales division. "We've always covered job loss, but now you can offer your customers peace of mind even if they have only one year of employment under their belt."

The CSA Vacation Rental Insurance plan is for those travelers choosing the increasingly popular option of renting homes, condos, villas and cabins for their vacation. Benefits for these travelers also include coverage for baggage and personal effects - including sports equipment, as well as benefits for travel delay and emergency medical transport.

Travel agents and vacation rental property managers can learn more about offering travelers CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling (866) 999-4018.

About CSA Travel Protection CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

Offering Travel Insurance From Legitimate Providers Protects Travelers And Agents

SAN DIEGO, 2009-04-01 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds agents that offering the option to purchase travel insurance from a legitimate provider is the easiest way to protect travelers, as well as themselves.

Trip protection from an insured provider, such as CSA, protects a traveler's investment and provides peace of mind for unplanned circumstances. It also shields travel agents from personal liability, and angry clients, in the case of mishap.

"As we've seen with the Prime Travel debacle, agents can be held responsible for not offering travelers legitimate insurance options," said Les Maine, CEO of CSA. "Three agencies are being investigated by state authorities as a result, and agents must protect themselves by investigating and offering licensed, insured choices."

Legitimate travel insurance plans provide protection in the event a traveler has to cancel and loses some or all of the money they have invested in the trip. In the case of trip interruption or cancellation, a traveler can allege negligence on the part of the agent for not mentioning insurance when the trip was booked.

If a traveler is seriously injured on a trip, requiring an air ambulance costing $50,000 or even $100,000, and that traveler discovers they could have been spared this expense with a simple plan costing merely hundreds of dollars, the agent is left with an angry client, at the very least. In a worst-case scenario, the agent may be sued for professional negligence.

Offering travel insurance to clients is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a legitimate, steady stream of income. Some travelers will take trips without it, but many want to be sure their investment is protected.

Travel agents can find out more about offering legitimate travel insurance by visiting www.csatravelpro.com or calling 800-873-9855.

Ask Crucial Questions About Your Provider Before Buying Travel Insurance

Be Sure Your Travel Insurance Company Is Insured and Reputable Before Buying

SAN DIEGO, 2009-03-03 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, joins agencies in urging all travelers to do their research before selecting a travel insurance provider.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department all encourage consumers to consider travel insurance when planning a vacation, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). Many State insurance commissioners, the government agents responsible for regulating insurance providers, also encourage consumers to consider travel insurance to protect against possible financial losses due to trip cancellation, delay, interruption and other unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies.

Consumers can help themselves by asking the following questions before buying any travel insurance plan:

1. Is the provider backed by a legitimate underwriter? Legitimate travel insurance companies are backed by one or more regulated underwriters that are insured and financially healthy. Check the A.M. Best website to see current ratings for a provider. A.M. Best is a worldwide insurance rating and information agency, and any reputable travel insurance underwriter will be rated by this entity.

2. Is the company in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Check the Better Business Bureau website to see if the provider is accredited and in good standing. Also look to see if all customer issues have been resolved.

3. Is the underwriter licensed to do business in the consumer's state? Insurance companies must be licensed by the state insurance commissioner and will be listed on each state's Department of Insurance website. Consumers can visit the NAIC site for a direct link to their state's site.

4. Are the company's policies offered via third-party comparison sites, like InsureMyTrip.com, Squaremouth.com and QuoteWright.com? Comparison sites work closely with reputable travel insurance companies and can help travelers find the best coverage and price for their particular trip.

5. Is the company a member of the UStiA? UStiA member companies subscribe to a strict code of ethics regarding their products and interactions with customers. Check the organization's website for a list of member organizations.

About CSA Travel Protection

CSA Travel Protection is a fully licensed travel insurance administrator dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services. CSA Travel Protection plans are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company. Both are rated "Excellent" by A.M. Best. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has built its reputation on standing behind its customers and evolving its convenience, security and assistance products and services to meet traveler needs. Through superior customer service and industry-leading innovation and common-sense coverage, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

CSA Travel Protection Celebrates Mardi Gras With Fun Facts

SAN DIEGO, 2009-02-12 - The celebration known as "Mardi Gras Carnival Season" kicks off Friday, ending when the last reveler heads home on Fat Tuesday, February 24. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, provides the following list of fun facts about Mardi Gras.

1. Mardi Gras is the direct French translation of "Fat Tuesday." It refers to the last day before the season of Lent begins.

2. The first American Mardi Gras was celebrated near modern-day New Orleans on March 3, 1699.

3. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold (representing justice, faith and power).

4. In New Orleans, private social groups called "Krewes" put on parades during the season's festivities.

5. Fat Tuesday is a legal holiday in Louisiana.

6. More than 60 parades and hundreds of private parties, dances and masked balls are scheduled annually in the New Orleans metropolitan area during Mardi Gras.

7. The Zulu Parade, put on by the oldest and most prestigious, predominantly African American Carnival club in New Orleans, will celebrate its 100th year in 2009.

8. The term "Throws" refers to plastic beads and cheap trinkets thrown by masked krewe members from floats as they pass by parade goers.

9. Mardi Gras, the day, is actually the last day of a long celebration of parades and merriment that begins 12 days prior to Fat Tuesday.

10. In 2005, more than one million revelers attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Travelers heading to New Orleans or other Mardi Gras and Carnival destinations are reminded to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances that could potentially postpone or cut-short their trip. While travel insurance can't stop the unexpected from happening, it can protect and support travelers when mishaps occur, such as flight delays and missed connections.

CSA offers its customers convenient protection when traveling, with additional benefits like No Out-of-Pocket Medical Expense. If a traveler develops an acute illness while on their covered trip, a one- time medical expense will be paid for treatment under $1,000*.

Travelers can call their travel agent to purchase, or request more information on, this CSA Travel Protection exclusive.

About CSA Travel Protection

CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

* When using CSA's designated provider network of 30,000 physicians and 850,000 service providers worldwide.

CSA Travel Protection and MSC Cruises USA Partner To Ensure Passengers Enjoy Smooth Sailing

MSC Cruises offers affordable, worldwide CSA Travel Protection to U.S. customers

SAN DIEGO, 2009-02-04 - SAN DIEGO, CA and FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. -- CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, and MSC Cruises USA, Inc. (MSC), the fastest growing cruise line with the youngest fleet, today announced the cruise line now offers passengers affordable travel insurance.

The customized CSA coverage for MSC passengers includes superior customer service and assistance, such as medical referrals and evacuation, at destinations worldwide.

"MSC ships sail to and from destinations all over the world, from the Caribbean and South America to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe," said Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC. "CSA protects travellers anywhere in the world, and thus can offer MSC's customers peace of mind on any cruise. Travel professionals and consumers benefit equally in savings and excellent customer service."

In keeping with MSC's "Kids Sail Free" program, CSA's MSC travel insurance and assistance plan provides coverage for children at no additional cost, and pre-existing conditions are accepted within 24 hours of final payment.

"CSA and MSC are dedicated to offering customers the highest level of customer service and satisfaction before, during and after their trip," said Les Maine, CEO of CSA. "Our coverage is optimal for cruise passengers and, through MSC, is delivered at a lower cost than most travel insurance available."

CSA insures millions of travelers against emergencies and other unforeseen events in the U.S. and abroad.

About MSC Cruises USA, Inc.
MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with nine ships: MSC Fantasia (the largest ship ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. MSC Cruises is the only company to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

CSA Travel Protection Earns Accredited Business Status

CSA Travel Protection earns accredited business status from the Better Business Bureau

SAN DIEGO, 2009-01-29 - The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) today announces that CSA Travel Protection (CSA), based in San Diego, has earned the status of a BBB Accredited Business.

The BBB Accredited Business designation is achieved by demonstrating compliance with eight accreditation standards. Businesses may or may not meet standards depending on the extent of unresolved, consumer-reported complaints that have been assessed by the BBB. In the accreditation process, the BBB reviews the company for proper licensing, registration or bonding, complete company background information and a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints and adherence to BBB standards of advertising and selling. BBB Accreditation means a company is following the BBB Standards for Trust, which include build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy and embody integrity. More information about BBB Accreditation can be found at www.bbb.org.

CSA is located at 5251 Viewridge Court, San Diego 92123. For more information, phone 800-348-9505, or visit www.csatravelprotection.com. CSA's current BBB rating can be found at www.bbb.org.

About The San Diego Better Business Bureau
The non-profit San Diego BBB, with nearly 6,000 accredited businesses and charities, promotes business ethics through voluntary self regulation, consumer and business education, and provides local consumers with the largest free service of its kind with free consumer protection advice and free reliability reports on more than 101,000 local companies. Before buying decisions are made, consumers are encouraged to phone the BBB's free 24 hour Consumer Helpline at (858) 496 2131 or (800) 600 7050, or visit the website at www.bbb.org, to obtain free information and a list of BBB accredited businesses in a particular type of industry.

Don't Let Job Insecurity Halt Vacation Plans

Job loss coverage, lower fuel costs, stronger dollar and abundant travel deals make now a great time to travel

SAN DIEGO, 2008-12-15 - The economic and unemployment outlook may be bleak, but there's no reason to settle for a "staycation." CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds vacationers that travel insurance can protect trip plans cancelled or delayed due to job loss.

CSA and other travel insurance companies offer policies that include a Job Loss* benefit that covers costs associated with delaying or cancelling a trip because a traveler's job is involuntarily suspended. With the November U.S. unemployment rate at 6.7 percent (Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor), thousands of Americans are faced with this uncertainty each month.

"Americans today are reading bad news after bad news, and they need a diversion," said Les Maine, CSA's president. "Travel deals and lower travel costs, combined with the security of travel insurance, make this a great time to get away or plan your summer trip."

While the economy and job market are shaky, there are many reasons to plan a trip. Fuel costs are at their lowest since spring of 2004 (AAA), the U.S. dollar is gaining strength against other currencies and carriers are offering travel deals both abroad and at home. In fact, the cruise industry is offering what many travel professionals are describing as the best bargains available in years.

Consumers can learn more about travel deals available today by contacting their travel agent or other travel professional. To find out more about travel insurance and the Job Loss benefit, travelers can call 800-348-9505 or visit www.csatravelprotection.com.

Thanksgiving Day Traditions Worth The Trip

It's Not Too Late to Take a Last-Minute Turkey Day Vacation

SAN DIEGO, 2008-11-24 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds Americans it's not too late to plan a last-minute Thanksgiving Day weekend trip with the family or for a quick getaway.

For those who planned to forego the Turkey Day family or leisure vacation, but have an 11th hour itch to head out of town, CSA offers a list of cities worth visiting to take part in popular local Thanksgiving Day traditions:

New York City - Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (http://www.macys.com/campaign/parade/parade.jsp) - America's most famous Thanksgiving Day parade was founded in 1924 and is televised live across the country.
Chicago - Turkey Trot (http://www.caprievents.com/turkey/welcome.htm) - This eight-kilometer run/walk expects 5,000 runners this year and benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
San Diego - Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (http://www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights) - Beginning on Thanksgiving night and nightly through January 4, more than 40 displays are part of the largest animated drive-through light show on the west coast.
Kansas City - Plaza Lights (http://www.countryclubplaza.com/plaza.aspx?pgID=915) - Thousands of people will fill the streets to see the Country Club Plaza buildings light up, all at once with colorful lights, at the flip of a switch at 6:30 PM.
Dallas and Detroit - Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions (http://www.dallascowboys.com and http://www.detroitlions.com) - Each year, both teams host a new challenger at home for these two long-standing nationally televised professional football games.

It's not too late for Americans to experience one of these popular Thanksgiving Day traditions. By calling a travel agent, last-minute explorers can find unprecedented deals to these cities and others for the Thanksgiving weekend, as well as throughout the 2008 winter holidays.

CSA Travel Protection Security Deposit Protection Now Available In Additional States

Popular Vacation Rental Destinations Florida, Hawaii and New York Among New Plan Areas

SAN DIEGO, 2008-10-28 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, announces its new and insured Security Deposit Protection plan for vacation rental property managers and guests is now available in Florida, as well as Hawaii and New York.

Launched in 13 states in July and building on its popular Vacation Rental Insurance plan, CSA's Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers simplify their business while offering guests up to $3,000 in accidental property damage coverage.

The Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers reduce administration time due to refund checks and credit card charge-backs after checkout. In addition, guests have less incentive to avoid reporting accidental damage. The coverage for accidental damage is fully insured, underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company.

"Vacation rental managers often tell us security deposit protection is a valuable offer for their business and their guests," said, Lee Hughes, CSA's sales division vice president. "Available now in 29 states, we're working closely with the remaining states to offer this coverage available nationwide."

All of CSA's vacation rental policies are designed to protect both the traveler and vacation rental owner. The company's Vacation Rental Insurance Plan, which covers guests door to door - from the day after a guest buys a policy right up until they return home - is especially helpful now during this trying hurricane season. And CSA's Security Deposit Protection adds value to a vacation rental company's bottom line every time it protects a renter.

The Security Deposit Protection plan is now available in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, with approval pending in additional states. Vacation rental managers can find out more about CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance Plan and its Security Deposit Protection plan by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com, or by calling (866) 999-4018.

CSA Travel Protection and Virtual Resort Manager Debut First "Real Time" Travel Insurance Reporting

Helps Vacation Rental Managers Save Time and Money

SAN DIEGO, 2008-10-24 - CHANDLER, ARIZ. - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a leader in value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, will debut here next week at the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) Annual Conference a fully integrated "real-time" travel insurance reporting system. Partnering on the project with Virtual Resort Manager (VRM), an accounting-based vacation rental management software solution, CSA will showcase this new time- and money-saving business advantage.

The new "real-time" system automatically relays insurance policy information - name, address, phone number and premium information - to CSA when entered in to VRM's software at the time of reservation.

"Our clients tell us repeatedly they'd like to find a way to streamline administration and increase the level of service to their guests," says Lee Hughes, CSA's sales division vice president. "This automated solution helps us better meet the needs of our vacation rental partners and their guests."

The CSA/VRM fully integrated solution is also a paperless process that saves managers valuable time and money associated with back-office tasks like running reports and policy fulfillment. There is no longer a need to run reports at the end of the month, or mail fulfillment packets. CSA automatically issues policy information to the insured and bills the property once a month.

"CSA is a long-time partner and shares our desire to provide innovative services for our clients," said Pete Wenk, general manager of VRM. "Time and time again, our clients tells us they are looking for ways to make their life easier and save time on paperwork. Our combined Web-based offering gives them a way to do that today."

CSA's Lee Hughes will also present the latest in travel insurance technologies and services as part of the "Travel Insurance for The Vacation Rental Industry" panel on Monday, October 27.

Property managers can find out more about CSA's innovative services, as well as its Vacation Rental Insurance plans by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling (866) 999-4018.

About Virtual Resort Manager
Virtual Resort Manager (VRM) is based in Morehead City, N.C. Its mission is to develop, market, sell and service leading edge, web-based, real-time, vacation rental management tools. The company's software is inclusive of all aspects of reservations, front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, marketing analysis, financial analysis and record keeping as well as other back office management tools. VRM is also capable of providing real estate rental companies and other resort rental businesses with a combination of advanced website hosting, management software and hardware management.

To learn more about VRM's integrated software solutions, property managers can visit www.vrmgr.com or call (866) 849-0817.

CSA Travel Protection Introduces Enhanced Vacation Rental Insurance Plan

Vacationers and property protected more before, during and after risky travel time

SAN DIEGO, 2008-09-24 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), the leader in value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, introduces a new and enhanced Vacation Rental Insurance plan with expanded coverage, increased benefit limits and additional assistance services for protection before, during and after vacation.

CSA's new Vacation Rental Insurance plan is for those travelers choosing the increasingly popular option of renting homes, condos, villas and cabins for their vacation. Benefits for these travelers include coverage for baggage and personal effects - including sports equipment, medical and dental expenses and rental car damage, as well as higher benefit limits for travel delay and emergency medical transport. In addition, the plan offers new nurse helpline and roadside assistance services.

The plan protects travelers from door to door - from the day after the policy is purchased to the day the traveler returns home and beyond - from events such as a hurricane or other natural disaster, injury, or illness while traveling, identity theft for six months from date of trip departure or loss of baggage and personal effects.

"Booking a week-long stay at vacation rental homes is becoming more popular with travelers," said Mike Adelman, CSA Travel Protection vice president of sales. "As we continue through this year's above-average hurricane season, especially those traveling to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts must plan ahead to ensure they are covered from any unforeseen damage or loss and have somewhere to turn for help if needed."

The CSA Vacation Rental Insurance plan also includes coverage for the vacationer and their traveling companions for loss due to mandatory hurricane evacuation, trip delay and interruption, medical emergencies, baggage delay, theft or loss and roadside mishaps. Those who lose or damage sports equipment while traveling are covered, as well.

According to FlipKey.com, a community driven vacation rental home review site, more than 30 million U.S. consumers consider vacation rentals each year. Travelers considering the more personal and economical option of renting a vacation home on their next trip can find out more about CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance plan by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com, calling (866) 999-4018, or contacting their vacation rental property manager.

ABCs Of Vacation Rentals During Hurricane Season

Travel tips and information for popular option in Atlantic and Gulf coasts

SAN DIEGO, 2008-08-18 - Tropical Storm Fay is a reminder for vacationers to plan ahead when traveling during hurricane season. To ensure that travelers get the most from their vacation rental, CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offers tips and information to ensure a safe and fun trip.

A recent poll of visitors to CSA's web site found that 82 percent of travelers planned to take a trip to the East Coast or Gulf of Mexico between June and October (hurricane season) of this year.

According to a May 2008 survey of property management companies by rental property website Zonder.com, vacation rentals are just as popular with travelers today as they have been in the past. The lagging economy and airline fare hikes mean more people are driving to their destination this year, and many stops are located in the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. CSA reminds travelers to be aware of, and plan for, the following BEFORE embarking on vacation:

Check with the property manager before booking to determine what type of policy is offered during your stay in the event of a storm. Is there a "hurricane guarantee" or other policy that will guarantee a refund of the cost of your stay, as well as any potential property damage if you are forced to cancel or evacuate due to a hurricane?
Stay up-to-date on weather in the region to which you are traveling to be aware of any events that could hamper your arrival or cause an interruption in your stay.
Once arriving at the property, double-check the property's policies and procedures.
If a storm approaches and an evacuation is ordered, secure a hurricane claim form before you evacuate.
During the evacuation, listen to radio reports of any evacuation lift or other instructions.
Save all your receipts to facilitate possible reimbursement when and if the unplanned occurs.
Once evacuation is lifted, you may need to return to the rental property. Read your policy details carefully beforehand.

While the experts predicted above-average activity this hurricane season, there are additional potential mishaps that can happen even if a storm doesn't make an appearance during a rental stay. Anticipating the unexpected - such as medical emergencies, flight delays, identity theft or a natural disaster at home before leaving - and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises.

Vacationers traveling to vacation rentals and any other domestic or International destination can find out more about planning for the unexpected by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling 866-999-4018.

Head East, Far East, Young Man For Thrifty Travel

CSA Travel Protection helps vacationers get the best bang for the buck when traveling abroad

SAN DIEGO, 2008-08-05 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers a list of International travel destinations with the best U.S. dollar exchange rates. A sagging economy, high gas prices and weakening dollar don't mean the end of traveling abroad.

While some vacationers choose to save money during these trying times by staying closer to home, there will always be those who still want to experience different cultures. According to the latest data from X-Rates.com, Asian countries offer American tourists the best value for their money.

Topping the list is South Korea, with nearly 1,016 Won to one U.S. dollar. That means the average American tourist can buy a grand, fun week in Seoul on the cheap.

The top five destinations with the best U.S. dollar exchange rate*:

South Korea
Sri Lanka
Japan
India
Thailand

For those wanting to stay on the North American continent, Mexico is the best choice. With the Mexican Peso being nearly the equivalent of a dime, it's the seventh best exchange rate. England remains the worst travel value, with the English Pound worth nearly two dollars. European countries trading the Euro are a close second.

Traveling abroad can mean longer flights, language barriers and exposure to unfamiliar ailments. Travel insurance protects vacationers from these and other unforeseen circumstances. Consumer can find out more about how travel insurance can help them on their next trip by visiting www.csatravelprotection.com or calling (800) 873-9855.

*According to X-Rates.com, using values from Friday, August 1, 2008

Your Credit Card May Not Pay For That Already Scheduled Vacation if Something Unexpected Comes Up

CSA Travel Protection Offers Little-Known Facts About Travel Insurance

SAN DIEGO, 2008-07-23 - Traveling in this economy can be risky, but it doesn't have to be. CSA Travel Protection, a proud member of the United States Travel Insurance Association (UStiA), shares some little-known facts about travel insurance. Most importantly, travel insurance covers more trip cancellation and delay reasons than provided by other types of insurance, including those offered by consumer credit cards.

According to a recent study, conducted by Avalon Actuarial Inc. for the UStiA, no other single source provides the full spectrum of coverage and services that comprehensive travel insurance does. In fact, 85 percent of the credit cards reviewed in the report did not provide any built in trip cancellation insurance*.

"People today are as careful with their money as ever, and they want to make sure they aren't risking valuable dollars needlessly - especially when planning a trip," said Les Maine, CSA Travel Protection president. "Making a small, but smart, investment in travel insurance gives back more than just assurance, but can also save consumers money in the long run."

Additional lesser-known facts about travel insurance include:

Travel insurance policies cover a variety of reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in addition to the standard sickness or injury, such as attending jury duty, damage to one's home, military obligations and permanent employment transfers.
If traveling alone and hospitalized while on a trip, most plans will pay for someone to fly to the traveler's location. In addition, if a vacationer is hospitalized while traveling with children, the plan will cover costs to return the children home with an attendant.
During the covered trip, travelers have 24-hour access to nearly any type of assistance, including legal referrals, replacement of lost eyeglasses, consular assistance, travel agency services and lost luggage assistance.
Most plans include pre-travel assistance and concierge services that can provide travelers with information about a destination, assist with obtaining tickets to events and sites (such as to museums, art galleries and sporting events), and help with reservations of all types.
Some plans also include rental car collision damage coverage, which is substantially less expensive than purchasing the rental company's damage waiver.

Some plans also include rental car collision damage coverage, which can be a substantial savings over purchasing the rental company's damage waiver.

*The report conducted by Avalon Actuarial Inc reviewed insurance policy wordings from publicly marketed credit cards from issuers that represent 90% of the industry, based on outstanding debt.

Vacation Property Management Companies Can Now Increase Rental Efficiency

New Security Deposit Protection Plan Decreases Administration

SAN DIEGO, 2008-07-09 - Happy guests make for better business. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, announces a new and insured Security Deposit Protection plan for vacation rental property managers and guests. Building on its popular Vacation Rental Insurance plan, CSA's Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers simplify their business while offering guests up to $3,000 in accidental property damage coverage.

The Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers reduce administration time due to refund checks and credit card charge-backs after checkout. In addition, guests have less incentive to avoid reporting accidental damage. The plan is fully insured, underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company.

"Accidents happen," said Mike Adelman, CSA Travel Protection vice president of sales. "Our new Security Deposit Protection makes it possible for vacation property managers to reduce administration, while keeping their guest's experience as stress-free as possible. It's a win-win situation. The efficiency of the property management company increases when staff members spend less time on administration and more time filling vacant properties."

Like CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance Plan, which covers guests door to door - from the day after a guest buys a policy right up until they return home - CSA's Security Deposit Protection adds value to a vacation rental company's bottom line every time it protects a renter.

The plan is currently available in Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, with approval pending in additional states. Vacation rental managers can find out more about CSA's new, fully insured Security Deposit Protection plan by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com, or by calling (800) 873-9855.

Planes, Trains or Automobiles Remains a Big Decision This Summer

CSA Travel Protection Compares Cost and Travel Time for Popular Vacation Destinations

SAN DIEGO, 2008-05-29 - With Memorial Day on the books, the unofficial beginning of summer is here. Reports suggest travel will be down this summer, but Americans are looking to get the most out of their time off and many will still head out of town at one point. To help travelers get the most out of their travel dollar this summer, CSA Travel Protection offers a comparison of time and money spent on round-trip travel to five domestic destinations via plane, train and automobile.

Even with the average cost of gas at $3.66 per gallon and rising, travelers are looking for alternatives to save money and time, like driving to their summer vacation destination. A regional sampling of roundtrip plane, train and auto travel cost and time investment for one traveler*:

Phoenix, Ariz. to San Diego, Calif.

Plane: $124, 2.5 hours

Train: $300, 33 hours

Auto: $106 (712 miles), 11 hours

Fargo, N.D. to Seattle, Wash.

Plane: $509, 12 hours

Train: $385, 64.5 hours

Auto: $423 (2,852 miles), 40 hours

Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington, D.C.

Plane: $467, 3 hours

Train: $148, 28.5 hours

Auto: $155 (1,044 miles), 17 hours

Grand Rapids, Mich. to New York, N.Y.

Plane: $401, 4.5 hours

Train: $286, 48 hours

Auto: $221 (1,494 miles), 23.5 hours

Austin, Texas to Orlando, Fla.

Plane: $426, 5.5 hours

Train: $566, 141 hours

Auto: $334 (2,254 miles), 34 hours

CSA Travel Protection knows that Americans have a short time to plan and enjoy summer vacation and want to make the most of every dollar this year. Obtaining travel insurance for this year's trip affords travelers greater vacation value, flexibility and service, as well as protection against the unexpected.

No matter what destination or mode of transportation selected, travelers who purchase a CSA travel protection plan within 20 days of departure receive a 20 percent discount off the policy cost.

In addition to now accepting pre-existing medical conditions up and until 24 hours before final payment, CSA's Freestyle plan also includes a no-out-of-pocket medical expense service, missed connection coverage, and rental car collision coverage.

For busy travelers where flexibility and security are paramount, CSA Freestyle Luxe includes higher benefit levels, cancellation and interruption coverage for business reasons, and broader optional cancel-for-any-reason coverage, as well as coverage for adventure travelers. Additionally, the plan includes supplier default coverage, an ever-increasing issue in today's travel market.

Travelers can find out how to plan wisely for this summer's vacation at www.csatravelprotection.com or by calling 800-348-9505.

*Flight and rail rates determined by average coach fare with fewest stops on May 5, 2008 for roundtrip travel from June 1-15, 2008 on Travelocity.com and Amtrak.com. Cost of gas is according to Energy Information Administration on May 5, 2008, with average price of a gallon of gas, all grades, being $3.66. Gas mileage rate from most recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report (2004), with average 24.7 MPG for new cars.

Creative Diversions for Stranded Airline Passengers

CSA Travel Protection Offers Stress-Reducing Tips for Anxious Travelers

SAN DIEGO, 2008-04-10 - Thousands of flights have been cancelled at the last minute in just the past week, which means thousands of travelers are finding themselves spending much more time in an airport than they planned. To alleviate some anxiety, and help these travelers make the most of this unexpected "time off," CSA Travel Protection offers stressed-out travelers some resourceful tips for keeping themselves entertained while stranded at the airport.

Creative Diversions When Stranded in an Airport

Hound your CPA to finish up your tax return so you can get your refund earlier.
Create intriguing, soap opera-like background stories for other waiting passengers.
Play the "count the Starbucks� in the terminal" game.
Count how many times in one hour you hear the "do not leave your bags unattended" announcement.
Count how many people you can get to smile back at you.
Check the payphones and vending machines for change.
Count - and admire - bad ties.
Hog all power outlets by charging your phone, laptop and iPod at the same time.
Buy $15 margaritas and $10 sandwiches for all your "new friends."
Return all the unclaimed smart carts.

Press Contact:
Jen Wilbur for CSA Travel Protection
619-501-3949
jen@rockstarcommunications.com

Travel Agents Contribute to Customers' Travel-dollar Value

CSA Travel Protection Releases Two Travel Insurance Plans for Uncertain Times

SAN DIEGO, 2008-04-08 - SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Travel professionals can now offer consumers greater vacation value, flexibility and service when purchasing travel insurance. CSA Travel Protection (CSA) this week released two newly enhanced travel insurance products, Freestyle and Freestyle Luxe. Both travel insurance plans afford travelers greater flexibility with acceptance of pre-existing medical conditions up to final trip payment.

For customers who value common-sense coverage, CSA Freestyle now offers more protection against the unexpected. In addition to now accepting pre-existing medical conditions, the Freestyle plan also includes a no-out-of-pocket medical expense service, missed connection coverage, and rental car collision coverage.

For busy professional and luxury travelers where security and flexibility are paramount, CSA Freestyle Luxe includes higher benefit levels, cancellation and interruption coverage for business reasons, and broader optional cancel-for-any-reason coverage, as well as coverage for adventure travelers. Additionally, the plan includes supplier default coverage, an ever increasing issue in today's travel market.

"Travelers today are feeling extra pressure from carrier financial defaults and worsening economic news, and they are looking for the most value and flexibility when booking a trip," said Les Maine, CSA chairman and president. "CSA tailors its products for leisure, business and adventure travel with individualized customer focus."

At a time when more flights are cancelled than ever before and consumer spending is low, travelers will be calling and emailing airlines, car rental companies and property managers to discuss trip issues. At CSA, a live person answers the phone, and individually assigned claims agents provide direct and personal customer service.

Agents can find more information on all CSA product and service enhancements at www.csatravelprotection.com or by calling 800-348-9505.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

CSA Travel Protection Accepts Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Through Final Trip Payment

Cruise Guests Offered Enhancements When Booking Their Next Trip

SAN DIEGO, 2008-03-28 - FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Travel agents and cruise professionals can now offer cruise guests greater flexibility when purchasing travel insurance. Today, at the cruise industry's annual cruise3sixty conference, CSA Travel Protection (CSA) announced that its newly enhanced travel insurance products and services include acceptance of pre-existing medical conditions up to 24 hours before final trip payment, affording greater flexibility to its customers.

A pre-existing medical condition can be a critical factor when deciding on travel insurance, and now CSA offers cruise guests this option in both its Freestyle and Freestyle Luxe products.

"Millions of people will be planning for, or embarking on, a cruise this year, and they plan early. With so much time between the initial trip deposit and final payment, we feel travelers deserve some flexibility in finalizing details," said Les Maine, CSA chairman and president. "This is just one of many travel-friendly options we offer clients to assure their cruise is one to remember."

CSA, through its designated service provider, ensures cruise guests on ships of all shapes and sizes receive personal, unparalleled customer service and attention. An assigned customer representative assists customers with emergency and concierge services when stopping in port, from locating a pharmacy to finding an emergency optometrist.

CSA is exhibiting at cruise3sixty March 7-9, 2008. Conference attendees can find more information on CSA product and service enhancements at booth #705, call 800-873-9855 or visit www.csatravelprotection.com.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

Travelers in 2008 can enjoy ultimate "Peace of Mind"

CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA Join Forces to Offer 24/7/365 Travel Convenience, Security and Assistance.

SAN DIEGO, 2008-01-08 - San Diego, Calif. AND Washington, D.C.
Millions of folks traveling this year on vacation, business or any other reason can rest easy. CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA today announced the two companies have teamed up to offer trekkers convenient 24-hour travel response and assistance, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The joined network offers travelers security and improved customer service with a human touch.

"Europ Assistance has a global network of dedicated staff in virtually any country of the world", said Mr. Les D. Maine, chairman and president of CSA. "This helps us provide convenience, security and assistance expected from our valued customers. And Europ's plans will grow with ours."

Peace of mind is a benefit CSA prides itself on providing, and it's one that is one the top of the list with travelers. According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA), six in 10 people said they believe having travel insurance gives them peace of mind while on the road.

Both CSA and Europ Assistance focus on providing consumers with personal, quick unparalleled customer service for both leisure and business travelers. In addition to emergency medical transportation, luggage coverage and concierge services, the new network offers added protection and benefits, including:

Travel Companion Assistance - Individuals travelling with the insured are also covered if a medical emergency interrupts the trip.

Pet Return - If an emergency makes it impossible for a traveler to tend to a pet with them on the trip, CSA will care for the pet and arrange a safe trip home.
- Vehicle Return - A designated person or provider will take your automobile home, or drop a rented car off at the agency, if mechanical or medical issues prevent the traveler from driving the vehicle.

According to Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO of Europ Assistance USA, "Our company prides itself on being the human face of emergency travel assistance. Teaming up with a company like CSA that shares our vision and values was a given."

As of January 1, 2008, all CSA insurance policies include the Europ Assistance USA 24/7/365 assistance plan.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA, headquartered in Washington, DC, is a part of the multinational Europ Assistance Group and its network of 71 companies, 5,000 employees and more than 850,000 service providers and medical personnel offering assistance services in 208 countries and territories around the globe. For close to half a century, the group has tailored solutions for assisting people wherever they may be and helping them respond to the unexpected throughout their daily lives. Services include emergency medical transportation, medical referrals, case monitoring claims management, identity theft resolution and data breach response services. Twenty-four hours a day at 34 assistance centers worldwide, multilingual assistance coordinators answer more than two calls per second and handle one assistance case every two seconds.

CSA Travel Protection and Dial An Exchange Partner to Bring Timeshare Owners a Quick and Easy Way of Purchasing Travel Insurance

SAN DIEGO, 2007-12-30 - CSA Travel Protection, a leading provider of travel insurance, has teamed up with Dial an Exchange, an "Independent" exchange company with the timeshare owners needs first and foremost in mind.

This partnership between CSA Travel Protection and Dial an Exchange gives Timeshare Owners immediate access to purchase travel protection at time of exchanging or banking their vacation weeks.

"By purchasing travel insurance from CSA when exchanging or banking their timeshare with Dial an Exchange, timeshare owners can protect themselves from losing any of their vacation time already purchased as well as annual maintenance fees." - Les Maine, CEO, CSA Travel Protection

About DAE (Dial An Exchange) Dial An Exchange is an "Independent" exchange company with the Timeshare Owners needs first and foremost in mind. By offering personal service and excellent value for money, Dial An Exchange has rapidly become a market leader in the holiday exchange business. As an alternative to the very large exchange companies, Dial An Exchange has carved out a niche market by specializing in customer service, attention to detail, and helping owners get the exchanges they want without a lot of angst and aggravation. By being consistent in our approach in helping owners, Dial An Exchange has been able to extend the service and the number of destinations offered to members, and now operates from offices located in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, USA, Asia and South Africa. These combined forces have come together to bring initiatives in customer service, technological change in reservations systems, and to offer a stronger choice for Timeshare Owners across the globe. The Dial An Exchange 'exchange system' has also been extended to include the owners of Managed "Holiday Properties" (villas, condos, townhouses & apartments) so they to can benefit from the same exchange service that has been available to Timeshare Owners for many years. This helps increase the variety and number of destination resorts available for our entire membership base. Our philosophy is simply; provide timeshare exchanges for our members with a minimum of fuss, at a low cost, in a wide variety of destinations in various parts of the world, and all with personal customer service. We have changed the way you expect to do your Timeshare Exchanges! We deliver your expectations! For more information about Dial An Exchange visit www.daelive.com or call (800) 468-1799.

CSA Travel Protection Offices Open during San Diego Wildfires

SAN DIEGO, 2007-10-25 - As you know, San Diego County has been impacted by a series of wildfires. Our office is open and our employees are safe. On Monday October 22, 2007, Mayor Jerry Sanders asked San Diego County to stay off the major highways unless absolutely necessary.

"After the mayors announcement on Monday, CSA closed the office and asked that all employees stay home to take care of themselves and their families," says Les Maine -CEO, CSA Travel Protection

Tuesday, October 23, 2007, CSA Travel Protection re-opened with minimal staff as many employees and members of our managerial staff had been evacuated from their homes and were unable to return to work. Today CSA is happy to announce we are fully staffed and all employees and their families are accounted for and safe from harms way.

CBS News announced today that San Diego County has suffered over $1 billion dollars in damage and more than 1,500 homes have been destroyed and at least a half-million people fled during the evacuation process. This has been the largest evacuation in state history.

The announcement of San Diego's staggering losses came as President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for California in the wake of the wildfires that have burned about 410,000 acres, or 640 square miles. "Americans all across this land care deeply about them," the president said after a Cabinet meeting convened to coordinate federal relief efforts. "We're concerned about their safety. We're concerned about their property."

CSA Travel Protection is proud of how San Diegans worked together during this devastating process and internally at CSA our Emergency Plans are continuing to work perfectly to assist our insured clients. Many of CSA's insured clients will have claims for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption and we assure them we are prepared to assist them with a great deal of compassion and prompt attention.

If you have questions regarding your policy with CSA Travel Protection please contact us 24 hours a day at (800) 348-9505 or visit us at www.csatravelprotection.com.

CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us.

CSA Travel Protection and Cheapoair.com to Deliver

SAN DIEGO, 2007-10-17 - CSA Travel Protection, a leading provider of travel insurance, has teamed up with Cheapoair.com, a top budget travel website to provide Cheapoair.com consumers with affordable travel insurance.

This partnership gives travelers immediate access to purchase travel protection at time of booking flight arrangements with Cheapoair.com.

With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting on August 30, 2007, that flight delays were up 19 percent from last summer, purchasing travel insurance is more important than ever. Over 15 million people will take to the skies during the upcoming holiday season hoping for smooth arrivals and departures to their destinations. Unfortunately many will experience flight delays which can cause them to lose time and money on their vacation and create additional stress as they struggle to make emergency hotel accommodations and book new flights to catch up with their trip.

"By purchasing travel insurance from CSA when booking flights, cruises and hotel accommodations on Cheapoair.com, travelers can immediately protect themselves." - Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection

About Cheapoair.com
Cheapoair.com is a New York based consumer travel web site offering low airfares to its 1 Million plus customer base. Their vision has always been to infuse emerging technology into affordable travel solutions for the most budget conscious minds. Their motto is: "We Discount the Fares, never the Service!" Their portfolio of airfare products includes over 18 million exclusive low airfares and the technological foundation to deliver the most competitive air tickets online, all over the globe. For more information regarding Cheapoair.com visit www.cheapoair.com or call (212) 478-0335.

Summer Traveling - How to Get the Most out of Your Family Vacation

SAN DIEGO, 2007-08-17 - As you and your family depart on your summer vacation, CSA Travel Protection is here to assist you before, during and after your vacation.

CSA Travel Protection recognizes that with today's busy lifestyles, many families value their vacation more than ever. Summer is a time to pack up the entire family and head out for the annual vacation adventure.

This summer, Italy has been chosen by many families as their vacation destination and is the chance of a lifetime to retrace their roots. When planning your European adventure, it is always better to be safe than sorry and purchase travel insurance to protect your hard earned money. "Whether you are taking your family vacation internationally or domestically, purchasing travel insurance is always a safe way to go."
- Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection

With your CSA travel insurance policy you will receive a blanket of coverages which includes Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Trip Delay, Baggage Protection and coverage for Medical Emergencies. Additionally, CSA Travel Protection provides you and your family a touch of luxury with our extensive concierge services which include:

City profiles: provide travelers access to information on over 10,000 destinations worldwide, including a complete report on local entertainment, social customs, and health advisories.
Epicurean needs: arranges the delivery of specialized foods and beverages to your home or office, including gourmet meats and fine wine.
Event ticketing: provides tickets to virtually any sporting, theater or concert event worldwide.
Flowers and gift baskets: include the purchase and shipment of flowers and gift baskets to friends, family members, and business associates.
Golf outings and tee times: provide referrals and tee times at golf courses around the world.
Hotel accommodations: offers research and recommendations on hotels worldwide and book reservations if requested by you.
Meet-and-greet services: include the pick-ups of friends; family members or business associates at airports or other common carrier destinations by limousine personnel.
Personalized retail shopping assistance: includes purchasing selected retail items at your request.
Pre-trip assistance: provides information on travel destinations, city profiles, weather, special events, ATM locations, currency exchange rates, immunization and passport requirements, and related services.
Procurement of hard-to-find items: ensures our associates will use every means possible to obtain an obscure or exotic item at your request.
Restaurant reviews and reservations: provides you with information on restaurants worldwide and the ability to book reservations from anywhere, anytime.
Rental car reservations: provide worldwide reservations through most major rental car agencies.
Airline reservations: provide full-service air travel accommodations to destinations worldwide.

The Concierge Services are like having your own personal assistant and butler who work to help bring your trip together and create the ultimate VIP travel experience for your family. Something many families will find value in, as they may not normally be able to afford services like this on their own. CSA provides not only an excellent travel insurance package but all these extra services at no charge!

CSA is here to protect your family with a customized quote just for you! Whether you and your family decide to take that European vacation this summer, or you're traveling a little closer to home, make sure to take along CSA Travel Protection as your trusted friend. Call CSA at (800) 348-9505 or visit us at www.csatravelprotection.com.
We are here for you before, during and after your trip.

CSA Travel Protection Helps Lemonade Stand Girls Fulfill Their Dream of Vacationing in San Diego

SAN DIEGO, 2007-07-19 - CSA Travel Protection has extended a helping hand to two girls from Phoenix, Arizona. On Saturday, July 14, 2007, Paris Garcia, 11, and her 14-year-old sister, Sterling were selling lemonade in the effort to save enough money to go to Sea World on their annual trip to San Diego. Two women approached the girls to purchase lemonade and paid with a $50 dollar bill. The girls gave the two women change for the $50 but came up short with only $38 dollars. One of the women said "Keep the change!" At ages 11 and 14 you can imagine how excited the girls were to get an $11 dollar tip! Hours later the girls' father, Steve Garcia, broke the bad news that the $50 dollar bill was counterfeit.

CSA Travel Protections CEO, Les Maine, was traveling and caught the news this morning and saw the story about the Lemonade Stand Girls being ripped off. "We want the Garcia girls to know that while there are people like those two women with the bogus $50 dollar bill, there are also good solid Americans that won't stand for such poor treatment." -Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection.

After speaking with the Garcia family, CSA Travel Protection has offered Travel Insurance at NO COST to the girls and family members traveling from Arizona to San Diego, California. CSA also thought since these girls had their hard earned cash basically "Stolen" that we are also paying for the girls and their family to spend the day at their original destination, Sea World!

CSA called the Garcia family to let them know the good news. Steve Garcia was very grateful and not long after both Paris and Sterling Garcia called CSA to say thank you for such a kind gesture. "We are so excited to come to San Diego and now we will still get to go to Sea World. How cool!" said Sterling.

CSA hopes to show the girls that there is good in the world and at their age they should kick back and enjoy their vacation in beautiful San Diego. If you have any questions regarding the Lemonade Stand Garcia Girls or CSA Travel Protection please call us at (800) 348-9505 or visit www.csatravelprotection.com.

CSA Travel Protection Prepares for Hurricane Season: Why You Need Travel Insurance

SAN DIEGO, 2007-06-27 - With hurricane season officially underway, CSA Travel Protection is here to assist you before, during and after your vacation. Whether your travels include a cruise in the Caribbean, a week on the beach at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or a stop-over in the Miami airport on your way to some far away place, hurricanes have a way of changing even the best laid plans. CSA Travel Protection cannot alter the course of the hurricane but we do alter the impact that they have on our policyholders.

"At our office in San Diego, we constantly monitor developing storms to ensure that we have plenty of Customer Service and Claims Representatives standing by as soon as concerned travelers begin calling us. It is always rewarding to review the unsolicited notes of "thanks" that we receive after this sort of event."
-Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection

Experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic, Tropical and National Hurricane Season will be above normal this year. What this means to leisure travelers, business travelers, vacation property renters and timeshare owners is that this year is likely to be one in which it is better to be safe than sorry.

CSA's comprehensive travel protection policies typically include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay and baggage delay, important emergency assistance services and identity theft protection. Many consumers who do not purchase travel protection believe that they have similar protection from their homeowner's insurance or their credit cards. While some credit cards may provide accidental death or rental car damage protection and homeowners' policies may provide reimbursement for stolen property, typically neither of them will provide monetary reimbursement for unused prepaid and non-refundable travel arrangements or unexpected costs. Travel insurance is specifically designed to go "over and above" other types of insurance and cover the "holes or gaps" traditional insurance does not. This protection has all the security without the worry of deductibles. Travel insurance is designed for unexpected events that impact travelers every day.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
Before deciding against travel protection, consider for a moment Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage. Travel insurance protects your pre-paid, non-refundable vacation expenses should you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as:

A mandatory evacuation or the interruption of essential services due to a hurricane or natural disaster at your destination.
Your primary residence being made uninhabitable by fire, flood, or natural disaster.
Covered sickness, injury or death of the traveler, traveling companion or family member.
Acts of terrorism (at your home city or scheduled destination city).
Jury service.
Call into active military and/or revocation of approved military leave.

In the event you would have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, travel insurance could repay all of your pre-paid, non-refundable vacation costs, allowing you to book another vacation. Additionally, if you are in the middle of enjoying your vacation and a covered event should require you to interrupt your trip and return home early, travel insurance would reimburse you for your unused arrangements and your additional transportation expenses to return home. Travel insurance is the best way to get complete peace of mind while traveling domestically or internationally.

For example, two days before your trip to the Florida Keys for a week of R & R in a house that you've rented on the beach, a hurricane hits the area knocking out the power and closing the roads. Power is finally restored and the roads re-opened on what should have been your fifth day of fun. Your travel protection policy would reimburse you for all of your unused pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs and you could start making plans for your new vacation.

In so many instances, travelers do not know how to prepare for the unexpected. Vacation is a time to enjoy time in paradise, away from cell phones, computers and every day life. But things don't always go according to plan, especially during hurricane season. A call to a CSA Customer Service Representative can be the first step to restoring order in chaotic times. Although benefits might be available to you from your everyday insurance and credit card providers, comprehensive travel protection is available to you all the time from CSA.

Please contact CSA for detailed information on coverage, benefits and exclusions at www.csatravelprotection.com or call (800) 348-9505.

CONTACT: Jennifer Wilbur with; Rockstar Communications; (619) 865-9045; PR@csatravelprotection.com

About CSA Travel Protection®

Headquartered in San Diego, California, CSA Travel Protection provides an extensive array of comprehensive and competitively priced guest cancellation, travel insurance and travel assistance services designed to meet every vacation traveler's needs. CSA continuously reinforces its innovative leadership position with the introduction of innovative product enhancements that set the industry standard. Founded in 1991, CSA's retail and custom products and services are offered nationwide by more than 200 resort and property managers, and 7,000 travel-related outlets. For more information, visit www.csatravelprotection.com or call toll-free, (800) 348-9505.

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