1. New Passport Rules: Did you know that effective June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. by air, land, or sea will be required to show a passport, passport card (a new program; visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html), or other documentation?

Always carry photocopies of your passport and/or other documents stashed away, separate from the originals, and be sure that the expiration date is at least six months beyond your scheduled return to the U.S. If your documents should be lost or stolen, contact your Travel Insurance provider for immediate assistance.

2. Speaking of Documents The time has come to be sure that your full, formal name appears on all documents, including your passport, driver’s license, and other legal papers….and no nicknames! The Federal Transportation SecurityAdministration has set August 15 as a target date for the airlines to begin asking for each passenger’s full name, gender, and date of birth. This program, called “Secure Flight” will go into effect in phases, as the airlines update their computer systems. This, too, is designed to provide additional security on our borders and in our skies.

3. Swine Flu Though the flu hasn’t had the devastating effect that was feared, it’s still a concern for many travelers. Travel Insurance will provide benefits if you contract the flu either before departure or during your trip, so long as you are covered by a comprehensive plan. Fear of contracting swine flu is not a covered reason for cancellation or interruption of a trip; however, if you are medically quarantined due to swine flu, you may be eligible for trip delay and other benefits. The only way to have complete flexibility is to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage as part of your insurance plan. You must purchase it within two weeks of making your initial trip deposit (air, tour, cruise, etc….whichever comes first.)

4. Contact an independent, licensed Travel Insurance agency with questions about any aspect of trip protection.

Terry Seligman
AGTraveler Writer



Contact TerryTours Travel Insurance at 877-800-0330 or www.ChoosingTravelInsurance.com and mention AGTraveler for your free “travel insurance checkup.”