TORONTO, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - As the busiest time of the year for travel approaches, RBC Insurance offers Canadians important travel advice as it relates to this year's flu season and H1N1.

"With many Canadians debating over whether they should travel during the flu season to visit friends and family for the holidays, it's important that they are aware of how travel insurance can protect them financially," said Martha Turnbull, director, Assistance and Claims, RBC Insurance Company of Canada.

Ms. Turnbull is available for media commentary to discuss the benefits of travel insurance and why Canadians shouldn't be discouraged from travelling this flu season.

Here are some frequently asked questions posed by Canadian travellers regarding seasonal flu and H1N1:

	    1.  Can I cancel my trip because I have become ill with seasonal flu or
	        H1N1? Trip cancellation insurance provides coverage if you become ill
	        with the flu, as long as you purchased your insurance policy before
	        developing flu-like symptoms and received confirmation from a doctor
	        that you have the flu.

	    2.  If I get the H1N1 vaccination and exhibit side effects before my
	        travel date, can I cancel my trip? Trip cancellation insurance
	        provides coverage if you develop side effects from the vaccination,
	        as long as you have purchased your insurance policy before developing
	        side effects and received confirmation from a doctor that you have
	        side effects.

	    3.  If I get the H1N1 vaccination and exhibit side effects while
	        travelling, am I covered? Emergency medical insurance and trip
	        interruption insurance will provide coverage for emergency medical
	        treatment and additional costs such as accommodations, meals and
	        transportation if you exhibit side effects from the H1N1 vaccination
	        while travelling and can't return home as scheduled.

	    4.  Can I change the dates on my travel insurance policy because I have
	        become ill with the seasonal flu or H1N1 and can't travel? If you get
	        the flu, you may be able to change your travel dates for no extra
	        cost as long the length and cost of the trip remains the same.

	    5.  If I get the seasonal flu or H1N1 while travelling, am I covered?
	        Emergency medical and trip interruption insurance will provide
	        coverage for emergency medical treatment and additional costs such as
	        accommodations, meals and transportation if you get the seasonal flu
	        or H1N1 while travelling and can't return home as scheduled.

	    6.  If I didn't purchase travel insurance at the time I booked my trip
	        and I am worried about H1N1, can I still purchase it? Some insurance
	        companies may allow you to purchase travel insurance at any time
	        right up to your departure date, but it must be purchased before you
	        develop flu-like symptoms.

	    7.  What happens if I am denied boarding at a Canadian airport or denied
	        entry at my destination, as a result of exhibiting flu-like symptoms?
	        If you are denied boarding or denied entry as a result of exhibiting
	        flu-like symptoms, trip interruption insurance provides coverage as
	        long as you have purchased your insurance policy before developing
	        flu-like symptoms and received confirmation from a doctor that you
	        have the flu.

	    8.  Can I cancel my trip because I am afraid of getting the seasonal flu
	        or H1N1? Travel insurance companies have products that are designed
	        to provide coverage for a variety of situations, but fear of getting
	        the flu is not usually covered.
	    

For further information

or to arrange an interview, contact: Margie McNeil, RBC Insurance, (905) 606-1425, margie.mcneil@rbc.com
André Roberts, RBC Corporate Communications, (416) 974-3180, andre.roberts@rbc.com