Extended Coverage for Volcano-related Travel Delays
The volcanic eruption in Iceland has adversely affected air traffic in Europe since it started in mid-April. Although the situation has improved, the continuous emission of volcanic ash might still affect the normal operation of flights. To ensure that our customers are protected against any eventuality, Blue Cross now provides the following coverage extension1 to customers whose journeys have been delayed due to this incident.
If any insured person is eligible for the Travel Delay benefit2 due to a travel delay caused by the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland, we at Blue Cross would be pleased to offer extra reimbursement for reasonable overseas accommodation expenses3 incurred by the insured person during the period of delay, subject to the following benefit limits:
Insurance Plan
Maximum Benefit of Coverage Extension Relating to Overseas Accommodation Expenses
Travel Smart – Premier Plan
Annual Travel Insurance – Plan I
HK$2,000
Travel Smart – Select Plan
Annual Travel Insurance – Plan II
HK$1,000
1 This coverage extension is effective until 30 September 2010. 2 Please refer to the policy terms and conditions for details of the Travel Delay benefit. 3 Receipt of hotel accommodation is required.
Extended Coverage to Support the Outbound Travel Alert System
For the safety of people travelling abroad, the Outbound Travel Alert System implemented by the Security Bureau of Hong Kong helps people assess the risks of travelling to overseas destinations through the use of the following 3 colour-coded alerts:
Amber Alert
Red Alert
Black Alert
Scenario
Signs of threat
Significant threat
Severe threat
Travellers/prospective travellers should:
Monitor situation; exercise caution
Adjust travel plans; avoid non-essential travel
Avoid all travel
To give our travel insurance policyholders greater peace of mind, we at Blue Cross are pleased to offer extended "Cancellation Charges"# and "Curtailment of Trip" benefits from now until 31 March 2011 in the event that the Security Bureau of Hong Kong issues a Black Alert for a destination after an insurance policy has been issued.
We will also offer assistance to policyholders who need to cancel their policies and fully refund premiums paid, should a Red Alert or Black Alert be issued.
#
"Cancellation Charges" benefit is applicable provided that:
a)
the policy/certificate of insurance is issued not later than 1 day before the day on which the Black Alert is first issued at the travel destination; and
b)
cancellation of such air tickets, tour packages or other travel arrangements shall take place not earlier than 7 days before the commencement date of the period of insurance and the Black Alert shall prevail at the time of such cancellation.
Enjoy Greater Protection When Travelling with the Infectious Disease Extension
In view of the rampant spread of influenza A H1N1 and other infectious diseases around the world, many travellers require more extensive insurance coverage for added protection and greater peace of mind. To protect your health and well-being, Blue Cross is pleased to introduce an Infectious Disease Extension to single trip and annual travel insurance policies1 that provide insurance coverage against sickness for journeys commencing on or after 1 January 2010.
Eligibility:
Insured persons confined to compulsory quarantine2 by the local governments if they are suspected of being infected or infected with an infectious disease3 during the journey or within 7 days upon return to Hong Kong will enjoy an Extra Cash Allowance under the Infectious Disease Extension.
Amount:
Cash allowance of HK$500 for each complete day (i.e. 24 hours) up to HK$10,000 in aggregate.
Exclusions:
a)
Any dwelling quarantine.
b)
The planned destination has been declared as an infected area of Infectious Disease by the government and/or World Health Organization (“WHO”) on or before the commencement date of the period of insurance.
c)
The quarantine period is less than a continuous period of 24 hours.
1
The Infectious Disease Extension only applies to TravelSafe Plus series, Travel Smart, Annual Travel Insurance, Annual China Travel Insurance, and Inbound Travel Insurance – Premier Plan, which are underwritten by Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited, a member of the BEA Group.
2
Compulsory Quarantine
"Compulsory Quarantine" means the insured person is suspected of being infected or infected with an infectious disease and is placed under compulsory isolation in a hospital or other specific place appointed by the government of Hong Kong or destinations for at least one full day (i.e. 24 hours).
3
Infectious Disease
"Infectious Disease" means any kind of infectious disease with a pandemic alert issued by WHO and compulsory quarantine is required by the government of Hong Kong or destinations.
For details of the Infectious Disease Extension, please call our Customer Service Hotline at 3608 2988.
Blue Cross Being Named the "Caring Company" Again (2009/10)
Blue Cross is pleased to have been named a “Caring Company” again. The recognition is conferred by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, in recognition of the Company’s continuing commitments of being a corporate citizen to serve the community.
Over the past year, Blue Cross has joined hands with HKPHAB Association to promote the barrier-free concept (無障礙概念) in the community. The Blue Cross volunteer team had taken part in a series of community services to help the needy, which was truly an encouragement of people of all abilities to come together on equal terms.
The recognition is regarded as an acknowledgement to our efforts in: Volunteering, Giving, Employing the Vulnerable, Caring for the Employee, and Caring for the Environment.
Blue Cross Being Recognised The "Best Editor's Pick 2009"
At the beginning of 2010, Blue Cross is very proud to receive the “Best Editor’s Pick 2009” for the 2nd year in a row. The award is presented by “Lisa Magazine”, a leading lifestyle magazine in Hong Kong, in recognition of the superiority of different brands in their respective areas of profession.
This award indeed acts as a motivating start for our Company. In the days ahead, we look forward to receiving more remarkable achievements that bring our Company to a new height.
Blue Cross Wins "Quality Life Award 2009 - Quality Insurance Service"
In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, Blue Cross is very pleased to share with you the latest honour of the Company being the winner of "Quality Life Awards 2009 - Quality Insurance Service Award " for the second year in a row. This award is presented by《Lisa味道》, one of the leading lifestyle magazines in Hong Kong, to recognise those highly regarded brands that are perceived by the general public as the most trust-worthy in their respective industries.
The award goes to Blue Cross with readers and public polling accounting for 70% of the total scores in judging while the remaining 30% is from panel of judges. We are very delighted to receive this honour as it acknowledges our Company's commitment in providing quality service to customers.
Cheque presentation to SIG tour members recently returned from their trip to China. Each of the insured received a Human Swine Flu cash allowance of HK$5,000.
Customer's health and well-being are always our first priority here at Blue Cross. At the onset of Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) outbreak back in April, we thought we were simply doing what a socially responsible corporate citizen would be doing by offering customers extra benefits coverage against the disease. Turned out we were the first company stepping forward to do that. As Human Swine Flu continued to spread in June, a total of 25 group travellers with Sincere International Travel Services (SIG) became the first tour from Hong Kong placed in mandatory quarantine in China. Upon their return to Hong Kong, Patrick Wan, Managing Director, went in person to meet with some of the tour members to express his deepest concern. A Human Swine Flu cash allowance of HK$5,000 was given to each of the insured.
Blue Cross being the supporting company of MSF Day 2008
Being a socially responsible organisation, Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited ("Blue Cross") participated as one of the supporting companies of "Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Day 2008" this year. With the enthusiastic support from Blue Cross staff and business partners, Blue Cross has donated HK$50,000 for MSF to help the populations in danger.
In the days ahead, Blue Cross will continue to participate in different charity activities and devote more efforts to arouse the awareness of social services and make it a part of our successful corporate cultures.
Blue Cross Wins "Capital Weekly Service Award 2008 - Medical Insurance"
Hong Kong, 3rd June, 2008 - Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited ("Blue Cross") announced to have been awarded the "Capital Weekly Service Award 2008 - Medical Insurance" presented by the Capital Weekly, one of the leading Hong Kong business publications.
The accolade is conferred to recognise Blue Cross's relentless pursuit of learning and the best in class application in the sphere of service excellence. Readers and public polling accounts for 30% of the total scores in judging while the rest is from panel of judges (40%) and Capital Weekly editorial team (30%). We are very pleased to receive this honour as it acknowledges our Company's achievements in service excellence in the eyes of customers.
Providing top-quality of products and services to our customers is always our top priority. We will continue to keep an eye on the market to ensure we will provide the best quality of products and services to the customers.
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