BOSTON, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --John Hancock Financial today announced that it has entered the travel insurance marketplace, distributing products through a new web site, www.johnhancocktravel.com, and through travel insurance comparison sites such as InsureMyTrip.com.

The new travel insurance plans and products combine cancellation, interruption, medical, accident, and baggage protection with extensive, worldwide 24-hour multi-lingual emergency services. They will be distributed by John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc., and underwritten by Old Republic Insurance Company (ORIC) of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

"Today's travelers make significant outlays for transportation, lodging and other expenses in planning trips," said Beth McGoldrick, assistant vice president of John Hancock. "We expect this new line of insurance will meet the travel protection needs of the many customers we serve across the United States, and we are pleased to partner with Old Republic, an experienced carrier in this area."

She added: "Going forward we also see opportunities for our distribution to expand, as we add travel agents, financial companies and other outlets seeking high quality products to sell to their clients."

About Old Republic Insurance Company
Old Republic Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Old Republic International Corporation (ORIC). ORIC traces its beginnings to 1923, although several acquired subsidiaries began operations much earlier. The Company is one of America's 50 largest shareholder-owned insurance businesses. As the underwriter/insurer, Old Republic Insurance Company is obligated to the insured for the benefits provided by this product.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation
John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canada-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 21 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$492 billion (US$473 billion) as at September 30, 2011. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Financial