[ad_1]
Over the past year, more people than ever have experienced the disappointment of delaying or completely canceling a trip and the stress of losing money doing so. Fortunately, this process is getting a little less burdensome for travelers, thanks to widespread changes to travel insurance policies due to COVID-19.
In a major shift in the industry, a growing number of insurance providers are adding policies that cover cancellations or delays due to illness, individually ordered quarantines, denied boardings and other events caused by COVID-19 or future epidemics. Previously, only one type of insurance offered some coverage in the midst of an existing outbreak or pandemic – cancellation policy upgrades for any reason – the majority of travel insurance offering none. coverage in a situation like COVID-19.
Today, as travelers feel more comfortable re-entering the world, insurers are introducing more flexible policies. In a landmark move, Allianz announced on Monday that it was strengthening policies for individually ordered disease coverage or quarantines for COVID-19 and future outbreaks.
With these enhancements, outbreak-related illnesses are a covered ground for canceling or interrupting travel, or claiming reimbursement for emergency medical care, emergency medical transportation, change fees, and drop-off fees. loyalty points. (Some of these add-ons became temporarily available at the start of the pandemic, but they are now permanently available.)
Product enhancements also allow insured travelers to cancel or interrupt a trip “if they or their travel companion has been individually quarantined, sick or tested positive for a disease. disease, ”Allianz said. “Trip Interruption and Trip Delay benefits on some plans will also provide coverage if a customer or their travel companion is denied boarding by their carrier due to suspected illness. ”
These types of policies are becoming a staple among travelers right now. “Currently, our data indicates that around 40% of our travelers research and purchase coverage specifically for COVID-19,” said Megan Moncrief, director of marketing at insurance comparison site Squaremouth. “For now, COVID-related coverage continues to drive travel insurance sales and, therefore, the development of travel insurance products that meet the needs of today’s travelers.”
[ad_2]
