At the beginning of this year, it was difficult for the travel industry to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Widespread vaccination had just begun, and travel restrictions were tighter than ever. As we approach the end of 2021, however, the restrictions are easing, and — slowly but surely — people are gaining the confidence to travel again.
According to a July 2021 survey by Allianz Partners, 66% of the travel insurance provider’s customers expected to travel within the next three months. Back in February 2021, that figure was just 22% for the same period of time.
The February survey also found that 21% of respondents were unsure when they would travel again. That percentage decreased to 7% when respondents were asked the same question in July.
These numbers are promising for travel advisors and suppliers worldwide, but especially those in the United States. When questioned about travel destinations, more than half (55%) of customers preferred the continental U.S., while Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean came in second (24%).
“Confidence and certainty around travel is returning, and we’re seeing customers rebound to pre-pandemic interest levels, which has the potential to fuel travel enthusiasm into 2022,” said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications at Allianz Partners USA, in a press release.
This renewed confidence and enthusiasm applies to the hard-hit cruise industry, too. When asked how COVID-19 has impacted their comfort level with taking a cruise, 24% of respondents said it did not affect their comfort level, while 41% said that although it made them less comfortable, they were still willing to go on a cruise in the future.
A major factor that will influence the post-pandemic future of travel is whether clients can protect their bookings with epidemic insurance. Most travel insurance providers were unprepared for the influx of COVID-19-related cancellations last year, so Allianz rolled out a series of new service enhancements that will help people purchase travel with greater peace of mind going forward.
Epidemic Coverage
In March 2021, Allianz added epidemic coverage to its travel insurance options. It covers trip cancellations and interruptions if clients fall ill with COVID-19 or a future outbreak and seek reimbursement for medical treatment. The plan also covers travelers who have been individually mandated to quarantine, regardless of disease testing results or if they exhibit symptoms.
Plus, the program covers delays or interruptions that result from denied boardings due to suspected infection. Clients will not be subject to the five-day maximum limit for extra accommodation, food and transportation expenses.
“The COVID-19 crisis has created an unprecedented hardship for both travelers and the travel industry,” said Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales at Allianz Partners USA, in a press release. “We’re pleased to announce that we’ve added epidemic enhancements to many of our products that provide the coverage and benefits that are so valuable to today’s traveler.”
Clients can purchase epidemic coverage for individual trips or annual products.
This enhancement builds upon the temporary policies put into place by Allianz in March 2020. To spread the word about these new insurance offerings, the company launched an influencer campaign in August to educate travelers on the importance of protecting their trips against COVID-19 and future uncertainty.
The endorsement does not cover cancellations due to fear of contracting COVID-19 or if travel advisories are issued for the client’s destination. Still, the new epidemic enhancement covers more than the company’s general insurance plans.
New Features on AgentMax Online
Allianz has also upgraded the platform AgentMax Online, so that travel advisors can easily book travel insurance for groups. The new feature allows agents to purchase group insurance in a single transaction by uploading a traveler list. They can also add travelers to these groups at a later date.
Another feature is a new notifications tab on the site that reminds advisors of new and expiring benefits.
“Our recent upgrades to our AgentMax travel insurance booking platform allow travel advisors to quickly protect groups from covered situations that may cause members of the group to cancel or interrupt a trip, as well as provide coverage for medical emergencies, lengthy travel delays, lost baggage and more,” Aquino said in the release.
TravelSmart App
Allianz’s award-winning TravelSmart App gives travelers access to their policy details, real-time flight updates, local U.S. Embassy and emergency contact information, claim tracking and filing, geolocation services, a medical translator and an alerts center, all from their smartphone.
New Retail Marketing Website
In August, Allianz launched a new retail marketing website where current travel advisor partners can receive updates on the epidemic coverage enhancement, the TravelSmart app, AgentMax Online, the Allianz Partners Specialist training program and various marketing resources. Prospective travel agent partners can join to learn more about Allianz’s lineup of benefits, like 24/7 travel assistance, sales and training resources and patented SmartBenefits claim services.
The Details
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