Allianz returns to the travel insurance fold

Allianz Partners has returned to the travel insurance market with a new and improved product offering that adapts to the ‘new normal’.

Under Allianz’s revamped offering, refunds are available for policyholders impacted by both national and international border closures due to COVID-19 via a new online platform.

Underwritten by Allianz Australia, the purchase platform has been developed to align to the changes in customers’ expectations, offering some cover to those who are positively diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling.

Should COVID-19 border closures or mandatory quarantine shorten or cause a cancellation of their travel plans, policyholders are also entitled to a partial or full premium refund.

Designed for eligible singles, duos and families, the new policies cover Australians and eligible visa-holders travelling domestically and internationally, as long as they are travelling to a country that is included in the Australian government’s travel zone arrangement.

Allianz’s new travel insurance policies are easily accessible through the new platform, which is also designed to help reduce the compliance load for partners, and automates future updates.

Aimee McGuinness, chief underwriting officer at Allianz Partners Australia, said the platform guides customers through the travel insurance decision-making process using simplified and easy-to-understand language.

“Travel has changed dramatically since COVID-19, and we want to offer our partners and customers a better experience when they return to travelling, making it easier for them to more fully understand travel insurance in this pandemic market,” she said.

“We’ve invested thousands of hours developing the platform to ensure it adapts to constant change – like what has been brought on by COVID-19 – with minimal disruption.

“Close to 100 product disclosure statements have now been streamlined to less than five, highlighting our commitment to simplicity for partners and customers.

“With the newly designed purchase path, customers have access to the product disclosure statement throughout the purchase journey, enabling them to find detailed information on their policy at any stage of their purchase.

“This helps customers make an informed decision and offers full transparency on the product.”

Allianz temporarily ceased travel insurance sales back in March last year, and was taken to court in September over allegedly selling travel insurance that was misleading via three websites run by Expedia.

Featured image source: iStock/Cineberg