In an era where travel insurance awareness is on the rise, it’s surprising that numerous misconceptions and myths persist. Among these, claims handling and payouts have been a common point of contention.
As Cheri Thompson, Business Development Manager at Allianz, puts it, “Travel advisors play a crucial role in discrediting these myths, and one thing is true: more clients rely on their trusted travel advisor to help them debunk not just the myths, but navigate all the value and benefits that travel insurance has to offer.”
Allianz addresses the top two travel myths:
Myth Number One: “Travel Insurance is Too Complicated”
One common myth is that travel insurance is too complex, especially when filing a claim.
“This is where a trusted travel advisor can really excel and add value,” says Thompson. While clients might deem travel insurance intricate, Thompson underscores, “With their strong background in the travel landscape, drive for continuous learning and robust customer service skills, advisors are well-positioned to guide their clients through the unique eligibility, benefits, conditions, and exclusions contained in a travel insurance policy.
“We ensure advisors are fully supported with comprehensive product training and an intuitive online sales system that guides advisors and their clients through each step of the sale.”
Thompson reinforced Allianz’s commitment to supporting retailers with these tips on debunking insurance misconceptions.
- Expert Guidance: Advisors have a profound understanding of the travel industry. With their robust background in the field and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of travel insurance policies.
- Policy Understanding: Travel insurance policies come with their own set of terms, conditions, and exclusions. Travel advisors can decipher these intricacies, explaining what is covered and what is not.
- Comprehensive Training: Allianz provides comprehensive product training and an intuitive online sales systems.
- Unmatched Value: Understanding the coverage and terms of the policy is crucial to a successful trip-planning process. Travel insurance not only provides financial protection but also peace of mind.
- Meeting Client Needs: With travel insurance, advisors cater to all their client’s vacation needs, including the often-overlooked aspect of financial protection.
Myth Number Two: “I’ve travelled so many times and never needed travel insurance.”
Another persistent myth is that travel insurance is unnecessary, especially for experienced travellers.
Thompson says the reality is quite different:
- Travel Emergencies Can Happen Anytime: Unexpected emergencies can occur at any time, whether you’re relaxing by the pool, exploring a new city, or shopping for souvenirs. Travel insurance offers a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.
- A Single Incident Can Change Everything: It takes just one small accident or illness to turn the perfect vacation into a stressful ordeal.
- Claims Often Begin with Emergencies: Many insurance claims start with emergencies, such as a sudden illness, a broken bone, or an upset stomach. Travel insurance provides financial and logistical support in these challenging situations.
- Round-the-Clock Assistance: Reputable travel insurance providers offer 24/7 emergency assistance. Their teams of medical professionals are on hand to provide care and guidance in times of crisis.
Highlighting the bond between the travel professional and their client, Thompson observed, “Sometimes in an emergency, a client will reach out to their travel advisor for help – that’s the kind of close relationship many advisors have with their clients.”
She determines that travel consultants are crucial in providing clients with thorough, stress-free travel experiences. Armed with the right information and understanding, advisors can efficiently address and dispel misconceptions about travel insurance, strengthening their trustworthiness and reputation with clients.
