The move had originally been put on hold because of the pandemic but now Abta has decided to unveil Travel Sure to give agents and operators a “high quality product from a brand they can trust”.
It will also be sold direct to consumers.
Abta said it expected Travel Sure, which is now on sale, to appeal to clients with existing bookings or rescheduled trips who need cover for any Covid-19-related medical expenses while on holiday, as long as the area is exempt from Foreign Office (FCO) advice against all but essential travel – see the list of FCO exemptions.
The policies also cover clients who catch the coronavirus before their trip and are unable to travel, but will not cover any non-medical cancellations, such as government restrictions on travel due to Covid-19 or other pandemics, or flights being cancelled.
The association added members would have a “long-term opportunity” to promote Travel Sure and earn commission will be available. which could require them to become an introducer appointed representative or appointed representative “depending on their level of involvement”.
Travel Sure, which is underwritten by Axa, offers three levels of cover across both single trip and annual multi-trip policies, with prices based on the needs of each client.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer told TTG launching an insurance product was part of a wider strategy for the association around diversifying its revenue “to keep membership fees down”.
Ian Hall, Abta’s head of travel insurance, said: “Insurance has an important role to play in giving people confidence to book now travel is restarting. Having initially put our plans to launch Abta Travel Sure on hold because of the pandemic, we are now in a position to assist the industry in its recovery.
“The consumer awareness and trust in the Abta brand means we are well placed to provide this service.”
Hall said all three levels of cover are “5-star Defaqto-rated” and comprehensive, with prices “reflecting that but competitive”.
The policy includes medical expenses ranging from £5 million to £10 million per person, cover for more than 120 sports and activities, as well as offering “as standard” benefits such as cruise cover, terrorism, missed connections, airline and supplier failures, and gadget cover.
