Policies supplied to B2B customers now include cover for cancellation costs relating to epidemics or pandemics, including Covid-19. They also cover medical costs if a policyholder contracts a disease while abroad, as long as they did not travel against FCO advice.

The change applies to all travel insurance policies provided by Allianz Assistance. Rachel Temperton, Allianz Partners UK’s head of travel and tourism said:

“The Covid-19 global crisis has demonstrated the devastating impact a pandemic can have. Travellers and the travel industry – including insurers - faced a wide range of unexpected situations that never had to be dealt with before. 

“It is vital that in the new world we find ourselves in, we offer a comprehensive insurance product that enables people not only to start to travel abroad again, but to travel with confidence.”

Cancellation cover will apply if a policyholder is denied boarding because they or their travel companion are showing signs of any contagious illness. It also applies if a close relative such as a parent, child, sibling or grandparent falls seriously ill and the policyholder or their travel companion need to remain at home as a result. 

Allianz has raised its fees for the enhanced cover. Temperton said: “The new level of cover does inevitably come at a slightly higher premium, but this is far outweighed by the greater protection and peace of mind it provides to customers looking to get their travel plans back on track. 

“We also believe it will play its part in accelerating the recovery of the travel industry from what has been an extremely challenging time.”