Month: June 2022

30Jun

Travel is Back! What does this mean for insurers?

With international travel starting to pick up again after Covid-19, what does this mean for insurers?

There is no doubt that the pandemic has had a profound effect on the travel industry. According to the World Tourism Organization, global tourism arrivals declined by 70-80% in 2020.

This represents a loss of 1 billion to 1.2 billion international tourist arrivals and a revenue loss of US$1.2 trillion to US$1.3 trillion.

The good news is that travel is starting to pick up again. Europeans have begun jetting to popular holiday destinations like Portugal, Mexico, and The Caribbean.

What does this mean for travel insurers?

 

As travel starts to rebound, insurers will need to adapt their products and services to meet the new needs of travellers. For example, many insurers now offer insurance plans that cover Covid-19-related travel disruptions.

Some insurers are also offering Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which allows travellers to cancel their trip for any reason up to 48 hours before departure and receive a partial refund.

With travel starting to pick up again, it’s important for insurers to be prepared for the new reality of travel. by offering products and services that meet the needs of today’s travellers.

Countries That Require Travel Insurance with Covid-19 Protection

 

There are a number of countries that now require proof of travel insurance that includes coverage for Covid-19 in order to enter the country.

These countries include (This list may change over time so we recommend double-checking with each region’s policies):

– Germany

– Italy

– France

– Spain

– Greece

 

If you’re planning to travel to any of these countries, be sure to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for Covid-19.

Asian countries that also require travel insurance with proof of Covid-19 coverage are (This list may change over time so we recommend double-checking with each region’s policies):

– Thailand

– Cambodia

– Laos

– Myanmar

– Vietnam

 

Do I Need Travel Insurance If I Have Health Insurance?

The answer to this question is, that it depends. Most standard health insurance policies do not cover you for medical expenses incurred outside of your home country. So, if you do get sick or injured while travelling, you will most likely have to pay out of pocket for all medical treatment.

Furthermore, even if your health insurance does provide some coverage for travel medical emergencies, there is a good chance that it will not cover the full cost. In these cases, travel insurance can help to cover the gap.

13Jun

The Value of Digital Health Services Post-pandemic

The pandemic has altered the way health care is given.

Insurance providers have reacted to the rising demand for digital and virtual GP services by developing products to fit customer needs.

Such programs have really taken off in terms of providing mental health support to consumers and those who have been affected by long Covid, and advisers recognise how crucial it is for clients to have access to them.

But, once Covid infection rates start to drop back, and restrictions are lifted entirely, will consumers continue using such solutions in the same way, or will they opt for face-to-face treatment as the country seeks to reclaim normalcy?

Increased Demand for Online Services

 

Jennifer Gilchrist, protection specialist at Royal London told Health & Protection said, “We’ve seen an increase in demand for digital health services coming out of the pandemic and people are becoming more used to virtual methods of accessing services.”

Gilchrist also added that many insurance providers devised more online and virtual capabilities quite quickly which has accelerated the digitalisation of an industry that’s been heavily reliant on more traditional processes when compared to other industries.

Ian Ranger, head of claims and medical underwriting from Canada Life also agreed and noted that a provider’s virtual support service was becoming part of customer expectations.

Health propositions lead at Aviva UK Health, Nina Brown, shared that for the first quarter of 2022, providers observed the average number of online appointments rise to 7,200 per month, with March seeing a record 8,500 appointments carried out.

Last October 2021, the average number of online appointments made was around 5,000 a month. These numbers are clear indications of continuing growth. Given this, healthcare providers, as well as insurers, need to respond to the demand and adapt.

Two factors must be kept in mind when innovating products/services:

1. speed
2. convenience

Less intrusive services and encourage patients to reach out more readily

 

The awkward waiting time at the doctor’s office or the energy-draining commute to the clinic can hinder some people to seek care. However, online services take away these factors and allow more people to reach out for mental health checks.

Virtual consults give plenty of breathing room for patients and lessen the anxiety some may feel when going to a therapist. Conducting a session in one’s comfort zone eases away a good chunk of the tension so there is more focus on more pending matters.

As the number of cases grows, digital delivery of services means long-term Covid patients don’t have to travel for treatment, as Dr Julie Denning, managing director of return-to-work rehabilitation firm Working To Wellbeing, points out.

“Those who have complex therapeutic demands, like those receiving cancer treatments or recovering from prolonged Covid,” Denning explained, “digital delivery means they don’t need to make additional travels outside of their home when they may be feeling exhausted, in pain, or concerned.”

The Demand for Digital Services is Unlikely Waning

While companies are making moves to return to work or have a hybrid setup, what healthcare providers and insurance can expect is the steadfast need for fast and convenient online services regardless of loose or non-existent restrictions.

Patients have realised the value of such services and there is very little sign of going back from this point forth.