October 2020: Editorial comment

With travel lockdowns easing again – or for the first time – in some countries, and being reinstated in others, it is hard to keep track of what’s expected from any given country in terms of entry requirements and quarantine rules, on any given day. This hasn’t, however, quelled the appetite of many travellers, who have successfully navigated the requirements of their chosen destination and home country in order to get their vacation fix. Keeping up with these ardent travellers is, of course, the travel insurance industry, which, through the adaptation of its own cover offerings, as well as through collaborations with local governments, airlines, hotel chains and tour operators, is not only evolving its cover to meet current travellers’ needs, but is reaching out to prospective travellers in a multitude of new ways in order to provide peace of mind and, thus, encourage international trips.

In the October 2020 issue, we explore some of the many such partnerships that have been created in recent months, find out more about what’s spurring these developments, and take a look at what could be next.

Natural hazards and the growing risks associated with the likes of storms, ash clouds and wildfires are also high on the agenda for travel insurers, and our feature article this month Travel insurance adapts to growing natural hazard risk explores how insurance is being tailored to account for these risks. The cover requirements associated with Covid-19 have demanded some similar policy adaptations, which is also assessed in this piece.

The world will be talking about the effects of the global pandemic for generations to come, but right now the global travel insurance industry is focused on recovery and planning for a future where travel is once again ubiquitous. Working together to establish how the industry will secure not only its own future but ensure safe travel and access to care when needed is key at this point in time, and this year’s ITIC Global event will be the place where everyone – providers, payers and suppliers – can come together to share their insights, learn from each other, and join this vital conversation. It will be a virtual event only, so it’s easier than ever to attend. I look forward to catching up with you ‘there’ from the 3rd to the 5th of November!

Naturally, of course, we’ll also be paying homage to the incredible work carried out by all sectors of the global travel insurance industry at this year’s ITIJ Awards. This will also be an online-only event too, so make sure you tune in from 19:00 GMT on the 5th November to find out who the winners are in each category. Find the full list of the 2020 ITIJ Awards finalists here