Allianz launches flight delay benefits
Allianz Global Assistance has announced the launch of SmartBenefits, a product enhancement that will allow its US customers to be paid in real-time for flight delays, as well as several other benefits.
Allianz says that due to proprietary technology and new automated claims capabilities, it is now able to give its customers proactive claim payments within minutes of a qualifying flight delay. Allianz will automatically file the claim for the customer, allowing them to receive on average US$100 per person per travel delay on their debit card in minutes.
On some plans, customers will also be able to claim a fixed-amount payment for travel delay and baggage delay claims with no receipts. Customers can make their claims through Allianz’s TravelSmart app by entering basic data points to verify coverage eligibility. They will then receive claim approval status within the next seven days.
Allianz has also announced a range of enhancements, which it says are its most extensive to the company’s entire product portfolio in more than five years. Using customer feedback and identified industry gaps, Allianz created three new enhancements. Firstly, it expanded travel coverage, including new risks such as Hurricane Warning and Mandatory Evacuation. Its Travel Delay benefit was also redesigned to help travellers to cover the cost of reaching their destination earlier by alternative means. Secondly Allianz has improved its emergency medical coverage, with all plans now including primary emergency medical coverage. Finally, it has simplified its benefit descriptions and usability, ‘making it easier for customers to understand what situations can be covered’.
“By offering proactive claim payments on qualifying flight delays, our innovative SmartBenefits make it easier for customers to get paid quickly for their inconvenience,” stated Mike Nelson, Global CEO of Travel Insurance and Regional CEO for Americas. “These enhancements to our travel protection products make traveling easier, more worry-free and enjoyable for our customers.”
Both benefits, along with the other enhancements, will be available for any trips booked through the company’s travel agency partners.