Flight Centre travel insurance switches to Redion

Redion has replaced Europ Assistance as the insurer named on travel insurance sold through Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) Flight Centre, Cruiseabout, and Travel Associates brands, marking another step in the business’s transition to underwriting policies in its own name.

The rebrand follows Generali’s launch of Redion as the global identity for its core business in May and the renaming of Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd to Redion Insurance Pty Ltd in June.

While the insurance products remain unchanged, the new name will appear on certificates of insurance, claims documents, and the 24/7 overseas assistance line. Brokers and travel agents may need to reassure clients unfamiliar with the name that their existing cover has not changed.

The transition also reflects a significant shift in risk ownership. After previously distributing travel insurance backed by a third-party insurer, the business received an Australian general insurance licence on 1 April, enabling it to underwrite policies directly. AM Best subsequently assigned Redion an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating, with a stable outlook.

Redion has also appointed Simon McNally as Head of Partnership Success for Flight Centre. Based in Brisbane, he will oversee the relationship across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and serve as global lead for the account.

The appointment comes as Redion signals further product development. According to Insurance Business, ANZ Chief Executive Justin Sebire has flagged “a number of new innovations planned over the next six months”, although details remain undisclosed.