Iris Global launches optional pet travel coverage
The pet travel coverage is an optional add-on to Iris Global’s travel assistance insurance policy, and provides veterinary coverage to policyholders’ pets while abroad
Travel insurance and assistance firm Iris Global has introduced optional coverage for pets to its insurance coverage. The new clause offers coverage to domestic animals such as dogs and cats, including veterinary assistance services in case of an accident.
This includes coverage for all costs related to medical interventions, including X-rays, surgery, and post-operative treatment.
Other features include coverage for the cost of euthanising and cremating a pet following irreversible injuries.
Coverage for the transfer or repatriation of the pet and its owner is also included, in the event of illness or an accident, as well as the transfer of the deceased pet in the event of death.
The clause also provides coverage if a pet gets lost, including for the cost of advertising the missing pet to aid in its recovery, as well as boarding costs if the pet is found and cannot be immediately returned to its owner.
Finally, coverage for extended stays due to a pet being lost or injured, and for the replacement of travel documents in the event of loss or theft, is also included.
Members of the family
Joana Daguro, Product Manager of Iris Global, explained that the launch of the optional coverage reflects the “growing bond between human beings and their pets”, with many “becoming essential members of the family”.
She noted: “This phenomenon not only reflects a cultural shift in the way pets are perceived and cared for. More than 37% of dog and cat owners consider their pet to be the most important thing in their lives, a percentage that reaches 40% in the case of millennials and 45% in the case of zoomers [Gen Z].
“These figures also reflect the fact that clients are increasingly planning their trips and holidays with the intention of enjoying them with, for instance, their dog, instead of leaving it under the care of a relative or boarding service,” Daguro concluded.
Prudential General Insurance Hong Kong recently updated its PRUChoice Travel Insurance plan with improved coverage for kidnapping and pets.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor for Voyageur Group, joining in 2021. He writes for both ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision and air medical transportation. He also serves as Title Editor of the Assistance & Repatriation Reviews. Oliver holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University, as well as a BA in English with Creative Writing from Falmouth University.