In this issue, we look at claims management technology such as AI, natural language processing and machine learning; the recovery of Spain’s outbound travel sector, and the reality of risks while travelling versus how they are perceived by corporate and leisure travellers. Contributions from experts across the spectrum of insurtech, claims and risk management share their insights with ITIJ.

Executive insights from Hotspot Cover, Cover-More, Vitality, William Russell and Sprout.ai shed light onto the topics of travel insurance product development, sustainability, wearable health technology and insurance broker business development opportunities, respectively.

We would also like to highlight two interviews in this issue of ITIJ - the first is with Tim Riley, True Traveller's Managing Director, who shares insights into the move to direct travel insurance sales, and evaluating the risks of extreme sports coverage.

Next, we have an interview with DR-WALTER's executive team - Angelika Kolmer, Managing Director and Reinhard Bellinghausen, CEO, DR-WALTER, discuss business agility and adaptability in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Interesting times in the global travel and health insurance market – plenty of announcements from companies launching new products on the one hand, while on the other, news has emerged that a major player in the UK has had restrictions placed on its activities by the financial regulator.

It’s been a bit of a slow start to the travel season, with skiing in Europe somewhat restricted, the Canadian government advising its citizens not to leave the country, and the CDC suggesting that cruises are basically hotbeds of infection. It’s kind of hard to disagree with the CDC 100 per cent, what with the near-constant reports of norovirus pre-Covid, and plenty of outbreaks of coronavirus since then, despite the best efforts of the cruise lines to maintain health protocols and insist on vaccinations from customers. Cruise ships are, by their very nature, going to herd a lot of people into one space, so viruses are always going to thrive in that environment. As long as the ships are prepared to deal with the fallout of it, and the customers are still keen to go, then holidays can go ahead.

There’s no easy answer here, but certainly, the feeling I’m getting from people in the industry is that at some point, we just have to get on with life. The ITIC Global Executive Committee had a productive meeting this month, and have agreed that while Covid is still here, we are all a bit tired of talking about it – so, less doom and gloom, and more positivity please! Embrace change, move forward with purpose and let’s get back on those planes – maybe even without having a do a PCR test first! ITIC Global will be less about Covid, and more about innovation, solutions, standards and that old chestnut – cost containment in the US. I know how much you’ve missed talking about it!

The life of an editor of the fast-moving world of international travel insurance means we never stop, and are looking forward to ITIC Americas in Cartagena and the march issue of the magazine, in which we look at key Latin American travel insurance markets, healthcare provision in Mexico, and more. Plus, not to forget we are busy finalising content for the first ITIJ Air Ambulance Review of the year!

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topics we tackle in ITIJ, so please get in touch. Email me if you'd like to talk about how to get involved in the editorial side of ITIJ: [email protected]