LV=GI and Post Office expand travel insurance cover
UK-based LV= General Insurance (LV=GI) is offering travel insurance policies to new customers again; and the UK Post Office has enhanced its travel insurance products
LV= GI’s new policy terms mean that customers buying a travel insurance policy from the company will be covered for cancellation if they test positive for any coronavirus and are unable to travel, or are ordered to quarantine due to suspected exposure to Covid-19 or other infectious diseases.
Additionally, the new policy protects customers if they fall ill with any coronavirus during their trip or are instructed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to return home. Emergency medical and related expenses are included and any additional accommodation and transport costs incurred due to an extended trip caused by quarantine abroad will also be covered, in the event that the customer has been specifically asked to isolate either because they have tested positive for Cocid-19 or been in contact with someone who has.
A new exclusion for lockdowns
However, a new pandemic exclusion has been added to the policy, which excludes cancellation claims for Covid-19 or other pandemics in the event the government imposes lockdowns and restrictions, or cancellations are made by airlines and tour operators. These terms also apply to existing customers for any new trips booked after their next renewal, effective immediately.
Heather Smith, Managing Director of the LV= GI Direct business, said: “For the last few months, we’ve been focused on supporting our existing travel insurance customers but I’m delighted that from today we can also welcome back new customers to LV=GI.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has created volatility and uncertainty for everyone, not least in the travel industry where things are changing all the time, but we are confident within our new policy terms that there is sufficient cover in place to meet the needs of our customers and protect them against personal impacts outside their control.”
Post Office expands travel insurance cover
Meanwhile, the Post Office has enhanced its travel insurance products in relation to Covid-19 and announced that its policies are now available to purchase across its branch network.
In Mid-June, Post Office travel insurance products went back on sale online and via its call centre, providing emergency medical and repatriation expenses as standard against coronavirus. Post Office travel insurance products have been enhanced and now also provide cover for cancellation and curtailment as a result of coronavirus. This new cover is available online, via a call centre or in branch.
Essential cover for contracting coronavirus while overseas is included as standard across the product range, including single trip, annual multi trip and backpacker. This will ensure that Post Office customers are protected for emergency medical and repatriation costs, should they fall ill, but providing they only travel when there are no restrictions in place by the FCO.
Paul Paddock, Head of Travel Insurance at Post Office, said: “We have been busy reviewing our travel insurance policies due to coronavirus to better meet the needs of customers. We have added cancellation and curtailment to our policies, providing that extra reassurance for our customers.”