PhonePe launched its international travel insurance option with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance last month, offering Indian users coverage directly through its app. It has now launched an optional benefit that covers ‘virus-based pandemic diseases’ – a timely addition, it has to be said, even if the World Health Organization is still not officially classing the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak as a pandemic.

The digital payment platform said that it had developed the benefit to help customers manage potentially high offshore medical costs in the event that they are affected by a pandemic.

As well as being able to purchase cover via an app, all maintenance and admin is also carried out via the app, with the option to save certificates and other information and ensure a streamlined experience.

The cover is appropriate for both business and leisure travellers.