COVID-19 brought out the need for travelers to carry
insurance, and not just any insurance, but the correct coverage. As Travel
Advisors, we became keenly aware of the terms cancel for any reason with refund
to form of payment or voucher.
Some policies covered coronavirus and others did not. Many
of us took the time to learn about and build relationships with the various
insurance carriers and their product offerings. Timing was very important as
some policies had to be paid within seven days of booking while others could be
purchased up until final payment.
So, as the title says, it is time for an insurance checkup.
With the return of COVID Part 2, dengue fever, natural
disasters, and so much more, travel insurance is more important than ever. Many
insurance suppliers provided custom links that advisors could send to their
clients. In these links, they can view the various insurance offerings and
purchase the plan that best suits their needs. Advisors would still receive
payments when clients booked through the link.
I recently had a client who was traveling to Jamaica for a
wedding. The client was on dialysis. I was able to send them the insurance
link, and they could choose the coverage that met their individual needs.
Please know there are other insurance options than the ones
that your preferred supplier may offer, and you can still make money and meet
your clients' needs. Take the time to become familiar, build those
relationships and create those links. Become familiar with your state laws.
Some will allow you to add the insurance coverage in the quote, and in other
states, you cannot.
Ensure you have something in place where clients must click
or sign if they decline coverage.
Now to the actual agent. Make sure you have insurance to
cover your personal and business travel. An agent friend recently traveled to
the Mediterranean for 11 days and did not receive her luggage until her return.
She had an AirTag, but the airline kept telling her they did not know where the
bag was even though she could see it and send them screenshots. She was able to
purchase the items she needed.
Several companies offer annual policies, and believe me,
they are worth it. Take the time to become knowledgeable as to what insurance
your credit card may offer. Sometimes clients fuss about insurance since
sometimes prices are high and policies must be paid in full at the time of
booking. Travel is an investment that needs to be protected.
So now is the time to gain the knowledge, build the
relationships and explain the importance of insurance coverage. It is time for
that insurance checkup!
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