QIC Expects Eid Travel Surge as More Travelers Secure Insurance
Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, expects a significant increase in outbound travel during the Eid al-Fitr break.
QIC’s internal analysis of travel insurance purchasing behavior indicates a 50% increase in the number of outbound travelers who have already purchased travel insurance from QIC for their trips during the Eid holiday period until the end of the first week of April 2025, compared to the Eid al-Fitr holiday in 2024.
Europe is the preferred destination among QIC policyholders this Eid, with over 55% considering at least one of the 29 Schengen countries. Poland is the top trending Schengen destination this Eid, followed by France, Germany, Croatia, and Portugal. Outside the Schengen zone, the United Kingdom remains the preferred destination for QIC-insured travelers this Eid.
As for visitors arriving in Qatar this Eid, QIC’s data shows that nationals from Saudi Arabia, India, Algeria, Turkey, and the United States are among the top purchasers of travel insurance for visiting Qatar this Eid, including both inbound travel insurance and QIC’s mandatory visitors’ health insurance.
Mr. Ahmed Al Jarboey, QIC’s Chief Operating Officer – Qatar Operations, said: “The Eid al-Fitr break is a preferred travel period for many citizens and residents of Qatar, and an ideal occasion for international visitors to come and experience Qatar’s festive celebrations during this joyous time. At QIC, we take pride in offering a diverse range of insurance plans that cater to every traveler segment, ensuring worry-free journeys for everyone. Our travel insurance solutions are carefully designed to protect travelers against unexpected financial burdens, and we are confident that Qatar-based travelers and international visitors will once again enjoy worry-free trips this Eid with QIC.”
QIC offers a range of travel insurance plans, including the Worldwide Plan, which provides coverage for medical emergencies, flight delays, and lost luggage and passports during global travel. The Fly Europe Plan provides up to $50,000 in medical coverage for Schengen and other European countries, while the Regional Plan covers travel accidents, medical expenses, and legal costs for trips to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the GCC. For international visitors, QIC offers the fastest way to obtain a mandatory visitor’s health insurance in just two minutes, starting at QAR 50 per month and ensuring financial protection for emergency medical treatments in Qatar.
Aviva: Over half of parents with young families seas the day with day trips abroad
Over a third (35%) of Brits have travelled – or plan to travel – to another country for the day1
Trend proves to be popular amongst parents with young families, with over half (51%) having taken a day trip or planning to in the future2
Average day tripper expects to spend £1,453 each
Yet over a quarter (29%) did not and would not take out travel insurance3
With half-term around the corner, research by insurer Aviva indicates a trend for international day trips with over a third (35%) – equivalent to almost 19 million Brits – having either travelled or planning to travel to another country for the day.
Just under one in four (24%) have already visited another country for the day with a further 12% planning to do so in the future.
International day trips prove to be popular with parents, with over half (51%) of those with children under 18 either taking day trips abroad or planning to in the future.
According to the research, the average traveller expects to spend £1,453 in total, from booking flights to making sure they have the right clothes for their day trip. Popular destinations to visit include France, Ireland and Spain, which often require travelling by plane or train and could explain some of the expected spend.
The top five desired countries to visit for a day
Percentage of those looking to visit this country
France
29%
Ireland
16%
Spain
13%
Belgium
12%
Greece
11%
Despite expecting to spend well over a thousand pounds, over a quarter (29%) did not and would not take out travel insurance for the day.
What are you covered for?
Travel insurance typically provides protection for cancelling or cutting short a trip for reasons out of the traveller’s control, such as being unable to travel due to illness. Due to the length of trip, it’s more likely that in this instance, a traveller would use travel insurance to claim back costs for cancellation in the event something prevented them from going on their trip. This can include things such as illness, a bereavement or even loss of employment.
Travel insurance can also provide cover for medical emergencies while away, which on average can be as much as £1,518 in France, £1,587 in Ireland, £2,748 in Spain, £3,797 in Belgium and £1,425 in Greece4.
Although a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) will provide a level of protection, this will only cover medical emergency treatment within Europe. It won’t provide cover for things like arranging for family to be with you while you undergo treatment, or for any specific requirements you may need on your journey home – both of which can be covered by travel insurance.
For anyone planning a trip, it’s important to speak their insurer regarding any existing/ pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing medical investigations. In some instances, insurers asked to be notified of any health changes between taking out insurance and travelling, or at renewal in case this affects their cover.
It’s also important to note that trips within the UK won’t normally be covered by your travel insurance unless you have pre-booked accommodation for a two or more nights, so it’s important to check your policy cover.
From a possessions point of view, travel insurance can provide cover against things like theft. Depending on the policy, this can either be included as standard or purchased as an add-on usually known as ‘baggage cover’. This usually provides cover for loss, theft or accidental damage to baggage, personal belongings and valuables during the trip.
In some cases, home insurance policies also include personal belongings cover which may cover your personal possessions, anywhere in the world, so it’s worth checking to avoid any duplication of cover.
Carolyn Scott, Head of Home and Travel Underwriting at Aviva, commented: “Our research indicates that the appeal and ease of being in another country in a matter of hours is proving popular, with two fifths (43%) of international day trippers choosing to go by either ferry, train or car.
“Even though trips may be short, taking out travel insurance is vital – even if you’ll only be abroad for the day. It’s designed to protect you and your belongings against the unpredictable – which could result in you having to cancel or postpone your plans. This could be anything from illness to being called onto jury service. It’s also important to check that you are covered for any activities you may have planned.
“In addition, while most trips will pass without incident, accidents or illnesses can happen at any time – any time – especially with little ones! Not only could this prevent you from going on your trip, but it could also leave you at risk of potentially paying thousands of pounds in medical costs overseas if you were to require treatment. By taking out travel cover as soon as you book, you’re protected from the get-go, giving you peace of mind in the lead up to and during your trip.”
Aviva’s top travel tips for day trips
Book as far ahead where possible – Booking far in advance can work out to be more cost efficient and there are often deals for those travelling in groups, such as families
Do your research – Ahead of travelling, it’s also worth seeing how much of the city you can explore on foot. Not only is this a great way to soak up the sights and atmosphere, it’s also a good way to keep costs down, especially if you’re travelling as a family.
Keep an eye on offers – While booking ahead may be one way to save, you might also find competitive last-minute deals from ferry and train operators. Being open with timings means you could still do your day trip as planned but at a fraction of the cost – and without flying. Just don’t forget to take out travel cover as soon as you book!
Consider offsetting your carbon emissions – If you need to travel, consider offsetting your carbon footprint to balance out your trip.
Photo: Aviva
Zurich to acquire AIG’s global personal travel insurance business
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) today announced an agreement to acquire AIG’s global personal travel insurance and assistance business (AIG Travel) for USD 600 million, plus a potential additional earn-out payment. The business will be combined with Zurich’s travel insurance provider Cover-More Group (Cover-More) and will expand its footprint in the U.S. The acquisition gives Zurich access to a new global retail customer base and makes it a leading travel insurer globally.
Travel insurance is a priority for us. This transaction is a great strategic fit, which enhances Zurich’s existing capabilities and makes us a leading travel insurance provider across all regions. The acquisition expands our retail customer base and aligns with our ambition to continuously enhance our offerings, while providing world-class protection during every step of our customers’ travels.
Cara Morton, CEO Zurich Global Ventures
As part of the acquisition, Zurich will add AIG Travel’s well-established Travel Guard brand to its Cover-More global multi-brand model to expand Cover-More’s presence in the U.S. It will also provide access to high-quality distribution partners.
Cover-More will strengthen its global capability through AIG Travel’s global IT platform, providing an opportunity for Cover-More to extend its award-winning travel assistance apps to an expanded set of partners and customers. Zurich will also acquire AIG Travel’s global service centers as part of the deal.
The acquisition is expected to result in combined annual gross written premiums of approximately USD 2 billion1 for the enlarged Cover-More Group. The transaction is expected to result in a reduction of approximately 4ppts in the Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio2.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close before the end of the year.
1 Combined gross written premiums before adjustment for deposit accounting.2 The Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio is calculated based on the Group’s internal model, which is subject to the review and approval of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. Estimated impact from transaction was based on the SST ratio as of December 31, 2023.
QIC Offers a Variety of Travel Insurance Plans Gearing Up for Summer
Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, celebrates the approaching summer travel season and end-of-year school holidays, offering outbound travelers the best travel insurance covers and the fastest online experience in Qatar at competitive rates.
Mr. Ahmed Al Jarboey, QIC’s Chief Operating Officer – Qatar Operations, said: “Summer is the most favorite travel season for the community in Qatar, and we are happy to offer a variety of insurance plans that were designed to help travelers enjoy worry-free and memorable trips this summer. Our travel insurance plans are carefully curated to protect travelers from unforeseen financial burdens and unexpected travel problems, and thanks to the unique online experience we offer at QIC, we are confident that Qatar-based travelers will once again have happy and safer trips this summer.”
QIC’s “Worldwide Plan” is the ideal option for travelers to all parts of the world this summer. With this insurance plan in hand, travelers from Qatar will get solid financial coverage against various unforeseen travel hassles, such as medical treatments and medical emergencies abroad, travel delays and missed departures, or the loss of luggage or passport during their summer trip.
The “Fly Europe Plan” is designed exclusively for travelers heading to the Schengen countries and other European countries, covering both medical treatments and emergency medical assistance in their European country of destination with a limit of $50,000. Travelers from Qatar to the Indian subcontinent, to Southeast Asia or to the neighboring GCC countries can get the special “Regional Plan”, a QIC travel insurance scheme designed to best cover travel accidents, medical and legal expenses in case of insured events within these regions.
Travelers from Qatar can get insurance for their summer trips at competitive rates, with premiums starting at QAR 44 for trips to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and QAR 50 for trips to Schengen countries, while insurance premiums for trips to other worldwide destinations excluding the USA and Canada start from QAR 87, and premiums for worldwide destinations including the USA and Canada start from QAR 126.
To make the customer’s journey more convenient, QIC offers Qatar-based travelers the fastest online options to get their travel policies, from the comfort of their homes or offices and in less than 2 minutes at qic.online. All they need to do is enter their personal and trip details, and pay online using their preferred payment method, without any need to scan or submit a document.
QIC’s outstanding performance and excellence in providing the best travel insurance products and services has been recognized with prestigious awards at regional and local levels, including the Best Travel Insurance Company in Middle East by the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards consecutively in 2023 and 2024, and Best Travel Insurance Company in Qatar by the International Finance Awards in 2023.
Qatar Insurance Company Q.S.P.C (QIC, QIC Group) is a publicly listed insurer with a consistent performance history of 60 years and a global underwriting footprint. Founded in 1964, QIC was the first domestic insurance company in the State of Qatar. Today, QIC is the market leader and the first digital insurance company in Qatar and a dominant insurer in the GCC and MENA regions. QIC is one of the largest insurance companies in the MENA region in terms of written premium and total assets and is listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and has a market capitalization in excess of QAR 7 billion.
Allianz Australia fined $1.5M over misleading travel Insurance sales via Expedia-Owned Sites
The Federal Court of Australia imposed the penalties after finding Allianz and AWP engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct when selling travel insurance by failing to correctly state how premiums were calculated and by allowing insurance to be sold to ineligible customers.
The Court also found Allianz failed to correctly disclose how premiums were calculated in product disclosure statements so that consumers were not given accurate information on the travel insurance they were purchasing.
Furthermore, Allianz and AWP failed to prevent the sale of insurance on Expedia websites to consumers who were ineligible to make claims under the policies, and failed to prevent the websites from misusing a quote from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about the importance of purchasing travel insurance.
The three Expedia-owned websites involved were www.expedia.com.au, www.lastminute.com.au and www.wotif.com.au.
The case was brought before the Court in September last year by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).
Sarah Court, deputy chair of ASIC, said: “The community expects that the insurance industry will promote and sell products in a transparent way. People take out travel insurance for peace of mind and to protect their families.
“The value of an insurance policy is in the promise – that a consumer can feel confident and secure that they will be looked after if something goes wrong. ASIC remains committed to ensuring that consumers’ experience matches that.”
In his decision, Chief Justice Allsop said the proposed penalties “fall within the appropriate range to deter Allianz and AWP from engaging in similar conduct in the future, and to deter the sector more generally from adopting a lax attitude towards compliance”.
The Court acknowledged Allianz and AWP’s efforts to make early admissions of liability and took this, and other relevant considerations, into account in determining penalty.
AWP was ordered to pay $1.14 million and Allianz $360,000. Both parties have also been ordered to pay ASIC’s court costs.
In a statement to Travel Weekly, a spokesperson for Allianz and AWP said both parties “cooperated fully with ASIC to resolve these proceedings expeditiously, including by making admissions and not contesting the penalty sought by ASIC”.
“In 2018, Allianz and AWP self-reported the matters the subject of these proceedings to ASIC. Allianz and AWP worked with ASIC on a remediation package and previously paid 15,965 customers an amount totalling approximately $1,140,000 in remediation,” the statement read.
“Allianz and AWP welcome the finalisation of this matter.”
Source: www.travelweekly.com.au
Zurich expands corporate travel insurance proposition
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is expanding its market-leading business travel product and services into a comprehensive solution that goes beyond helping businesses safeguard their employees from risks when traveling.
The enhanced offering includes a larger international servicing network, broader insurance coverage and new capabilities to support travelers and risk managers through technology.
It also offers assistance and advisory services through the World Travel Protection brand of Cover-More, acquired by Zurich in 2017, in recognition of the priority companies place on the safety and well-being of their employees. This includes access to any one of Zurich’s external contacts which deliver medical assistance and security services globally.
Risks associated with business travel are changing and becoming more complex as exemplified this year by the COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in civil unrest, as well as extreme weather events and related catastrophes. As employees become increasingly exposed to such risks, companies have a greater obligation to ensure the health and safety of their workforce.
Drazen Jaksic, Global Head of Accident & Health, said: “COVID-19 demonstrated how quickly a localized risk can become a global crisis affecting not just business travelers and employees but the global population. Although the pandemic has significantly reduced business travel for now, it is slowly re-starting as companies in some industries have to look after their assets, equipment and customers abroad and deliver on projects.”
To support businesses in fulfilling their duty of care for traveling employees, Zurich Business Travel Solution provides comprehensive insurance and services program, including enhanced coverage to protect travelers during these unprecedented times.
Thanks to the expanded international service network, infrastructure and services, the solution can provide a consistent level of care and benefits globally through Zurich’s leading International Programs solution.
Mr. Jaksic added: “Implementing a multinational business travel solution is now more important than ever as it can help prevent employees from being harmed and protect the business from the financial consequences. It also gives companies and their employees the knowledge that, as business travel returns, the safety and well-being of all employees is at the forefront of business and travel decisions.”
Zurich Business Travel Solution is supported by innovative technology and data, including a mobile application with country risk information and geolocation alerts for business travelers, and a comprehensive travel portal for risk managers.
In addition, it promotes Zurich’s sustainability objectives, with guidelines for travel managers on how to implement a sustainable business travel agenda, a simplified CO2 emission self-assessment calculator and by supporting the newly launched Zurich Forest project.