nib Travel Group announces new insurance product with coronavirus cover

The new product will help bring peace of mind to travellers concerned about a world clouded by the pandemic. 

nib Travel Group (nib Travel) has today announced a new travel insurance product which includes plans which offer cover for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events as it resumes selling travel insurance policies in Australia.

The new product will be rolled out across all nib Travel brands starting with Travel Insurance Direct (TID).

nib Travel Chief Executive Officer, Anna Gladman said the new product reflects efforts to find new ways to protect travellers in a world learning to live with coronavirus.

“We understand travellers are concerned about the impact coronavirus might have on their plans and health while travelling. A survey* of our travellers showed 40% were looking for Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events in their policy,” Mrs Gladman said.

“With coronavirus destined to become part of normal life and in response to the challenges this poses to travel we have reassessed our coverage and the protection we can extend to travellers," she said.

In addition to new cover for coronavirus-related medical expenses overseas, travellers who choose a higher level cover also have access to some cancellation and additional accommodation costs if subject to quarantine as a result of a diagnosis while travelling.

The new product also recognises the extraordinary contribution of healthcare, aged care and law enforcement workers who have worked tirelessly against COVID-19 with special provision for cancellation coverage should they be asked to return to work.

The new product will support those travellers looking to book trips both domestically now and internationally in the future with the desire to travel remaining strong.

“There is significant pent up demand for travel with a recent survey* of our travellers showing that 61% of Aussies are planning on exploring our own backyard in the next 12 months with Queensland at the top of the wish list,” Mrs Gladman said.

“Travel has proven to be an important driver of economic prosperity all over the world and it is important we do everything we can to give people the confidence to book holidays and get the global tourism industry back on its feet,” she added.

The new cover will also be available for World Nomads and nib Travel branded policies from early 2021.

*nib Travel Group survey of 804 travellers ran in November 2020.