Domestic cover enters the sales conversation

MORE South Africans are recognising the value of domestic travel insurance as they look to protect prepaid arrangements against cancellations and other disruptions. There is growing awareness of the importance of protecting prepaid travel arrangements, particularly where accommodation, flights, transport and activities may be non-refundable, Karen Botha, Sales Manager at Santam Travel Insurance, tells Travel News. “A domestic policy will cover the non- refundable portions if clients have to cancel due to illness or injury.” While domestic travel insurance does not include medical cover, it offers financial protection against common travel disruptions, theft of personal belongings, car-rental excess liability and vehicle breakdown assistance. “South Africans are increasingly looking for value and flexibility when travelling locally. With the growth in self-drive holidays, long weekends away, sporting events, family gatherings or domestic business travel, travellers are becoming more aware of the financial impact of cancellations, delays and unexpected incidents during a trip.” Agents should position domestic travel insurance as an affordable way to protect a travel investment, ensuring that an unexpected event does not turn a well- planned holiday or business trip into a costly experience, Botha says. “Cover remains highly affordable, with premiums ranging from R170 to R240 for trips of up to eight days. Trips of up to 45 days can be covered.” A particularly valuable advantage for local travellers is the car-hire benefit, which can reimburse car-rental costs should a traveller’s own vehicle be stolen, damaged or break down during a covered journey, Botha says. “Protection against car-rental excess claims also remains an important consideration for travellers hiring vehicles.” Santam Travel Insurance currently offers two domestic travel insurance products: Domestic and Domestic+. Both provide protection against common travel disruptions while Domestic+ offers increased benefit limits and excess- free cover.