Embedded insurance – give clients all the info

WHEN any traveller buys a
travel product or package
that includes embedded
insurance, they should be
provided with information
detailing the scope of their
cover, says Bryte’s Anrieth
Symon.
“Since there is a risk
the traveller may only
have partial cover with an
embedded product, they
need to investigate their
options and find a product
that is suitable for their
particular needs,” she says.
Carlos Luis, brand
leader – Leisure Land and
Sea Product, Flight Centre
Travel Group, says when
FCTG sells insurance as a
separate product, it is made
clear to clients that they are
purchasing travel insurance,
including the details of the
policy’s cover.
The risk to the client
therefore depends on what
the included policy covers,
adds Carlos. “If the supplier
offers a fully comprehensive
policy included in the
package, the client will
have all the benefits listed
on the policy.”
Travel consultants need
to be vigilant in terms of
understanding the exact
scope of embedded or
stand-alone insurance cover
for clients, in particular
making sure that the
cancellation and curtailment
portion of the policy covers
the value of their spend,
suggests Janine Pretorius,
owner of Encore Cruises.
Caution should also be
exercised about the age
of elderly passengers,
she says, since standard
policies often have age
limits of 65 or 70 years,
making it difficult for these
travellers to find a suitable
policy.
International SOS’s
Anneline Booyse-Mofokeng,
says: “Usually a general
policy is sold to everyone,
irrespective of the traveller’s
risk profile or the risk
analysis on the trip. As a
result, clients often buy
insurance that may not cater
for their requirements, such
as having a cardiovascular
condition.