Travel Insurance Industry Expert Provides Post-Pandemic Insights

From 2006 until the beginning of 2020, the travel industry has experienced steady growth. Then the pandemic struck and everything changed. 

Now, with COVID-19 vaccines widely available, the industry is preparing for recovery. Travel Insurance Expert Dan Drennen of Travel Insurance Center^® weighs in regarding industry insights by answering a series of interview questions. The purpose of answering these questions is to help travelers increase their level of industry knowledge and also gain understanding when it comes to the importance of travel insurance.

Question 1:

Since early 2020, the travel industry has been riding a crazy rollercoaster of ups and downs. Do you think things are finally leveling off? What are your travel-prediction trends for the near term?

Dan’s answer:

People are beginning to travel again, and with that we’re seeing a rise in travel insurance sales. People who may have never considered travel insurance in the pre-pandemic era, now realize its importance. There’s so much that can happen. You could test positive for COVID-19 and end up missing your trip. Even worse, you could test positive while on your trip and have to quarantine prior to coming home.

The last two years have really opened many peoples’ eyes regarding the need to protect one’s travel investment. My prediction is travel insurance will become a mainstream necessity. Nobody will even consider leaving home without it.

Question 2:

What’s the attitude of travelers right now? Are they ready to get back out there, or do you feel there are still some reservations based on pandemic fears?

Dan’s answer

Travelers are tired of being penned up. The general attitude is this: We are vaccinated. We are boosted. Countries are opening up. Our bags are packed. We’re ready to go.

Question 3:

Are travelers being lured by deals right now? Is it a “buyer” or a “seller” market and what does that mean for the traveler?

 

Dan’s answer:

In this current environment, trip packages are filling up quickly so you’ll want to act now in booking your excursion. Otherwise, you run the risk of not getting the trip you want, or at least not getting to take it when you want to take it. Great deals are out there for cruises and tours – you’ve just got to jump on them before they disappear.

Question 4:

What are your thoughts on travel insurance? Should travelers look into obtaining it? Is it worth the premiums? Do you feel it’s become more or less necessary since the beginning of the pandemic?

Dan’s answer:

I think it’s necessary. It always has been. Travel insurance has always provided peace of mind. For example, if you get sick or injured, or there’s a death in your family, it’s nice to know you’re covered.

In today’s post-pandemic world, travel insurance has become even more crucial. Travelers need coverage for COVID-19-related expenses resulting from travel delays, quarantine accommodations and meal expenses. These costs can add up quickly, making the premiums you paid for travel insurance a bargain in comparison.

Question 5:

What has the travel industry learned from COVID-19? Do you feel it’s better prepared now if something like this would happen again?

Dan’s answer:

The travel insurance industry is alive and well, experiencing unprecedented sales and claims volume. Prior to the pandemic, claims processing usually took about three weeks on average. Now, it’s not unusual for a claim to take three months due to the volume of claims being submitted. People are testing positive prior to their trip, thus altering trip plans. Others are delayed in coming back home due to a COVID-19 diagnosis resulting in a quarantine situation. Right now, the biggest challenge for the travel insurance industry is its need to hire enough examiners to keep up with claims volume.

Question 6:

Any last thoughts?

Dan’s final thoughts:

It is amazing how many repeat customers our call center has spoken with in the last few months. Many are calling in because they are rebooking trips for 2022 that were canceled over the last couple of years due to the pandemic. They need Travel Insurance Center to help them obtain suitable travel insurance for their needs and budget.

Travel Insurance Center was established in 1998. Over the years, it has accumulated a sizable repeat-customer base. That’s largely due to the exceptional service, knowledge and relationship-building attitude held by the travel insurance expert team.

To stay ahead of call volume increases, Travel Insurance Center has added to its staff with Mark Reineke being the latest edition. Mark is doing a great job helping customers find travel insurance policies that offer great value for their money. His direct number is 1.402.343.3648.

So What Now?

Dan provided some helpful information. So what can you do with it? What does it mean for you?

This expert information was provided so that travelers feel more comfortable moving back toward some level of post-pandemic normalcy. Dan’s hope is that travelers will avoid undue anxiety and feel confident that the rewards of travel outweigh any risk. And of course, even that risk can be mitigated through the use of travel insurance.  

The Next Step

The Travel Insurance Experts at Travel Insurance Center specialize in finding the best travel insurance options for your specific needs and budget. Reach out by clicking here, or by calling 1.866.979.6753.

Travel Insurance Center is operated by Senior Market Sales LLC a licensed insurance marketing organization.  Insurance services provided by Senior Market Sales LLC.  This is a solicitation.