The Future Of Travel...Whats next?
About your company:
· Your Name & Title: Chelsea Capwell, Marketing Manager
· Company or Business: Travel Insurance Master
· What is your mission within the travel industry?
Travel Insurance Master is here to help you travel with peace of mind. We make finding the best travel insurance plan easier than ever by allowing you to compare and shop for plans from multiple providers all in one place, and recommending the best plan for you based on your specific trip, using our trusted smart algorithm.
· How long has the business been around? Where is it located?
We started as a brick and mortar travel company in Boston, MA years ago. Through our founder, Alex Novikov’s 20 years’ experience in the industry, we realized travelers had little understanding of travel insurance – it was just a box to check off for them. Travelers usually want to spend as little as possible, and forget the cost of travel insurance quickly if their travels go as planned. It’s something they won’t forget though when they do not purchase insurance and something goes wrong. From missing luggage, to missed connections, Hurricane and Weather and more, we wanted to help travelers find the right coverage for their needs and a great value too. We set out to help make the process of recommending travel insurance easier for everyone and created our website and smart algorithm over the last 5 years.
· What are your offerings?
By partnering with a number of the world’s leading providers, Travel Insurance Master is a website where you can compare plans side by side in one place, as well as filter plans by exactly what you are looking for as a traveler. Whether it’s the first time you have purchased travel insurance or the hundredth time, the process is clear and seamless. We also provide useful information on Travel Insurance basics and terms.
· How can we get more of your products or services?
It’s easy to fill out a quote request for your next trip following the 3 simple steps on our homepage. On the results page, you’ll find filters on the left side that allow you to easily narrow down the right plan for you. You will also see the Travel Insurance Master Recommended Plan based on your specific trip details.
· How is it different from others?
Travel Insurance Master is an intuitive way to find the best plan for you. We take pride in making the process clear and simple. In just a few minutes you can request a quote, make a purchase, and find comfort in knowing your future travels are well protected.
Future of the Travel Industry:
· In what ways has travel changed since COVID-19 began? Travel cancellations caused travel insurance cancellations, in the form of refunds or travel credits. COVID-19 as well as pandemic in general is an exception for all travel insurance companies unless a Cancel for Any Reason plan had been purchased. However, if customers were to become ill with COVID-19 either before or during their travels it would be covered either under Trip Cancellation or Emergency Medical Claim. We are seeing more of a demand for travel insurance and Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) plans at this time and most certainly will continue to. CFAR gives travelers the extra protection and flexibility they are looking for right now.
UNDERSTANDING TRIP CANCELLATION VS. CANCEL FOR ANY REASON PLANS
Several of our providers are offering CFAR at this time. Travelers can cancel for any reason whatsoever as long as they are cancelling within the stated timeframe, usually 2 days, before their trip. Travelers who cancel are eligible to receive a 75% reimbursement of their trip cost.
Trip Cancellation plans would only allow for cancellation if certain requirements are met. There are many covered reasons for trip cancellation, including sudden sickness or injury preventing you from taking a trip.
Although some countries are now requiring travelers to purchase insurance before they visit, this insurance is usually coverage that only covers medical emergencies at the destination. Protect your travels before, during, and after your trip with one of our plans. As always, refer to your certificate of insurance to see your coverages, and utilize the filters on our website and links under each plan to find exactly what you are looking for.
This year domestic travel and road trips have been popular and travel insurance is just as important for these adventures. Flights can still be delayed and cancelled, and accidents can still happen too. One of our filters is the Rental Car benefit that will narrow down plans that will cover your rental car. This cost saving tool will give you the added protection you need without the added cost of purchasing a plan at the rental car agency, or using your own personal auto insurance.
· Can you foresee travel going back to normal? The travel industry may not fully recover soon. It may take years to return to pre COVID-19 levels as the situation continues to evolve. The vaccine will be a game changer.
· What changes do you expect to stick for travel? The pandemic has highlighted the need and demand for travel insurance, and this will continue well after COVID-19.
· What would you want consumers to know about your business and how to best support your business and the industry? We are a start up here in Boston, MA and love to connect with others in the travel industry! Right now, we have a free Affiliate Program where travel agents, tour operators, bloggers, influencers, and anyone looking to recommend our website will earn easy commissions or affiliate fees from each plan sold through their own unique link. It’s an excellent way to get involved as our company and the demand for travel insurance grows. We also feature our affiliates on our social media and upcoming blog! Stay tuned.
· What suggestions/advice do you have for travel? Even if you cannot travel to all your favorite faraway places right now, use this time to prepare and plan! The best time to buy is within 10-21 days (depending on the insurance company) of making your first deposit on your trip! The best time to buy is within 10-21 days (depending on the insurance company) of making your first deposit on your trip! There are also time sensitive benefits like the Pre-existing Medical Conditions waiver. If you buy insurance within the specified time frame from the initial deposit, usually 2 weeks, you will get broader coverage like the Pre-existing Medical Conditions waiver and more, depending on the specific plan. However, many plans do allow you to buy coverage up until the day before you leave. Do your research of the destinations, things to do, and be sure to check out Travel Insurance Master when you book your trip!