Jamie Biesiada
Travel insurance is an important product, especially now. It bucks the norm and pays travel advisors commission at the time that it's purchased.
But it's also a complicated product.
"If it seems confusing, yes, because it is," said Beth Godlin, the president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. "There are a lot of products out there. There is a lot of similarity, but also a lot of difference."
I asked Godlin for some tips for advisors, particularly those who might be less experienced with navigating the world of travel insurance.
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First, she said, work with a travel insurance company that you trust.
"You want to know that if there is gray area, the company's got your back, the company's got the customer's back and they're easy to access and easy to use," she said.
Also, use the insurer as a resource. Most have employees tasked with helping advisors with any questions they have. Use them if questions arise.
Godlin has noticed something over the course of the pandemic: People are increasingly looking to connect with human beings.
"We're still getting 85% to 90% of our claims filed online, but people want to talk first," she said. "Interestingly, it's just sort of reinforcing the importance of the human in the process."
It's not dissimilar to the trend many are noticing with more consumers than before seeking to work with travel advisors, and it bodes well for the trade.
Headed into 2022, Godlin predicted travel insurance companies will continue to focus on customer experience, which also bodes well for the trade -- and advisors' clients.
"The more people value your product, the more you need to ensure that they understand it, and they can use it," she said. "They can use it easily."