Program allows travellers to pay emergency medical expenses in real-time, no out-of-pocket expenses: Allianz Global Assistance

Customers who purchase a travel insurance plan included in a new limited program from Allianz Global Assistance Canada will be able to pay for emergency medical help while travelling without paying out of pocket.

A first in Canada, the solution will “allow for payment of eligible outpatient medical expenses in real-time, eliminating any out-of-pocket expenses for the traveller and removing the typical claims process and paperwork which travellers are accustomed to,” notes a statement Monday from Allianz Global Assistance.

Allianz Global Assistance Canada will test the new solution, being offered through a partnership with PassportCard, a United Kingdom-based provider of a real-time claim settling solution. Associated policies are underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, part of The Co-operators group of companies.

During the limited program launch phase, PassportCard will be offered with select products on a limited basis. Allianz Global Assistance’s intent is to later make the program available to its distribution partners on a broader scale.

“Customers who purchase a travel insurance plan included in this limited program will receive a payment card for no additional fee to take with them on their trip,” Allianz Global Assistance reports. “If they require emergency medical help while travelling, they call Allianz Global Assistance, which will transfer funds to the card and provide a referral to the nearest medical facility,” it explains.

The card is presented at the medical facility to pay the bill, with the claim settled immediately, with no out-of-pocket expenses, paperwork or claim process for the traveller, the company statement adds.

“Unlike any other offering available in Canada or North America today,” the solution also offers enhanced effectiveness and efficiency, says Gino Riola, vice president of sales and marketing for Allianz Global Assistance Canada.

“With this solution, we’re not only setting ourselves apart in our industry as innovators and leaders in customer experience, but also increasing the value travellers place on and receive from travel insurance,” Riola maintains.

Allianz Worldwide Partners offers insurance solutions in global assistance, international health and life, global automotive and travel insurance. These solutions – a combination of insurance, service and technology – are available to business partners or via direct and digital channels under the brands Allianz Global Assistance, Allianz Worldwide Care and Allianz Global Automotive.