Almost six months to the day that LV= first dropped travel cover amid the coronavirus pandemic, the insurer has resumed travel insurance sales to new customers. The business revealed today that its new cover will reflect the changes to the travel market caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

The newly introduced policy will provide cover to customers if they fall ill with any coronavirus or contagious disease either before or during their trip. It covers emergency medical and repatriation costs, along with additional accommodation and transport costs while abroad, for those customers who must isolate because they have tested positive for the virus, or have been in contact with someone who has.

However, the new policy has also added a new pandemic exclusion which excludes cancellation claims for COVID-19, or any other pandemics, if the government imposes lockdowns and restrictions, or if cancellations are made by airlines or tour operators. This exclusion also applies to existing customers for any new trips booked after their next renewal, effective from today.

The MD of LV= GI Direct business, Heather Smith noted that for the last few months the business has been focused on supporting its existing travel insurance customers and that she is delighted that from today it can start to welcome back new customers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created volatility and uncertainty for everyone, not least in the travel industry where things are changing all the time,” she said, “but we are confident within our new policy terms that there is sufficient cover in place to meet the needs of our customers and protect them against personal impacts outside their control.”