EasyJet adds COVID insurance cover and urges action on PCR tests

By Lisa James
06/05/2021
Home » EasyJet adds COVID insurance cover and urges action on PCR tests

EasyJet has launched a new insurance policy that includes COVID-19 cover as standard – the latest of a number of measures it has introduced to encourage confidence in booking overseas travel.

At the same time, easyJet Chief Executive Johan Lundgren has urged the Government to allow affordable lateral flow tests to be used in place of more expensive PCR tests for travellers coming from low-risk countries.

Mr Lundgren told ITV’s Peston programme: “There’s no PCR testing required in Europe if you’re vaccinated.

“So we’re looking for the UK to reciprocate that, otherwise millions of people will be left behind and there will be [travellers from] other EU member states who will make all the bookings and taking all the beds in hotel rooms.

“And why shouldn’t people benefit from the [UK’s] huge vaccination programme if it is proven safe that it [international travel] can be done?”

EasyJet’s new insurance policy follows the recent launch of its Price Promise for travellers, giving greater last-minute flexibility in the event destinations change colours in the Government’s traffic-light system.

The company has also partnered with Randox to supply customers convenient, reliable and affordable pre-departure PCR testing at preferential rates, by entering a discount code.

EasyJet said the new insurance policy has been designed to ‘give customers confidence to travel, knowing they will be supported should they test positive and experience COVID-19 related disruption, either before or during their trip’.

The policy, provided by Collinson Insurance, will cover customers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 ahead of a trip, providing the necessary rearrangements or refunds, as well as cover to customers for any required medical care if diagnosed with COVID-19 during their trip.

Customers who are unable to return home due to being diagnosed with the virus are also covered for additional accommodation, necessary medical assistance, and the cost of returning home safely.

The insurance can be purchased during the booking process on easyJet.com.

Collinson Head of Travel Insurance Greg Lawson said: “We will continue to work with easyJet on enhancing the insurance product further, listening to customers and helping rebuild travel confidence in the months ahead.”  

EasyJet UK Chief Commercial Officer Sophie Dekkers said the insurance policy provided ‘much-needed reassurance for future bookings’.

She added: “We are looking forward to ramping up our flying programme as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The insurance policy also includes options such as business, gadget and sports activity cover.

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