Page 27 - StudyTravel Magazine May/June 2022 Issue

dIReCTIOn

Improving student
protection

Insurance providers have highlighted
the importance of their relationships
with study travel agents during the

“We are optimistic that the worst

challenges are now behind us and

we are very much looking forward

to an exciting year ahead”

Photos: Dr-Walter

New Zealand to review its On the topic of mental health, pandemic in developing policies that
insurance policy details, and she continues, “If the pandemic has meet the needs of their international
has added Covid-19 cover for taught us anything, it’s that the value student clients.
policy holders. of mental health support can’t be Anna notes, “We appreciate the co-
Anna adds that one of the biggest overstated. This is why we off er our operation and exchange enabling us to
challenges over the past year and dur- Stay Healthy at School programme share experiences and best practices.
ing the pandemic generally has been as part of a holistic approach to It is an important part of product
reacting quickly to “changing circum- supporting mental health, with round- development giving us inspiration to
stances in unprecedented times and the-clock access to a toll-free phone create even better insurance solutions
to be at the side of our partners and line connecting students to qualifi ed, meeting the future needs of students
students in case of uncertainty”. experienced counselling personnel.” as well as programme requirements.”
“It’s crucial that insurers and edu- Anna notes, “As the pandemic Susanne says, “With the worst of
cation providers/schools are aligned confronted us all with emotional the pandemic behind us, we’re thrilled
in their eff orts to keep students challenges, it seems that the topic at the chance to attend upcoming
informed of the limits, exclu- of mental health has lost some of its events and conferences that typically
sions and geographical stigma and at the same time gained bring schools and agents together.
areas of coverage,” more attention. While it is sad to see We’re thrilled to return to ICEF and ST
relates Susanne. that students struggle with mental Alphe events, in-person, in 2022.”
“Educators are health issues, it is to be welcomed Claudia says Dr-Walter works via
very supportive that the awareness for the relevance diff erent channels, either directly with
and mindful of of this health aspect has increased.” schools and agencies enrolling their
mitigating risk, Despite the challenges participants, or through its Dr-Walter
which is why experienced by providers over the partnernet where agents have access
many schools past year, many remain hopeful for a to its products via weblink.
purchase insur- more positive outlook for the coming “We have a very close relation-
ance on behalf of year, when they aim to continue ship with agents, with over half of
students in the fi rst to recover from curtailed business our business coming through these
place.” during the global pandemic. people,” off ers Myles. He adds,
Susanne says Study- Myles concludes, “We are optimis- “Where possible, we look forward to
Insured also works as a Managing tic that the worst challenges are now re-introducing face-to-face meetings
General Underwriter, allowing the behind us and we are very much look- with agents and education providers
customisation of an insurance plan, ing forward to an exciting year ahead as, aside from the mutual benefi ts in
such as increasing benefi ts to include growing our student travel business.” these meetings, this is the part of our
mental health or tuition protection. joshua@studytravel.network role we enjoy the most.”

24 STudyTRaveL MaGaZIne