Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has introduced its first-ever branded travel insurance. Developed in partnership with global provider Europ Assistance, the insurance is now available through Flight Centre, Travel Associates, and Cruiseabout, with FCTG planning to expand to other markets soon.
Each policy within the branded line is structured to meet the distinct needs of FCTG’s core customer segments:
- Flight Centre Travel Insurance for broad, general travel coverage.
- Travel Associates Travel Insurance is tailored to luxury travellers, offering high-end coverage.
- Cruiseabout Travel Insurance offers cruise-specific benefits, designed for travellers at sea.
Aiming to make travel insurance relevant and accessible
FCTG’s new approach focuses on providing targeted insurance options, making coverage feel directly relevant to the type of trip each customer plans. This distinct approach allows the company to offer policies that go beyond one-size-fits-all coverage, appealing to clients looking for a trusted name they already know.
“Our customers put immense trust in us to bring their travel experiences to life, and we firmly believe comprehensive travel insurance is a core part of this experience,” FCTG Global Leisure CEO James Kavanagh said. He explained that FCTG’s branded insurance seeks to match its reputation with an added layer of protection:
“We believe this is a world-class travel insurance offering for protection and peace of mind, and ultimately this will mean a better overall holiday experience for our customers.”
Powered by Europ Assistance
FCTG’s insurance policies are underwritten by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), with Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd authorised to issue contracts of insurance and handle claims on MSI’s behalf. Europ Assistance’s well-established global network offers FCTG customers broad support, designed to meet expectations for assistance in both everyday travel needs and emergency situations.
Europ Assistance ANZ CEO Anna Gladman expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, describing it as a chance to provide Australian travellers with an insurance option backed by local support and international resources.
“We are thrilled to partner with Flight Centre Travel Group to support Australian travellers on their journeys, with an integrated travel offer that includes insurance,” Gladman said.
“With Europ Assistance’s more than 60 years’ experience supporting travellers, and our extensive global network of partners and medical assistance teams, we are well positioned to provide a tailored and reliable travel insurance solution to Flight Centre Travel Group’s customers.”
Relaunch of the Captain’s Pack: Now with insurance discounts
Coinciding with the new insurance release, Flight Centre Travel Group has refreshed its Captain’s Pack add-on, which now includes a 5% discount on FCTG’s branded travel insurance. Available across the Value, Plus, and Cruise tiers, the Captain’s Pack already includes benefits like lost baggage tracking and bonus spending money.
Flight Centre’s Global Managing Director, Andrew Stark, highlighted the popularity of the Captain’s Pack, noting that over 75% of Australian customers choose it as part of their booking.
The discount on FCTG-branded insurance aims to add further value.
“Travellers can add a Captain’s Pack to their booking and automatically receive value adds and peace of mind with lost baggage tracking and bonus spending money, with travellers able to scale up their value as they want to include extras such as our 5 per cent discount on travel insurance,” Stark said.
For many travellers, the ability to bundle multiple benefits into a single add-on provides added convenience and peace of mind.
Rollout strategy: Starting with Australia, expanding globally
Currently, the branded insurance line is exclusive to Australia, with Flight Centre Travel Group planning to introduce it to other markets soon. Starting domestically allows the company to gauge customer response and fine-tune the product before wider expansion. This phased approach aims to ensure that FCTG’s insurance meets the needs of diverse travel segments as it reaches new markets.
Kavanagh noted that the new branded insurance line reflects FCTG’s broader mission to deliver a “complete travel experience” by integrating travel and insurance services.
For FCTG agents, this branded insurance presents a new product line that could attract clients who value streamlined, one-stop service. With insurance now directly under the Flight Centre Travel Group brand, agents have an opportunity to introduce clients to in-house policies they can trust. This convenience might appeal especially to clients who appreciate having their travel and insurance needs met by a single provider, allowing for a more seamless experience from booking to boarding.
This news comes as Flight Centre Travel Group announced its expanded UK operations by acquiring Cruise Club UK, a long-established cruise company, marking its third leisure business in the UK. This acquisition is set to integrate Cruise Club UK into FCTG’s Ignite brand, enhancing its cruise market reach in Britain, a key source market for cruising. FCTG aims to replicate the success of its Australian MyCruises model in the UK, with Ignite Founder Randall Deer taking on leadership. The move is part of FCTG’s broader strategy to strengthen its leisure business internationally.
