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Allianz Global Assistance Canada is planning to revolutionize the way travellers pay for medical claims while travelling.

The new solution will allow travellers to use insurance to pay for medical expenses in real time, which in turn would eliminate out-of-pocket and removing the post-vacation claims process and paperwork which are normally affiliated with a travel claim.

"This solution is unlike any other offering available in Canada or North America today,” said Gino Riola, vice president of sales and marketing, Allianz Global Assistance Canada. “Using PassportCard's technology, we can assist travellers more effectively and efficiently, making their life easier in the process. This directly aligns with our mission of helping people anytime, anywhere. 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."

The program, which is being offered through a partnership with PassportCard, is only available for a limited period as the program launches. Select travellers will receive a payment card to take with them on their trip to use if they need emergency medical assistance while travelling.

If an emergency were to arise, they can call Allianz Global Assistance, which will transfer funds to the card and provide a referral to the nearest medical facility. The traveller can then present the card to pay their medical bill and the claim is settled immediately, with no out-of-pocket expenses, paperwork or claim process.

"When setting out to extend the offering in North America, we were searching for the leading and most innovative market players," said Sharon Haran, CEO of PassportCard. “Allianz Global Assistance Canada's solid reputation for delivering top-notch travel insurance and assistance services made them an ideal choice as a partner. We were already familiar with Allianz Global Assistance's capabilities having partnered with their German Business Unit to offer PassportCard to travellers."

During the launch phase, PassportCard will be only be available on a limited basis with select products. But if the initial test phase proves to be successful, Allianz Global Assistance intends plans to broaden its availability.

For more information, visit www.allianz-assistance.ca or www.allianz.com/en/products_solutions/services-and-assistance/allianz-worldwide-partners.

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