New technologies such as machine learning, blockchain and artificial intelligence are ushering the travel insurance industry into the 21st Century. The advent of these technological advances is modernising the industry; expediting processes, improving customer service and retention and breathing fresh air into somewhat archaic procedures, with tangible benefits aplenty for policyholders and insurers alike. There is no denying that we are creatures of comfort and convenience and, for consumers, the ability to purchase travel insurance via an app or make a claim at the touch of a button, all with support available every step of the way from a friendly and knowledgeable chatbot, makes life easier. In fact, you could say that travel insurance is becoming a more attractive and exciting product thanks to technological advances in the industry. So, what are some of the key advances emerging in the sector, how are they transforming travel insurance, and what impact are they having on industry professionals and consumers? Talkin' bout a revolution Insurtech startup Setoo strives to transform cumbersome and complex insurance processes and operations into simple micro products that match a specific individual's needs.

In this month's ITIJ, we have a full round-up of the recent International Travel & Health Insurance Conference in Bristol, UK, where medical screening, travel security and big data were top of the agenda; we analyse the growing awareness of the value of travel insurance as a risk management tool and how this is leading to a boost in demand from corporate clients for policies that are truly fit for purpose; and we ask whether attempts by the British insurance industry to'signpost' customers to suitable cover is actually working. We also hear from Dr Mitesh Patel at Aetna International about the impact of absenteeism and how to tackle it; Tony Ridley of Intelligent Travel explores how travel risk analysis can often be lacking; and Iain Brown from SAS UK & Ireland asks how ready your insurance organisation is for the advent of artificial intelligence. To read ITIJ's June issue, click here.