Travel insurance provider Europ Assistance Australia has been given a licence to operate as a general insurer.

It says securing the licence signals its long-term commitment to the Australian market.

“EAA from today underwrites travel insurance products under its own licence … This milestone represents the latest in a series of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Europ Assistance’s position as a leading care company in Australia and New Zealand,” the insurer said today.

Europ Assistance Asia-Pacific CEO Hassen Bennour says the licence is a “natural step ... Australia is a strategic market for us, and we are investing to bring the full strength of our global capabilities to local travellers.”

The group’s travel insurance products were previously underwritten by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company.

EAA – part of Italy’s Generali Group – entered the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2022 through the acquisition of InsureandGo and Tick.

Independent chair Francois de Meneval says the licence provides “the flexibility to design and deliver products that are closely aligned with how, where and why Australians travel, ensuring that relevant, modern and future-ready insurance solutions are available”.

EAA also provides traveller medical and emergency services. It says it supported more than 1.3 million travellers from Australia and New Zealand through its global assistance network last year, and it has more than 200 team members locally.

“Our mission has always been simple and care-focused – to bring travellers from distress to relief, any time. Securing our own licence in Australia strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise with even greater speed, care and accountability,” EAA CEO Justin Sebire said.