William Russell and Allianz Partners Celebrate 25-Year Partnership, Announce Future Service Innovation for 2026

International private medical insurance provider William Russell is celebrating a landmark 25-year partnership with Allianz Partners, marking a quarter-century of collaboration and shared success. Building on this strong foundation, the company has also announced its plan to launch a new, enhanced service proposition in 2026. William Russell's global health, life, and income protection policies are underwritten by Allianz Partners.

A Partnership Forged in Trust and Shared Values

In the dynamic international insurance market, the stability of a long-term, values-driven partnership is paramount, especially for expatriate customers who depend on consistency and security. The collaboration between William Russell and Allianz Partners exemplifies this principle by being grounded in a profound, shared understanding of the human element of insurance.

The partnership delivers tangible customer benefits, including "consistency" and "sustainable premiums," as founder Inez Cooper explained, because the companies’ pricing philosophies are mutually agreed upon. However, the alignment runs deeper than business strategy. The relationship is built on the shared value that “when it comes to claims, we’re dealing with peoples’ lives.” This core belief—that their shared responsibility is to care for customers during difficult times—is the ethical foundation of the collaboration. The relationship is mutually beneficial; while William Russell gains the strength and security of a global underwriter, Allianz benefits from the "agility" of a smaller, family-owned business, a point highlighted by Xavier Mauriac, Head of Partnership and Affinity at Allianz Partners. These foundational values not only define the partnership's history but also empower its ambitious plans for future growth.

Building on a Strong Foundation: A Look Toward Future Innovation

The stability and trust cultivated over a quarter-century have created the essential foundation for future innovation and service enhancement. During the anniversary commemoration, William Russell took the opportunity to discuss the upcoming launch of a new service proposition with Allianz representatives, framing the initiative as a collaborative milestone built on their enduring relationship.

The company formally announced it will launch this new service proposition in 2026. According to William Cooper, Marketing Director at William Russell, this new offering is "designed to improve our existing service offering for the benefit of our members." The strength of the alliance is a key driver behind this strategic initiative.

As William Cooper stated, "Having Allianz by our side gives us the confidence to focus on that commitment while we deliver new products, services and capabilities to benefit our members’ lives."

This announcement signals a clear focus on leveraging the partnership's strength to deliver next-generation value to customers, with more details to be shared closer to the 2026 launch.

Executive Commentary on the Milestone

Leaders from both organizations commemorated the milestone and shared their perspectives on the partnership's enduring significance.

Inez Cooper, Founder and Managing Director, William Russell, "This partnership gives our customers consistency... And when it comes to claims, we’re dealing with peoples’ lives. Our attitude to helping these customers, to looking after them at that difficult time and to making life as easy as possible, is a shared value that we both have."

Xavier Mauriac, Head of Partnership and Affinity, Allianz Partners, "At Allianz, we really value long-standing partnership, so celebrating the 25th anniversary of this partnership is really meaningful for us... When you have invested a lot in any relationship, the most important thing is to ensure that relationship is long-term and, here, we have managed to build something really solid."

William Cooper, Marketing Director, William Russell, "It’s very important that the way we present ourselves in the market is strong and stable. Without an insurance partner like Allianz Partners, the last 25 years would have been very difficult. Our commitment to excellent customer service is the thing that has helped to differentiate us in the market and keeps our members coming back."

About William Russell

William Russell is an independent, family-owned provider of international insurance for expats and businesses. Founded in 1992 by Inez Cooper, the company offers specialized health, life, and income protection plans to members in over 160 countries, all backed by award-winning customer service.

About Allianz Partners

Allianz Partners is the underwriter for William Russell's global insurance policies and is part of the international Allianz group.