Kiwis exposed
New Zealand-based Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has found that a significant number of Kiwi travellers are not obtaining travel cover for their trip, with many choosing to visit Australia without the necessary insurance.
New Zealand-based Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has found that a significant number of Kiwi travellers are not obtaining travel cover for their trip, with many choosing to visit Australia without the necessary insurance.
An online survey of 2,300 travellers from New Zealand carried out by SCTI found that of those who travelled without insurance, some 55 per cent did not believe it was necessary for the trip they were taking. According to the results of the survey, travellers without insurance were also more likely to be going to Australia, visiting friends or family, and on journeys of a week or less in duration. In addition, the survey showed that of those who did purchase travel insurance for their trip, 44 per cent waited until after they had booked their travel.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance chief executive officer Craig Morrison said a key piece of advice his company gives to travellers is to book insurance at the same time that the holiday is being booked. He added: “More and more, we are seeing travellers caught out when an unexpected weather or political event develops in the country they plan on travelling to. The basic principle behind travel insurance is to cover for the unexpected. This means you cannot get travel insurance to cover cancellation costs for an event that is already happening – so it’s important to buy travel cover as soon as you book your tickets.”
Meanwhile, Southern Cross has also divulged details of claims in paid in 2011, which show that in the last year, Southern Cross Travel Insurance’s highest paid claim for an individual Australian was in excess of NZ$300,000, and the company paid one New Zealand claim that cost over NZ$1 million. Both claims were for overseas medical expenses and repatriation.
Morrison said: “In the US and Europe, medical costs can be astronomical for travellers – and that’s before you take into account the cost of evacuation. In many countries around the world, if an accident or health problem strikes, you may also be left with a hefty bill for air, boat or ambulance travel.” He warned travellers: “Depending on the severity and type of injury or illness, travel back home may require the purchase of a first-class seat, as well as the travel costs of an accompanying medical professional or family member, or even chartering an air ambulance.”