Covid cover makes traditional travel insurance even more essential says ICNZ
With New Zealand’s borders starting to open on 28 February, it’s essential that travellers are insured for both Covid and traditional travel risks says Insurance Council of New Zealand Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ)
"With the much higher transmissibility of Omicron, we expect the proportion of travelling Kiwis claiming for cancelled trips to be much higher," says Tim Grafton, Chief Executive of ICNZ.
The importance of travel insurance has been highlighted by the recent volcanic eruption grounding Kiwis returning from the Cook Islands and the cancellations of hundreds of flights as Cyclone Dovi swept across Aotearoa New Zealand, resulting in accommodation and re-booking claims.
"For those delayed travelling to and from the Cook Islands, there was also a raft of claims to cover the cost of cancellations or delays," said Grafton.
“If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”
In addition to covering risks such as delays, cancellations, medical events and lost possessions, travel insurance with a Covid extension will typically cover being unable to travel in the event of the policyholder, or their immediate travelling companions, contracting Covid. However, government-imposed border closures, either affecting the ability to leave or return to Aotearoa New Zealand, or another country, are typically not covered.
Travel insurers also work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) regarding its Safe Travel website and travel advisories noting that cover is typically not available in countries under a do not travel notice.
"As MFAT says on its website, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. With Covid, and especially Omicron, that’s never been better advice," said Grafton.