• The illness continues to wreak havoc with travel plans for New Zealand and Australian customers
• Southern Cross Travel Insurance includes Covid cover in all policies

While it might seem increasingly uncommon for friends, family, and colleagues to be coming down with Covid-19, the virus is well and truly circulating and continues to get in the way of travel plans for New Zealand and Australian travellers.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has crunched the numbers across the two markets it supports travellers in; Australia and New Zealand, and reveals the virus is still rife when it comes to travel insurance claims, meaning the team is keen to ensure customers know they are covered if plans come unstuck.

“Back in 2020, we stepped into action to support Kiwi and Aussie travellers right from the start of the pandemic, including refunding policies worth millions of dollars for those who were faced with borders slamming shut. We introduced Covid-19 cover as soon as we were able, delivering a solution that we were confident offered solid, great value cover for Kiwis. Covid continues to be one of the main reasons our customers claim, and it looks like it's going to affect travellers for some time to come,” says Jo McCauley, CEO for SCTI.

 “Taking a look at the data for our International Comprehensive policy, it's clear claims spiked as travellers really started to take off around the world again. And, while there's been a dramatic slump since September '22, Covid still makes up 11 per cent of all claims paid to customers across the two markets. 

“On average we are paying out claims for cancellation and travel disruption due to Covid to the value of $1,500, which is a sizeable cost. 

“Travel can be expensive these days with many airlines still struggling to stand up more capacity and staff. It's easy to see how the cost of a delay or disruption thanks to Covid starts to stack up. To that end, we advise all travellers to check their policy wording or to contact your insurer to see if they cover events related to Covid, as we do.”

 On that note, the Southern Cross team also took a look at where travellers were headed when Covid impacted their plans. 

“The data indicates just how ready we are to see the world again. For example, the USA, UK, Fiji, and the Cook Islands have also been key destinations for Australian travellers.”

The USA, Japan and China have only recently opened their borders to non-vaccinated travellers. There are a handful of other nations which still have restrictions or conditions in place so it's best to check before booking, paying and departing.

McCauley says, “We're encouraged by the leap in policy sales which reflects the desire of New Zealanders and Australians to travel again. Our own Future of Travel research supports this with 87 per cent of Aussies making plans and 95 per cent of Kiwis wanting to head away in NZ or overseas in the next 12 months. But, we thoroughly recommend taking out travel insurance which will cover you for the unexpected, or Covid. It's still very much at large and impacting our customers' plans.”

Customer feedback

I took out cover just in case I caught covid overseas. I did, and was able to claim back some of my costs with no issues at all. Got exactly what I paid for – Paul

You so cared for me on my recent trip to the USA, when I got covid then a jaw infection, losing my tooth. They even called to check on (me) that I was ok. Felt so like a valued customer - Ken

Just a great company to deal with. You guys made it so easy for me when I got Covid overseas I've recommended you guys to friends (already) and I'll definitely use you guys again thank you - Christopher

For more information, please visit www.scti.com.au.

ENDS

If you have any further queries, please contact: 

Laura Sedgwick - 0451 041 705

laura@sedgwickcommunications.com.au 

OR

Ellie Williams – 0409 533337

ellie@palermopr.com.au 

About Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Southern Cross Travel Insurance has been operating in Australia for over a decade and New Zealand since 1982. 

The business is the recipient of multiple awards, including:

• Finder
  • Finder's 2023 Travel Insurance Awards - Travel Insurance - Seniors 
  • Finder's 2023 Travel Insurance Awards -  Travel Insurance - Comprehensive 
  • Highly commended for Finder's 2023 Travel Insurance Awards -Travel Insurance - Value 
• ITIJ
  • Travel & Health insurer of the Year 2022
• Canstar
  • Outstanding value - International Travel Insurance 2022
  • Outstanding Value - Domestic Travel Insurance 2022 
  • Outstanding Value - Seniors Travel Insurance 2022
• Mozo
  • 2022 Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards - Exceptional Quality Annual Multitrip Travel Insurance
  • 2022 Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards - Exceptional Value Annual Multitrip Travel Insurance
• Sitecore Experience Awards 2021
  • Honourable Mention for Digital Experience Transformation - 2021
• ProductReview Australia
  • ProductReview Travel Insurance Award – 2022
  • ProductReview Travel Insurance Award – 2020
  • ProductReview Travel Insurance Award – 2019
  • ProductReview Travel Insurance Award – 2018