Rugby fans advised to take cover for match of the year

For the first time in 12 years, a landmark event; the British & Irish Lions will finally go to battle with the mighty All Blacks on home soil. Fans from all over the world will flock to New Zealand in what’s promised to be a supercharged test series.

With at least 350,000 supporters expected to descend upon various venues in New Zealand over the coming weeks, travellers are urged to consider travel insurance.

Natalie Ball, director, Travelinsurance.co.nz says:

“This dream test series has been a long time coming for rugby aficionados. Fans will want to ensure that their experience goes off without a hitch. Ticketholders travelling to see their heroes in action should ensure they have travel insurance to safeguard their experience.”

Airlines cancelled and missed flights; how travel insurance can help get you to the game

Those travelling to the New Zealand Lions Series will no doubt be counting down the moments to kick-off. With so much at stake, travellers can take comfort that in the event of a transport disruption, travel insurance may help you get to the game on time.

Ball says,

“Flight cancellations and travel delays are a common frustration for travellers with a destination to meet. In the event of unforeseen transport interruptions on your way to a match, TINZ may pay your alternative travel expenses should you be unable to reach your venue. This can be truly beneficial when you’re at risk of missing out on your special event.”

Earlier this year New Plymouth residents heading to see songstress Adele were crushed to discover that their Jetstar and Air New Zealand flights to the venue city had been cancelled. With the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the diva threatened, fans were offered small consolation from the airlines in the form of refunds or the option to travel to Auckland by bus.

Upset fans complained that both options would not allow sufficient time to make the show. Some turned to social to media to voice their frustrations, calling the last-minute airline cancellations ‘unacceptable.’

Ball says,

“In such a predicament, you can have faith that if you had a planned event to reach, where it be a sporting event, concert or wedding, travel insurance will reimburse you for the cost of alternative transport to reach your event on time. Just remember that conditions will apply and every claim will be assessed on its own merit.”

Flight delays due to bad weather; recoup costs with travel insurance

It may be of comfort to sports fans to know that comprehensive travel insurance, in most cases, would cover for the cost of their show’s ticket price, flight costs and pre-paid accommodation in the event of a flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather.

However, if the delays were due to mechanical errors on the airline’s part, things get a little more complicated.

Ball says,

“The recent British Airway’s system meltdown caused controversy largely because, when a travel delay is caused by mechanical or staffing errors, it is the airline’s obligation to compensate customers. However, when events like natural disaster or bad weather strike, you can turn to your travel insurer to claim for costs like lost deposits, pre-booked accommodation, concert or sporting event tickets and meals.”

What if I miss the game due to an emergency?

If sudden illness or a family emergency have caught you off guard and you’re unable to make a long-awaited test match, you may be able to seek reimbursement of your prepaid event tickets, flights and accommodation with travel insurance. This feature would come under ‘Cancellation and Lost Deposits’ benefits and would features within domestic or international comprehensive policies.

Ball warns;

“One ticket to Eden Park to see the All Blacks play against The British & Irish Lions could set you back anywhere from $200- $500. And hardcore fans with tickets to the whole test series will be even more invested. When you’ve spent substantial sums on prepaid events, it is definitely worth investing in comprehensive cover.”

Ball concludes;

“A domestic policy for a week can be as little as $36*. When you consider the huge cost of event tickets, combined with airlines and hotels notoriously bumping up their prices during major sporting events, travel insurance really is a small price to pay for peace of mind.”

*TINZ domestic policy for 7 days in duration, aged 30.

A final word

In summary, the benefits of TINZ’S product are

- 24/7 Emergency Assistance

- Unlimited medical cover

- Extended durations for single trip cover

- Increased single item limits ($1000 for non-specified items, $3000 for laptops, tablets, cameras and smartphones).

- Ability to increase excess to $200 and reduce policy premium

- Automatic cruise cover at no additional cost

ENDS/….

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