Polar Blast Gets Travellers Thinking About Travel Insurance

Media Release
24 June 2013

Polar Blast Gets Travellers Thinking About Travel Insurance - A 200% Spike

The snow drifts and torrential downpours that have affected thousands of people around New Zealand have led to unexpected consequences for overseas travel.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) CEO Craig Morrison said they have experienced a record spike in sales of insurance policies for overseas travel last week.

“It is a rare instance when a local event spreads into public consciousness – but in the last few days we have experienced a large increase in traffic to our website. It would appear that the current cold snap has reminded people that travel insurance provides for protection against unexpected weather and geological events.”

“When you can’t get to work because of bad weather, or are sitting in the dark during a power cut, you realise how vulnerable you can be to the whims of nature.” 

“That has led to an increase in phone enquiries and a record sales day for policies sold – up more than 200% on normal figures for this time of year.”

Winter is traditionally the busiest time of the year for international travel - with Kiwis travelling abroad in search of sun. Figures from Statistics New Zealand show that of the 2.1 million overseas trips taken in 2012, a fifth were in June and July.

A December 2012 Colmar Brunton survey shows that while the majority of Kiwi travellers (85%) take out travel insurance, there’s still a large number of travellers leaving themselves vulnerable.  It is estimated that last year 320,000 trips were made by Kiwis without travel insurance. 

Morrison says, “Purchasing travel insurance online directly from the insurer has become increasingly popular with net-savvy travellers seeking the best possible value and protection.”

“For example, after the 2010 and 2011 volcanic eruptions in Iceland and Chile, a lot of companies reduced their travel delay maximum limits to only $1,000 or $2,000 - nowhere near enough for such major events.”

“SCTI customers who were stranded in Europe claimed on average $500 a day - for those stuck in Paris, it averaged $1,000 a day. SCTI offers cover of $30,000 or 30 days (whatever comes first) - this is better than nearly all other policies available in the market.”

Morrison firmly believes that the strong sales SCTI is experiencing is a clear sign that New Zealanders recognise the value travel insurance policies offer to protect their travel plans.

ENDS

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