Amid the renewed hope of transnational trips and the revival of the travel industry, the lurking spectre of COVID-19 still poses substantial risks to eager vacationers. Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), a leading travel insurance provider, has sounded the alarm, warning its customers in Australia and New Zealand that the virus continues to disrupt travel plans, substantiated by an upsurge in related insurance claims.

The company’s analysis reveals that COVID-19 is not an enemy of the past, but a very present adversary to global travel. Their data suggests that even as the number of personal encounters with the virus declines, its impact on the travel industry is far from over. “Covid-19 in Australia – Safety Updates & Precautions” and “COVID-19 in New Zealand – Situation Updates” provide a detailed overview of the current scenarios.

“We’ve been fighting on the frontline since the onset of the pandemic,” declares Jo McCauley, CEO of SCTI, “proactively serving Aussie and Kiwi travellers by offering refunds worth millions of dollars in response to suddenly closed borders. We introduced Covid-19 cover as soon as we could, confident that it would provide our customers with a valuable safety net.”

The International Comprehensive policy offered by SCTI registered a surge in claims coinciding with a resurgence in global travel. Despite a slump since September 2022, COVID-related complications still constitute 11% of all claims paid out across both markets. The company notes that the average claim payment for travel disruption due to COVID-19 is around $1,500.

“Traveling isn’t cheap, and the pandemic’s impact on airline capacity and staffing has only exacerbated the situation,” McCauley adds. “That’s why it’s crucial for travellers to ensure their insurance policy covers COVID-related contingencies.” Travellers can access “The Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance” to understand the importance of having suitable cover.

Countries like the USA, UK, Fiji, and the Cook Islands have been top destinations for Aussie and Kiwi travellers, indicating a deep-seated desire to explore the world again. However, some countries like the USA, Japan, and China have only recently opened their borders to non-vaccinated travellers. Other countries still maintain restrictions or conditions, emphasizing the need for travellers to check the prevailing circumstances before planning their journey “Travel Restrictions by Country due to COVID-19”.

Despite these hurdles, there’s a palpable excitement about travelling again. Southern Cross’s Future of Travel survey revealed that 87% of Aussies and 95% of Kiwis are planning trips within the next year. However, McCauley advocates caution, advising travellers to secure insurance coverage for the unexpected – including COVID-19.

Customers of SCTI have expressed gratitude for the company’s reliable coverage during these uncertain times. Paul shares his experience: “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.”

Visit SCTI’s official website “www.scti.com.au” for more information on their comprehensive insurance offerings. Amidst the ever-present uncertainties, taking the right precautions before embarking on your next journey could be your passport to peace of mind.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

===================================