Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) wants to work more closely with Kiwi travel agents.
SCTI is the underwriter for Kiwi Holiday Insurance, which it says is sold mainly by independent travel advisors. Carole Tokody, the ceo of SCTI, says the company would like to expand its existing links with the New Zealand trade distribution and look for new opportunities with the bigger chains.
“We’ve got a strong ambition to grow that market,” she adds.
. . . Disruption Payment
The trade comments come as the travel insurer is this week launching new travel disruption insurance cover, TravelCare Delay Assist, in New Zealand and Australia, said to be a transtasman first. While it is initially only available via SCTI’s direct channel from tomorrow, there are plans to offer the new cover through Kiwi Holiday Insurance, and agents, in the future.
. . . Details
Available with eligible single trip international comprehensive policies from 01 Jul, it provides a $50 digital voucher when a qualifying flight delay of two hours or more occurs. SCTI will pay out automatically when airlines are late, it adds. The Uber, TripGift or Woolworths vouchers can be used while travelling or when consumers get home.
The move comes as delay-related disruption continues to affect travellers. SCTI says between 2023 and Apr 2026, it handled more than 11,400 delay-related claims, with the average claim paid hovering around $1500.