As New Zealanders gradually resume international travel, fear remains that COVID will disrupt adventures.
That’s why Canstar has brought back its exceptional value travel insurance ratings and awards this year for providers who offer travelers comprehensive coverage – including for COVID-related issues – at a great price.
Jose George, managing director of Canstar New Zealand, said nervousness due to the pandemic meant finding the right travel insurance for a trip was now a ‘must have’ rather than the ‘nice to have’ it could have been before COVID.
As such, an insurance policy must now have some form of COVID cover to be eligible for a 5-star Canstar rating. Canstar’s research methodology also incorporated several COVID-specific elements into its analysis of the Travel Insurance Exceptional Value Award winners. These elements include consideration of COVID benefits in coverage, including medical and cancellation coverage.
According to Mr George, “Insurance is often a difficult purchase, simply because there are so many variables at play, fine print to wade through and costs to consider. The impact of COVID has made this all the more difficult. Canstar’s market analysis should make decision-making a little easier and free up time for Kiwis to plan their adventures instead.
Canstar is proud to announce the winners of its Travel Insurance Exceptional Value Awards in four categories: International Travel, Tran-Tasman, Seniors and South Pacific Cruise.
Worldcare won outstanding value awards across all profiles for consistent pricing, and was particularly strong in the International and Senior profiles. Southern Cross Travel Insurance has won three Exceptional Value Awards for International Travel, South Pacific Cruises and Seniors, due to its impressive levels of coverage at reasonable prices. House of Travel has won Outstanding Value Awards for South Pacific Cruise, Trans-Tasman and International Travel for its excellent value for money and wide coverage. Finally, AMP won an Exceptional Value Award for Seniors due to its competitive pricing in older age groups.
Mr George said the recognition of outstanding value was a “true endorsement of these policies. For those planning trips in these categories, the rewards should reassure Kiwis as they finally head overseas.
Canstar uses its bespoke methodology to find the winners, taking into account each policy’s customer journey, assistance services, coverage and COVID-related benefits. Canstar analyzed 17 vendors to find its winners.
For more details, please visit the Canstar NZ site, here.