A Kiwi insurer has highlighted the realities of ageing that underline the importance of having the right cover in place, as mishaps and sudden health issues become more common as people get older.
Jo McCauley, CEO of Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), underlined the insurer’s commitment to helping New Zealanders on their travels. Cover is available for travellers up to the age of 118, recognising the remarkable longevity of some Kiwis.
“Older customers are often grateful to have cover available for their age group. It’s so important to us to help New Zealanders of all ages travel the world. It’s a wonderful way to enrich your life, but it can also come with risks or challenges that you need to be prepared for,” said McCauley.
Recent cases highlight the challenges faced by older travellers, who are often embarking on long-awaited holidays, similar to the younger demographic who ventured abroad after the pandemic. In particular, a number of them have suffered injuries from falls or strokes, incidents that are as likely to occur overseas as within New Zealand’s borders.
McCaulay points out that a common reason for taking out travel insurance is to mitigate medical costs. Cases such as strokes, broken hips or falling seriously ill, whether from a bad flu or COVID, can be very costly, particularly for those on a fixed income, a common scenario for older New Zealanders. Comprehensive travel insurance provides peace of mind in such circumstances.
“For example, in cases such as those described below involving travellers in their 70s and 80s, our emergency assistance team has sprung into action to cover medical assistance, arrange for family members to support the traveller or even medevac them back to Aotearoa, either on a commercial airline or in a specially designed aircraft with doctors or nurses on board,” Mr McCauley said.
Mr McCaulay also addressed concerns about pre-existing medical conditions, particularly for older travellers.
“Southern Cross does offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions,” she said. “We ask customers to complete a medical assessment when they purchase their policy, either online or over the phone. Cover will depend on the customer’s individual circumstances, but we are confident that in most cases we will be able to assist, regardless of age. In cases where we are unable to cover a high-risk pre-existing medical condition, we can still offer travel insurance to cover other needs”.
