Three fourth of New Zealanders participating in a survey agree that the unease due to global unrest and climate change events makes it more likely that they will purchase travel insurance when they travel next.
The latest 16-page edition of Future of Travel study by Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) published in February 2025 shows 73% of New Zealanders agree they are more likely to take out travel insurance due to feeling uneasy about global unrest and 78% say travel insurance is now a high priority.
The study surveyed 1,002 New Zealanders nationwide in November 2024 to determine current travel trends.
SCTI CEO Jo McCauley said, “Outbreaks of violence can happen unexpectedly and are clearly a concern for travellers. Nearly 80% of the New Zealanders we surveyed indicated that the increase in conflict in many parts of the world has made them feel less secure and more inclined to take out travel insurance. So, we’re keen to ensure travellers are fully aware of how insurance can respond in these situations.
“If conflict breaks out and is well-publicised before a traveller bought their policy or sets off on their journey, it’s unlikely related claims would be successful. But it can be a different story when conflict breaks out in countries insured travellers are already visiting or they had bought insurance before the conflict occurred.”
Travel insurers do not generally cover destinations experiencing conflict. At SCTI this currently includes Israel, Syria, Sudan, Iran and Iraq.
Ms McCauley said, “The study also showed nearly three in four New Zealanders agree travel insurance is more important now that climate change has made weather patterns unpredictable and natural disasters more likely.”
“We’re increasingly seeing travellers affected by climate change with 1,425 customers’ plans impacted by the Auckland anniversary floods, more than 720 having to cope with travel disruption from cyclone Gabrielle and dozens affected by recent and severe winter storms in the USA. Travel insurers can also step in and support travelling customers for other issues and events outside their control.”