Media Release
November 13th
Streuth: Kiwi travel insurer takes top spot in Australian survey, again
For the fifth consecutive year New Zealand company, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has topped a survey of
Australia’s best value international travel insurance products.
The Kiwi insurer was one of just two brands to receive an award for “outstanding value” in a survey of 174 international
comprehensive travel insurance policies by research house CANSTAR.
SCTI is the only brand to have received the award in all five of the years the survey has been conducted - its first
award coming in 2009 after just six months operation in the Australian market.
The specialist online travel insurer has been providing policies to New Zealanders since 1982.
The annual Australian CANSTAR survey compares policies to award value ratings (from one to five stars) based on a
balance of price and 60 policy features.
Craig Morrison, SCTI CEO believes that few people would have an understanding of what cover is needed when travelling
overseas, and therefore it can be difficult to accurately compare policies.
“These awards provide independent reassurance at a glance that our policy offers quality cover and for an excellent
price.”
In addition to value for money policies, SCTI is focused on providing a simple and quick online purchase process and
excellent service to set it apart in a highly competitive Australian market.
SCTI’s profile has risen strongly in Australia where it has quickly gained brand recognition and is nipping at the heels
of much larger travel insurers.
TNS research carried out earlier this year showed that even the top scoring travel insurance brand in Australia sits at
under 10% brand awareness, while SCTI is almost 3%. The same research shows that in New Zealand SCTI stands head and
shoulders above the rest with over 50% market share.
SCTI’s ability to offer value for money is a result of its direct to consumer online business model. In New Zealand, 93%
of SCTI policy sales are transacted through its website; in Australia it’s 100%.
“Awards such as CANSTAR are a real boost for building consumer trust. It also validates the simplicity of SCTI’s
approach– we aim to cover people for the things they are likely to do on holiday.”
Ends