About us
Established in 1982, we at Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) have nearly 40 years’ experience looking after Kiwi travellers and over 10 years’ helping our Aussie neighbours. During that time, we’ve won several competitive industry awards, earned thousands of great customer reviews, and helped countless people travel with confidence.
But, we’re more than just a collection of numbers. We’re a team of travel addicts, dedicated to helping you enjoy what the world has to offer while providing comprehensive travel insurance that protects you from the unexpected.
Our history
SCTI is part of the Southern Cross group; one of New Zealand’s most enduring and trusted brands. We’re 100% New Zealand owned, and have worked hard to forge a reputation as our country’s leading travel insurer.
The Southern Cross group first opened for business in 1961 when it introduced health insurance to New Zealanders. Today, it has grown to play a unique and far-reaching role in our communities, and our diverse range of health and financial services brands provide care and fund treatment - for over a million Kiwis.
SCTI operates as a separate legal entity to the Southern Cross Medical Care Society with its own dedicated Board of Directors.
Our awards
We’re proud to have won several competitive industry awards over the years, which recognise our quality products, value for money and dedication to customer service.
Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award - 2022We’re honoured to have won gold in the travel insurance category of the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards for the third year in a row. We’re particularly proud of how we were proactive in supporting customers after the outbreak of COVID-19 by waiving usual cancellation fees, offering refunds and helping Kiwis return home safely. |
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Feefo Trusted Service Awards - 2021The Feefo Trusted Service Award recognises businesses that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Winning awards like this mean the world to us because they’re rated by the people who count most - customers just like you! |
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Canstar 2020 Travel Insurance Award - International TravelThe coveted Outstanding Value International Travel Insurance Award recognises the insurer who provides outstanding value to customers. Along with this award, we’re proud to have received a Canstar Five Star rating, which exists to help Kiwis choose the best quality products and services on the market. |
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Supporting Kiwi communities
For us, giving back isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a must. That’s why any net proceeds from your travel insurance policy go towards advancing the health and wellbeing of Kiwis in their communities.
Being part of the Southern Cross group means we support several charities, including:
Revive a Smile - free dental care to disadvantaged adults.
Smile NZ Free Dental Day - free dental care to low-income adults.
Auckland City Mission - providing primary health care to marginalised Aucklanders at the Calder Medical Centre.
Pause Breathe Smile
Southern Cross Group proudly supports Pause Breathe Smile, a programme designed to help equip Kiwi kids with the essential skills they need to navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. Our involvement makes it possible for Pause Breathe Smile to be available free of charge to any primary and intermediate school in the country.
Our team
At SCTI, our team works a little differently to many travel insurance companies. We underwrite our own policies. This means that when you buy one of our products, you have the reassurance of knowing that standing behind the promises of cover is us, and not some third party company.
Underwriting our own policies also allows us to cut out the middleman, offering you more competitive prices for our award-winning insurance. And if you need to make a claim, you can manage the entire process online and even track your claim process as it’s being assessed by one of our advisors.
Our policies
At SCTI, we offer five travel insurance policies to suit different kinds of travellers.
Travel insurance options for Kiwi travellers
Travel insurance for non-residents in New Zealand
No matter what SCTI travel insurance policy you choose, you’ll have direct access to our Emergency Assistance team, who are available to support you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
