Peace of mind is fundamental to being able to enjoy a holiday. If something goes wrong, having the right insurance cover in place is essential.

“You look after all of us, so it’s only right we support you when you have time to relax and recharge,” says Jess Strange, the chief customer officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI).

The new partnership will offer Welfare Fund members:

• competitive pricing
• an improved online experience that makes it easier to buy and claim against a policy
• the ability to choose different levels of cover that suit members’ needs and affordability
• award-winning and industry-leading customer service
• a locally owned and operated travel insurer licensed in New Zealand

“SCTI offers cover that is built to move quickly, treat you fairly, and put people first… our partnership with the NZ Police Association is designed for members,” Jess says.

Medical and evacuation claims are often where the value of travel insurance becomes clear, she says. SCTI has paid more than $8.5 million across 3686 claims, averaging $2328 per claim.

“Extraordinary claims we’ve paid for serious unexpected illness or injury include $220,000 for one customer affected by Covid-related illness in Singapore, $642,000 for illness in Italy and a fractured hip in India for $95,000,” Jess says.

“Often overlooked, however, is how travel insurance comes to the rescue to cover rental vehicle excess.”

SCTI has paid out more than $310,000 to customers for these claims, averaging $1487 per claim, costs members would much rather spend on experiences while travelling. Surprisingly, she says, 26 claims in 2025 involved monkeys, advising travellers to keep belongings close and avoid wildlife encounters.

Jess says travel insurance can also be critical when plans change before a journey even begins. SCTI paid more than $3.16 million for changes to travellers’ journeys outside their control, including cancellations because of sudden illness of close family members.

“Closer to home, it’s also advisable to consider domestic travel insurance to ensure you are prepared for the unexpected,” she says. One recent claim involved a Fiordland dive trip that was cut short after a shark encounter. SCTI paid out $7000 for the disrupted trip and damaged gear.

Welfare Fund members can access Southern Cross travel cover through the “travel insurance” tile on the NZ Police Association dashboard. In most cases, you’ll be able to select your product, receive a quote and pay to activate the cover online. You’ll also have direct access to the Southern Cross customer service channels.

As with all insurances, it is recommended that you read the policy terms and conditions carefully and consider the product that is best for you.

Any existing policies in place with Allianz Partners will be unaffected by the change.