Southern Cross Travel Insurance Wins Outstanding Value Award Four Years in a Row

SYDNEY, November 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A prestigious 2012 CANSTAR International Travel Insurance five-star rating award has again gone to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI).

This is the fourth year in a row SCTI has picked up the sought-after accolade, after securing the title in 2009, 2010 and 2011. SCTI is also the only travel insurer to have received the award in all four years the survey has been conducted.

CANSTAR compared 174 comprehensive travel insurance policies, looking for the right balance between cost and features. The award recognises the outstanding value offered by SCTI in its comprehensive international travel insurance policy, TravelCare.

SCTI's five-star rated TravelCare policy was praised for its:

• Sharp pricing, particularly for family policies covering travel to Brazil, France, the UK and South Africa
• And top features for single travellers, including:
  • Up to $100,000 for accidental death and permanent disability
  • Up to $25,000 for luggage and personal effects
  • Up to $50,000 for unexpected travel and accommodation expenses

Craig Morrison, CEO of Southern Cross Travel Insurance said, "This award provides independent reassurance for customers that our travel insurance policies offer high quality cover at an excellent price."

Morrison said SCTI's ability to offer great value travel insurance was based on its commitment to a "direct to the consumer" online business model. Earlier this year SCTI reduced the minimum number of days its TravelCare policy could be issued for from five days to two, meaning policies now start at just AUD$15.

To be eligible for the CANSTAR international travel insurance star ratings, policies must be comprehensive (not just medical cover) and meet certain requirements including but not limited to cover for the following expenses:

• Overseas Medical and Hospital
• Luggage and Personal Effects
• Cancellation Fees and Loss of Deposit
• Repatriation and Evacuation Services
• Accidental Death and Permanent Disability
• Alternative Transport
• Travel Delays

About Southern Cross Travel Insurance:

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is an APRA and ASIC regulated general insurer. We are a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service, the Insurance Council of Australia and a signatory to the Australian General Insurance Code of Practice.

Dealing direct with our customers, those who travel with SCTI know they can trust us to look after them if the unexpected happens. Dealing direct online also helps us to keep overheads down and therefore pass on savings to our customers through cheaper premiums.

SCTI is the trading name of Southern Cross Benefits Ltd, a New Zealand incorporated company, which is the underwriter and distributor of the TravelCare policy.

Contact:

Aimee Bourke
Group Communications Manager
aimee.bourke@southerncross.co.nz
+64-9-925-6412