Insuring a Festive Christmas & Happy New Year

Christmas week is here, and it is officially the most popular time for holidaying Aussies to fly out for the festive season.[1] As a result of this mass migration, airports, roads, hotels and campsites nationwide are set to see a massive influx of travellers and with this, an increased risk of holiday mishaps.  

Claudio Saita, Deputy CEO and Executive Director in Australia for Tokio Marine, underwriters for World2Cover travel insurance, said that while the festive season should be a time of celebration, the chaos of last-minute preparations and end-of-year stress often lead to tales of commiseration.

“Australians are predicted to spend $9.77 billion on Christmas presents,[2] making this period prime season for thefts.^[3] When travelling with various gifts, it’s worth noting the limit you may have on your travel insurance for individual items. It may be that extra special items like a Swiss watch or MacBook require additional protection or should be covered under home and contents insurance to make sure you’re not left out of pocket should the worst happen.”

Flight delays are also likely to be experienced by those travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, as severe weather conditions are expected across the USA and Europe.

“A white Christmas isn’t always a good thing for travellers. Aussies visiting the US should expect a chilling winter, with plenty of rain and snow. This applies across the States, as bitter cold temperatures are even predicted to reach as far south as Florida and the Gulf Coast.[4] Buying travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your flights can help to protect against cancellations and delays.”

To help minimise the impact of potential misadventures, the team at World2Cover has five top tips for local holidaymakers heading away this summer:

1. Leave early – It’s the oldest trick in the book, but Christmas falls on a Sunday meaning you can expect even more people than usual to be hitting the roads, train lines and airways this Friday evening. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make your flights and connections, as most travel insurance policies will not cover missed flights simply because of traffic. 

2. First in, best dressed – As it’s one of the busiest travel periods of the year, it’s not uncommon for accommodation providers and airlines to oversell spaces. Be sure to confirm your reservations and check in as early as possible to help protect you’re booking.

3. Avoid the ‘silly’ part of the season – Partygoers can get carried away with the Christmas spirit. Keep your wits about you when celebrating, don’t leave any personal items unattended – whether on the beach or at a bar seat – and make sure you know how to get back to your accommodation safely. Failure to take due care of your belongings can actually invalidate travel insurance coverage for any lost items.

4. Pack with care – If you’re taking Santa’s presents with you, safely wrap and carry any fragile or valuable items, taking as many as possible in your carry on to avoid any tears come Christmas morning.

5. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, even if you’re staying close to home – It’s important to be fully protected, even while travelling domestically. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of things that can go wrong on a local trip, including delays, cancellations, and lost or damaged luggage. Domestic cover can help protect against the impact of these potential nasty surprises, meaning you won’t be out of pocket during the already expensive holiday period.

 

For more information on the comprehensive range of coverage options from World2Cover, visit www.world2cover.com.au.

Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the PDS and full policy to ensure the cover is right for your circumstances.

 

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For further information or images please contact:

April Rose, History Will Be Kind, T: (02) 8046 4848  M: 0401 966 374 E : April.rose@historywillbekind.com.au

Note: World2Cover travel insurance was the 2016 winner of CANSTAR Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards for both its international and domestic products.

 

World2Cover ‘Good Company’ Philosophy:

World2Cover’s philosophy of a Good Company is based on the pillars of looking beyond profit, empowering people, and delivering on commitments. World2Cover exemplifies the Japanese spirit of Omotenashi, the belief that great customer service and strong relationships are critical to any product, which is also embedded in the wider Tokio Marine Group.

 

About Tokio Marine:

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (TMNF) was founded in 1879 as The Tokio Marine Insurance Company, Ltd. and has been operating in Australia since 1963. TMNF is Japan's largest non-life insurance company and is placed in the top ranking of non-life insurance companies worldwide. The Company began its operations in the marine insurance field, where it has long been recognised as a world leader with a long history of financial stability and an excellent security rating. They are now present in over 39 countries around the world with more than 40,000 employees globally.

 

*About INTAC:

International Assistance Co.,Ltd (INTAC) is a 100% subsidiary of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (TMNF). They are a professional service which offers domestic medical assistance to overseas travellers visiting Japan, as part of their international travel policy. In operation since 1996, they provide an all-round support desk to aid in the logistics required to help sick or injured travellers. On behalf of international insurers they will guarantee the payment of medical expenses, provide emergency assistance and give help when it is needed. These services are part of a broad connected network of businesses that are much appreciated by foreign insurance companies and other assistance providers operating in Japan. INTAC is able to arrange repatriation of customers to their home country when they cannot continue their travels due to illness or injury, and can make special arrangements for escort doctors or nurses to accompany the travellers back home.