As Australians gear up for more adventurous and action-packed holidays, nib Travel will meet the growing demand with its latest insurance overhaul. Set to take effect on 17 September 2024, the refreshed product suite is designed to offer broader, more comprehensive protection to globetrotters embracing thrilling and active forms of travel. The changes come as part of nib Travel’s ongoing commitment to delivering value to its customers, with input gathered from travel agents playing a pivotal role in shaping the updates.

In response to travellers’ shifting preferences, nib has revamped its Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG), simplifying terms and expanding coverage for various types of adventures. Dylan Wilkinson, General Manager of International and Global Partnerships at nib Travel, expressed the company’s drive to stay ahead of trends and align its offerings with the desires of today’s traveller.

“At nib Travel, we are driven to continually evolve our product to ensure we are focused on the future. Recent data shows that 22% of Australian consumers are keen to explore more adventurous travel, while 21% are opting for more active holidays in the coming years. We have adapted our insurance products to meet these evolving needs,” said Wilkinson.

The updated suite focuses heavily on activities that have grown in popularity among Australians, including e-scooter and e-bike usage, glacier walking, and dog sledding. Whether traversing icy landscapes or exploring new urban mobility options, these enhancements aim to ensure peace of mind for nib customers.

Expanded Coverage for Adventurers

The latest changes reflect the growing interest in unconventional and adventurous travel. With the rise of activities like snow-based expeditions and urban e-mobility, nib Travel has addressed vital concerns. The product suite now offers more precise guidelines on coverage for activities like glacier walking and dog sledding, which fall outside traditional snow sports. Additionally, those opting for e-scooter or e-bike travel can enjoy coverage—provided helmets are worn, and the vehicles adhere to speed regulations.

Moreover, adventurers aren’t the only ones benefiting. nib has broadened its coverage to account for unforeseen cancellations and disruptions. Travellers now have additional protection against natural disasters, severe weather, and family emergencies. Notably, cancellations due to a close relative’s childbirth are also included, alongside enhanced provisions for Australian Defence Force personnel whose pre-arranged leave is unexpectedly revoked.

For Australians eager to embark on international cruises, nib has clarified its coverage terms, making it easier to understand the protection provided for river cruises and ocean voyages, both domestic and international.

Critical Updates to Look Out For

Here’s a quick summary of the essential improvements nib has made to its insurance products:

1. Cancellation and Additional Expenses:

• Coverage is extended for cancellations or delays caused by natural disasters or severe weather.
• Emergency travel arrangements and accommodation expenses for attending childbirth within the family are now included.
• Coverage now encompasses Australian Defence Force personnel facing leave cancellations.

2. Stopovers:

• Stopover destinations only need to be declared if they exceed 72 hours, an improvement from the previous 24-hour rule.

3. Activities:

• Clarified coverage for hiking at altitudes below 6000m.
• New coverage includes riding e-scooters or e-bikes with helmets within regulated speed limits.
• Adventure seekers can now enjoy guided tours on ATVs, quad bikes, glacier walking, and dogsledding without selecting the snow sports option.

4. Cruising and Travel Delays:

• More transparent definitions of coverage for international river and ocean cruises.
• Improved clarity for coverage regarding trip delays due to cancellations or rescheduling.

5. Family:

• Expanded definition of close relatives to include uncles, aunts, and legal guardians, making coverage more inclusive.

Addressing the Future of Travel

As Australians shift towards more active and adventurous forms of travel, nib’s updates ensure that travellers can confidently explore new terrains while enjoying comprehensive protection. The enhancements demonstrate nib’s commitment to providing flexible and future-forward solutions for global travellers.

The updated PDS and FSG will be available online and through nib’s partner portals from 17 September 2024. Travellers are encouraged to review the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions applicable to each policy.

For more details on nib Travel and its latest product updates, visit the nib Travel website.

A New Era of Travel Insurance

nib Travel’s refreshed suite of products represents a bold step forward in providing tailored insurance solutions to a new generation of Australian adventurers. With e-scooting, glacier hiking, and quad biking on the rise, travellers can now explore the world knowing they’re protected against both the expected and the unexpected. As the global travel landscape evolves, nib Travel remains a leader in delivering innovative and valuable insurance coverage.

 

 

 

Written by: Christine Nguyen

 

 

 

 

 

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