nib Travel is set to launch a refreshed international product suite, driven by feedback from travel agents and a focus on continuing to deliver value for global travellers.
The updates will be reflected in a newly combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG), available from 17 September 2024.
International and Global Partnerships general manager, Dylan Wilkinson, emphasised the importance of listening to travel agents.
“At nib Travel, we are driven to continually evolve our product to ensure we are focused on the future,” he said.
“Recent data shows 22 per cent of Australian consumers intend to do more adventurous types of travel and 21 per cent intend to enjoy more active types of holidays in the future.
“With the upward trend in active and adventurous travel, we have addressed some key areas of the product around snow activities like dogsledding and glacier walking, and clarifying cover for the rapid uptake of new ways to get around like e-scooters and e-bikes.”
By expanding coverage for cancellations due to natural disasters, severe weather, and family emergencies, as well as broadening the range of covered activities, nib travellers can protect their trip in various situations.
Key product improvements include:
Cancellation and additional expenses
- Expanded coverage for cancellation or holiday deferment costs due to natural disasters and severe weather.
- Coverage now includes emergency travel arrangements and accommodation expenses for attending the childbirth of a close relative.
- Inclusion of Australian Defence Force personnel in the list of workers covered when pre-arranged leave is cancelled.
Stopovers
- The requirement to list stopover destinations now only applies if the stopover exceeds 72 hours (previously 24 hours).
Activities
- Clarified coverage for activities such as hiking under 6,000m altitude.
- Coverage includes riding an e-scooter or an e-bike with a helmet (within a max speed capacity).
- Guided tours on quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) are now covered.
- Ice-skating or guided tours for dogsledding and glacier walking are now covered, without taking up the snow sports option.
Cruising and travel delays
- Clearer definitions for coverage related to international river cruises and ocean cruises within Australian and international waters.
- Improved clarity on coverage for delays due to cancellation or rescheduling.
Close relative
- Expanded definition to included uncles, aunts, and legal guardians.
The updated PDS and FSG is accessible via the nib website and partner portal from 17 September. Travellers should consider the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions for each policy.
Source: travelweekly.com.au
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