TravelCare Delay Assist will be available in New Zealand and Australia with eligible Single Trip International Comprehensive policies purchased from 1 July.
TravelCare Delay Assist provides a NZ$50/A$40 digital voucher when a qualifying flight delay of two hours or more occurs. Customers can use their Uber, TripGift or Woolworths voucher it in a way that suits them; while travelling or when they get home.
The company says it intends to test, learn and iron out any ‘wrinkles’ in the first instance to ensure that when the benefit is rolled it out to partners (such as Kiwi Holiday Insurance) their customers receive the best possible experience.
The move comes as delay-related disruption continues to affect travellers. Between 2023 and April 2026, SCTI handled more than 11,400 delay-related claims, with the average claim paid hovering around the $1,500 mark.
Since 2023, the knock-on effects of severe weather have accounted for more than 47% of claims, while more than 44.10% of claims have resulted in extra accommodation costs, and 23% relate to flight delays, cancellations, rescheduling and costs associated with missed connections.
SCTI CEO Carole Tokody says the company knows a delay can take the fun out of a trip quickly. ‘If we can help take some of the stress, cost and uncertainty out of that moment, that’s care people can actually feel.’
To access the benefit, eligible customers must register their flight details at least 24 hours in advance of scheduled departure. If a qualifying delay occurs, support is triggered automatically. Customers are notified by SMS and email, so they can choose the option that suits what they need in that moment.
The TravelCare Delay Assist benefit is delivered in partnership with Blink Parametric.
