AA, Cover-More unveil modular travel cover for New Zealanders

Customisable cover and support aimed at families and adventure travellers

AA Travel Insurance has entered a new partnership with Cover-More Travel Insurance to offer New Zealand travellers more modular travel insurance options, reflecting a shift toward customisable cover in the local market.

Under the new arrangement, AA Travel Insurance will introduce a range of plans that can be tailored to different trip types, budgets, and risk profiles. Customers can add optional cover for activities such as cruising, snow sports, adventure activities, motorbikes, and mopeds. Ben Rose, AA’s head of insurance and financial services, said the collaboration with Cover-More is intended to align cover more closely with how New Zealanders travel. “We’re excited to welcome Cover-More, a global leader in travel insurance, as our partner. Together, we’ve built a future-focused offering that’s smart, responsive, and expertly aligned with the needs of our AA members and customers,” Rose said.

Rose added that the product structure is designed to allow customers to avoid paying for benefits they do not need. “The ability to customise your travel insurance means you only pay for the cover you want. This level of flexibility works for everyone from teenagers and 20-somethings to families and senior travellers,” he said.

Cover-More Travel Insurance’s New Zealand managing director, Will Ashcroft, said the partnership strengthens the insurer’s position in the local market. “We’re proud to work with a trusted brand like the AA to deliver market-leading travel products that enhance the travel experience of their members and customers at every stage of their journey,” Ashcroft said.

Local support and multiple distribution channels

AA Travel Insurance’s refreshed offering is supported by domestically based customer support teams and a new online quote-and-pay platform used for quoting, purchasing and servicing policies. Cover can be arranged through several channels:

Online at aatravelinsurance.co.nz
Via a dedicated call centre
In person at AA Centres nationwide

The partners have also highlighted a “follow the sun” emergency assistance operation, designed so that a representative can be contacted by phone regardless of the traveller’s location or time zone.

Rose said the combination of customisable cover and the service model is aimed at families and higher-risk travellers such as those undertaking adventure activities. “For families like mine and adventurers of all ages, AA Travel Insurance enables you to travel with confidence, knowing that you have the right amount of cover and support for your journey, activities, and if something unexpected happens. By reducing the hassle of travel planning and getting away, you can focus on what really matters, making memories and enjoying unforgettable experiences,” he said.

For insurers and intermediaries, the partnership adds another modular option to a New Zealand travel insurance market where product design increasingly focuses on activity-based extensions, digital servicing, and assistance capability.

Travel index shows strong demand for cover amid cost pressures

The move comes as New Zealand’s travel insurance market is being shaped by shifting travel patterns, heightened cost sensitivity and consistently high stated uptake of cover. According to The New Zealand Travel Index 2025, conducted by Kantar for Allianz Partners, 73% of New Zealanders plan to travel overseas this year, with most trips expected to run for about two weeks. The remaining 27% do not intend to travel internationally, with respondents in this group citing financial pressures as the primary constraint.

The index highlights how New Zealanders view risk and financial protection when travelling. While younger travellers are more relaxed about disruptions such as delays or illness, financial concerns are widespread, particularly among women and those aged 18 to 49.

Travel insurance features prominently in planning: 84% of prospective New Zealand travellers say they intend to buy cover, primarily for peace of mind and protection against unforeseen events. A similar pattern is reported in Australia, where 82% of respondents plan to purchase travel insurance, especially those over 50 and higher-income segments.