Travel insurance: A parent's best travelling companion

But before we can start relaxing and having fun, there’s the planning, and of course, the travel itself – something that can trigger stress and anxiety for a lot of parents. AA Travel Insurance recently surveyed Kiwi parents to get a better idea of what worries them the most, asking:

1. How will we keep the kids entertained?
2. What happens if someone gets sick while we’re away?
3. What happens if someone injures themselves on the trip?
4. How will I manage unexpected costs without blowing our budget?

If any of these thoughts have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. 67% of Kiwi parents surveyed, revealed that they find family travel a stressful feat, with some describing it as chaotic, overwhelming, and even a constant level of stress that would spoil a holiday for anyone.

If you find yourself over-packing, ‘just in case,’ you’re not alone. 72% of Kiwi parents are packing bags for every possible scenario, while mentally planning for child meltdowns, flight cancellations, navigating unfamiliar destinations, and lugging all those suitcases, strollers, and car seats.

AA Travel Insurance’s survey revealed that parents experience a complex rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions, from travel feeling like ‘hell on earth, and times that by ten‘ to ‘my kids are loud and hard work,’ and ‘they spend all my money before we even leave the airport!’

Which might leave many parents wondering: Am I overthinking it? Is it worth it?

Rest assured, overthinking it is very human, and Kiwi mums and dads say travelling is absolutely worth it. While family travel can be chaotic, they are adamant that the bonding, memories and joy they felt travelling with their children make it all worthwhile. “Seeing their excitement at discovering new places or trying new activities they wouldn’t have experienced otherwise, made for life-long memories.”

Is it possible to calm my travel anxieties as a parent?

One thing you can do to reduce anxiety and prepare for the unexpected is to book travel insurance. I know what you’re thinking, it’s just another thing to add to my ‘to-do’ list. But honestly, it could turn out to be your best travel companion.

Travel insurance helps parents travel with confidence, knowing that you have the right amount of cover and support for your family holiday should the unexpected happen. Overseas travel means overseas costs, and in some countries, a trip to the emergency room or dentist can really add up. Throw in cancelled flights or the need for extended accommodation, and the expenses can start to feel overwhelming.

Put simply, travel insurance is the Plan B that can help you and your family in the event something unexpected happens. For example, AA Travel Insurance has locally based customer support teams and a ‘follow the sun’ emergency assistance operation, so that wherever you are in the world, a friendly representative is just a phone call away.

Worried about the cost?

AA Travel Insurance is customisable with plans to suit a variety of family travel itineraries and budgets. You can also choose from a range of additional cover options, whether you’re going on a cruise or planning thrill-seeking activities like snow sports and certain adventure activities. Being able to customise your insurance means you only pay for the cover you want (and did we mention kids under 21 are insured for free?).

This flexibility also extends to booking. With AA Travel Insurance, you can get a quick quote online, via a dedicated call centre or at one of the AA Centres nationwide. And AA members can get a 10% discount on their travel insurance policy!

The travel companion for every Kiwi parent

So, if you’re bracing yourself for a busy school holiday adventure packed with loads of activities and fun with the family, know that travel insurance is your quiet companion that can reduce the travel stress, so you can focus on what really matters – making memories and enjoying unforgettable experiences.