Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has reported a steady flow of medical claims from New Zealand travellers linked to both respiratory and mosquito-borne illnesses during the winter period.
From May to July, the insurer recorded more than 130 fever-related claims – along with 37 for pneumonia, 35 for influenza, and four for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
In addition, 20 claims were lodged for dengue fever, with one traveller incurring treatment costs of more than $6,000.
Chief customer officer Jess Strange said claims were spread across multiple destinations.
“Sadly, in popular destinations such as Indonesia, the Cook Islands, Nepal, Vanuatu, the Philippines, and Samoa, dengue fever is affecting locals and travellers, with some tragic consequences for families,” she said.
She added that the severity of some cases highlighted the ongoing risks of travelling to areas where medical facilities can vary.
SCTI noted that respiratory illnesses have been particularly challenging for older travellers and young children.
Cases were linked to exposure in high-contact environments such as cruise ships, holiday resorts, and shared transport.
Strange said the insurer’s emergency assistance team has handled calls from travellers requiring a range of care, from basic medical support to hospital admission.
“The team has told me how some travellers have ended up with severe pneumonia – leaving them very ill and vulnerable. Afflicted with RSV, adults in their mid-40s, silver-haired adventurers, and toddlers aged 1 and 2 have often ended up needing rehydration drips, chest x-rays, and medication,” she said.
Strange also highlighted the risk of travellers being presented with unnecessary or inflated costs in some locations, stressing the importance of contacting SCTI’s emergency assistance team early to confirm appropriate care and manage medical expenses.
“It’s important that customers contact our emergency assistance team ASAP. Unfortunately, while we try and ensure our customers get all the quality care they need, sometimes this can be challenging in some locations. There are also some providers who are opportunistic and will seek to secure payment for care which may be unneeded and exceptionally costly. When you are concerned and worried – you are vulnerable. That’s why it’s important to contact our emergency assistance team,” she said.
The rise in dengue fever cases among travellers coincides with an outbreak in Samoa, which has placed strain on its healthcare system.
In early August, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirmed that it would provide support to Samoa after receiving a formal request from Samoan authorities.
A ministry spokesperson said New Zealand officials are working with Samoan counterparts to identify effective assistance measures.
MFAT is also monitoring dengue activity across the Pacific, with Tonga, Fiji, and the Cook Islands also recording recent outbreaks.
Dengue fever, which is spread by mosquitoes, can lead to symptoms such as fever, joint and muscle pain, rash, and discomfort behind the eyes.
