My wife and I are off again, soon. And for once, I decided to compare quotes ((I am in the +70 group). I worked in the Seychelles in January and the NZI premium nearly gave me a nose-bleed. I did some direct and on-line quotes yesterday and NZI gave me a quote that was over $100 more than the same firm on-line. The reason, "administration cost"!!
Southern Cross looked competitive but I am now tempted by Tower.
I sure as hell will not be paying the $631 premium (after discounts!) NZI want. But am interested in other comments.

Going back to 2005 we did a 64 day round the world trip. As Amway members we went through Tower after getting other quotes. While I can't remember the figures our eventual cost was considerably less than anything else. Also having a pre-existing health problem meant we had to get an extension to cover this on top this was only $35.00 I do remember that because I thought that was a real saving particularly as we were having a 7 day stop over in USA. Also I found Tower real easy to deal with.

'Cause I didn't need to claim so that may have been a different matter as there are some companies that don't like to pay out money!

I received quotes from AA and Tower for travel to N.America. Tower were over $80 cheaper and offered 5% discount if I also used their insurance for an earlier trip to a Pacific Island. It was reasonable considering my age, I have no pre conditions.

Hi all if you travel alot get a gold or platinum card from ANZ or what ever the first 90 days is free for travel, just buy all your travel needs with your card, the travel agents could charge a very small extra to cover the card fees, and you will get airpoints etc plus your flight points, we have had lots of free flights by doing this. Before getting a credit card check what travel insurance they have some are better than others. In Australia just go to the hospital it is free. Credit card will cost up to $150 year but much cheaper than your travel insurance will cost. Travel lots and have a great time.

If you are going to Europe for an extended holiday and need a hire car, go to this place TTCAR.com, it is the same as EUROLEASE but nearly half the cost, we are hiring a new car ( this is a BUYBACK not a RENTAL THEY HAVE BOTH ) the cost for 6 months is $NZ3900 for a new car 100% insured So only $nz22 per day. They have all the French cars. Enjoy live, we are in Hawaii house sitting till 6th august then to AU for 3 months sitting then to France in Brittany for 6 months. looking fr cheap flights go to ZUJI.com.
Cheers Alf

Has anyone any recommendations for gaining travel insurance for the USA after a heart attack and a single stent? Was over a year ago and I have had no angina, work full time and am gym-fit and healthy. According to my cardiologist my risk is now lower than the general population! I had no problem getting insurance for Thailand 6 month ago, but the companies I have tried so far will not insure this pre-existing condition for the USA (specifically Hawaii). I know this was discussed a few times but I think the climate has changed. Tower has been recommended here I read – still valid?

Thanks

Douglas

When I traveled in 2005 through USA to England and back through the Mediterranean we used Tower as we are members of Amway. Whether or not they have changed I can't say. Tower covered the Travel Insurance and we had to ring an 0800 number to what they called a "Hot Line" spoke to a nurse and she decided if I qualified. I had had a previous Heart Attack and angioplasty but no stent but had been stable for several years (Wish I could say the same now ) I had to pay an extra premium (That I considered quite small at the time) and had an excess of (I think) about $500.00.

From memory the important factor that they were interested in most was my medication and how long it had been since it had been changed in anyway.

Hope that helps and good luck. BTW I hear they recon one needs in excess of US$1 Million in medical coverage traveling through the US in todays world. If you belong to "Consumer" there was an article in one of their mags., recently.