Kiwi travellers are now backed by one of the world’s leading travel insurance providers, with Europ Assistance officially establishing a presence in New Zealand through a partnership with Flight Centre Travel Group.
The alliance—first announced in November 2024—has been operational since January 2025, and by May 2025, is delivering tangible benefits through enhanced global protection and 24/7 support for local travellers.
Regional Leadership Accelerates National Integration
The partnership is being driven by Europ Assistance Australia and New Zealand (EA ANZ), which oversees the operational rollout and customer service capabilities across both the North and South Islands. This regional leadership approach is enabling EA to embed international best practices locally while maintaining responsiveness to the specific needs of New Zealand consumers.
Nationwide Distribution Enhanced via Flight Centre Retail Network
A key distribution enabler for Europ Assistance’s market entry is Flight Centre’s extensive retail network across New Zealand. The collaboration offers a seamless, in-branch insurance experience—enhancing conversion and customer confidence at the point of sale, by integrating insurance solutions directly into the travel planning process,
Executive Leadership Highlights Strategic Synergy
According to Anna Gladman, CEO of EA ANZ, the partnership marks more than a market expansion—it represents a strategic alignment of values and customer care standards.
“We are thrilled to become Flight Centre Travel Group’s preferred travel insurance provider and be trusted with caring for their customers through an integrated travel offer that includes insurance,” said Gladman.
She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to long-term engagement in the New Zealand market through a focus on service quality and trust.
“This partnership reflects the company’s focus on delivering reliable assistance and enhancing the travel experience of New Zealanders,” she added.
Using Strengths to Improve Market Position
Matt Endycott, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Europ Assistance, underscored the mutual strengths brought by both companies.
“Leveraging Europ Assistance’s experience and capability to offer travel insurance solutions for modern travellers, this strategic partnership positions us at the forefront of the travel insurance industry,” he said.
The partnership is well-positioned to serve a new generation of travellers demanding flexible, tech-enabled insurance products.
Driving Value Through Enhanced Customer Experience
The partnership’s insurance solutions aim to provide greater peace of mind for travellers, whether booking short domestic escapes or long-haul international trips. According to James Kavanagh, Global Leisure CEO at Flight Centre, the new offering is expected to uplift overall customer satisfaction.
“We believe this is a world-class travel insurance offering for protection and peace of mind, and ultimately, this will mean a better overall holiday experience for our customers,” Kavanagh said.
The integration of Europ Assistance’s services into Flight Centre’s customer journey enhances both pre-departure convenience and post-booking assurance.
Delivering Continuous, Real-Time Support Across the Region
Customer support remains central to the offering. Europ Assistance brings to New Zealand its globally recognised emergency assistance model. Dana Paterson, Director of Customer, Communications, and B2B Marketing, noted.
“Through our dedicated healthcare professionals and offices across Australia and New Zealand, as well as overseas, our team are prepared to help travellers before, during, and after their journey,” she said.
Conclusion
The partnership between Europ Assistance and Flight Centre is operational and, as of May 2025, is shaping the future of travel insurance in New Zealand. The collaboration sets a new benchmark for responsiveness, convenience, and traveller protection in the region by combining global resources with local execution.