Customer Stories

Crisis, Care and Communitiy for an International Student

Tasbiha Gul, an international PhD student, came to New Zealand to follow her passion for science. When a sudden health crisis struck, a collapsed lung caused by an undiagnosed cyst, she faced a frightening and uncertain time far from her family in Pakistan. Thanks to Studentsafe Medical and Travel Insurance, she was able to access urgent surgery and the ongoing care she needed to recover.

Tasbiha’s story is one of resilience, friendship, and the powerful impact of community when it matters most.

From the Swiss Alps to the Operating Room

What began as a trip to the UK to visit family and chase fresh powder in the Swiss Alps took an unexpected turn.

A serious ski accident on the slopes changed the course of Martin and Corey’s holiday, turning a mountain adventure into a helicopter evacuation and emergency surgery.

Thankfully, Martin and Corey had comprehensive Allianz Travel Insurance.

In Martin's words: "I would 100% recommend Allianz. Priceless."

Car Accident on the M6, UK

For retired police officer Bernie and his wife Tricia, their 50th wedding anniversary was meant to be the trip of a lifetime. But when a weaving, high-speed driver slammed into their car on the M6, it sent them sideways before crashing into a concrete barrier.

Against the odds, they survived, and now they are sharing their story of courage, compassion, and gratitude.

Thankfully, they had Allianz travel insurance by their side when it mattered most.

An Overview of our Customer Stories

Take a look at some of our most recent customer stories.

Each one is unique, shaped by different circumstances, challenges, and destinations.

While no two journeys are the same, they all share one important thing in common: a positive outcome, made possible as they all had Allianz Travel Insurance.

Pre-existing Medical Condition Declaration

Diana and Allan Cockburn were in Thailand for a family wedding when things suddenly turned.

Allan, a retired GP with 46 years of experience, noticed Diana’s leg was painful, cold and pale after their long flight, a life-threatening warning sign he could not ignore.

Diana had suffered a severe aneurysm. A clot had formed, cutting off blood flow to her leg.

Thankfully, Diana had declared her pre-existing medical conditions, and she also had Allianz Travel Insurance. Another Allianz happy ending!

Everest Rescue

Mark Drew, a seasoned ultra-marathon athlete, was on the adventure of a lifetime, a guided trek to Everest Base Camp. Things took a serious turn when he was struck by severe altitude sickness.

With his oxygen saturation dropping to a dangerously low 70%, Mark had to be airlifted off the mountain to receive urgent medical care.

Thankfully, he had Allianz travel insurance, making all the difference when it mattered most.

Watch his incredible story of endurance, emergency, and recovery.

Fight for Survival

Steve Knott, an avid road cyclist, set out to fulfill his dream of riding through Samoa. But in an instant, that dream took a devastating turn. A severe crash left him with critical brain and spine injuries in a third-world country with limited medical resources. While the hospital staff in Samoa did everything they could, the lack of resources put his recovery and care at risk.

Thankfully, Steve had travel insurance, which made all the difference. Allianz swiftly arranged for an air ambulance to bring him back to New Zealand—ensuring he received the urgent, specialised care he needed.

Watch Steve's incredible story of resilience, recovery, and the life-saving impact of Allianz travel insurance.

Lime Bike Accident

This is the story of Karen Martin, who was rushed to hospital after casually hitting a curb on her hired Lime bike. Unfortunately, this resulted in Karen fracturing her kneecap in three places, which involved surgery and a lengthy hospital stay in Nice, France.

Thankfully, they had travel insurance to take care of things.

Miracle Man

This is the story of Karain and Susan's 25th wedding anniversary cruise holiday, which unfortunately ended in disaster. Thankfully, they had travel insurance, which helped save Karain's life.

This video contains images of a medical nature that may be disturbing to some viewers.