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How to Choose the BEST Travel Insurance for New Zealand 🩹 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, what to look for when you choose travel insurance for new zealand + the best nz travel insurance for visitors.

Probably the least fun aspect of planning a trip to New Zealand is choosing travel insurance. Although it is not a mandatory requirement for visitors to New Zealand to have travel health insurance, some of us might appreciate the extra cover should the worst happen. To make the process of choosing a travel insurance policy much easier, we have put together a guide on how to choose travel insurance for New Zealand. We’ve also given you a cheeky little mention of a New Zealand travel insurance we like toward the end of this guide.

Choosing travel insurance for New Zealand is not as easy as simply picking the cheapest policy. Travel insurance policies include a wide range of coverage with different amounts that the insurance company is expected to pay when things go wrong, as well as what you will have to pay for yourself. If you are going to spend a significant amount of money on travel insurance for New Zealand, you will want a travel insurance policy that will help you when you need it the most.

7 Reasons to Get Health and Travel Insurance for New Zealand

While many see insurance as just an extra non-essential cost, here are some reasons why you actually might want to consider travel insurance as a visitor to New Zealand.

  • Serious medical treatment or evacuation is extremely expensive
  • Missing your flight is not that uncommon
  • Losing your passport, wallet and other belongings can happen
  • The airline could lose your luggage
  • Accidents happen ; you may need emergency assistance
  • Insurance is mandatory for those on a Working Holiday or Student Visa
  • Adding personal items to your travel insurance is cheaper than getting separate insurance.

Now, let’s get onto how to choose the best travel insurance for New Zealand.

Does New Zealand Require Travel Insurance?

No, New Zealand does not require travel insurance from travellers visiting the country. However, for the reasons listed above, such as to cover the expenses of medical services, baggage loss, flight delays and more, some travellers make the personal choice to get travel insurance for their time in New Zealand.

A Note on New Zealand’s Universal Accident Cover, ACC

It’s important to note that New Zealand has a universal cover for injuries caused by accidents in New Zealand, called ACC . This cover applies to visitors too and contributes toward the cost of medical treatment for a range of injuries listed on the ACC website .

Note that ACC doesn’t cover illnesses, emergency travel plans to get you home, injuries while in transit to New Zealand or injuries on the craft you arrived in, such as on a cruise ship. Therefore, you will need to get travel insurance if you want any of those aspects covered.

Learn more about ACC in our complete guide, What is ACC and Employee Accident Cover?

Insurance for Working Holidays and International Students

Travelling to New Zealand on a working holiday or as an international student instead? It is mandatory to have health insurance to cover your whole time in New Zealand, so take a look at  New Zealand Working Holiday & Student Insurance: FULL Guide for a guide curated especially for you guys.

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in New Zealand?

One determining factor for deciding whether to purchase travel insurance for New Zealand or not is the cost of healthcare in New Zealand. If you were to get ill, how much would it cost you? Admittedly, the fees for doctor’s consultations in New Zealand are higher for visitors than they are for residents but many visitors still wouldn’t consider it too expensive compared to their home country. Check out typical medical expenses in How to Pay for Healthcare Services in New Zealand .

8 Things to Compare in Between New Zealand Travel Insurance Policies

1. find out where the travel insurance companies are based.

First thing’s first, where are the travel insurance companies that you are comparing based?

If you have been using an insurance company from your home country for a long time and they have provided excellent service in the past, then you may feel safer going with what you know.

On the other hand, having a travel insurance company based in New Zealand is likely to be a lot more helpful in desperate situations than back in your home country. If an insurance company is based in New Zealand, you know they are more specialised in dealing with emergencies that may occur in New Zealand, as well as the customs when it comes to medical and local travel situations.

2. Compare the Excess Costs

“Excess” is the amount of money you will have to contribute toward the cost of an insurance claim. For example, if your hospital bill is NZ$5,000 and you have an excess of NZ$1,000 then you will have to pay NZ$1,000 for your hospital bill and the insurance company will pay NZ$4,000.

The amount of excess you have to pay can range widely between insurance policies. Generally, the cheaper the policy, the more excess you would have to pay. When choosing travel insurance for New Zealand, you need to be comfortable with the excess you might have to pay. If you can’t afford the excess, then there is no point in choosing that travel insurance policy.

Note : As mentioned above, accidents in New Zealand are often covered by New Zealand’s universal cover, the ACC. To find out more, check out What is ACC and Employee Accident Cover?

3. What is Covered in a Travel Insurance Policy for New Zealand?

Travel insurance for New Zealand is meant to help you in an array of sticky situations that could occur while abroad. The most comprehensive travel insurance policies for New Zealand should include the majority of the following:

  • Medical and hospital expenses
  • Cancellation cover (if you need to cancel flights, accommodation, etc. due to unforeseen circumstances)
  • Luggage and personal items
  • Travel delay expenses
  • Family emergency (covers the expenses of travelling home in case a family member gets seriously ill, injured or dies)
  • Personal liability (protects you from being legally liable for injuring other people or property).

Bonus Tip : Covering possessions like your cell phone as an add-on to your travel insurance tends to be much cheaper than covering these items with separate insurance. By the way, be sure to check Will Your Phone Work in New Zealand?

4. What Do the Policies Exclude?

Some things that you think are covered might not be or there may be some conditions which can mean an item is not covered. Check what things are not covered in an insurance policy.

Most commonly, extreme activities and sports are not covered by insurance companies, or come at an extra cost, because they have a higher element of risk associated with them. Considering New Zealand is a country of adventure and adrenaline activities , this may be something you want to look into.

5. What Options are There for Pre-Existing Conditions?

If you have a pre-existing condition, chances are, you need travel insurance the most. However, many travel insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Check out how they define a “pre-existing condition” to see if it applies to you.

If you do have a pre-existing condition, being covered is likely to come at an extra cost. However, you will still be covered for any illnesses and injuries not related to your pre-existing condition.

It’s also worth mentioning that some insurance policies exclude certain diseases, situations or medical procedures, so check this out too to see if it is likely to apply to you.

6. Compare How Travel Insurance Companies Handle Claims

Before you buy travel insurance, it’s a good idea to understand how you would make a claim if you needed to. Remember, you are likely to need the help of your insurance company in a stressful situation, so having an easy insurance claim process is critical. You need to be able to contact your insurance company 24/7 in multiple ways, just in case you have no internet connection, (which can definitely happen in New Zealand ).

Read reviews of anyone who has had to make a claim with your chosen insurance companies before to see how their experience was.

7. How Long Does Your Insurance Policy Cover You For?

Knowing that most people visit New Zealand for at least a couple of weeks (usually more), you will want to make sure that your travel insurance covers you for the whole time. Ideally, you want travel insurance that covers you while you are travelling to and from New Zealand too. If you’re visiting New Zealand as part of a bigger trip, consider travel insurance that covers the other countries you are visiting too.

For those staying in New Zealand for a few months, perhaps on a working holiday or as a student, check out  New Zealand Working Holiday & Student Insurance: FULL Guide for information about longer insurance policies.

8. Check the Underwriting Company

If you want to be super safe, then check who is the company that has provided the underwriter services to the travel insurance company and if they are licensed. The insurance underwriters decide how much coverage a client should get, for example.

Many travel insurance companies use the same underwriters so that’s why many policies are so similar in the amount of excess and cover they will give you. Try comparing travel insurance companies with different underwriters to see more of a difference in cover options and prices.

What’s the Best Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

Due to many of the reasons we have covered above and because we like to support local businesses, we recommend you check out Orbit Protect . They offer insurance plans that actually meet the requirements specified in the guide above. Plus, they have some of the best-value prices on the market, especially for what they offer.

The Best New Zealand Travel Insurance for Visitors

New Zealand travel insurance for visitors that we have used and can vouch for, Orbit Protect ‘s Experience NZ Insurance is a good go-to for making sure you (and your family, if applicable) are covered for the whole time you’re in New Zealand, as well as for up to 31 days if you’re travelling in the South-West Pacific to places like Australia , Fiji and New Caledonia .

Their visitor’s travel insurance covers the essentials, such as medical care, medical evacuation and property cover, as well as the option to add a cover assessment for pre-existing medical conditions and work cover (if you’re on a work visa). What’s more, you can choose periods of cover from eight days to 12 months, so no trip is too long or short!

Orbit Protect also has insurance plans, specially designed for working holidays, international students, seasonal workers and more, so go and check them out at orbitprotect.com .

More About Travel Insurance for New Zealand

That’s it for our guide to travel insurance for New Zealand. We also recommend you have a look at our other articles for more advice on choosing travel insurance for New Zealand:

  • 14 Questions to Ask Before Buying Travel Health Insurance

How to Get a Medical Prescription in New Zealand

  • Things to Know Before Seeing a Doctor in New Zealand

The Easy Way to See a Doctor for Tourists Travelling in New Zealand

Finally, you might also want to look at How to Pay for Healthcare Services in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

  • Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
  • Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
  • New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
  • New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
  • Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
  • Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
  • Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
  • Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
  • DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
  • Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
  • AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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travel insurance for new zealand

Travel Insurance

Existing State customers get a 10% discount.*

Use Promo code: STATECUST

*Discount applies to existing State customers and to premiums for the standard policies net of Government levies and GST (if applicable). Discounts do not apply to premiums for cover additional to standard policies or to any minimum premium.

Important information: The  Policy Wording  includes specific information on how State Travel Insurance will respond to claims related to Covid-19.

A range of options for your domestic or overseas travel

travel insurance for new zealand

Overseas cover & annual multi-trip cover

Your back up when going across the ditch or further afield.

Our cover includes medical and dental expenses* loss or theft of luggage, delayed travel and more. You can also select cover for travel related expenses if you need to change or cancel your trip.

Travel a lot? Take out our annual multi-trip option and you’re covered for as many trips as you like, for 12 months.**

See https://safetravel.govt.nz/ for the latest government advice regarding overseas travel.

travel insurance for new zealand

Anywhere in NZ

Domestic cancellation.

Covers changes and cancellations outside of your control before you leave and extra expenses due to unforeseen circumstances while you're away. You choose the cover amount.

Domestic Plan

Comprehensive cover that also includes lost luggage, medical and dental expenses, and rental vehicle excess cover.

Inbound Cover Visiting NZ

If you are a non-resident visiting NZ our Inbound policy can cover medical and dental expenses, luggage and travel documents, rental vehicle insurance excess and personal liability.

travel insurance for new zealand

Travel Cover During Covid-19

Travelling Overseas? Check out our handy scenario-based FAQs explaining how we could cover you if Covid-19 plays havoc with your trip: State Travel Cover and Covid-19 FAQs

Know before you go – our Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide explains how State Travel cover applies when travelling to different international destinations: Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide

*Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset. Medical and dental expenses cover is limited to $1,500 for treatment provided in New Zealand. This $1,500 sub-limit does not apply to the Inbound Plan.

**For 12 months, over 100km from home, including domestic travel, up to maximum number of days per journey as selected by you.

Get more from your travel insurance

24-hour assistance.

24/7 access to a team of experts with a global network of doctors, nurses, and logistical staff. Cover for emergency accommodation and transport expenses if a disaster like a volcano, tsunami, earthquake, or flood disrupts your journey.

Overseas medical cover

Includes hospital, medical, surgical, emergency dental and ambulance costs. Plus help to arrange treatment and medical evacuation.

Get 10% off when you buy online

*Discount applies to existing State customers and to premiums for standard policies net of Government levies (if applicable) and GST. Discounts do not apply to premiums for cover additional to standard policies or to any minimum premium.

Quick online claims

You can claim  online  while you are travelling.  Find out more

Earn Flybuys™ on every policy you have with State. Don’t forget to  register your Flybuys  number with us, as we’ll also give you chances to get bonus Flybuys throughout the year too. Sweet.

The policy type you choose changes what you are covered for.

Select cover option:

International

Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip

Limit per adult unless stated otherwise

Up to $1,500 for emergency dental expenses

Up to $1,000 per month

This is only a summary of the benefits provided. Please refer to the Policy Wordings for details of the cover provided.

Limit per adult

Up to $2,500 for personal vehicle insurance excess

Up to $250 per month

Single Trip

Limit per person

(choose the amount of cover that suits, on a per person basis)#

Not included

If you or your travelling companion are diagnosed with Covid-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and are unable to travel, you can claim cancellation or amendment costs for your prepaid trip up to a benefit limit of $10,000 per policy on an International Plan or $5,000 per policy on a Domestic Plan or if applicable, up to the level of cover purchased for cancellation (whichever is lower). There is also no cover if symptoms or diagnosis occurred prior to buying your policy. See the Policy Wording .

*Medical and dental expenses cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the medical condition. Medical and dental expenses cover is limited to $1,500 for treatment provided in New Zealand. This $1,500 sub-limit does not apply to the Inbound plan.

^ Cover chosen applies per policy. See the Policy Wording .

• Item limits applies for anyone item, set or pair of items including attached or unattached accessories. You may increase these item limits if you wish. See the Policy Wording .

No cover for trip cancellation costs for trips commencing within 21 days of policy purchase date if you test positive to COVID-19 and cannot travel. If your COVID-19 related cancellation claim is approved, then the maximum we will pay per policy is $5,000 for international trips and $2,500 for Domestic trips. See the Policy Wording .

# You can choose $200, $400, $800, or $1,500.

~ The maximum liability collectively for Sections 14, 15, and 16 is $15,000 International Plan, and $10,000 Domestic Plan.

This is only a summary of the benefit provided. Please refer to the Policy Wording . For details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what the relevant policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply, and this summary of benefits table may change at any time.

Our State Travel Insurance  contains benefits relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. While your Policy Wording  may respond, your claim remains subject to the terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions set out in the Policy Wording . Please ensure you familiarise yourself with these in the Policy Wording before taking out travel cover. For Covid-19 cover to apply, you must not travel to a destination on the "Do not travel" list issued by SafeTravel.govt.nz .

Domestic Policy FAQ's

Why buy state domestic cover.

Our Domestic and Domestic Cancellation plans are for New Zealand residents travelling within New Zealand.

More than one third of domestic travellers experience an unexpected circumstance that can leave them out of pocket.

It doesn’t matter if you are travelling to Auckland or Amsterdam, if your child becomes unwell and you need to cancel your trip, it’s good to know you’re covered.

Specific terms, conditions and exclusions apply to Covid-19. See our State Travel Policy Wording for full details.

Here are some examples of real-life stories

  • An airline lost a customer’s suitcase and the items were not recoverable Luggage Value: $2,500
  • A customer’s rental vehicle was written off after a third-party collision Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess: $4,000.

Here are some examples of types of claims

Medical claims*

  • Sprained limbs or broken arm, leg, wrist due to outdoor activities
  • Asthma, seizure, stroke, heart attack
  • Swimmer's ear/ear infection.

*Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared, and extra cover purchased under Domestic Plan prior to departure

Your cancellation costs prior to travel

  • Prepaid deposits on motorhome rentals, scenic train, or ferry tickets
  • Prepaid fares for rail trips, adventure holidays and cruises
  • Costs for cancellation due to redundancy, illness, injury, and medical operations.

Cancellation prior to departure will result in the loss of deposits paid and in other instances full cancellation fees often apply.

Delayed travel

  • Travel delays due to weather e.g. snowstorms and fog delaying connecting flights.

Luggage claims

  • Broken cameras, smartphones and electronic items
  • Lost spectacles, hearing aids and damaged dentures.

What Domestic options are available?

We offer 3 Domestic plan options to choose from and these can be purchased quickly and easily on our website.

Domestic plan (Single Trip Policy or Annual Multi-Trip Policy)

Our Domestic plan (Single Trip Policy and Annual Multi-Trip Policy) is our most comprehensive domestic plan.

The Domestic plan Annual Multi-Trip Policy is sometimes a more suitable option for those travellers who are planning to travel more than twice this year and for no longer than 30 days at a time within New Zealand.

Domestic Cancellation plan Single Trip Policy

Our Domestic Cancellation plan covers domestic travellers for cancellation cover only and you choose the cancellation cover limit to best meet your needs when you purchase your policy.

What activities are covered?

There are plenty of fun activities to do around New Zealand year-round, and we have a comprehensive list of activities which are covered under our Domestic plans (excludes Domestic Cancellation Plan).

Our plans automatically include:

  • Bungy Jumping
  • Horse Riding
  • Jet Boating
  • Paragliding
  • Parasailing
  • Snorkelling
  • White Water Rafting

Other activities may be covered as an add-on to your Domestic plan (excludes Domestic Cancellation plan). See our State Travel Policy for full details.

What cover is available for Skiing and Snowboarding?

Because being on the snow and participating in winter sports activities often increases the risk of injuries or incidents, you'll need to ensure you amend your Domestic plan (excludes Domestic Cancellation plan) to include snow activities like skiing and snowboarding by purchasing a winter cover (snow sports) upgrade. This can help protect you against unforeseen costs should you have a mishap on the slopes and need medical assistance. Sporting and ski equipment are not covered whilst in use and if you are a New Zealand citizen, ACC may cover some costs due to injury caused by an accident.

You will only be covered if you have purchased the Domestic Plan with the winter cover (snow sports) upgrade and:

  • You are skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling on-piste, or cross-country skiing;
  • You are not participating in a Professional capacity; and
  • You are not racing.

Note: sporting and ski equipment are not covered whilst in use.

What if I travel frequently in NZ, do you have a multi-trip option?

Multi-trip travel insurance may save you time and money. If you are planning to travel more than twice this year and for no longer than 30 days at a time within New Zealand, consider our Domestic Plan Annual Multi-Trip Policy.

Can you explain the rental vehicle insurance excess?

This benefit applies to our Domestic Plan (excludes Domestic Cancellation Plan) and covers the rental vehicle excess if your rental vehicle is stolen, or damaged while you are driving. You will still need to take out rental vehicle insurance.

A $4,000 rental vehicle excess cover can save you money if you need to make a claim.

Note: that your rental agreement may still require you to take out rental vehicle insurance.

If you are driving your personal vehicle on your domestic holiday there is bonus cover of $2,500 for your comprehensive vehicle insurance excess.

What does the medical cover provide for?

Our Domestic Plan D *(excludes Domestic Cancellation Plan) can provide you with cover for unexpected medical and dental expenses up to $1,500. This is for treatment provided in New Zealand.

It only applies up to 12 months from when you suffered a disabling injury, sickness, or disease. Travel insurance protects you from unforeseen events. Routine medical or dental treatments, prenatal visits and continuation of treatments are not covered.

What existing medical conditions are covered?

We automatically cover a range of existing medical conditions (EMC) under the Domestic plan (excludes Domestic Cancellation Plan). Automatically covered conditions include - asthma, epilepsy, gastric reflux and more! Read the State Travel Policy Wording for a full list of the conditions we automatically cover. If your existing medical conditions are not all automatically covered, you may complete an online medical assessment to determine if cover is available. Other travel insurance benefits unrelated to your EMC still apply, even if cover cannot be provided for your specific condition/s.

*Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset. Medical and dental expenses cover is limited to $1,500 for treatment provided in New Zealand. This $1,500 sub-limit does not apply to International or Inbound Plans.

Before you travel

Travel safety.

Find out more information about events that may affect you when you travel.

Travel tips

Our team of intrepid Kiwi travellers have come up with a list of handy travel tips to help make your holiday even better.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. Standard excess may apply. State Travel insurance is administered by Cover-More NZ Ltd, underwritten and issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ZAIL) incorporated in Australia, ABN 13 000 296 640, trading as Zurich New Zealand. For further information see Zurich New Zealand’s financial strength rating . Any advice is general advice only. Consider the State Travel Policy Brochure and wording therein before deciding to buy this product. IAG receives a commission for the issue of State branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited ("Cover-More"). IAG New Zealand Limited ("IAG"), of which State is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

  • Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance For New Zealand: A Guide

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Updated: Nov 3, 2023, 2:35pm

Table of Contents

New zealand travel insurance, do i need travel insurance for new zealand, what does travel insurance for new zealand cover, best travel insurance for new zealand, frequently asked questions (faqs).

New Zealand has long been a popular holiday destination for Australians, owing to its proximity across the ditch and its catalogue of tourism hot-spots. In fact, each year (prior to the pandemic), there were about 1.6 million Aussies travelling to New Zealand, whether for the snow or summer scenery, or to simply visit friends or family who live there.

That figure is slowly creeping back up since travel restrictions have eased, and, despite the rising cost of living, this year and next are set to be big years for Australians travelling both near and far.

And while keeping travel budgets down is front of mind for many, there is one thing you should never skimp on when it comes to holidays: travel insurance. It may be tempting to forego travel insurance when heading to a place as peaceful and laid-back as New Zealand, but as our guide outlines, it’s still vital.

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Southern Cross Travel Insurance

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Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

To take out a travel insurance policy for New Zealand, you may be able to select one that covers solely New Zealand specifically, one that covers Oceania, or a worldwide policy (that often excludes the US and Mexico due to healthcare costs).

There are also different types of policies that an individual can choose when travelling to New Zealand, which will depend on the duration of your trip and whether you are visiting more destinations than solely New Zealand.

There include:

  • Single trip: for a one-off trip in the space of 12 months
  • Annual multi-trip: for more than one trip in the space of 12 months
  • Long-stay/backpacker: for an extended stay of 60 or 90 days or 12 or 18 months, and occasionally 24 months, depending on the provider.

Additionally, an annual multi-trip policy can work out more cost-effective than purchasing multiple single trip policies, but not always, so it can help to compare both types of policy.

Remember to check if a policy will only cover trips to New Zealand and Australia or worldwide destinations excluding the US and surrounding countries.

While travel insurance for New Zealand isn’t compulsory, it’s highly recommended. Good travel insurance will cover lost expenses should the policyholder need to cancel their trip due to an emergency, such as illness or bereavement. It will also pay out for damaged, lost or stolen baggage, as well as other items.

The total amount of baggage cover should reflect the value of all the belongings the policyholders are taking with them. There’s also usually a single item limit which dictates how much the policyholder can claim per item.

Another key component of travel insurance is medical-associated cover. According to Services Australia, the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) we have with New Zealand may cover some of your medical costs in the New Zealand public health system. However, certain emergencies may not be covered by this reciprocal agreement, especially if you are taking part in activities which are excluded from your insurance policy.

The New Zealand site also explains that while Australians are eligible for medical treatment in New Zealand, this does not preclude the need for insurance.

“As neither reciprocal agreement provides full coverage, travellers should hold comprehensive travel insurance, including health insurance,” the site notes.

In addition to coverage for medical and lost luggage, most policies for New Zealand cover travel delay and missed departures.

For those planning to take advantage of the country’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, it is worth checking which are covered by a policy. As New Zealand is a popular snow destination, you will need to ensure that your policy covers snow sports if you wish to take part in these activities.

Often a policy covers around a hundred low-risk sports as standard. These include cricket, football and rugby. However, cover for bungee jumping (also popular in New Zealand) scuba diving and kite surfing among other higher risk activities, are likely to require an extra premium payment–just as snow activities would.

In any case, insurers usually only accept claims where the appropriate safety gear was worn, such as a helmet or harness. For activities such as scuba diving, policyholders will likely need to dive with a qualified instructor and follow official guidelines for any associated claims to be accepted.

What Does Travel Insurance Exclude?

Specific limitations and exclusions on cover differ between policies, but there are some common exclusions to bear in mind.

Most insurers will not accept ‘disinclination to travel’ (simply not wanting to travel) as a valid reason for a claim.

As stated previously, claims are often void if you have not followed the appropriate safety guidance and official guidelines for activities you participate in, even if the activities are covered.

Also, any claims arising from intoxication from drink or drugs, or disorderly behaviour, are likely to be rejected.

The best travel insurance for New Zealand will depend on your needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our pick of the leading travel insurance policies for Australians. Note that these are not location specific, so you will have to consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip.

Related: Our Pick Of The Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Providers In Australia

Does Air New Zealand offer travel insurance?

Yes, Air New Zealand offers travel insurance if your travel commences in Australia. There are certain inclusions and exclusions—as with any policy—but Air New Zealand does state that it covers for Covid-19. To read more about its policy, you can go online at the Air New Zealand website and read their terms and conditions.

Do Australian citizens need travel insurance in New Zealand?

Australian citizens are not required to have travel insurance in order to enter New Zealand and travel New Zealand. However, it is encouraged in order to have additional medical protections, and cover for things such as lost property or travel delays.

Will Australian health insurance cover me in New Zealand?

According to Services Australia, the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) we have with New Zealand may cover some of your medical costs in the New Zealand public health system. However, it is still highly encouraged that you purchase travel insurance so that you are protected for major medical events, sporting injuries or repatriation, as well as other benefits of travel insurance such as lost luggage and cancellation cover.

How do I get cover for snow sports in New Zealand?

To ensure you are covered for snow sports in New Zealand, you need to choose a travel insurance provider that includes snow cover within its base policy or as an optional add-on. It is most common for snow sports to be sold as an add-on, as the high-risk activity makes it more expensive than a policy without it would be.

To find policies that offer snow sports, you can read our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers in Australia and then find quotes from each on their respective websites when choosing to include snow cover, if applicable.

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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

travel insurance for new zealand

Top Travel Insurances for New Zealand You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg, writer at Monito.com

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and the Southern Alps, as well as its unique Maori history. Visitors also come to experience the adventure activities, such as hiking, skiing, and rafting, and to see the unique wildlife like the Kiwi bird. Although travelling to New Zealand can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to New Zealand and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

New Zealand Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for New Zealand:

Best Travel Insurances for New Zealand

  • 01. Should I get travel insurance for New Zealand? scroll down
  • 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
  • 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
  • 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
  • 05. FAQ about travel insurance to New Zealand scroll down

Heading to New Zealand soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

  • 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
  • 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
  • ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
  • 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
  • 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through New Zealand.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to New Zealand or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for New Zealand:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to New Zealand. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to New Zealand, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

Get a quote 🡪

  • Coverage 9.0
  • Quality of Service 9.0
  • Pricing 7.6
  • Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for New Zealand:

  • Policy names: Varies
  • Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
  • Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
  • Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
  • Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
  • Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

Get a quote 🡪

  • Coverage 7.8
  • Quality of Service 8.5
  • Pricing 7.4
  • Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

  • Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
  • Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
  • Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
  • Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
  • Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
  • Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

Get a quote 🡪

  • Coverage 7.0
  • Quality of Service 8.0
  • Pricing 6.3
  • Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

  • Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
  • Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
  • Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
  • Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
  • Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to New Zealand? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to New Zealand

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for New Zealand. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in New Zealand can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

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Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

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Need some help? Use the search box below to find answers to all those tricky questions. We’ve got heaps of travel insurance tips to help you get the best policy for your upcoming holiday!

travel insurance for new zealand

Travel Insurance  Frequently Asked Questions

Does travel insurance cover coronavirus(covid-19).

It depends! Unfortunately, the answer isn't a straightforward one. There are some situations where cover is available, and others where it is an exclusion. It largely depends on which insurer you bought your policy with ; when you bought it; where you're travelling to; when you're travelling; and, the reason for your claim. One thing that is for certain - you're unlikely to be covered for claims relating to the coronavirus for future travel if you haven't yet purchased a travel insurance policy as this is a known event.

Which is the best travel insurance in New Zealand?

The best travel insurance for you depends entirely on your planned trip and your circumstances. If you're a backpacker on a tight budget, you might want a no-frills medical-only policy. Whereas, if you're heading on a once in a lifetime cruise, have outlaid a lot of money in upfront deposits or if you have health conditions, a comprehensive policy might be best for you. While there's no single best travel insurance that's right for everyone, finding a policy that works for you is easy when you use our quote comparison to start comparing prices and features. With Compare Travel Insurance, you can also read up on travel insurance reviews from customers to learn about their customer service and importantly, claims experience.

Is it too late to buy cover?

It's better late than never. We recommend buying a policy as soon as you've booked and started paying deposits for flights, accommodation and tours, but you can buy travel insurance at any point. Even if you forgot and are already overseas . Exclusions may apply though, so be sure to check the PDS and eligibility criteria before you buy.

Can I get cover for my medical conditions?

Cover is available for most medical conditions. Whether or not you need to declare your conditions and whether an additional charge will apply depends on the condition, its stability, current treatment, the recency of the diagnosis and your age. Minor conditions such as allergies, cataracts, and certain diabetes are often covered free of charge. However other medical conditions such as arthritis, any kind of cancer, heart conditions and hip & knee replacements require medical screenings and additional charges are likelt to apply. Today, most insurers use online medical screening software which makes it easy to declare your conditions and get covered in minutes. Although finding cover for terminal illnesses in New Zealand is difficult. Learn more about covering your conditions with our guide on declaring your medical conditions .

Can I purchase travel insurance at the airport?

Yes, you can. Generally speaking, you can purchase travel insurance up to a year before your trip, right up to boarding at the airport. With comprehensive travel insurance, you are covered for cancellation benefits from the moment you buy your policy, so we recommend buying it as soon as you start paying for flights, tours and accommodation.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm already overseas?

You can buy cover if you are already overseas, although each travel insurer has different rules on age limits and waiting periods. Check out our already overseas travel insurance guide to learn more.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?

You can buy travel insurance to cover you when you're pregnant, but different brands will have different rules around how many weeks gestation they will provide cover up until. Terms may also vary on whether you've had complications, have a multiple pregnancy, conceived via IVF and whether you're looking for cover in case of emergency birth. Check out the handy table in our pregnancy guide for more information.

Do I need cover in New Zealand?

Unexpected events can happen anywhere. It is just as important to have domestic cover when travelling around New Zealand as it is when travelling overseas. If you're a New Zealand resident, a domestic policy covers you for cancellations, luggage cover and often rental vehicle excess. Medical coverage is not included, but you'll be eligible for publicly funded health care services. For non-residents visiting New Zealand, discover International visitors to New Zealand are currently not required to have travel insurance by law, but it is highly recommended to protect you from eye-watering medical bills and more.

Which is the cheapest policy?

The cost of travel insurance depends on a range of factors including your destination, duration of travel, age of travellers, planned activities, whether or not you have any medical conditions and the type of cover you choose (medical only, mid-range or comprehensive). The cheapest travel insurance is generally to less risky parts of the world - places with cheaper healthcare and less risk of injury, illness or theft - and policies which offer less coverage - so ones without benefits for adventure activities or pre-existing conditions. To get cheap travel insurance from New Zealand for your upcoming trip, create a quote and compare prices, but remember that the cheapest isn't always the best. You should consider your trip and what you require cover for.

Why should I buy travel insurance direct online?

Comparing prices and features online makes it easier to find the policy that's right for you and your circumstances. With comparetravelinsurance.co.nz , the price you see is the same price direct from the insurer. Sometimes you're not after the best policy but rather the best bang for your buck and comparing prices and features online can save you time, worry and loads of money.

Trending Tips And Guides

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What activities are covered?

Are you a self-confessed adrenaline junkie? If you’re planning on doing some risky activities on your trip make sure you know if they’re covered, as not all of them are!

pre-existing-medical-conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions

Having pre-existing medical conditions doesn't mean you can't get cover or that it has to be expensive. It simply means that you need to dig a little deeper when doing your research.

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coronavirus and travel insurance

The rapid spread of covid-19 around the globe has thrown the international travel industry into chaos.  Find out what's covered if you're travelling during the coronavirus outbreak.

Why Buy Travel Insurance?

We’re not silly, we know that plenty of New Zealanders go on holiday and have an amazing time exploring new and exciting places without buying travel insurance. But taking a gamble on your much needed break can be risky. Here’s why!

Exxy Medical Costs

If you buy a policy for just one reason this is it! Falling ill or being injured while travelling overseas can be extremely costly. Hospital costs in the USA can reach up to $10,000 per day, while emergency transport home for treatment can easily exceed $100,000! Ouch!

Disasters Can Strike

The excitement of getting on that plane has you knotted up like a pretzel. Picture your dismay if you had to cancel last minute. Worse still, imagine you’re mid-martini when bad news breaks. Should you need to return home, you’ll be covered for unforeseen events like injury or illness of a close relative.

Your stuff is important

Loss, theft or damage to your prized possessions can be a common, yet gut-wrenching experience. If your personal belongings go AWOL while you’re away the right policy will pay to replace or repair them. Win!

For your peace of mind

Travel insurance will take a load off so you can get some R&R. A comprehensive policy will cover you for an array of sticky situations while you're travelling within New Zealand, or overseas.

Because You Have To

Still not convinced? We hate to be the fun police, but some countries simply won’t let you in without cover! For example, it is mandatory to take out travel insurance when travelling to Thailand or Cuba.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE REVIEWS

Not sure which policy to pick? Our travel insurance reviews are here to help! Thousands of Kiwi's have reviewed their travel insurers to give you the inside story on everything from claims handling to customer experience.

Or perhaps you want to have your say? Whether you love or loathe your travel insurer rate and review them today to help other savvy shoppers with their travel insurance.

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CoverDirect NZ Limited (INC 3526051) owns and operates this website.

Our comparison is a free service that makes it easy for users to compare multiple quotes, saving both time and money. Our comparison ranks quotes according to price and is limited to those insurers that have agreed to participate on the site. CoverDirect NZ Limited does not hold a financial services licence. The comparison does not take your personal circumstances into account; as such, all information provided should be considered general and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation. Whilst we take all reasonable care when preparing this information, we do not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the insurance providers and ALL policy details should be verified with the before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the insurance provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase. We do not issue insurance. Users purchase directly from the travel insurance provider.

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travel insurance for new zealand

Visiting New Zealand

Cover while visiting new zealand.

Travel insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself overseas. Whether you're holidaying, catching up with family or travelling for work, our Visiting New Zealand travel insurance can give you the freedom to enjoy your stay in New Zealand with confidence.

Our Visiting New Zealand travel insurance is designed to provide comprehensive protection during your stay. We offer two cover options; an individual policy and a family policy:

Individual: a policy designed for either:

one person, or

one adult and any dependent children

Family: a policy designed for:

 one adult, their spouse and any dependent children   

Why choose us?

At Southern Cross Travel Insurance, we've been providing great quality cover for people visiting New Zealand since 2003. Who better to protect you during your stay in New Zealand than one of the country's leading and most respected travel insurers? Here are more reasons to choose us for your next trip:

1. We offer 24/7 emergency assistance

If the unexpected happens, we're here to help. Our emergency assistance team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can access help when you need it.

2. We go the extra mile

We’re committed to providing comprehensive cover, which is why our Visiting New Zealand travel insurance policy includes emergency dental treatment and ancillary services like chiropractors and physiotherapy.

3. We offer family cover

Want to add your spouse or children to your policy? No problem - we offer family cover, so long as they meet our eligibility criteria. Our eligibility criteria can be found on page 4 of the Policy Document .

4. We cover children at no extra cost

We know how important it is to protect your children with quality travel insurance, which is why we can add them to your policy at no extra cost.

5. We cover you start to finish

Our Visiting New Zealand travel insurance policy can cover you while you’re travelling to and from New Zealand, including transit stops, for up to five days.

6. We're based in New Zealand

Not only are we based in New Zealand, we’re 100% New Zealand owned. We’ve worked hard to become one of the country’s most respected and knowledgeable travel insurers, and we’re proud to offer great quality comprehensive cover for your visit to our home.

7. We offer cover for medical repatriation

Worst case scenarios are never nice to think about, but you can travel knowing your Visiting New Zealand travel insurance offers cover for medical repatriation.

8. Making a claim is easy

We know that making a claim can be confusing and frustrating, which is why we're committed to making it as stress-free and efficient as possible. If you need to make a claim, simply complete a claim online through our online portal  and we'll guide you through the process, every step of the way.

   

Need some help?

If you would like to get in touch, we’re here to help. If you have any questions regarding our Visiting New Zealand travel insurance, you can:

Call us from New Zealand: 0800 784 691 Call us from overseas: +64 9 9796597 Email us: [email protected]

Take the next step towards your journey in New Zealand and get an online travel insurance quote today .

What you need to know

This page provides a summary of the key terms only. As with all insurance policies, terms and conditions apply. For our terms and conditions (including information about exclusions, excesses and sub limits) we recommend you read the travel insurance Policy Document .

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