domestic travel insurance 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

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.

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 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.

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Travel safe with new zealand's most trusted travel insurer ^, get a quick travel insurance quote, win your ultimate $10,000 getaway~.

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Why choose Southern Cross Travel Insurance?

+ Based upon the total number of travellers trips we have insured across the markets where we operate for all our travel insurance products from January 1995 to October 2023. # Based upon the total number of claims we paid as a proportion of all claims we received across the markets where we operate for all our travel insurance products from 1 January to 31 December 2023.

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With Kiwi travellers for over 40 years

SCTI is part of the Southern Cross group; one of New Zealand’s most enduring and trusted brands. We’re 100% New Zealand owned, and have worked hard to forge a reputation as our country’s leading travel insurer. During this time, we're extremely proud to be recognised both locally and internationally for our commitment to delivering quality products, value for money and dedication to customer service.

See all our awards

Award-winning service as voted by YOU for 5 years running

We’re proud to win the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award for the 5th year in a row. Our team is dedicated to providing you with outstanding service throughout every stage of your adventure.

What is travel insurance?

Travelling is all about discovering the unknown, so it’s no surprise that there can be a few hiccups along the way! Travel insurance is designed to better protect you from these unexpected events, from the moment you book your trip to the day you return home. Whether you have an unexpected flight delay or medical emergency, we’re here to help. Let us worry about what could go wrong, so you can start dreaming about what will go right.

How to compare travel insurance

What can travel insurance cover?°

We offer cover for unexpected events, so you can travel with peace of mind. We know each traveller and trip is different - that’s why we offer different policies and add ons so you can choose the type and level of cover you need - which may, or may not, include some of the scenarios below. As with any insurance policy, terms, conditions and exclusions apply so always make sure you read the Policy Document  before buying your travel insurance policy to make sure it is right for you.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before you leave, or while on your journey, we offer cover in some scenarios

° Please refer to the individual Policy Documents to see what your chosen policy covers.

See what's covered

We offer travel insurance that suits how you want to travel

We know how important it is to make sure you have the right type - and level - of cover, so we have different travel insurance policies to suit different types of travel, and the ability to personalise your cover to suit you with our optional add-ons. Whether you’re heading to Fiji for some R&R, London for an OE or Queenstown to hit the slopes, we’re with you.

Have questions?

See all our FAQs

What our customers have to say about us

Need some inspiration.

When it comes to travelling, there’s always room for the unexpected to happen, that’s why we provide 24/7 emergency assistance and a simple process to make a claim on our website.

With New Zealand travellers for over 40 years

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• Travel Insurance

Already with AMI? Take 10% off your travel insurance.*

*Use promo code AMICUST Discount applies to existing AMI 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.

Great options to suit your travel within New Zealand or overseas

Overseas cover & annual multi-trip cover

Our overseas travel covers medical, dental and hospital treatment*, lost luggage, and personal liability, and can get you and your family home in certain emergencies.

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

Find out more

Domestic Cover

If your plans while travelling in New Zealand change unexpectedly, we can cover the cost of cancelling or amending your flight, accommodation or rental car bookings and other expenses, up to $10,000.

Inbound Cover - Visiting NZ

Are you a non-resident visiting friends and family in NZ, or on a working holiday? Our Inbound plan can cover medical and dental expenses, luggage and travel documents, rental vehicle insurance excess, personal liability and more!

Travel Cover During Covid-19

Planning an adventure? Check out our scenario-based FAQs explaining how we could cover you if Covid-19 plays havoc with your trip: AMI Travel Cover and Covid-19 FAQs

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

Still unsure? Ask us a question

Compare our Travel Cover Plans

Every driver’s different, so our car policies come with different features.

Policy benefits

Medical and dental expenses

Additional expenses

Amendment or cancellation costs

Luggage and travel documents

Delayed luggage allowance

Rental vehicle insurance excess

Travel delay

Resumption of journey

Missed connections

Special events

Hospital incidentals

Loss of income

Accidental death

Legal expenses

Personal liability

Get a travel quote now

This is only a summary of benefits provided. Please refer to AMI Travel Policy Wording for full details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what this policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply.

Specific terms, conditions and exclusions apply to Covid-19. See the policy wording for the most up to date information.

* Cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. 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 our Inbound Plan. ^ Cover chosen applies per policy. See the policy wording . • Item limits apply for any one item, set or pair of items including attached or unattached accessories. You may increase these item limits if you wish. See the policy wording . # 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. ~ The maximum liability collectively 14, 15, and 16 is $15,000 International Plan, and $10,000 on a 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.

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 has come up with a list of handy travel tips to help make your holiday even better.

AMI Travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ("ZAIL") incorporated in Australia, ABN 13 000 296 640, trading as Zurich New Zealand. IAG New Zealand Limited (“IAG”), of which AMI is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG receives a commission for the issue of AMI-branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited (“Cover-More”). Cover-More administers the policy and acts on behalf of Zurich New Zealand. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

AMI Travel Website Disclaimer 12072022

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. Standard excess may apply.

AMI 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 AMI Travel Policy Brochure and wording therein before deciding to buy this product. IAG receives a commission for the issue of AMI branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited ("Cover-More").

IAG New Zealand Limited ("IAG"), of which AMI is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

Quick and easy claims We're here for you if something disrupts your trip. Save time and submit your claim online.

Where are you going.

Worldwide including the Americas, the Caribbean and Antarctica: Antarctica (Cruising), Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Rep, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands.

Africa, Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and Asia (other): Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Azores, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo (Dem. Rep), Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, India, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (north), Korea (south), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mozambique, Maldives, Malawi, Mali, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Reunion, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Europe: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Herzegovina, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maderia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican City.

UK: Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Wales.

South East Asia, Hong Kong, Japan: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Nauru, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

South Pacific and Norfolk Island:  Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa.

New Zealand Only:  New Zealand domestic travel

New Zealand Inbound Travellers :   New Zealand

Dates of Travel

Departure date (travel start date).

Single Trip - The date you depart New Zealand

Cover under the Amendment or Cancellation Costs benefit begins from the time you buy your policy. Cover under all other sections begins from the Travel Start Date you select.

Annual Multi-Trip - The date your policy will commence

Cover under the Amendment or Cancellation Costs benefit begins from the time you buy your policy. For further information, we recommend you read the definition of "Relevant Time" in the Policy Wording.

Return date - (Travel end date)

Single Trip - The date you return to your home

Annual Multi-Trip

Regardless of what you enter as the Return date, you will be quoted for a 12 month Annual Multi-Trip policy.

For further information we recommend that you read the definition of "Relevant Time" in the Policy Wording.

Traveller Details

Age of each traveller at issue date

Simply enter the age of each traveller including children.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

Do all travellers live in New Zealand?

New Zealand resident travellers are able to purchase Travel Insurance policies from us to any area of travel and any country/destination.

Non-New Zealand resident travellers are only able to purchase a Travel Insurance policy if travelling inbound to New Zealand.

For Non-New Zealand resident travellers wanting to purchase Travel Insurance to travel to any other part of the world other than travel to New Zealand, please contact us as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

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Travel Insurance Quotes

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.

We compare quotes from heaps of travel insurance brands in New Zealand. Do your comparison online to save time, worry and loads of money.

WHY KIWIs LOVE COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE

No Hidden Fees

Travel agents and airlines charge huge commissions. We don’t! Our travel insurance comparison is free to use. You'll be directed to the insurer's website to buy travel insurance without any sneaky charges. We promise!

Great prices

It doesn’t matter whether you're looking for cheap cover or fully comprehensive, a domestic or international policy, you'll find the prices on our site are the same great prices you would get buying travel insurance direct !

Data Protection

We promise to keep your data secure and not to sell your information to other companies. And we only ever send you relevant emails you have subscribed to.

Using our comparison is easy-peasy! One simple form makes it quick and easy to compare travel insurance quotes for your holiday. You'll get quotes online for your trip in seconds.

Feel secure

All the companies we compare have 24/7 emergency assistance & are underwritten by reputable insurers like Chubb Insurance New Zealand Ltd and Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's.

Product choice

We compare heaps of policies for all types of travellers from some of New Zealand's most reputable travel insurers. We compare brands including, 1Cover, Amex, Zoom & more!

Travel Insurance Extraordinaire At Your Service

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  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

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

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.

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.

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.

Our Travel Insurance Comparision Helps You

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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 ALERT: View the latest travel information that may affect your trip. See travel alerts

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Whether you’re cityscaping in Auckland, skiing in Queenstown or trekking the Tongariro Crossing, it’s important to be protected when travelling around New Zealand. Our domestic travel insurance policy will cover your holiday at home for trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies, rental vehicle excess and more!  What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM

RENTAL VEHICLE EXCESS

If you're planning on hiring a car on holiday you may require cover for your vehicle excess. Zoom's domestic policy covers up to $5,000 in damages to your rental vehicle.

travel delays

Transport delays can cause disruption to your travels. Zoom provides cover for domestic travel delays.

COVER for your luggage

Zoom provides cover for your luggage and belongings on domestic trips.

Adventure activities

Planning some adventure activities?  Zoom provides some cover for   adventure sports activities .     

customer service

Zoom's trained team of staff are available to answer your questions and can guide you through the process of buying travel insurance.

money savings

Our prices are comparatively low and we'll match any quote for equal cover with our price match guarantee.

easy claims

We've kept our claims process simple and guarantee to assess fully documented claims within 10 business days.

Peace Of Mind

Our travel insurance plans are underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE - New Zealand. A global company who provides a broad range of insurance solutions in more than 175 countries.

DOMESTIC COVER FAQ'S

How far do i need to travel away from home for my domestic cover to kick in.

As long as you’re holidaying more than 50km away from home you're eligible for cover.

Does domestic travel insurance include medical benefits?

No, Zoom's domestic policy covers for cancellation fees and lost deposits, luggage and personal effects, rental vehicle excess and much more. Refer to our PDS for full policy benefits.

What is rental vehicle excess?

Rent a car without stressing about the costs should you have a ding in your hire car. Zoom's domestic policy will automatically reimburse you for up to $5,000 for any excess or deductible which you become legally liable to pay under your rental vehicle hiring agreement. If you require more cover, you can choose to upgrade to $8,000 during the payment process. Note that you may only add or upgrade vehicle excess prior to picking up the car. 

Does domestic travel insurance cover for cruising in New Zealand waters?

No, not automatically. You must purchase our Cruise Pack in order to be covered for any medical treatment you receive on board and for helicopter evacuation should you need to get to the nearest hospital. 

What age limits apply to New Zealand domestic travel insurance policies with Zoom?

Those over 85 years are unable to purchase a policy with Zoom. All other travellers can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 92 days only.

Can I reduce my excess on domestic policies?

No, excess reduction is not available on domestic policies within New Zealand.

Are my golf clubs covered when I travel domestically?

Yes. You are covered up to a combined total of $750 for your golf clubs, golf bag and golf trolley. If you are wanting a higher level of cover for individual golf items or higher combined limit you will need to buy the Golf Pack add on. The Golf Pack add on provides cover for your own Golf equipment (golf clubs, golf bag, golf trolley and golf shoes), Golf Equipment Hire (golf clubs, golf bag, golf trolley and golf shoes), Golf Green Fees and Hole in One cover.

Is my bicycle covered on my domestic holiday?

Yes, however you will need to buy the Bicycle Pack Add-on to cover your Bicycle. 'Bicycle Pack' covers for any loss, theft of or damage to a bicycle. We will pay or reimburse you up to $5,000 for any one bicycle and the maximum amount we will pay for all claims combined is $15,000. Please note: No cover is provided under this section for any bicycle accessories (including but not limited to tools, bicycle pumps, lights, helmets, etc.) as these items are covered under luggage and personal effects.

I have high value items; how much can I insure them for?

If you have an expensive item that you just can’t leave behind you can insure it separately for up to $5,000. Please note that high value item cover is only available under our comprehensive plan.

Can I buy domestic travel insurance for relatives visiting me in New Zealand.

No, Zoom travel insurance policies are available to New Zealand residents only.

COMPARE ZOOM TRAVEL INSURANCE PLANS

Each Zoom plan has different policy benefits. You can minimise your costs with Medical Only cover, or choose to buy   Comprehensive Travel Insurance  for extra protection to cover things like travel delays and cancellation.  Compare Zoom's Travel Insurance plans  online today. 

Like all travel insurance plans, they don't cover everything.  

  You should read your  policy document  (PDS) carefully to ensure you select the cover that is best for you.    You can add optional cover for extras such as  Rental Vehicle Excess  if you are hiring a car,  Sports Activities Pack  if you’re feeling adventurous and  Snow Cover  if you are hitting the slopes.  These can be added during the quote process.   

Zoom travel insurance offers simple, flexible travel insurance for maximum peace of mind no matter where you're zooming to.

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Because life's a trip

Trip Details.

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Type the countries you are travelling to or select from popular destinations below.

• Cook Islands
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Please Note: You do not need to include stopovers less than 48 hours, except for USA and Canada.

• Depart Return

Are all travellers under 19 your children or grandchildren?

Dependants are defined by TINZ as your children or grandchildren, not in full time employment, who are under the age of 19 and travelling with you for 100% of the journey. Before proceeding, please confirm that all travellers under 19 are dependants of the adult travellers. If the child is not classified under the above terms then please treat them as an adult traveller within this policy.

The Already Overseas plan is appropriate for New Zealand residents who are already overseas and need travel insurance cover because they have either forgotten to purchase before they left New Zealand or, their existing travel insurance policy has expired.

Please read our conditions of purchase carefully. We can only provide cover provided that you satisfy the following conditions at the time of purchase:

• You are aged 64 or under; and
• You have a permanent residential address in New Zealand and will be returning to resume residence in New Zealand at the end of your journey; and
• You intend to return to New Zealand on the date your policy ends; and
• You purchase your policy within 30 days from either the date you departed New Zealand; or the expiry of any other travel insurance policy; and
• Your period of overseas travel does not exceed 18 consecutive months in total from the date you originally departed New Zealand;

Please note:

• For this plan “journey” means the time from when the policy is issued while you are overseas and ends when you arrive at any immigration counter in New Zealand.
• Journeys can be up to a maximum of 90 days.
• Purchasing an Already Overseas policy is limited to one journey every 12 months.
• There is no cover provided for the first 72 hours from the start date of your certificate of insurance.

Age limit exceeded.

We are sorry.

We are unable to provide cover for this trip. Travellers aged over 80 years and over can only purchase travel insurance for a maximum duration of 6 months.

Please visit our partner website www.comparetravelinsurance.co.nz to purchase travel insurance for this trip.

Single Trip | Annual Multi-Trip

Travel alerts: view the latest travel information  that may affect your trip. , travel insurance, get a quote.

Booked a trip? TINZ are a specialist New Zealand Travel Insurer offering cover to Kiwis for unforeseen events during travel. 

24/7 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

At TINZ your health is our number one priority. Our emergency assistance experts are just a phone call away 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CANCELLATION COVER

Don’t lose out if you have to cancel your trip. We offer cover for cancellation costs if you can no longer travel or have to return home early due to unforeseen events.

TRAVEL DELAYS

Airport delays are a common frustration when travelling. Our travel insurance provides you with compensation if you’re delayed for more than six hours.

TERRORISM COVER

 If you’re caught up in an act of terror, we’ll pay for your flight home, cover medical costs and in some cases provide you with reimbursement for trip cancellation.

RIDING A MOTORBIKE OR SCOOTER

You’re covered on two wheels, so long as you’re wearing a helmet and the driver holds a valid licence recognised in the country you are travelling.

GADGET COVER

No doubt you’ll be taking a few gadgets away with you. Our plans provide different levels of cover for phones, iPads, cameras and laptops.

CHOICE OF COVER

Whether you’re after the bare essentials or fully comprehensive cover, TINZ offers a range of options to suit all types of travellers and budgets.

CRUISE COVER

Planning a cruise?  We’re on board with you and don’t charge any extra if you’re heading on a cruise. With TINZ, you’re covered from ship to shore.

TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTIONS

Get cover for the things you love. Whether you’re travelling in New Zealand or overseas, you're an avid skier, an adrenalin junkie, a gadget freak or a high-end holidaymaker, TINZ has the extra cover you’re looking for.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL

There are always risks when you travel, even in your home country. Protect your New Zealand holiday with domestic travel insurance and get cover for rental car excess, luggage, personal effects, lost deposits and more.

SKI INSURANCE

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

GROUP BOOKINGS

Are you travelling with a group of friends, school or club? TINZ offers special rates that can save you significant time and money!

SPECIFIC ITEMS

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Don’t let a pre-existing medical condition get in the way of your travels.  We cover 35 existing medical conditions automatically for free. You can also apply to cover additional conditions by assessment.

LATEST ARTICLES

Travel insurance - the complete guide.

You've been dreaming about your holiday, the perfect break, the dream trip, what could go wrong? The truth is, on holiday, things often do. Perhaps the airline loses your luggage, or you're unlucky enough to get injured or become sick. Either way, taking the time to choose the travel insurance is a worthwhile investment. Our complete guide to travel insurance has you covered!

5 STAR TRAVEL INSURANCE

It's not just our customers that love us, our travel insurance products have been independently rated with  five stars by Canstar.

Cancellation cover can trip up many a conscientious traveller. Keep reading to get the low-down on TINZ's cancellation cover .

Most travel insurers exclude terrorism. However, Travel Insurance New Zealand covers you for cancellation, medical expenses and more. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQ'S

We understand that travel insurance can be confusing, here are some of our most common questions.

Q. Can I buy a policy if I have already departed New Zealand?

Q. i am currently still on my trip and my policy ended, can i extend my policy, q. does tinz cover natural disasters, q. am i covered for riding a motorbike overseas.

• Yes, you’re covered to ride a motorbike provided that: - You are licensed to ride a motorbike in New Zealand. - You hold a valid motorbike licence for the country you are in. - You wear a helmet at all times while riding. You can ride a motorcycle that is the same capacity you are licensed to ride in Australia. If your licence restricts the engine size you can ride, then you will need to stick to that when you are away. Learn more in our guide to riding motorbikes and scooters overseas.

Q. What doesn’t travel insurance cover?

• It's important to be aware that all travel insurance policies have 'exclusions'. So, there are some things that we just can't cover you for. These certainly aren’t secret and can be found in our policy wording, but we want to highlight some of the things you’re unlikely to be covered for so that you can make smart decisions when heading on holiday. - You are generally not covered for reckless behaviour or deliberately putting yourself in harms way. - Not taking care of your personal belongings, such as leaving your things behind in public places. - You’rer not covered if you were drunk and the consumption of alcohol contributed to your loss. As for illegal recreational drugs, you're definitely not covered. - We have a general exclusion in relation to pandemics and epidemics. - You are not covered for pre-existing medical conditions that you failed to tell us about or take cover for. - You are not covered for events already known in the mass media at the time of purchasing your policy. Even though our policies have these exclusions, all TINZ customers are entitled to lodge a claim for review, which would be assessed based on individual facts and circumstances.

Q. Does TINZ cover pre-existing medical conditions?

• Yes, don't let an existing medical condition get in the way of your travels. We cover 35 medical conditions automatically for free. Any other conditions need to be declared through our easy online medical assessment. See more information about pre-existing illnesses here.

Q. Am I covered for a family emergency?

• Both TINZ’s Comprehensive & Comprehensive plans cover for additional travel expenses such as your return flight to New Zealand if a relative of either you, or travelling companion requires hospitalisation or dies unexpectedly. (no excess applies)

Q. What sports activities are covered by TINZ travel insurance?

• TINZ gives you the freedom to take that heart-pounding leap - worry free! Our optional Sports & Activities Cover provides you with cover for a range of more adventurous activities not covered under a standard policy. We cover things like cycling, snorkelling (depth limits apply) and water skiing for free. We offer extra cover for activities like canyoning, abseiling, trekking above 3000 meters. See our sports adventure activities page for more information.

Q. What is TINZ’s terrorism cover?

• While many travel insurers exclude cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits in the event of terrorism, under our Frequent Traveller and Comprehensive Plus plans we allow you to cancel in the event that MFAT travel warnings restrict you from travel. We provide $10 million worth of medical cover if you’re injured in a terror attack. Conditions apply. See more information about our terrorism cover here.

TRAVEL FACTS

Extortionate overseas medical fees, missed flight fails and holidays hurdles - these travel facts will convince you to never go abroad without a travel insurance policy again!

$50,000 is what it costs for 14 days of medical treatment in Thailand

25% of travellers admit to missing a flight

112,000 Kiwis chose to cruise each year

60% of travellers say they gain at least two kilos on holiday

28% of people fail to protect themselves on holiday

Because life’s a trip

Before You Buy

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Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

Click profile to compare 5-Star Outstanding Value Travel Insurance:

International travel, trans-tasman travel, south pacific cruise, seniors travel, 5-star international travel insurance, 5-star trans-tasman travel insurance, 5-star south pacific cruise travel insurance, 5-star seniors travel insurance.

2023 Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

Compare Travel Insurance by Destination

Canstar’s full travel insurance Star Ratings break down the best insurance providers and products for the following global holiday destinations, plus all destinations for senior travellers:

• Africa & Middle East
• Domestic Cruise
• Pacific Cruise
• Seniors – all destinations

Important information

• The Star Ratings in this table were awarded November 2023. The current features, rates and fees may be different to what was rated. The Star Rating shown is only one factor to take into account when considering a product. See our Ratings Methodology .
• The initial table display is sorted by Star Rating and then alphabetically by company.
• Any advice on this page is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this general financial advice is right for your personal circumstances. You may need financial advice from a qualified adviser. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances.  See our Detailed Disclosure .
• Data in the table is updated from time to time to reflect product changes notified to us by product issuers. Check current product details and investment options with the product issuer. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making a purchase decision.
• The table above may not include all providers in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances.
• Canstar may earn a fee for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship (advertising) of certain products. Payment of sponsorship fees does not influence the star rating that Canstar awards to a sponsored product. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship fees may be higher than referral fees. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as such on website pages. They may appear in a number of areas of the website such as in comparison tables, on hub pages and in articles. Sponsored products may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The table position of a sponsored product does not indicate any ranking, rating or endorsement by Canstar. See  How We Get Paid  for further information.

Compare Travel Money Cards

Headed off overseas and looking for the best in money cards? Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cards in New Zealand:

The display order does not reflect any ranking or rating by Canstar.

This information is not an endorsement by Canstar of travel money cards or any specific provider. Information correct as of 20/09/23. For full pricing details see individual providers’ websites.

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What is travel insurance and why do you need it when you travel?

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is financial cover for emergencies, accidents or loss that might occur to you or your belongings while you are travelling either domestically or internationally.

Why do you need travel insurance?

The New Zealand government website SafeTravel recommends travel insurance for anyone taking a trip away from home, especially overseas.

If you don’t have travel insurance and you lose your luggage, have an accident, medical emergency, or legal incident, you could face huge bills.

Cancelled flights and hotel accommodation can leave you out of pocket by thousands of dollars, but medical expenses can be even worse. A health emergency overseas can end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, if you have travel insurance, you can travel confidently knowing you can get financial help in an emergency.

What else should you do before you travel?

In addition to organising travel insurance, before you leave:

• If you are going overseas, visit the SafeTravel website’s Travel Advisories page to ascertain the current risks of travelling to your chosen destination. If a country is flagged with a “Do Not Travel” advisory, be aware that you may not be able to obtain insurance for the trip.
• Regardless of where you are going, register your plans with SafeTravel. Your details will be stored securely and only used to reach you in an emergency.
• Ensure you have all the relevant travel documentation to take with you on your trip, and that a trusted friend or relation in NZ has a copy, too.
• Record the contact details of the New Zealand Embassy in your country of destination – just in case you need it.

Types of travel insurance and what they cover

There are two types of travel insurance cover policies.

1. Domestic travel insurance

Domestic travel insurance policies usually cover you for events such as:

• Lost or stolen luggage or other items
• Cancelling your trip unexpectedly due to illness, accident, holiday leave being revoked, or a natural disaster at home or at your intended destination
• Rental vehicle excess you have to pay if you have an accident driving a hire car
• Legal liability: the vast majority of policies researched include coverage for legal liability. Don’t take this as an excuse to break the law, though – you may end up invalidating your policy!

Domestic travel insurance usually doesn’t cover you for:

• Medical cover. However, this is not a big problem because, as long as you’re in New Zealand, you can still access publicly funded health services or your private health insurance , if you have it
• Certain “hazardous pursuits”. If you’re doing dangerous activities on your holiday, such as skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping or rock climbing, you need to disclose it on your application. However, even if you disclose it, you still might not be covered for an accident that happens because of that activity, as it may be excluded from the policy. Ensure you read your policy terms and conditions carefully

2. International travel insurance

International travel insurance policies usually cover you for events such as:

• Medical or dental emergency. Typical emergency medical cover will include hospital admission, emergency care and medical evacuation to another country’s hospital. If your medical situation is not an emergency, it is recommend you contact your insurer before you receive treatment, to check if it’s covered by your policy
• Repatriation if you fall sick overseas and need to be evacuated back to NZ for treatment. Or if tragedy strikes, repatriation covers the cost of flying your body and belongings back home to NZ. Some travel insurance policies also include a separate sum for funeral expenses
• Lost or stolen luggage, passport or other items. Replacing luggage and travel documents is the most common claim for travel insurance
• Legal liability if you break a local law and need a lawyer and/or interpreter. Ignorance of local law is no excuse in most countries, so make sure you check SafeTravel before you depart. For example, in some Muslim countries it is an offence to wear a bikini on a public beach. If you break a law on purpose, your travel insurance policy may not cover your legal fees

International travel insurance usually doesn’t cover you for:

• High-risk countries. Check the government’s SafeTravel website for the travel advisory status of your destination. Countries flagged with a “Do Not Travel” advisory may not be covered under your policy
• Risky behavior. Any injury or loss caused by you behaving recklessly while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be excluded from cover. This doesn’t apply to medication prescribed to you by a doctor and taken as prescribed
• Pre-existing medical conditions. If you have experienced symptoms of a condition before travelling, even if the condition wasn’t diagnosed, medical expenses for it will generally not be covered. Read your policy’s terms and conditions carefully
• High-value items. Many policies have a dollar limit that you can claim for each item, which may not be as much as it costs to replace the item
• Notification period. Your policy may specify that you need to notify your insurer of an accident or event within a specified timeframe, such as 24 hours. It’s important to be aware of that notification period and to call your insurer as soon as you can, in the event of a potential claim
• Loss of items left unattended. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times. You might not be covered if you leave your wallet and keys wrapped in a towel on the beach, or hidden in a shared room, or even in your checked-in luggage
• Hazardous pursuits. Dangerous activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, off-piste skiing and hang-gliding are usually excluded, but they can often be added to your policy for an extra fee. Also be aware that riding a moped or motorcycle overseas might also not be covered, even if you are legally entitled to ride one in NZ

NB: No travel insurance policy will cover you for every single thing that might go wrong while you’re away, so it’s important to read your policy’s terms and conditions carefully to discover the full extent of your cover.

Travel insurance glossary of terms

• Accident : An unexpected, unforeseeable, or unusual event that was unintended and caused loss or harm while you are on a trip covered by your policy.
• Accommodation : Any type of dwelling or lodging that you pay a fee to stay in overnight.
• Additional expenses : Additional expenses for accommodation and transportation that occur because of events such as illness, natural disasters, loss of travel documents, and transport union strikes.
• Beneficiary : The person who would receive compensation from your insurance policy if you were to pass away during your travels.
• Benefits: What your insurance provider gives you according to the terms of your policy. Benefits can apply if you make a claim or they can apply if a certain event happens, e.g. during an emergency.
• Cancellation or amendment costs : The cost of cancelling, changing, or rearranging your journey because of unforeseen circumstances outside your control such as illness, accidents and extreme weather events.
• Claim: A request for your insurance provider to pay certain expenses back to you in accordance with your policy.
• Cover or coverage : The extent of protection given to you by your policy. If you are covered for an event, it means that you can claim back from your insurance provider a specified amount of expenses you incurred during that event.
• Current market value : The amount of money you could get for an item if you sold it in the current local market. This amount is based on the original cost, the current condition and age of the item, and what it could be sold for in its present state.
• Damage: Harm or injury to a person or property, resulting in the property losing value or not being able to be used properly.
• Disability : A physical or mental condition that restricts a person’s movements, senses or activities. A disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognised by the law.
• Emergency medical care : Medical care that is needed in an unexpected emergency. This does not include any type of regular medical care or foreseeable medical needs.
• Endorsement: Any special condition listed on your insurance policy as an extra reason for you to buy the policy.
• Excess: The excess is an amount that you pay instead of the insurer, e.g. “the first” $250 or $500 of a claim. Insurers usually have either a policy with different excess options that you choose between, or separate policies that each have a different excess amount. You can pay a lower premium if you have a higher excess, but you need to be sure that you could afford to pay the excess unexpectedly if you had to make a claim.
• Exclusions : Anything that is not covered by your policy. Common exclusions include travel to high-risk countries, dangerous activities such as bungee jumping, risky behaviour, such as taking alcohol or drugs, pre-existing medical conditions, and loss of items left unattended.
• Home: Your usual place of residence in New Zealand.
• Incidental:  Costs associated with an unexpected covered event, which are not directly related to the event.
• Inclusions: Any event, item or expense that is covered by your policy.
• Injury: Anything that physically harms you and occurs by accidental or violent means, which is covered by your policy.
• Journey: One of the terms insurers use to talk about the period you’re covered for, from the time you leave home until the time you return to your home. Also known as your trip, voyage, or travels.
• Limit/benefit limit: Policies have a limit on the amount of benefits you can claim per year or per journey.
• Luggage and personal effects: Personal items that you own or carry with you on a trip that is covered. This includes but is not limited to: suitcase or backpack, clothing, jewellery, computer or laptop, your phone and other portable electrical devices or equipment.
• Medically necessary: Medical treatment that is needed to preserve your health, is suitable to treat your symptoms, and can be safely provided in your current location. This does not include treatment or procedures that are performed in your current location because it is merely convenient.
• Natural disaster: An event caused by nature and not by any human activity, including earthquakes, storms, bushfires and floods.
• Overseas medical expenses: Expenses incurred overseas for ambulance transport, hospital admission, surgical nursing, and emergency dental treatment.
• Period of cover: The time your travel is covered by your policy.
• Personal liability cover: Cover for costs incurred for which you are legally liable. You are legally liable if your negligence causes loss or damage to someone else’s property. Personal liability also covers you for injury to a person who is not a member of your family or travelling party. Personal liability cover does not cover damage you caused deliberately or that breaks the law; damage caused by your business or your employee; your ownership or use of a vehicle, aircraft or watercraft; or you passing on an illness to someone else.
• Policy:  The travel insurance contract you have taken out with an insurance provider.
• Pre-existing condition: A medical condition that existed in any form before you signed up for the insurance policy, whether or not you had your symptoms examined by a health practitioner. Your policy may usually list a time limit for the condition to be pre-existing, e.g. you have seen a medical practitioner in the past 90 days before you started your journey, or you have been prescribed a medication within the past 60 days.
• Premium: The amount you pay your insurance provider for your travel insurance cover. Your premium must be paid on time for your travel to be covered.
• Reasonable: When associated with an expense or cost, “reasonable” refers to what is usual, needed, and matches the standards of your previously scheduled travel.
• Refund: Cash or company credit that can be given to you as reimbursement for your expenses, according to the terms of your policy.
• Rental car insurance excess : The excess charged if your hire car is damaged or stolen.
• Resumption of journey benefit : The benefit you receive if you claim the expense of resuming your travels. You can make a claim if you had to return to New Zealand suddenly due to a serious injury, illness, or the death of one of your relatives or business partners in New Zealand.
• Sudden illness or serious injury : Illness or injury that occurs during your period of cover and requires immediate treatment by a health practitioner.
• Travel delay : Scheduled transport that is delayed by over six hours. Scheduled transport can include plane flights, trains, trams, buses, ferries or cruises.
• Unforeseen: Any circumstance that is out of your control. This can include illness, accident, cancelled flights, or natural disasters.

Which travel insurance providers are assessed by Canstar's ratings?

Products from the following travel insurance providers were rated in Canstar’s 2023 Travel Insurance Star Ratings and Awards:

• 1Cover Direct Insurance
• AA Insurance
• Air New Zealand
• American Express
• Chubb Insurance
• Cover-More Travel Insurance
• House of Travel
• Southern Cross Travel Insurance
• World Nomads

Recent Award Winners

View Canstar's Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

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Comparing Domestic and International Travel Insurance in New Zealand

Traveling is regularly an exciting activity, full of adventure and discovery. Whether you are exploring the rugged landscapes of Fiordland National Park or embarking on a cultural journey via Auckland, New Zealand gives a plethora of stories for both domestic and international vacationers.

However, amidst the exhilaration of planning your experience, it is crucial not to miss the importance of tour coverage. In this article, we will delve into the differences between domestic and global tour coverage options in New Zealand that will help you make an informed decision for your subsequent adventure.

Understanding Domestic Travel Insurance

Despite being perceived as unnecessary by some,  domestic travel insurance NZ  offers a crucial sense of security. It provides coverage for trips within New Zealand, safeguarding you against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies.

This comprehensive coverage typically includes benefits such as reimbursement for prepaid expenses if your trip is canceled, coverage for lost or stolen belongings, and assistance in arranging emergency medical evacuation if needed.

One of the most appealing aspects of domestic travel insurance is its affordability. Unlike international policies that cover medical expenses in remote places, domestic travel insurance comes with reduced premiums.

This makes it a budget-friendly option for travelers who want to ensure their safety without compromising their financial plans. Moreover, it offers peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against unexpected mishaps, even when exploring your backyard.

Exploring International Travel Insurance

On the other hand, worldwide journey insurance is designed for trips beyond the borders of New Zealand. Whether you are jetting to Australia for a weekend getaway or embarking on a spherical-the-world adventure, worldwide tour coverage covers several potential risks.

In addition to blessings like ride cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency medical charges, international rules regularly include functions including insurance for journey delays, rental automobile protection, and liability insurance.

One of the essential thing additives to global travel coverage is scientific insurance overseas. This aspect is vital as scientific prices can be exorbitant in a few nations.

Without adequate insurance, travelers might also locate themselves dealing with hefty payments on the occasion of illness or damage. International travel insurance guarantees you admission to medical treatment and help anywhere you’re inside the globe, offering practical support throughout emergencies.

Choosing the Right Policy

When evaluating home and international journey coverage in New Zealand, it is crucial to remember your unique wishes and journey plans. Domestic travel insurance in NZ may also suffice for quick journeys within the United States, presenting simple coverage at a cheap rate.

However, if you’re venturing overseas, global travel coverage affords complete protection against a broader range of risks, including medical emergencies and journey-related mishaps.

Before purchasing coverage , cautiously review the coverage limits, exclusions, and advantages of every option to make sure it aligns with your requirements. Additionally, recall elements consisting of trip periods, locations, and deliberate sports to determine the level of insurance you need.

When planning your journey, remember to buy travel insurance. While domestic travel insurance may be suitable for some journeys, international travel insurance offers greater peace of mind for extensive or overseas trips, making it a valuable investment for adventurous travelers.

Travel coverage is critical to ride-making plans, providing financial protection and peace of mind during your adventures. Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes of New Zealand or embarking on a global escapade, selecting the proper insurance coverage is essential.

While home journey coverage offers simple insurance for trips within the United States of America, worldwide travel insurance offers comprehensive safety for journeys overseas. By understanding the variations among these alternatives and assessing your unique wishes, you can pick a coverage that ensures you are competently covered anywhere your travels take you.

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What's on this page

Emergencies, common queries, find an insurer.

Travel insurance is cover you purchase for international trips, whether they’re for business or holidays. Most travel insurance provides protection for

• cancellation and loss of deposit
• medical treatment costs
• costs for returning home in certain emergencies
• loss of luggage and personal items
• personal liability (except for deliberate acts or use of motor vehicles).

Travel insurance consumer guide

Download our handy consumer guide with all you need to know about travel insurance., domestic travel insurance.

Travel insurance is also available when you travel around New Zealand. While medical events will be covered by ACC in New Zealand, domestic travel insurance will cover you for things like lost luggage, rental vehicle excesses, cancellations or delays, and personal liability. Travellers should be aware that domestic travel insurance generally doesn’t cover as much as an international policy would so you should read the policy carefully before taking out cover.

For an independent view on domestic travel insurance, check out  Consumer NZ’s  article ‘Domestic travel insurance – do you need it?’

Credit card travel insurance

Travel insurance is a common extra when you take out a credit card from your bank, but there are some things to be aware of:

• some policies might need to be activated before you travel
• there might be a limit on how long the policy will cover you for
• you might have to book a certain amount of your travel expenses on the credit card before the travel insurance becomes available
• cover may not automatically be available for pre-existing conditions. You will likely need to contact the insurer to ask about coverage for any pre-existing conditions and you may have to pay an extra premium to have them covered.

Credit card travel insurance may not be as comprehensive as some other travel insurance policies, so it pays to read the policy carefully and think about whether you need to take out any additional cover.

Shop around

Remember that not all travel policies are created equal – just as the premium of some policies costs more than others, some policies have wider cover than others.

If you have a pre-existing condition, are planning to engage in a sport or adventure activity while you’re away, are a non-resident, are pregnant, or are over the age of 65, it’s important to contact a number of insurers before purchasing your insurance. One insurer may have a policy that suits your individual circumstances better than another.

Find out more about travel insurance to cover:

• staying in an Airbnb
• non-residents
• pre-existing conditions
• renting cars
• sports and adventure activities

Buy before you fly

You cannot get travel insurance if you’ve already left the country. You should buy travel insurance when you book and pay for your overseas trip. That way you’re not only covered for your trip, but also if something happens before you depart.

Read your policy wording

Make sure you read the policy wording so you understand what you are and aren’t covered for. If there is anything you don’t understand, ask your insurer for an explanation or more information.

Some common exclusions

Like any other insurance policy, a travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you for absolutely everything that could go wrong. The following list sets out some of the common exclusions in travel policies, but make sure to check your individual policy’s exclusions as each insurer is different:

• war and terrorism
• pandemic, epidemic or infectious diseases
• financial failure of an airline, travel agent or tour operator
• elective medical or dental treatment
• travel in international waters
• being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Disinclination

Travel insurance policies don’t cover ’disinclination to travel’. This means that if, for example, you choose not to travel because you think your destination looks unsafe, but there hasn’t been a travel advisory issued, you will not be covered for the costs you’ve lost.

International students and seasonal workers

While the general rule is that New Zealand insurers don’t provide travel insurance for non-residents, there are some exceptions. If you are a seasonal worker travelling to New Zealand for work (for example, to pick apples during the harvesting season), or if you are an international student coming to New Zealand to study, then you will be able to purchase travel insurance from some New Zealand insurers.

You may need to contact a number of different insurers as not everyone offers inbound student or seasonal worker insurance.

Feeling adventurous?

If you’re planning on taking part in any sport or adventurous activities on your trip, talk to your insurer and read your policy wording to check whether you are covered. In particular, you should check whether you are covered for:

• skiing, snowboarding or doing other winter sports
• scuba diving
• bungy jumping
• hang gliding
• water skiing
• motorcycling or using a scooter (in certain countries)
• taking some other form of extreme risk which might put you in danger.

Driving overseas

Travel insurance policies provide limited cover for vehicles hired overseas. If you have an accident, the cover provided by your travel policy will usually only pay either the excess by the rental car company or the vehicle repair costs, if those costs are less than the excess. To ensure that you have enough cover, you should buy comprehensive motor insurance from the rental vehicle company in the country you hire the car in. If you then have an accident, you will have to pay the rental vehicle directly and claim costs from your insurer.

High-value items

You need to tell your insurer if you are going to take, or are planning to buy, high-value items on your trip. Many travel insurance policies contain sub-limits on the value of items you can claim for (including electronics and jewellery).

If you’re unsure, ask your insurer what value or coverage limits your policy may have.

Check for travel advisories

Sometimes there will already be events happening in the area you’re planning to travel to, when you take out your insurance policy. These are called ’known events’ and are unlikely to be covered by your policy. For example, if a volcano erupts in the country you are travelling to, it’s unlikely that delays or cancellations caused by the eruption would be covered. When you are taking out your insurance, check to see if there are any current advisories which might affect your cover. In New Zealand you can check the government advisory website  www.safetravel.govt.nz  and trusted media sources – if there are warnings in the media about the place you are travelling to, your insurer may not cover you.

This is another reason why you should take out your insurance cover at the same time as booking your travel. That way your insurer is on risk if an event happens and your travel plans are disrupted before you’ve even left.

Keep your receipts

If you need to pay for something while you’re travelling that you plan to make a claim for (like a lost phone or stolen camera that you had to replace while you were still overseas) make sure you keep your receipts to make the claim process as smooth as possible.

You can still make a claim even if you haven’t managed to keep hold of the receipts, but it’s likely that you’ll need to provide proof of ownership of the lost or stolen item to your insurer.

Travel insurers provide free 24-hour emergency assistance. Keep the details of their emergency assistance provider with you at all times while travelling.

In the event of an emergency, you may need to contact them for medical treatment or advice.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade runs a website that has up to date travel advisories for all countries on key issues like security and health. 

Before you travel, you must tell your insurer if you intend to travel to any countries that have a ‘Do not travel’ travel advisory status – as it may not be possible to get insurance cover for travel to countries with this status.

Visit  www.safetravel.govt.nz  to check your intended destination and any countries you’re stopping in or passing through.

While you’re on the website, you can also check out their travel insurance guidance.

Some circumstances may make travel insurance more difficult to find or mean you need to fulfil additional requirements in order to receive cover.

Most travel insurance policies don’t provide liability cover for damage to property you’re staying at (e.g. an Airbnb or hotel) while travelling. Generally,  the Airbnb host will hold sufficient insurance to cover them should a paying guest damage their property, but there is a chance that the host or their insurer could ask you for payment if you were responsible for the damage. This would not be covered by your travel insurance policy.

Some insurers only provide cover for New Zealand residents, so if you are a non-resident, you may need to contact a number of insurers before you are able to get cover. 

It’s important to tell your insurer if you’re already pregnant when you book your travel insurance, or if you fall pregnant before you leave. Most insurers offer cover for the first few months of pregnancy as long as there have not been any complications. The length of time each insurer will provide automatic cover for varies so talk to your insurer to be certain you’ll be covered. An insurer may also require you to have a medical assessment before providing cover.

If you become pregnant after taking out a travel insurance policy, contact your insurer as soon as possible to ensure you’ll still be covered for your travel.

Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions you already have or have previously had at the time you’re buying your insurance. They include symptoms you’ve asked a doctor about, even if you didn’t receive a formal diagnosis.

Pre-existing conditions are excluded from most insurers’ basic packages. Some insurers have automatic cover for certain pre-existing conditions and others may allow you to buy additional cover for pre-existing conditions, although not all insurers will be able to provide this service.

If you have a pre-existing condition, you should check your chosen insurer’s list of automatically covered pre-existing conditions. If your condition is not listed, you will need to speak to the insurer to find out if you can get cover. They may require you to get a medical certificate before providing cover.

It’s important to remember to declare all pre-existing conditions when taking out travel insurance otherwise you may not be covered under all or part of your policy.

Most travel policies do not provide cover for damage caused to a rental vehicle hired overseas. Nor do they cover damage caused to people or property while in control of a rented or borrowed vehicle.

Some policies will provide rental vehicle excess (RVE) insurance but this will only provide cover for the excess on damage to the vehicle that the insured person has to pay — it does not provide any cover for the repairs themselves or any personal liability the insured person has if an accident damages property or injures someone. If a travel policy offers RVE, the cover may only apply to renting cars through a registered care hire company.

If you drive overseas, it’s important to get appropriate motor vehicle insurance and personal liability cover through either a vehicle rental company or through a local insurer (if you are borrowing a friend or relative’s vehicle).

The level and types of cover available for senior citizens varies by insurer and may be affected by the age(s) of the traveller(s). In some instances, you may be required to fill out some forms to give the insurer information about your medical history.

To ensure that you will be covered and to find a policy that best meets your needs, you should contact an insurer directly.

Some insurers have a list of sports and activities they will automatically provide cover for, however, there are also a number they won’t cover. If you are unsure whether your intended sport or activity will be covered, you should contact your insurer to check.

If you are planning on doing any sort of sport or adventure activity while you are travelling, make sure to let your insurer know when you take out cover.

ICNZ is unable to provide personal or professional advice. The list of travel insurance providers below is included for your information. Any queries about the specifics of policies or cover should be directed to the insurer.

Other travel insurance may be available through your bank or credit card provider, as well as by contacting an insurance broker. 

You can download the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel insurance guide from their Safe Travel website.

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Travel Insurance You Can Trust

What country are you going to?

Select the Area of travel in which you will spend most time. NOTE: If you are spending more than 20% of your trip time in the Americas Area, it is compulsory to select a destination in the Americas Area for your policy.

If you are quoting a multi-trip policy please select “see region list” and select a destination in the appropriate region. For example United States for Worldwide cover or Spain for European cover.

When are you going?

Please select the departure and return dates for your trip.

For multi-trip policies the departure date will mark the start of your cover and it will automatically run for a year from that date.

Who is travelling?

Simply enter the age of each traveller including Adults and Accompanied Children*. Enter the age they are now.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

*As per the Policy Wording: "Accompanied Children" means Your children or grandchildren plus one non-related child per adult policyholder who are identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with You on the Journey, provided they are not in full-time employment and they are under the age of 21 years at the Relevant Time. If an Accompanied Child is in full time employment then they will need to purchase their own policy.

If you require a policy for more than 6 travellers, please contact Cover-More on (0800) 500 225 as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

Travel Alert: Important Information Regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 Benefits Now Available

Key benefits of Cover-More travel insurance

COVID-19 Cover

We provide COVID-19 Benefits on our Options Plan (both Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies) to help you travel within New Zealand and overseas with greater confidence.

Luggage and Travel Documents

We offer up to $25,000^ cover for luggage and travel documents on our International Options Plan . This provides protection for items such as cameras, laptops, and mobile phones.

Emergency Assistance

Our policyholders have 24/7 access to our emergency assistance team. They’re here to help ensure you are safe, well, and can keep travelling.

Travel Delay/Cancellation

We automatically include coverage for travel delay of over six (6) hours, up to $2,000. For cancellation cover, you can customise your policy by selecting an amount that suits your needs.

Access to Virtual Care

Our Cover-More customers can access our Virtual Care service for free. If you’re feeling ill and our Emergency Assistance team believes you're eligible for support via a virtual doctor (for example, you don't require a physical exam), we can provide you with access to booking a virtual consult at a time that suits you.

Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess

If you’re hiring a vehicle on your holiday – or driving your personal vehicle on a domestic trip – our premium Options Plan can help protect you by providing cover for your excess amount if you’re involved in an accident.

Types of travel insurance cover we offer

International

A trip of a lifetime overseas can be costly and sometimes scary if you have to visit a foreign hospital. Our 24/7 emergency assistance team is there to help policyholders navigate foreign hospitals, and to organise payment for medical services. A case of gastro in the USA once cost over $100,000.

Existing Medical Conditions

Our premium Options Plan and budget-friendly Essentials Plan can provide automatic cover for over 35 conditions, and we’ll consider all other existing medical conditions. To find out if you’re eligible for cover, simply declare all your medical conditions when generating a quote.

Our travel insurance policies automatically include cover for cruise ship related claims. Any injuries or accidents onboard the ship aren’t covered by ACC, and ACC won’t cover the cost of transporting you home. That’s where travel insurance comes in.

Annual Multi-Trip Policy

Travel frequently? Annual Multi-Trip policies are ideal for travel enthusiasts who expect to take a few trips each year. You can purchase an Annual Multi-Trip policy on either our Options or Essentials Plans, saving you from organising a new policy every time you travel.

Exploring New Zealand? Our Options Plan can help protect your domestic trip from unforeseen incidents if you’re travelling more than 100km from your home or spending at least one night in paid accommodation.

For Seniors

Celebrate the golden years and travel the globe. It’s time to ticket items off that bucket list. Our plans offer existing medical assessments for travellers who require cover for medical conditions.

Adventure Sports

Love the outdoors and adventure? Our policies include a number of adventure sports including jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, and more. Adventure sport accidents can be painful. Protect yourself and your finances.

Looking to save on travel insurance so you can spend more on your trip? Make sure you have a look at our Essentials Plan, providing great cover at an affordable price.

Ski & Winter Sports

If you’re hitting the slopes on your next trip, consider including our Snow Sports option in your policy. If you’re on-piste snow skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing, we can provide emergency medical cover and more. 

Travel insurance: w hat’s the big deal?

Everyone hopes that their trip goes smoothly, sometimes that isn’t always the case. From skiing accidents in Vancouver to insect bites in Thailand, travel insurance can help protect you from the unexpected. Our 24/7 Medical Assistance team are there to help with emergencies while on your trip, and our Claims team are available to help process your claims. We encourage our customers to read the Policy Document before purchasing a policy to ensure you know what you’ve got cover for. Read more about why you should consider travel insurance .

Cover-More customer reviews

Cover-More travel insurance was reviewed on 28 February 2024 on Google and rated 4.6 stars based on 419 reviews.

Senka contracted Dengue fever in Bali, Indonesia, and spent five days in the hospital.

"When I was in hospital I spoke to Cover-More every day, and because I was in Bali on my own that was so reassuring."

Claim cost: $1,637

Diane’s father, John, fractured his hip on holiday in Australia and required surgery.

"Cover-More has been absolutely fantastic, I cannot fault them. They were in touch with me every day and they checked up on us to make sure dad was OK."

Claim cost: $10,933

Tom suffered a stroke on the first day of his holidays on the Cook Islands and had to be repatriated home.

"With all the help and care that I got, I’ve really dodged a bullet, and I couldn’t ask for anything more."

Claim cost: $114,780

Cover-More can protect your next trip with:

• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Online claims portal
• Choice of excess levels
• Options to vary your cover, including cancellation, snow sports, and luggage and personal effects
• Unlimited+* overseas emergency medical expense cover on our International Options Plan
• 21-day cooling-off period~

Travel insurance FAQs

Travel insurance is a specific type of insurance that helps cover a number of costs and disruptions associated with travelling both domestically and overseas. Levels of cover differ per policy, however, travel insurance typically protects against trip cancellation, delays, lost luggage and personal belongings, medical expenses and repatriation, and personal liability.

Most travel insurance providers offer single or multi-trip policies, which can cover multiple countries within a specific timeframe. The destination, length of trip, specific activity add-ons and pre-existing medical conditions all help determine the cost of a travel insurance policy. Policies can be purchased at the time of booking a trip up until the time a traveller leaves their home.

Travel insurance varies for individual travellers based on the options selected by them, so prices vary from person-to-person. The cost of a travel insurance policy is determined by:

• Age of traveller/s: the older the traveller, the higher the policy cost may be.
• Number of travellers included in the policy: a higher number of travellers creates more variables, therefore increasing risk.
• Length of trip/s: a single trip policy is generally around half the amount of a multi-trip policy, making the latter more cost-effective for frequent travellers, while shorter trips often pose less risk of medical incidents and travel interruptions, resulting in lower costs.
• Destination/s: costs vary greatly depending on the countries and regions covered by a policy. For example, regions such as Europe will often be cheaper than trips to the USA because of the high cost of medical treatment in America.
• Level of coverage: travellers can opt for cheaper travel insurance as well as comprehensive, more expensive plans to cater to their different needs.
• Existing medical conditions: a customer’s policy will increase if their medical history shows an increased risk of possible medical treatment requirements while travelling.

While a cheaper policy cost upfront may seem appealing, always read the Policy Wording to ensure your needs are adequately covered should an incident occur.

Travel insurance protects you when travelling domestically or internationally by providing coverage against unforeseen circumstances that may negatively impact your travel plans.

By purchasing travel insurance prior to departure, your policy can help cover the costs of trip cancellations should you no longer be able to travel, as well as the costs of medical treatment, lost passports and personal items while you’re travelling. The customer usually pays for these costs upfront, before being reimbursed by the travel insurer upon claim approval.

To approve a claim, travel insurers require documentation such as a police report or medical bill to confirm the incident occurred.

Always read the Policy Wording before purchasing a travel insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage for your circumstances.

Unfortunately, travel insurance can’t cover absolutely everything. This highlights the importance for travellers to read the Policy Wording before purchasing to avoid becoming frustrated when claims are unsuccessful. It will contain details on the situations you likely won’t be covered in, including:

• Cancellation: simply changing your mind prior to your trip may not be sufficient for a successful claim.
• Pre-existing conditions: if medical conditions aren’t disclosed or covered by the policy at time of purchase, exclusions may apply to coverage related to those conditions. 
• Theft or loss of belongings while left unattended: travellers must take care of their belongings as they would as home.
• Incidents occurring as a result of reckless behaviour: claims arising from excessive drinking or taking recreational drugs will likely be rejected.
• Winter and adventure sports: claims resulting from participation in high-risk sports will be void unless covered by the policy.
• Terrorism and extreme weather events: travelling to specific regions against the advice of the government or your insurer may result in unsuccessful claims because the events are no longer unforeseeable circumstances.

For full details of exclusions within a travel insurance plan, consult the Policy Wording.

Purchasing a policy soon after a trip is booked has a number of benefits and increases a traveller’s protection.

When purchased ahead of time, a traveller can cancel their travel insurance policy for a full refund within the cooling-off period. If the policy is purchased before the customer leaves their home to depart for their trip, claims for rearrangements and cancellations caused by unforeseen circumstances can also be made.

By considering travel insurance as an essential part of booking a holiday - not an afterthought when at the airport - travellers are likely to be covered should an incident arise before take-off.

See all travel insurance FAQs .

*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 medical section. Emergency dental expenses are limited to $1,500. ~Cooling-off period is available if you wish to cancel your policy within 21 calendar days of the date of purchase and you have not made a claim under the policy or departed on your journey.

Read our disclosure information under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013

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• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Make a Claim
• COVID-19 FAQs

Travel Insurance

Travel a little freer knowing we're on the journey with you

AA Travel Insurance

Travel is part of the Kiwi DNA, but even the best laid travel plans can go unexpectedly wrong. That’s why we offer AA Travel Insurance plans - so you can travel a little freer here in NZ or overseas, knowing help is only a phone call away.

With AA Travel Insurance, your trip can be protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits before you even depart. So if something happens in the lead-up to your trip, we can be there to help you.

To understand what cover AA Travel Insurance provides for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19, check out our FAQs . 

Get a quote

Why choose AA Travel Insurance

Get a quote online in minutes, so you can get back to planning your adventure. All you need are your travel dates, destination and any companions.

We’ve made the process simple, with domestic and international plans to choose from.

With AA Travel Insurance being one of NZ’s trusted travel insurance brands, we are proud to take care of Kiwis’ insurance needs.

We’re backed by the Allianz Worldwide Emergency Assistance programme, ready to help you no matter where you are in the world.

Playing at home or away?

Whether you're hitting the ski slopes or ticking a Great Walk off your list, make sure your trip is covered from unexpected costs like cancellation, travel disruption, and rental vehicle excess.

International

With three plans to choose from, our International Insurance cover is designed to make sure you can still enjoy your holiday even if something goes south.

AA Travel Insurance Benefits:

• AA Member discount

AA Members can get a 10% discount* on new AA Travel Insurance policies. Simply provide your AA Membership number when you apply.

• Cover for missed connections or travel delay

If you miss connections or have any travel delays because of an unexpected situation, you’ll be able to claim up to the benefit limit of your chosen policy. That means cover for extra costs to make alternative travel arrangements or additional delay costs.

• Free cover for dependent children

Dependent children travelling with someone covered under a policy can be covered at no additional charge (for Domestic Cover – that's up to 18 years, and for International Cover – up to 21 years).

• Cover for some COVID-related situations^

Both domestic and international options include selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19. So if you’re diagnosed on your trip and need medical assistance or need to change your plans, you’ll be covered.

• Cover before you depart

Your trip is protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits the moment your cover is confirmed.

• Cover for recreational activities

Some recreational sports are automatically covered under our policies, including leisure skiing and snowboarding, hot air ballooning, parasailing and paragliding, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting in grade 4 rivers (or less).

For all of these benefits, please make sure you read the Policy Wording to understand the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that may apply.

^The policy still has a general exclusion for epidemics and pandemics, and does not cover disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind. Cover is only provided if you have not commenced your journey against the New Zealand Government’s advice not to travel. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full details.

^Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply and these are stated in the Policy Wording . Customers considering the purchase of a travel insurance policy should read the Policy Wording to check what is and isn’t covered.

Have a question?

Our friendly New Zealand-based team are here to help. Give them a call anytime from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or pop into one of our AA Centres to speak to a consultant.

Call: 0800 630 115

Frequently asked questions

What countries does my selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases (including Covid-19) cover?

All countries that do not appear on the Level 4 warning “Do not travel” advisory listed on SafeTravel.

SafeTravel houses all warnings inclusive of non-Covid-19 advisories which are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

If I contract Covid-19 prior to travelling do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the country you are travelling to does not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

If I contract Covid-19 in transit to my destination country do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the countries you are travelling to do not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

Does selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases still apply if I am unvaccinated?

Cover is in place as there is no requirement to be vaccinated/boosted under our policy. However, if the destination country requires an inbound traveller to be vaccinated, then the traveller must be able to meet these entry requirements. This also applies to the condition of carriage for example of the airline they are travelling. There is no cover if denied boarding or entry to a country due to not meeting the carrier or country vaccination requirements.

Are there any mandatory epidemic and pandemic insurance requirements to enter certain countries?

Many countries, even before the pandemic, had compulsory health and travel insurance requirements, but many more have since added rules – typically around Covid-19 medical expenses and the associated costs. The coverage type and amount varies by vaccination status and country.  Prior to travelling, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination.

If I had Covid-19, should I declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition?

At the time of purchasing your policy if you have previously had Covid-19 and are now testing negative, are feeling well with no symptoms at all, then you do not need to declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition. A Covid-19 positive test result at a later date would be considered a new infection.

However, if you are:

• still testing positive; or
• still displaying Covid-19 signs and symptoms; or
• have been diagnosed with 'long Covid';

and you wish to have cover, you need to disclose the condition as a Pre-existing Medical Condition and an additional premium may be payable.

Our insurance partner

AA Travel Insurance policies are brought to you by the New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (AA), are issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the  Policy Wording  before making any decisions about this insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. 

Financial Strength Rating

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia), ("Hollard"), has been given a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. View the full details on the  Financial Strength Rating .

An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Financial advice

The New Zealand Automobile Association provides general information about AA Travel Insurance products and services so that you can make a choice that best meets your needs. Information provided does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or goals and is not intended to be financial advice. If you'd like to receive financial advice, you can get professional advice from a registered financial adviser.

More information

Contact us Policy Wording Make a claim Terms and conditions AA Traveller Member Benefits

*AA Members can receive a 10% discount on AA Travel Insurance. Simply provide each traveller’s valid AA Membership number on application. Discount applies to the premium for each AA Member on standard policy and any additional pre-existing medical cover, but doesn’t apply to additional cover for high value items.