Travel Insurance for New Zealand

When visiting a thrilling destination like New Zealand, you don’t need Travel Insurance to enter the country, but it gives you the peace of mind to adventure. Signing up for a suitable policy might mean you can soak up the breathtaking scenery with confidence, whether you prefer hiking, snowboarding or white-water rafting. 

Australia’s Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with New Zealand means most medical costs you encounter should be covered if you have an Australian Medicare Card. But there are things this agreement doesn’t cover, such as GP visit expenses. If you get Travel Insurance, it usually covers these fees for emergency medical treatment, while also protecting you in some situations like lost luggage and travel delays. 

Which activities in New Zealand might I want coverage for? 

While New Zealand overflows with stunning landscapes and culture, its abundance of adventure activities gives it the edge over other scenic destinations. Travel Insurance could help give you peace of mind as you embark on a trip bursting with heart-pumping activities. 

Water sports 

Kayaking, sailing and diving make the most of New Zealand’s crystal-clear waters. If you get involved, always use appropriate safety equipment, like a life jacket, and review the insurance policies of tour operators and equipment providers. A comprehensive Travel Policy can give you peace of mind should any accidents happen. 

Adventure sports 

International thrill-seekers descend on New Zealand for its bungee jumping, white-water rafting and skydiving. However, many Insurance Providers don’t cover adventure activities as standard. You might have to purchase an additional policy to get injury cover if you intend to leap from the clouds. 

Skiing and snowboarding 

The slopes in New Zealand are just as impressive as in Canada or Japan, with reliable snow conditions and affordable lift passes. You’ll often need separate snow sports coverage on top of a basic policy to protect against unexpected costs when carving up the mountainside. 

Walking and hiking 

You don’t have to travel far in New Zealand to encounter a day-long or multi-day hike into the wilderness. But there’s always a risk of turning an ankle on the Tongariro Crossing or the Milford Track. Consider covering your bases with Travel Insurance that protects against potential medical expenses or medical evacuation. 

What happens if I get COVID-19 in New Zealand?   

Many Travel Insurers include COVID-19 cover. If you get sick and need to visit the hospital, New Zealand’s Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia might cover these costs. Travel Insurance will often cover additional expenses, such as trip cancellation fees and medical evacuations. 

It’s a good idea to read the provider’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to assess how a specific policy’s COVID-19 cover relates to your journey. It’s also wise to review Smartraveller for the latest New Zealand travel advice, which can help you avoid unsafe situations. 

How much does Travel Insurance for New Zealand typically cost? 

The cost of Travel Insurance for your trip to New Zealand depends on the provider and individual circumstances, like your age and if you have pre-existing medical conditions. However, as of May 2024, basic cover for a week-long holiday typically starts at about $35 for a single. Travel Insurance for New Zealand works out a bit cheaper than parts of Europe, Thailand and India, as well as North America. 

If you want to hit the slopes or take a cruise, you’ll likely need to purchase extra cover that could more than triple the cost of your policy.  

What Travel Insurance usually covers in New Zealand 

Travel Insurance policies across providers often have similar coverage. But as policy limits can differ significantly, finding one that suits your situation and budget requires a closer look. Fortunately, the following features appear across most Travel Insurance policies. 

Medical costs 

The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement should cover most hospitalisation costs, but Travel Insurance will usually provide extra cover for emergency GP visits and out-of-pocket medication costs, as well as medical evacuations if you’re injured somewhere remote. 

Personal liability 

If you injure someone or damage property during your stay in New Zealand, you can be held legally responsible. Travel Insurance could provide financial support through personal liability coverage. 

Cancellation fees and lost deposits 

If you have to cancel your trip before departure for an unexpected reason, like an injured companion, Travel Insurance can help you claim cancellation fees and lost deposits. 

Rental vehicle excess 

Cruising along New Zealand’s alpine roads can be an awe-inspiring experience. If you have an unfortunate accident, Travel Insurance can cover excess payments owed to the rental company. 

What won’t Travel Insurance cover in New Zealand? 

Every Travel Insurance Policy has things it doesn’t cover. You’ll usually need to buy extra cover to account for riskier activities like bungee jumping, rafting, climbing and abseiling. 

It’s worth paying attention to travel alerts from the Australian Government. This is because your Travel Insurance likely won’t cover you if you ignore warnings that affect your journey, such as natural disasters and travel restrictions. 

Reviewing how a policy deals with pre-existing medical conditions is also crucial. While basic Travel Insurance covers some health issues, others may require an additional cost to cover or aren’t covered under any circumstances. 

What Travel Insurance suits remote workers and digital nomads? 

New Zealand’s laid-back culture and pristine landscapes are a powerful draw for remote workers and digital nomads. If you regularly visit for a stint in the wilderness working from your laptop, opting for Annual Insurance (also known as Multi-Trip Insurance) could make sense for your wallet. 

Depending on how often you travel, a Multi-Trip Policy could be cheaper than purchasing Travel Insurance for every journey within 12 months. You might want to check whether there are limits on the number of trips you can take or the maximum duration of any single trip. 

Compare Travel Insurance Policies with iSelect 

Compare Travel Insurance from our range of providers today to look for a great policy for your New Zealand adventure.