We recommend everybody invests in travel insurance for their New Zealand vacation – no matter what country you’re from. A good travel insurance policy covers almost everything – medical costs, theft, travel delay, lost luggage and even deportation.
We are one of the safest holiday destinations on the planet, which adds to our attraction, but we are also the adventure capital of the world with heaps of fun outdoor activities, and accidents occasionally do happen – and when they do, travel insurance will cover your medical costs, including rehabilitation and income loss, home and away. Make sure you double-check the details with your provider because some of the more risky activities may not be covered.
There are also things that happen, through no fault of your own, when you are travelling; imagine if your luggage gets lost; that’s all your stuff and you’re so far from home – what will you do? Unfortunately, travel insurance can’t magically summon your bags but it can do the next best thing: pay you out an agreed amount so you can buy some essentials to tie you over until your bags turn up. It’s hard enough losing something of sentimental value like your engagement ring or your Grandmother’s necklace, so make sure you pop your pricier items like jewellery or electronics on your policy so you at least get replacement value.
New Zealand health insurance for visitors is available - and in some cases mandatory – for people on specific visas like a two-year working or student visa.
You should make sure your travel insurance includes cover for cancellation. Sometimes events out of our control mean we have to postpone or even cancel travel plans and you can get insurance to cover this. This could be something that happens to you or a family member, not something we want to think about a lot but it can happen. We recommend you get cancellation cover from the time you book your New Zealand trip, so you're covered for deposits or air tickets from that point.
Many credit card companies offer free travel insurance as part of signing up. While on the surface this may seem like good value, it always pays to check exactly what you are and are not covered for. Sometimes, credit card companies only offer the real basics of travel insurance, and you may have a large excess or not be insured for certain situations.
Often, friends and family will have recommendations of good travel insurance providers they have used in the past, or a quick Google search will give you some options. Get prepared well before you board the plane because it’s likely you won’t be covered or will have to pay more money if you’ve already left home.