best travel insurance new zealand

• facebook-official
• youtube-play
• pinterest-circled

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

Support nz pocket guide and get our huge ebook collection to access our tips on the go, what to look for when you choose travel insurance for new zealand + the best nz travel insurance for visitors.

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

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

7 Reasons to Get Health and Travel Insurance for New Zealand

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

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

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

Does New Zealand Require Travel Insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

Insurance for Working Holidays and International Students

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

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in New Zealand?

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

8 Things to Compare in Between New Zealand Travel Insurance Policies

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

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

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

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

2. Compare the Excess Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. What Do the Policies Exclude?

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Compare How Travel Insurance Companies Handle Claims

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

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

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

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

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

8. Check the Underwriting Company

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

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

What’s the Best Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

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

The Best New Zealand Travel Insurance for Visitors

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

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

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

More About Travel Insurance for New Zealand

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

• 14 Questions to Ask Before Buying Travel Health Insurance

How to Get a Medical Prescription in New Zealand

• Things to Know Before Seeing a Doctor in New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

About The Author

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

Was this article useful?

Related posts, travel health tips for new zealand: vaccinations, medication & more, 10 ways to stop sandfly bites, how to pay for healthcare services in new zealand, new zealand safety tips for hazards & dangers: is new zealand safe, recommended for you, 15 tips for a super smooth arrival in new zealand, how to send money overseas from a new zealand bank account, buying a car or campervan in new zealand step 1: car inspection, destinations, travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

Welcome/Kia Ora By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Connect with us

Welcome/Kia Ora! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it.

© 2024 NZ Pocket Guide. Contact – Disclaimer – About Us – Our Standards

•   " id="mainPhoneNumber">  
• Single Travel Insurance
• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Family Travel Insurance
• Seniors Travel Insurance
• Ski Travel Insurance
• NZ Travel Insurance
• Zoom Travel Insurance
• See more companies...
• Travel Insurance Guide
• Covid-19 Help
• Read Reviews
• Write a Review

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

Save time, worry and loads of money.

Stay up to date with our latest news, deals and special offers.

Your privacy is important to us.

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.

Loading Quotes...

Please login or register to continue. It'll only take a minute.

Login with Facebook

Login with Google

• There was an error logging in, please try again.

Enter your email and password

• There was an error on your registration, please try again.

Don't you have an account?

Just checking you are a human

• Travel Insurance

Canstar’s Best Value Travel Insurance NZ

Posted by Bruce Pitchers November 21, 2023

Holidays promise carefree relaxation away from work pressures and domestic chores. However, plenty of unforeseen events can ruin the best-laid vacation plans, from illness and accidents to the loss or theft of possessions.

If the worst does happen, a dream holiday can turn into a financial nightmare, especially if you’re left facing bills for medical treatments overseas or for life-saving repatriation. This is why ensuring you have adequate insurance cover before you jet off or sail away on your overseas adventure is a travel essential.

But trying to find the best insurance cover can be complicated. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, as policy details and costs vary, depending on your age and choice of destination. And comparing different levels of cover and costs can be complicated.

But that’s where Canstar can help. As part of our mission to inform Kiwi consumers about the best financial products in the market, each year we analyse a wide range of travel insurance products and award the best providers our prestigious awards and Star Ratings for Outstanding Value Travel Insurance.

What are Canstar’s Travel Insurance Awards & Star Ratings?

Canstar’s Travel Insurance ratings score travel insurance providers and their products, and awards the best our prestigious 5-Star Ratings. Each insurance product is assessed and scored for its price and array of features.

For this year’s Travel Insurance Star Ratings, our expert research panel compared 44 travel insurance products from 18 providers across a range of different age profiles, including seniors. To be eligible for our ratings, each product had to meet certain basic requirements, including cover for:

• $1 million overseas medical and hospital cover per international traveller
• Repatriation and evacuation services
• Luggage and personal effects
• Cancellation fees and loss of deposit

For ease of comparison, the different insurance products are judged across six geographical regions and two cruise types:

• Africa & Middle East
• Tras-Tasman
• Domestic Cruise
• Pacific Cruise

Canstar’s Travel Insurance Awards

On the back of our Star Ratings research, we also award the best travel insurance providers and products our prestigious awards for Outstanding Value.

To be eligible for an Outstanding Value Award, insurance providers have to meet extra policy requirements. These include:

• 24-hour emergency helpline
• Period of cover automatically extends if a medical claim requires traveller to remain overseas for treatment
• $5 million or more family overseas medical and hospital cover
• $5 million or more family cover for repatriation and evacuation services
• Included cover claims arising from cruising holidays in domestic and international waters (cruise only)
• Availability to travellers aged over 70 (senior only)
• Covers cancellation and medical claims arising from COVID-19 related events (domestic cruise only)

Canstar’s Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Award Winners 2023

This year, four providers earn Canstar’s Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards, across our four award categories.

Outstanding Value: International Travel Insurance

House of travel, southern cross travel insurance.

Outstanding Value: Trans-Tasman Travel Insurance

Outstanding Value: South Pacific Cruise Travel Insurance

Outstanding Value: Seniors Travel Insurance

This is the second year in a row that AMP has earned an Outstanding Value | Seniors Travel Insurance Award . Our awards panel notes that AMP has achieved its back-to-back awards due to its consistently strong performance across all overseas regions, which is due to its competitive premiums for older travellers and above-average feature scores.

House of Travel once again earns three Outstanding Value Awards, in our International , South Pacific Cruise and  Trans-Tasman travel insurance profiles. The insurer’s performance continues to be driven by its competitive pricings, as well as its high levels of cover.

This year, Southern Cross wins two Outstanding Value Awards,  in our International   and  Seniors   profiles. Our research panel notes that Southern Cross Travel Insurance performs particularly well in senior profiles due to its competitive premiums for older travellers. However, premium increases across the brand’s cruise insurances did see them miss out on our South Pacific Cruise Award this year.

A newcomer to Canstar’s Travel Insurance Awards, Tower joins our Outstanding Value Awards recipients in the International , South Pacific Cruise and Trans-Tasman profiles this year due to its increased price performance and comprehensive policy offerings.

For the second consecutive year, Worldcare is the only travel insurance provider to earn an Outstanding Value Award across all award profiles.

This is due to Worldcare’s consistently competitive prices and strong range of policy features across all regions and age profiles.

In awarding Worldcare, our research panel noted the insurance brand’s exceptionally strong price performance and levels of cover in both the Trans-Tasman and South Pacific Cruise profiles.

To find out more about the best travel insurance in New Zealand, check out Canstar’s full 2023 travel insurance ratings report.

Compare Travel Insurance with Canstar

About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar’s Editor, Bruce Pitchers. Bruce has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in the UK and Australasia, including ACP, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. Prior to Canstar, he worked as a freelancer, including for  The Australian Financial Review , the NZ Financial Markets Authority, and for real estate companies on both sides of the Tasman.

Enjoy reading this article?

Sign up to receive more news like this straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to the Canstar Privacy Policy

Share this article

Compare travel insurance.

Compare Outstanding Value Travel Insurance

Compare Travel Insurance By Destination

Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

Can I Use My NZ Driver Licence in Australia?

Wise: the Best Travel Money Card in New Zealand

How to Access Air New Zealand Airport Lounges

Quick Links   

• Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance For New Zealand: A Guide

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance For New Zealand: The Complete Guide

Published: Jul 30, 2024, 1:10pm

Editorial note: Forbes Advisor Australia may earn revenue from this story in the manner disclosed here . Read our advice disclaimer here .

Table of Contents

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

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

Until recently, NZ was the most popular overseas destination for Aussies. In 2024, however, that title went to Indonesia, with 1.37 million flying to Bali and surrounds in the past year, while 1.26 million headed to New Zealand. When heading across the Tasman, 43% of Australians went for a holiday and 38% to visit friends or relatives.

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

Related: Our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

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

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Freely Travel Insurance

On Freely’s Secure Website

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Flexibility to adjust your coverage even when you’re away in real-time.

In-app travel safety alerts to keep you safe

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

There are also different types of policies when travelling to New Zealand, which will depend on the duration of your trip and whether you are visiting additional destinations.

These include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Zealand site also explains that while Australians are eligible for medical treatment in New Zealand, this does not preclude the need for insurance. For example, visitors may also be left at a loss if they need repatriation to Australia, however, travel insurance for New Zealand can cover this.

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

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

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

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

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

What Does Travel Insurance Exclude?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does Air New Zealand offer travel insurance?

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

Do Australian citizens need travel insurance in New Zealand?

Australian citizens are not required to have travel insurance in order to enter New Zealand. However, it is encouraged in order to ensure adequate medical coverage, liability protection, and cover for lost luggage and gadgets.

Will Australian health insurance cover me in New Zealand?

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

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

To ensure you are covered for snow sports in New Zealand, you need to choose a travel insurance provider that includes snow cover within its base policy or as an optional add-on. It is most common for snow sports to be sold as an add-on, as the high-risk activity makes it more expensive than a policy would otherwise be.

To find policies that offer snow sports, you can read our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers in Australia and then obtain quotes from on their respective websites.

When to buy travel insurance for NZ?

It is recommended that you buy travel insurance for New Zealand as soon as you have booked your flight. This will enable you to claim if you are forced to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen event.

How much does travel insurance to New Zealand cost?

It can vary greatly, as each provider will differ in what they offer as standard within each tier of coverage,

But as a guide, we ran quotes with three leading providers: Travel Insurance Direct (TID); Cover-More and InsureandGo for a 30-year-old travelling to New Zealand for one week in September, In each case, we added a snow sports pack. Here’s what we found:

• Travel Insurance Direct (TID): $138.04 for comprehensive; $108.42 for basic cover with snow sport and $2,000 cancellation cover.
• Cover More: $146 for comprehensive; $104 for basic cover with snow sport cover selected and $2,000 cancellation cover.
• InsureandGo: $139.46 for comprehensive cover; $59.12 for basic cover (with snow sport selected) but no option to include cancellation cover at this tier.
• Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Best Seniors Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance
• Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Best Family Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance Cost
• Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
• Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover
• Travel Insurance For Bali
• Travel Insurance For Fiji
• Travel Insurance For The USA
• Travel Insurance For Thailand
• Travel Insurance For Japan
• Travel Insurance For Europe
• Travel Insurance For Singapore
• Travel Insurance For Indonesia
• Travel Insurance For Vietnam
• Travel Insurance For Canada
• Travel Insurance For South Africa
• Cover-More Travel Insurance Review
• Fast Cover Travel Insurance Review
• Travel Insurance Direct Review
• Travel Insurance Saver Review
• Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• 1Cover Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• Australia Post Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• Tick Travel Insurance Review

More from  

What does travel insurance cover everything you need to know, our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers in australia, best ski travel insurance for australians, travel insurance for the philippines: everything you need to know, what is travel insurance the complete guide for australian travellers, freely travel insurance review: features, pros & cons.

The information provided by Forbes Advisor is general in nature and for educational purposes only. Any information provided does not consider the personal financial circumstances of readers, such as individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Forbes Advisor does not provide financial product advice and the information we provide is not intended to replace or be relied upon as independent financial advice. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Forbes Advisor encourages readers to seek independent expert advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to their own financial circumstances and investments before making any financial decisions. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forbes Advisor provides an information service. It is not a product issuer or provider. In giving you information about financial or credit products, Forbes Advisor is not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular product. It is important to check any product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and other applicable product documentation before making a decision to purchase, acquire, invest in or apply for a financial or credit product. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the PDS, TMD and other documentation. Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners. For more information, read our Advice Disclaimer here .

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

Travel Insurance

Existing State customers get a 10% discount.*

Use Promo code: STATECUST

Award winning Travel Insurance

State is proud to have been recognised as one of New Zealand’s most trusted travel insurers. 

*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

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 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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.

Destinations

Travellers' Ages

Compare domestic, worldwide travel insurance quotes in NZ

No matter where in the world you may be travelling, it goes without saying that travel insurance is a must. With so many unpredictable things that could occur during your travels, travel insurance is the best way to ensure both you and your belongings are protected if the worst were to happen.

Travel insurance in NZ provides cover for your trips both overseas and domestically, and covers things such as medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage and more.

When it comes to finding cheap travel insurance in NZ, you’ve come to the right place! Here at glimp, we’re passionate about helping Kiwis find the best travel insurance plans for their travels. Whether you’re flying across the country, or to the other side of the world, we’ll help you save time and money on your travel insurance. Compare travel insurance in NZ now and you’ll be able to find the perfect policy in no time.

Travel insurance providers

When searching for the right cover for your travels, you’ll probably be wondering “who are the best travel insurance companies?’ Luckily, you don’t have to spend hours online searching through dozens of travel insurance companies trying to find the best ones; we have them all here at glimp!

We’ve gathered all of New Zealand’s leading travel insurance companies together, including Southern Cross travel insurance, AA travel insurance and AMI travel insurance, making it easy for you to find the right insurer for your travel needs.

How does our travel comparison work?

Here at glimp, we’re committed to helping you find the best travel insurance online to suit your needs! Using our travel insurance comparison tool will help you save time, energy and, most importantly, money! Cheap travel insurance NZ can be hard to come by, but with glimp it’ll be a piece of cake.

Quick and easy to use

It’s never been easier to compare travel insurance quotes in New Zealand - simply enter a few details about your upcoming trip and we’ll deliver the latest insurance policies from New Zealand’s leading travel insurance companies. We’ve already helped thousands of Kiwis have already save on their travel insurance - now it’s your turn!

Find your best deal, free of charge

When it comes to the best travel insurance, it’s all about giving you great value for your money. Our vetted travel insurance policies cover all sorts of unprecedented costs at different values so that you can find the best travel insurance policy that suits your needs. Not to mention, our tool is 100% free to use too!

Buy direct and save more

Buying travel insurance from travel agents and airlines can mean that you’re paying extra for any commission fees. When you compare travel insurance with glimp, we’ll give you the best options and take you directly to your chosen travel insurance provider. Avoid paying those extra commission fees and buy directly from your insurance provider when you compare travel insurance with glimp!

Start saving on your travel insurance premium

Travel insurance comparison in NZ has never been easier. Spare a few minutes and start comparing travel insurance policies now to start saving on your travel insurance premium for your next trip. We help people like you save on their travel insurance policy every day, now it’s your turn.

Why compare travel insurance with glimp?

We save you time & money.

Easily compare travel insurance quotes in NZ. Find the best travel insurance in minutes.

A great place to compare travel insurance

Best comparison site in NZ. Thousands of Kiwis have trusted us with their decisions.

Compare travel insurance for free

glimp is 100% free! Whether you want to compare travel insurance quotes or sign up , you pay nothing.

They talk about us

Mentioned by various news outlets, such as stuff , nzherald , Solarcity, Truenet, nbr and many more.

What does travel insurance cover?

Cancellation cover.

You never know when you might need to cancel a flight and when that happens, your chosen airline can charge you a hefty fee for doing so or will not return your deposit. Standard travel insurance policies often cover this cost so that you can cancel your flight right up to the day of the flight at no cost at all. This applies to flight delays too.

Luggage & belongings

With so many bags constantly being lugged around, there are bound to be a few bags here and there that end up in the wrong place and it’s often out of your control. If you have travel insurance in NZ, your insurer will cover the purchase of a few essentials, meaning you won’t have to bear the brunt of the loss of your GoPro, laptop, camera and whatever else you may have lost.

Medical treatment

When you compare travel insurance policies in NZ, you may notice that most policies offer medical and dental cover. This may be just something simple like drugs for a cold or allergy while you’re overseas, or it could be something a little more complicated like surgery. Some policies may even pay for someone to escort you back home if you’re feeling really unwell.

Car rental excess

If you’ve rented a car while you’re overseas and it gets stolen or damaged then your travel insurance policy may be able to help you out, by providing cover for the excess you’ll need to pay for when you make a claim.

Personal liability

In the event that you accidentally damage property or are liable for damage to a person, your travel insurance provider may provide cover to pay the costs including legal fees to defend your claim and legal costs if you’re wrongly arrested or detained. While we hope it would never come to this, it doesn’t hurt to have the assurance that you would be covered if you were liable for something. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies in NZ usually provides cover for this.

Travel Insurance FAQ

What does travel insurance usually cover.

Although it will depend on your chosen insurance provider and policy type, a typical travel insurance plan will have coverage for all of a travelers main concerns. Standard travel insurance will generally cover you for trip cancellations, travel delays, medical emergencies, lost luggage and personal liability.

Most travel insurance policies are designed to be comprehensive, to protect you from a variety of situations and events that may cause financial loss. However, there are optional extras that can be added onto your policy, such as dental, adventure activities and rental car cover.

Should I get travel insurance?

While travel and adventure is always encouraged, the reality is that even the most well planned trips can go amiss. Nobody wants to prepare for the worst, but it’s absolutely vital to do so - and that’s why you should get travel insurance. Investing in travel insurance cover allows you to safeguard your trip, providing you with peace of mind and letting you get on with your holiday.

When should you buy travel insurance?

It goes without saying, that the best time to buy travel insurance in NZ is before you embark on your travels. However, the time you get travel insurance before that matters too. Ideally, you should book travel insurance within 15 days of trip purchase so that you have enough time to cancel the insurance if need be, and you won’t have any external events affecting the premium.

How do I file a claim for travel insurance?

While this may differ between different travel insurance companies, to claim for travel insurance you generally need to fill out an online claims form which you can find on your travel insurer’s website. You’ll then need to send supporting documents to confirm that it’s you filing the claim, and your insurer will start working on it!

Is there travel insurance for seniors in New Zealand?

Travelling can be the highlight of anyone’s year no matter where you’re venturing and we believe that age is no barrier to this. That’s why we can show you affordable travel insurance in NZ for seniors from insurers such as Southern Cross Travel Insurance, 1Cover and more that will insure you on your travels even if you’re older than 85.

What our broadband customers are saying:

"Very pleased i found your service and found it such a help in finding the ideal broadband that suits my needs. Thank you very much and may you prosper on."

"Was really impressed with the level of service and assistance I received. Was quick and easy and I was provided with a recommendation for the best plan and option for me."

"Everyone should try Glimp before they switch electricity or internet providers, the comparisons are accurate and up to date. The website also has a filter so you can narrow down your choices to what you want. Highly recommended!"

"We've used Glimp recently to search for a better broadband provider and have took advantage of the credit bonus offered by signing up the service through Glimp and got an excellent deal. Just wanted to thank you for providing this to us and hope that your site will keep up the good work!"

"Moving into a new house up in Whangarei so was curious about what the best internet and power deals are available at the new location. Glimp was easy to use and got 2 great deals with service providers."

"Glimp is a very good provider of info of service providers. It really helped me make an informed decision when looking to switch my power provider. The whole process is quick and seamless."

"Very fast and clear. I could select options according to what I needed to see the best deals. I'm really happy with the deal we got. Thanks Glimp."

"Such an easy to use comparison website, gives you all the important basic information you need to get the best broadband or power plan for your particular situation. Glimp helped me make the best choice in power company. Great website."

"Didn't know it existed until it was exactly what I needed and there it was! Took all of the stress out of finding the best deal to suit our needs."

"I haven't had in home internet service since early October. As an international student I didn't really know where to go for service. Glimp made it really easy for me to find a plan that suited my needs. Without leaving the house!"

"I thought your website was great - we've been undecided about what internet options to choose for around 18 months. 5 minutes on your website and we're now sorted - finally!

"I found Glimp really user friendly with lots of fantastic deals and companies to choose from. It made it easy for me to find the best package and price to suit us. Thanks Glimp : )"

"I found glimp really useful when deciding which ISP to sign up with. Because of the clear comparison charts provided by glimp, we were able to choose the best company with the best deal and service for us. I highly recommend glimp to anyone who wants an easy way to compare internet service providers before making a decision on which to sign up with."

"I found the glimp team great, have switched to fast fibre and everything seems to be working well. Thanks again for the ease in doing that."

"Your service was very useful to me as it allowed me to compare the different options and to make an informed decision about which Broadband and phone service would be the most useful (and cost-effective) for me. I was also grateful for your personal attention and response to questions."

"I found glimp to be very helpful and look forward to the power company comparison."

"I used Glimp to compare & find the best broadband provider to meet my needs. I like to 'shop around' & get the best deal. Unlike some of the other services that offered to do this Glimp was by far the most comprehensive, accurate, up to date, & easy to use. I was able to make a decision & Glimp saved me a lot of time."

"Choosing an Internet provider is a fiddly decision that effects you long term. Glimp made that decision easier, so yeah, I love it"

"We found glimp a great way to sort out internet provider offers. It meant we could compare the offers at one site. Roll on power and gas provider analysis."

"Great to tell anyone who find it hard to choose the right ISP providers in NZ. While I was searching for a change of ISP, glimp.co.nz solves my problem. Thank you glimp for providing valuable information."

"This site was awesome. So easy to use and made the process of which provider to go with so easy. Thanks"

Compare travel insurance policies

Planning an upcoming trip compare travel insurance now.

Thank you for using:

We are now finding you the best travel insurance policies best suited to your needs!

The customer service was very good. Very pleasant and friendly approach. Thanks again for your help. Saving of 280$ for the same quality and performance. Will use this agency to get another deal after 12 months.

Awesome to deal and easy to get a hold of. The representative was very friendly and outlined every single detail in an precise and concise manner. Things did not take long at all and I'm very happy with the deal I got.

Very clear and concise information. Great price comparison for saving money on our monthly bills! Thanks Issac and Glimp! I can't wait to pass these savings on to my hard working family Adding onto my review as I think this is totally unacceptable to have people call you about switching companies and you agree to change and go through the process with Glimp and then get phone calls from supposed companies BEFORE you even get the email offer from supposed companies.

Filo was excellent to deal with. She was quick to understand what I was looking for and went over and beyond her call of duty and found the most appropriate plan for me through the service provider.

Joshua has been great in helping sorting out internet connection for my new home! Very knowledgeable on the marketplace pricing! Makes this exercise a breeze! Glimp is absolutely well recommended and trusted 👍

MarketWatch Guides is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content.  Learn More

New Zealand Travel Insurance

with our partner, Faye

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Whether you plan to ski the slopes in Queenstown or sample the wineries in Wellington, travel insurance for New Zealand can offer financial protection and peace of mind. From medical emergencies to flight delays, unforeseen circumstances can occur while traveling. If things don’t go to plan, travel insurance can help recoup your losses by reimbursing nonrefundable trip costs.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team have analyzed the best travel insurance companies to help you review travel insurance advantages, costs and coverage options for a New Zealand vacation.

Compare The Best NZ Travel Insurance Companies

Use the table below to compare the costs and coverages of our top recommended travel insurance companies that will cover a trip to New Zealand:

Do I Need Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

New Zealand does not require visitors to have travel insurance to enter the country. But it is recommended if your health insurance does not extend to emergency treatment abroad.

Framed by forested mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and beaches, New Zealand is known for its natural wonder. But considering the country’s vast landscape and unpredictable weather, it can take hours to reach remote places in an emergency. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking or snowboarding, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of medical care in case of injury.

New Zealand extends some health care coverage to temporary visitors with its Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Program . However, the program may not cover all medical costs. Purchasing travel insurance can further protect you from financial burdens by offering additional medical coverage.

The weather in New Zealand is notoriously volatile , with extremes at each end of the year. Due to its geographical position, New Zealand is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Such events could cause trip cancellations or travel delays. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses (like your flight or hotel) if you experience an interruption due to severe weather.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage allows you flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons outside those predetermined by your travel insurance policy. However, since CFAR coverage is considered a policy add-on, it is more expensive than a standard policy.

This type of coverage is also subject to disclaimers, deductibles and restrictions. You must meet certain requirements to qualify for CFAR insurance, including:

• You have to cancel your trip within a certain timeframe, like at least 48 hours before your departure date.
• You only have a specific number of days after booking your trip to buy CFAR coverage. Most insurance providers have a limit of 10 to 21 days after booking.

Gear Theft Protection

You may want to bring cameras, sporting gear or other valuables if you’re planning to explore New Zealand’s diverse destinations. Whether you want to photograph the rich Maori culture or mountain bike through the forest, gear theft protection can help recoup the cost of lost or stolen goods.

Each travel insurance policy will include specific coverage limits and exclusions regarding stolen or damaged gear. Gear theft protection is worth considering if you wish to bring the following on your trip:

• A laptop, tablet or smartphone
• Professional camera and equipment
• Sporting equipment (like a surfboard or kayak)

Note that your insurance may not cover the full value of your items, so review the policy wording and product disclosure statement carefully to determine your coverage. If the total of the items you plan to bring exceeds your benefit limit, consider leaving some items at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Although the ACC offers some medical coverage to non-residents, the program does not always cover the full cost of treatment. If your health insurance does not extend coverage in other countries, you can safeguard yourself with travel insurance for medical emergencies .

Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses in the event of an injury or illness. Most providers also cover evacuation to your home country if you can’t receive health care locally and repatriation if you die while traveling.

A standard travel insurance policy may include the following medical emergency and assistance coverage:

• Hospital admission costs
• Surgical operations and related fees
• Ambulance costs
• X-rays and lab tests
• Emergency dental fees

When booking your trip insurance, be sure to declare any pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or high blood pressure. While some providers do not extend coverage for pre-existing conditions, others may offer a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.

Travel medical insurance also may not extend to injuries sustained as a result of extreme sports, but some providers may offer add-on coverage. Read your policy’s full details for restrictions and exclusions.

Rental Car Protection

New Zealand boasts an extensive network of public transport, making it easy to travel around big cities like Auckland and Wellington. But you may prefer to rent a car to explore on your own schedule.

As a tourist, you can legally drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand as long as you have a current driver’s license. If your license isn’t in English, you’ll need to obtain an English translation. Otherwise, you can opt for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) issued or written in English.

New Zealand requires rental car companies to include basic insurance for coverage against accidents. The level of protection varies by provider, but usually covers the following:

• Collision damage waiver
• Windshield protection
• Roadside protection
• Theft protection

The insurance will include an excess or deductible or the amount of money you pay before the insurance policy covers the costs. Your rental car provider may offer a daily fee in exchange for reducing or eliminating the excess.

For example, let’s say that your rental car agreement offers a standard policy with a $1,000 excess. If your rental vehicle is damaged and costs $3,000 to repair, you’ll only need to pay the $1,000. As long as you’ve met the terms and conditions in your contract, the rental company will cover the remaining $2,000.

While you can purchase travel insurance with rental car protection, it may not be necessary for a trip to New Zealand. Consider existing rental car coverage before adding more with a travel insurance policy.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Whether it’s extreme weather or natural disasters, unexpected circumstances can impact your trip to New Zealand. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable costs like your flight, hotel or travel excursions if you have to cancel your trip due to the following reasons:

• Death of a traveling companion or family member
• Diagnosis of a serious medical condition or injury
• Natural disasters or dangerous weather conditions
• Domestic or international terrorism
• Legal obligations like jury or military duty

How Much Does New Zealand Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on your coverage preferences, personal details and travel logistics. Some providers offer single-trip plans for a one-time visit or annual multi-trip coverage if you travel more often.

Cheap travel insurance options are available if you are on a budget. To receive a quote from a provider, you’ll be required to submit the following information:

• Destination country
• Your country of residence
• Age and the number of travelers
• Trip duration
• Total trip price

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to New Zealand. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to New Zealand for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

Each of the above insurance plans includes the following coverage:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption (including travel delays)
• Medical evacuation
• Emergency medical care
• COVID-19 -related medical care and trip cancellation

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

Before you buy travel insurance for your New Zealand trip, check to see if your current health insurance plan or credit card offers some level of coverage. If you have private health insurance, it may include coverage for international travel and medical emergencies. Or you might have flight, rental car or other form of travel insurance through your credit card.

We recommend requesting a free quote from at least three travel insurance companies. Be sure to compare various trip insurance options and consider factors like COVID-19 coverage, emergency assistance and trip cancellation. Make sure your chosen travel insurance covers what you need. Carefully review policy wording for exclusions and consider add-ons to cover additional expenses.

New Zealand Safety Tips

According to the Global Peace Index , New Zealand is ranked as the second-safest country in the world. But crime can still happen while traveling. We’ve included the below information and travel tips to help you safely navigate New Zealand.

Crime and Safety

New Zealand is considered a safe destination for travelers, but it is not crime-free. Be careful not to leave valuables in campervans or parked cars near trailheads or tourist spots. When in the big cities, avoid walking alone late at night or in unlit alleyways.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

With fjords, dormant volcanoes and hidden beaches, New Zealand boasts a diversity of day trips. But don’t overestimate your ability or underestimate the risks of exploring the great outdoors. Plan your adventures ahead of time, use a local guide or tourist service if necessary, and be sure to research the destination and weather.

Some tourists may also plan to visit both New Zealand and Australia on the same trip. If you purchase travel insurance, check to make sure your policy covers travel to multiple destinations.

As of January 2023, New Zealand has lifted all pandemic-related restrictions . International travelers are not required to provide a vaccination passport or negative PCR test to enter the country. You are not required to wear a mask on public transport but may still encounter mask advisories in medical facilities or other buildings.

You will be required to self-isolate for seven days if you contract the coronavirus while in New Zealand.

Is Travel Insurance for a New Zealand Vacation Worth It?

It’s ultimately up to you to decide if travel insurance is worth it for your New Zealand vacation. Standard travel insurance can offer coverage for unexpected trip cancellations, lost baggage , flight postponements and other travel inconveniences. Although New Zealand offers some medical coverage for foreigners, the country will not always cover the full cost of your care. Travel insurance can extend emergency medical coverage if you are hurt or get sick while abroad.

If you opt for a more comprehensive travel insurance plan, you can consider add-on options like CFAR coverage, rental car damage or sporting gear protection for added peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for New Zealand

How can i claim flight compensation for a trip to new zealand.

Travel insurance offers protection against financial loss if your flight is canceled or delayed. Otherwise, flight compensation is subject to the conditions of each airline and reimbursement is not guaranteed.

Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens entering New Zealand, but it is highly recommended if your health insurance does not extend abroad. Travel insurance can also protect you from financial loss if your trip is unexpectedly canceled, you experience travel delays or are traveling with expensive gear.

What is the best travel insurance for a New Zealand vacation?

The best travel insurance plan depends on your preferences, coverage needs and budget. To determine the best policy for you, compare at least three options. Pay attention to the coverage limits, policy exclusions and overall cost. Make sure you select a policy with enough coverage to offset potential financial losses.

What documents do I need to travel to New Zealand?

U.S. citizens must provide a valid passport and travel document to visit New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months prior to your planned departure date. Tourists from the U.S. must also have a travel visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to enter New Zealand.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

Quick Links

• Cancel Policy
• Make a claim

What is the best travel insurance in New Zealand?

With so many options out there, finding the best travel insurance for your trip can be difficult. Hidden fees and exclusions, legal jargon and flashy marketing can leave you confused and frustrated when all you want is the best cover at the best price. The best travel insurance doesn’t always mean the cheapest insurance. Make sure that you choose a policy that has the right level of cover for you, so you can travel with peace of mind. For example, if you only travel overseas once a year, then a  single trip policy  might be your best option. However, if you’re a frequent flier who is likely to be overseas more than twice a year, an  annual multi-trip policy  might save you time and money. When comparing travel insurance, look at the different benefits and excess options, and decide what is most important to you. The best place to find this information is in the policy wording, where you’ll also find any exclusions.

While this might not be the most thrilling read, it’s important to understand how you’re covered, as it could mean the difference between your claim being paid or declined.

At Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) , we’re committed to providing comprehensive cover, so you can better protect yourself and your family overseas.

What should the best travel insurance cover?

When you choose to cover yourself with an International Comprehensive policy from SCTI, you’ll be able to travel with confidence knowing we’re here to help if the unexpected happens overseas and you need to make a claim. Our policy includes cover for:

• Unlimited medical and evacuation expenses
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits – with the option to increase your cover depending on the cost of your journey
• Damaged or lost baggage
• Personal items if they are stolen or damaged
• Rental vehicle excess
• Emergency dental treatment
• Funeral costs

Activities we cover

Whether it’s getting out of your comfort zone, ticking off items on your bucket list, or simply exploring a new city with the family, travel is all about adventure . That’s why our policies also include medical cover for adventure activities like:

• Snorkelling
• Mountain biking
• Skateboarding
• Horse riding
• Water skiing
• Windsurfing

Always read the policy wording when participating in any of these activities to check that you’re adhering to the requirements, and are aware of activities that are not covered.

Why choose us

Below are just some of the reasons why travellers chose cover with SCTI for themselves and their families.

Award winning travel insurance

We’re proud to have won a number of awards in the travel insurance category, both locally and internationally. Winning these awards is true testament of our dedication to creating positive experiences for customers. You can find out all the awards and achievements we’re proud of here .

Trusted New Zealand provider

We’ve been providing travel insurance since 1982, and now have over 40 years' experience as a specialist travel insurer. During that time, we’ve won several awards, earned thousands of great customer reviews and helped countless people travel with confidence. We’re 100% NZ owned and are proud to be one of the country’s most trusted brands.

We provide service directly to you

At SCTI, we provide travel insurance direct to you. We’re the underwriter and the insurer, meaning you deal with us directly, whatever stage of your journey you’re on – instead of having to speak to a different company that you bought from, in the event that you have to claim. Our team of experts are all based in our head office in Auckland.

Worldwide emergency assistance

When you purchase a policy from SCTI, you also gain access to our dedicated worldwide emergency assistance team, who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our emergency assistance team have many years of service excellence and include multilingual staff who can liaise directly with your overseas doctors and hospital staff. If you get sick overseas and need an air ambulance to take you home, we have access to medical professionals who can escort you back to New Zealand. We can also help with other aspects of travel, such as arranging flights home if you’ve missed a flight through no fault of your own. Find out more >>

Unlimited medical and evacuation cover

Getting sick or injured on holiday can be a traveller’s nightmare. If you buy an International Comprehensive or Working Overseas policy, we offer unlimited medical and evacuation cover for unexpected events that arise while overseas on your journey because we want to ensure you get the help you need to be able to return home safe and sound. We can also provide a cash allowance to make your hospital stay more comfortable, cover extra travel and accommodation expenses, and pay for a support person or family member to be by your side if required.

Cruise cover

Cruises are a great way to unwind on the open seas and enjoy a hassle-free holiday with comfort at your fingertips.

If you’re heading on an overseas cruise, our International Comprehensive policy has an optional add-on for cruise cover, so you can sail away with confidence. If you’re staying close to home and planning a cruise around New Zealand, our Domestic policy may be the right choice as we also offer an add-on for cruise cover with our domestic policy.

Find the best travel insurance for you

Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, going on a two-month holiday or a two-day escape, going snorkelling or food tasting, or anything in between, make sure the cover that you buy meets your own specific needs.

What you need to know

This page includes some information about our products but, as with all insurance policies, terms and conditions apply. For our terms and conditions (including information about exclusions, excesses and sub limits) we recommend you read the relevant policy documents to ensure our travel insurance products are right for you.

You can find the relevant documents for all our policies here:  International Comprehensive , Annual Multi-trip ,  International Medical Only ,  Domestic ,  Working Overseas ,  Visiting New Zealand ,  International Student  

The content of this article is general and provided for information purposes only. Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) doesn’t guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness or currency of any article.

This article may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned or operated by third parties, or references to third party products or services. SCTI isn’t responsible for, and makes no recommendation about, the content or accuracy of any third party website, or for the suitability or performance of any product or service. The inclusion of a link in this article doesn’t imply that SCTI endorses the website or third party product/service.

We're here to help

We know how important it is to be able to talk to someone when you need help, that’s why we are available via email, phone and live chat Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 7pm and Saturday, 9am to 6pm,  excluding public holidays. And if you find yourself in a medical emergency our Emergency Assistance team are available 24/7 to help, wherever you are in the world.

Get in touch with the team and we'll be happy to help.

Call us Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 7.00pm.

You can reach our team on: +64 9 979 6593

• Travel insurance Compare our plans Popular benefits COVID-19 benefits International plans Domestic plans Comprehensive insurance Annual multi-trip Inbound plan Business Cruise Adventure activities Medical conditions
• Travel alerts Cover-More app
• Emergency assistance
• Not sure? See full destination list.

Compare Our Best Travel Insurance Plans

Are you heading off on a long-awaited break? Before you jet off, it’s important to consider protecting your trip with the right travel insurance for your needs.

You can compare our Cover-More travel insurance plans below to find the one that best fits your holiday, planned activities, and budget.

Compare International Plans

Compare Domestic Plans

We offer travel insurance plans for New Zealand residents looking for comprehensive or basic cover, as well as a Cover-More annual travel insurance plan.

Want to speak to someone? You can call our customer service team on (0800) 500 225 to discuss if our travel insurance plans. Otherwise, all purchased Cover-More travel insurance policies come with our 21-day cooling-off period**.

International travel insurance plans for New Zealand residents

Compare our plans below to find the most suitable plan for your overseas trip:

• International Basic : This plan is designed for travellers heading off overseas who want cover that helps protect against the essentials only. Only Single Trip policies are available on this plan.  
• International Comprehensive : This travel insurance plan provides the benefits travellers want and much more, helping to keep you – and your belongings – safe while you’re overseas. This plan is available on both Single and Annual Multi-Trip policies.  
• International Comprehensive+ : This is our best travel insurance plan for travellers looking for Cover-More’s most comprehensive international cover. It contains all our key benefits and highest coverage amounts for those travelling abroad. Both Single and Annual Multi-Trip policies are available on this plan.

Compare our International Cover-More Travel Insurance Plans

For full details on all the benefits and benefit amounts included in our international travel insurance plans, see the Policy Wording . It includes the terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that you should consider before you purchase.

Are you an overseas resident looking for an inbound travel insurance plan for a trip to New Zealand? Our Inbound Plan may be suitable for you.

Want us to safeguard your overseas trip?

Find out how we can help keep you travelling more safely today.

Domestic travel insurance plans for travel within New Zealand

Compare our plans to discover which one is best for you while you explore your home country:

• Domestic Basic: This plan is our basic travel insurance option for local budget-conscious travellers who only want our Cover-More team to provide cover for the absolute essentials. This base-level cover option is available on Single Trip policies only.    
• Domestic Comprehensive: This quality travel insurance plan provides local travellers with all the essential benefits plus a lot more, which can help provide much-needed assistance should an unexpected incident occur. Travellers can purchase this plan on a Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip policy.    
• Domestic Comprehensive+: This is our most comprehensive travel insurance plan for domestic travellers who want the top level of cover for their trip in New Zealand. This plan can be bought as either a Single Trip policy or an Annual Multi-Trip policy.

For full details on our domestic travel insurance plans – including the terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions – see the Policy Wording before you consider purchasing one of our Cover-More travel insurance policies.

Want us to cover your domestic trip?

Compare our plans to find the best travel insurance policy for you.

* Sub-limits apply. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full policy conditions.    ** Cooling-off period is available if you cancel your policy within 21 days provided you have not made a claim or departed on your journey.    ~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.    ^ Cover chosen applies per policy.    ^^ Conditions apply if you are aware of the pregnancy at the relevant time. For a single trip policy, relevant time means the time of issue of the policy and for an annual multi-trip policy for the first trip it means the time the policy was purchased. For any subsequent trips, the relevant time is the time the first payment was made towards that trip.    † Liability collectively for Loss of Income, Disability and Accidental Death is $45,000 on the Comprehensive+ Plan and $30,000 on the Comprehensive Plan.    • Item limit applies for any one item, set or pair of items including attached and unattached accessories. You may increase these items limits if you wish. See Policy Wording for full details.

We use cookies and other technologies to understand and improve your browsing experience. By using our site, you agree to us collecting this information and to our  Privacy Charter .

• Retail stores
• Fuel prices
• Help & support

The ultimate guide to Auckland New Zealand

September 11, 2024

Vibrant, diverse and innovative, Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Use this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Auckland to plan your perfect stay in New Zealand.

From cultural attractions that leave a lasting impression to outdoor activities that wow, expect to leave with a newfound appreciation for Aotearoa New Zealand’s most populous city. 

With daily flights from Melbourne to Auckland that only take around 3.5 hours, Auckland is a great destination for Victorians, whether travelling for a quick city break or as part of a longer holiday. 

RACV Members have access to exclusive benefits on everything from tours , cruises , and fun-filled attractions and experiences in Auckland and across New Zealand. More: The best places and things to do in New Zealand

Your guide to Auckland's best places to visit

Auckland’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

Auckland feels more like a collection of diverse neighbourhoods than a built-up city, leaving ample choice for exploration. The city is also located on New Zealand's narrowest neck of land. If you're keen, there's the 16km Coast to Coast walk between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, which takes you through suburbs, parks and up extinct volcanos for superb views of the city. You'll need the app, otherwise you might get lost.

For gorgeous boutiques, trendy cafés, and lively bars, Ponsonby - close to the city centre - delivers. If you prefer a more sophisticated vibe, you’ll love exploring Parnell’s main strip of shops and eateries. For a darling café culture at a seaside destination, Takapuna and Devonport on the North Shore will appeal. The latter has spectacular Auckland skyline views, too. For nature lovers, stop in Titirangi before exploring West Auckland.

While the distinct personalities and attractions of many Auckland suburbs appeal, most visitors base themselves in the CBD, near the scenic waterfront area. Staying central gives you easy train and bus access to most of the sprawling city. Plus, trendy Britomart - where exceptional culinary fare is the norm, not the exception – is right on your doorstep.

If you’re looking to enjoy a self-drive adventure, parking can be both challenging to find (and costly) in the city centre. Choose a hotel with parking included or stay in a surrounding neighbourhood.

Britomart is a trendy place for foodies. Image: Tourism NZ

Best cultural activities and things to do in Auckland

Uncovering New Zealand’s rich history is an ideal way to start your stay in the City of Sails. The Auckland War Memorial Museum allows a deep dive into Aotearoa's natural and military history and Māori heritage. Cultural performances are on twice daily. The museum is in the lush 75ha Auckland Domain, formed around the cone of an extinct volcano. Pack a picnic and include a visit to the historic Wintergarden.

In the heart of the city, the Auckland Arts Gallery (Toi o Tāmaki) connects you to New Zealand’s artistic heritage. It’s the country’s largest gallery, housing a 15,000-piece collection of national and international works.

For theatre lovers, the Civic Theatre is a beautifully restored 1920s building. Performances across the year include opera, musicals, comedy, and ballet. 

A lesser-visited gem, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s transport history and technological advancements via interactive displays. MOTAT is close to the award-winning Auckland Zoo and picturesque Western Springs Park. Combine all three for a fun-filled family day out.

The Auckland Arts Gallery is well worth a visit. Image: Tourism NZ

Best nature activities in Auckland

With volcanic islands, lush national parks, and both east and west coast beaches within easy reach, nature enthusiasts have much to rave about during their Auckland stay. 

For an enriching day out, head 40 minutes to the Waitakere Ranges and West Coast beaches . Pristine rainforests, gushing waterfalls, and a coastline renowned for its wild surf, the Waitakere Ranges immerse you in Auckland’s best natural wonders. 

Choose to take one of the park’s well-organised trails like the Mercer Bay Loop trail, Anawhata and Whites Beach Loop or the Kitekite Track, which leads to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall.

After a hike, visit one of the west coast’s wild beaches, where long stretches of black volcanic sand and the exhilarating thrashing waves (always swim between the flags here) feel far removed from central Auckland. Piha Beach is the most famous, however, Karekare and Bethells are as appealing. Bethells has vast black-sand dunes nearby.

A short ferry ride from Auckland’s waterfront, Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano offering panoramic views over Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf. Alternatively, Tiritiri Matangi Island is an ideal spot for those interested in wildlife conservation. Take a guided tour to learn about the island’s rare and endangered bird species. 

For a spot of nature while in the city, explore 64ha of beautiful gardens and native forest at the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa.

Piha Beach has black volcanic sand. Image: Tourism NZ

Auckland’s best food & wine experiences

Dining in Auckland can be as sophisticated or relaxed as you choose. The Viaduct Harbour and Britomart offer top-notch dining experiences, including Oyster & Chop, Soul Bar & Bistro, and Parasol & Swing. For a fabulous caffeine kickstart, Britomart’s Shaky Isles hits the spot. 

For exceptional meals with a view, book a table at Peter Gordon’s Sugar Club, on the 53rd floor of the iconic Sky Tower. For casual CBD eats, Mexico, Satya, and the award-winning Albert Street Food Court will make your tastebuds sing.

Ponsonby is famous for its eateries, with contemporary flavours and innovative menus the norm. Wander Ponsonby Road to find a restaurant that suits your vibe or choose from the tasty vendors at trendy Ponsonby Central. You’ll want to book ahead for Ponsonby favourites like Sidart, Thirty-One, and Prego, an Italian institution in Ponsonby for more than 30 years.

Hobbiton makes for a great day trip from Auckland. Image: Sara Orme

Best day trips from Auckland

Auckland’s prime location on the North Island means there is much to discover with a picturesque drive that's one to two hours' drive from the city centre.

An hour north of Auckland, the sleepy village of Matakana charms with its Saturday farmers’ market, artisanal food producers, and boutique wineries. The sculptures, six art galleries, restaurant, and vineyard across Sculptureum are highly recommended. 

If you’re a Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan, you’ll love a day trip to Matamata to visit Hobbiton . It’s enthralling to wander the Shire, see the Hobbit Holes, and snap a photo in front of Bilbo’s house.

Waiheke Island is worthy of its hype as an island paradise. Only 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, Waiheke feels distinctly more tropical (in summer) and laidback than its big city neighbour across the Hauraki Gulf. Known as the ‘Island of Wine’, the 30 boutique vineyards across Waiheke appeal to many day trippers. Stop by the well-known Mudbrick and Stonyridge Vineyards, or for high tea with a twist visit Batch Winery.

Other Waiheke Island activities include hiking, watersports, ziplining , and relaxing on the gorgeous beaches. Waiheke Island is also an idyllic spot for wellness experiences .

Looking for travel insurance for New Zealand?

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the  Product Disclosure Statement  and  Target Market Determinations . For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.

Related reading

The best places to visit in New Zealand

Aotearoa (New Zealand) is a destination synonymous with spectacular landscapes, a vibrant culture, creative culinary scene, and adventure activities galore. Discover the best things to do in New Zealand in this handy guide.

• Read article

The ultimate guide to Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s star attractions, with scenery so stand-out that every street you pass, every hilltop you climb, every attraction you visit. These are the best things to do and see in Queenstown.

Fun for the family: NZ’s best North Island attractions

Whether you and your family enjoy exploring natural wonders, playful immersive experiences or heart-racing adventures, there’s an activity on the North Island to match.

This site will not function correctly without JavaScript enabled. Please enable JavaScript in your browser.