New Zealand Travel Insurance

1. Do I Need Travel Insurance in New Zealand? 
2. How Must Travel Insurance Cover Your Trip to New Zealand? 
3. How Does New Zealand Travel Insurance Work? 
4. How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for New Zealand? 
5. Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan 
6. Are there any Health Restrictions for Traveling to New Zealand? 
7. New Zealand Travel Insurance FAQs​ 

New Zealand offers gorgeous beaches and fjords, stargazing opportunities, and Māori cultural exploration to make your trip worthwhile. Travel insurance for your New Zealand trip can be equally splendid as it can help you manage possible disruptions as it can assist you in managing possible disruptions while you enjoy its unique adventures and natural wonders. 

The country generally does not mandate travel insurance for US travelers, but it is still advised to get coverage for unexpected events and ensure a memorable journey. 
 

Do I Need Travel Insurance in New Zealand? 

New Zealand is considered a safe country with good infrastructure and facilities for travelers. However, unexpected situations can disrupt your trip even in a country as welcoming as New Zealand. Travel insurance can provide coverage options that help you prepare for the uncertainties of travel and protect your budget. Here are a few specific reasons to get travel insurance coverage for your New Zealand trip. 

New Zealand has a good healthcare system, but it can be hard for international travelers to access. US health insurance doesn’t apply overseas, and medical costs can be huge for quality healthcare. Let’s say you had an accident and sprained your ankle or got food poisoning from trying New Zealand’s famous Hangi. These events may require medical attention, and you may be hit with huge upfront medical bills. These costs can be hard to manage without travel insurance. The medical expenses coverage can help pay for medical bills and other related costs. 

Now imagine you arrive at the airport, but your luggage is nowhere to be found. Lost or delayed luggage can happen to anyone and is very common at busy airports. Without travel insurance, you may be left to find your own solutions to your problems without access to your essentials. Baggage delay insurance can help cover the costs of essentials like toiletries and clothes while you wait for your bag to turn up.  

Depending on your policy, you can also get coverage for high-risk activities like bungee jumping, sky swinging, or zip-lining if they are part of your itinerary. Even with proper safety protocols and accredited operators, situations may still arise where medical attention is required in remote areas with limited medical facilities. Medical evacuation and repatriation can help cover the costs of evacuating and transporting you to the nearest medical center for treatment. 

It is important to understand that if you visit New Zealand, even briefly, uncertainties are still there. Review your travel itinerary to look for places and activities with potential risks.  

How Must Travel Insurance Cover Your Trip to New Zealand? 

Going to New Zealand is more than just booking flights and accommodation; you need to make sure your travel insurance covers the activities and risks you plan to take. New Zealand has many high-risk activities and extreme weather, so prepare ahead. Here are the must-haves in your travel insurance policy:
 

Medical Coverage 

New Zealand’s health system is great but can be expensive for tourists, especially since US health insurance doesn’t apply internationally. So, if you get injured hiking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track or get altitude sickness in Mount Cook National Park, you may need medical attention. Travel insurance plans with emergency medical coverage can help with the costs of doctor visits, prescribed medication, and hospital stays. Some facilities may require upfront payments, and travel insurance can help with those costs so you can get the care you need. 

Trip Cancellation and Interruptions 

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, and weather can be a common reason for trip delays or cancellations. While weather is a common reason, other things may also disrupt your plans or make you cancel your trip, like a personal emergency. For this trip cancellation and trip interruption, the benefits of travel insurance can help with the costs of unused trip expenses like prepaid flight bookings, hotel bookings, or tour arrangements. 

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation 

Many of New Zealand’s famous attractions, like Fiordland National Park and the West Coast, are far from medical facilities. If an emergency arises while doing high-risk activities like glacier hiking on Franz Josef Glacier, evacuation to the nearest hospital may be necessary. Evacuation and repatriation benefits can help with the costs of transport to a hospital or even back to the US for further treatment if needed. 

Coverage for Personal Belongings 

Baggage loss, theft, or damage can happen, especially in tourist hotspots like Queenstown or Rotorua. Whether your luggage goes missing at Christchurch Airport or personal items are stolen from a rental car while visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, baggage loss coverage can help with the value of your belongings. This cover means you can replace essentials and carry on with your trip. 

Cancel for Any Reason (Optional) 

This extra benefit allows you to cancel for any reason not covered under standard policies. CFAR cover can help with non-refundable payments up to policy limits, so you have more flexibility with cancellation costs. 
 

How Does New Zealand Travel Insurance Work? 

In New Zealand, travel insurance may cover unexpected events before or during your trip. But knowing what’s covered, the limits and exclusions, and the claims process is essential. Here’s how travel insurance works. 

First, review your itinerary and the risks involved with your destinations and activities. For example, if you’re heading to the remote Fiordland region or hiking through the Southern Alps, look for a policy that includes medical evacuation and repatriation. If your itinerary includes areas prone to bad weather, such as Milford Sound or the Bay of Plenty, make sure your policy covers trip interruptions and cancellations due to weather. 

Travel insurance premiums are based on factors like trip length, type of trip, and traveler age, so if you’re going for a longer trip plan to do high-risk activities, or have a medical condition, the premium shall be charged accordingly. Pay the premium and review your policy document to understand the scope of coverage. 

If an unexpected event does occur, keep all relevant documentation. For medical claims, this might include doctor’s reports, hospital invoices, or prescriptions. For trip interruptions or baggage delays, retain receipts, airline reports, or confirmation letters from local authorities shall be required to make your travel insurance claim. 

Once you’ve submitted the documents, your travel insurer will review the claim to verify the details and determine if you’re eligible for the claimed benefits. If the claim is approved, you may be paid, or if required, additional evidence may be requested for verification purposes. 

Once the claim is approved, you may be eligible for emergency help or pay depending on the claimed benefit. For example, if your baggage is delayed, your travel insurer may provide logistical help in finding your baggage and pay for meals and accommodation until your bag arrives. 
 

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for New Zealand? 

Your travel insurance for New Zealand may cost somewhere between 3% and 10% of your total trip cost. It is important to understand that travel insurance cost depends on several factors, including, but not limited to, the duration of your trip, the kind of activities you have planned for your trip, and the age of the insured person.  

For instance, if you are planning to go on skiing excursions or hiking in New Zealand, you are more likely to get injured than another traveler with a more laid-back itinerary. So naturally, you may need higher or more coverage.  

Similarly, a traveler’s age can have a direct impact on travel insurance premiums. Senior travelers may need higher protection due to more associated health concerns. Plus, if you are traveling with your kids, you’d want to ensure that they are adequately insured.  

AXA Travel Insurance can offer protection with tailored coverages and optional extras- before and during your New Zealand adventure. Be sure to get a suitable set of coverages with limits matching your trip value.  
 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan 

AXA Travel Protection has designed three plans to cater to varying travel needs and styles. These plans offer essential coverages for sudden or existing medical conditions, emergencies, trip cancellations, medical evacuation, and baggage loss. Higher-tier plans may include additional benefits or offer optional extras tailored to your plans for higher protection. So, whether you are off on a city exploration, seeking an extended stay, or a luxury holiday, AXA ensures essential protection against unforeseen events. 

AXA Silver Plan is our basic plan, offering benefits for common mishaps at a reasonable price. Travelers who do not travel frequently and need reliable protection may consider this plan. If you are visiting New Zealand for a short time period, this plan may be the right choice for protection against common travel-related hiccups. The plan includes medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, interruptions, missed connections, luggage loss, and more benefits. 

AXA Gold Plan offers additional benefits with higher coverage limits, adding to the essential coverage of the Silver Plan. Additional benefits include a rental car collision damage waiver and coverage for non-medical evacuation and repatriation. The plan can be a great addition to travel plans for those renting a car to explore New Zealand or those visiting locations prone to natural calamities. This plan is ideal for longer stays and offers reliable benefits along with the essentials at higher policy limits. 

For travelers seeking higher benefit limits, the AXA Platinum Plan can be an ideal choice. Apart from higher coverage caps, it includes an optional add-on ‘cancel for any reason' benefit. This add-on puts you in charge of your plans, allowing you to cancel for any reason outside of standard cancellation policies. The plan also features sports activities like skiing and golf and sports equipment rental coverage. This plan is ideal if you plan to participate in sports activities, are a frequent traveler, or are unsure of your travel plans. 
 

Are there any Health Restrictions for Traveling to New Zealand? 

As you pack for your New Zealand trip, check official government travel and health advisories to avoid surprises upon arrival at your destination. At present, COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, and there is no requirement to show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR or antigen test result, or other health-related documentation. However, staying current on the latest COVID-19 restrictions or other health-related travel warnings is advised, as these may change over time. 

Check the New Zealand Ministry of Health, the US Department of State, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most current information on health and travel. By doing so, you will have enough time to take any necessary steps for a confident trip to New Zealand. 
 

New Zealand Travel Insurance FAQs 

1. How do I get my pre-existing condition covered? 

Disclose any health issues or existing medical conditions to your insurer when you buy the travel insurance policy. Provide the required documents as requested and buy the policy within the time frame from when you book your trip. This will make you eligible for coverage for pre-existing conditions as per the policy terms. 

2. Are there age limits for travel insurance? 

Some insurers may impose limits or extra premiums based on your age. Check your policy terms and talk to your insurer clearly to make sure you have the right cover. 

3. What if my luggage is delayed or lost? 

In case of delayed or lost luggage, get a report from the airline about your luggage status. File a claim for the event and submit the required documents along with the claim form, including the airline report. Once the claim is approved, you may be reimbursed for the essential items you bought until the return date of your baggage is returned. 

4. Are trip interruptions due to natural disasters covered? 

Trip interruptions due to natural disasters like earthquakes or bad weather may be covered by some travel insurance policies. But if disaster-like or extreme weather was known or forecasted before you left, you may not be covered. Check your policy terms to see what’s covered.