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How to choose the right travel insurance for New Zealand?
When it comes to travel insurance, the cheapest policy may not always be the best – when comparing travel insurance providers, it’s important to choose a level of cover that suits your particular situation, and what you plan to do on your trip.
For instance, when comparing travel insurance with Canstar, you can search for policies that cover you for travel specifically to New Zealand, and see the limits that each policy provider for overseas medical and hospital cover, as well as cancellation and lost luggage.
You can further filter your results to show policies that cover for a range of options that may be applicable to your trip to New Zealand, for example, snow sports and rock climbing cover. If you plan on undertaking either of these activities in New Zealand, cover for them may not be standard and may need to be added on.
How much does travel insurance cost for New Zealand?
At the time of writing, basic travel insurance can start from as low as $55-$85 for a couple travelling to New Zealand for two weeks, not including optional cover for skiing and snow sports. A more comprehensive policy for a couple, including cover for skiing and snow sports, could cost up to $320 or above. The price of your cover can vary from there, depending on the level of cover and inclusions that you need, and the provider you choose. You can compare travel insurance with Canstar to find cover that suits your particular needs and budget.
What does New Zealand travel insurance cover?
The list of things generally covered by travel insurance policies for New Zealand includes:
Medical or dental emergency
Hospital admission, emergency care and medical evacuation.
Lost or stolen luggage, passport or other items
Replacing luggage and travel documents is the most common claim for travel insurance.
Cancelling your trip unexpectedly
Cancellation due to illness, accident, holiday leave being revoked or a natural disaster at home or at your intended destination.
Legal liability
If you break a local law and need a lawyer/interpreter e.g if you injure someone or are held accountable for damaged property.
Optional extras
Some policies offer a variety of useful extras depending on which one you get, such as rental vehicle excesses, cover for kennels and catteries for your pets at home, and even cover if you suffer a loss of income or a permanent disability while overseas.
Repatriation
If tragedy strikes while you are away, repatriation covers the cost of flying your body and belongings back home to Australia. Some travel funds also include a separate sum for funeral expenses.
What does New Zealand travel insurance not cover?
Your travel insurance policy won’t cover everything that happens to you while travelling in New Zealand, as there are a number of common exclusions, as well as things that could void your cover, such as:
Riding without a helmet
Riding a scooter or motorbike can be dangerous, and your travel insurance will not cover you if you are found to be riding without a helmet.
Being under the influence
Likewise, claims relating directly to drugs or alcohol or incidents befalling travellers under the influence of these things will likely not be covered.
Pre-existing conditions
While you can sometimes pay a bit extra to get them covered, an exclusion may apply if, at the time of purchasing the policy, you were aware of something that would give rise to you making a claim under the policy and didn’t inform the insurer. It is worth checking the terms and conditions of your policy to find out if you’re covered for your condition.
Unreported and unattended items
You can be covered if your possessions are stolen or lost accidentally, but leaving them unattended will often void your cover. In the event that your possessions are lost or stolen, you need to report the loss within 24 hours to your insurance provider.
Does New Zealand travel insurance cover winter sports?
New Zealand is renowned for its winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding, but if you plan on doing these things on your trip, it’s important to be aware that many insurance providers do not include snow sports cover as standard on their policies, and you will need to purchase it as an optional extra. If you are thinking about participating in snow sports, it’s also important to read your policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS) to find out if the sports you plan to do are actually covered, and that you meet the specific requirements (for example if you plan to go skiing, your policy may require you to stay on piste, and if you are going off piste, you may need to do so with a professional guide in order to be covered).
It’s also important to check that you have the cover you need before you go, and also make sure your cover has a suitable overseas medical and hospital limit.
Does New Zealand travel insurance cover extreme sports?
Extreme sports including bungee jumping, white water rafting, cave diving, skydiving, jet boating and horseback riding are abundant throughout New Zealand. Be warned, though, that many of these activities are typically not covered under a standard policy. It could be a wise idea to ask your insurer about optional extra coverage to your travel insurance if you’re considering any out-of-the-ordinary activities.
Can you drive on an Australian licence in New Zealand?
Driving yourself around the North and South islands of New Zealand is a popular way of seeing the country. You can drive a car in New Zealand using your Australian driver’s licence – and, thankfully, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, just like Aussies. There are a couple of aspects you might like to consider before you hop behind the wheel, however:
- New Zealand’s roads can often become dangerous with the addition of ice, snow, fog and high winds. Ask your hire car company for snow tyres in case of ice and snow, particularly if you’re travelling in winter, and ask them whether the car you’ve been allocated has headlights strong enough to cut through fog.
- Riding a motorcycle or scooter in New Zealand may not be covered by your travel insurance as standard – read the PDS carefully or check with your insurer to confirm this.
- Drinking to excess and driving will void your travel insurance policy. And it will get you in trouble with the Kiwi police, just like it would get you in trouble with the authorities back home.
It could be a good idea to talk to your insurer about any plans to hire a car or drive while on your New Zealand trip. It may also be possible to take out a separate car insurance policy while overseas, or to negotiate one through the vehicle hire company. As with any insurance product, it’s a good idea to read the PDS thoroughly, to ensure you have the cover you need.
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