Travel insurance for New Zealand from £19.01^

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance is not required but can protect you from medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more

• If you are planning to do extreme sports like bungee jumping or skiing you may need an adventurous activities insurance add-on

• For extended trips of more than 30 days, you can take out backpacker insurance

What type of travel insurance do I need for New Zealand?

New Zealand is typically covered under worldwide travel insurance policies.

The specific type of policy you need depends on your travel plans:

Compare quotes from different insurers to find the best price for the cover you want. Don't want more tasks on your to-do list? MoneySuperMarket can do the work for you, saving you time and money.

What should my travel insurance policy for New Zealand include?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy should include:

• Medical expenses coverage up to £5m

• Repatriation costs

• Cancellation or curtailment cover

• Delay and missed departure cover

• Travel abandonment cover

• Baggage cover for lost or stolen items

• Passport cover for a lost or stolen passport

• Personal liability cover

New Zealand travel insurance: Exclusions and things to watch out for

Standard travel insurance policies do not usually cover:

• Civil unrest, war, terrorism, and natural disasters

• Incidents related to excessive alcohol consumption or drug use

• Travel to areas advised against by the UK government

• Injuries from extreme sports and adventurous activities

You can upgrade your insurance for extra protection. For example, you can add travel disruption cover and extreme sports cover.

Pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, including a disability or a mental health condition, you must declare this when you take out cover or your insurer could refuse to pay out.

Insurers may charge you extra to cover pre-existing medical conditions. In some cases, you will need to take out specialised travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

How much does travel insurance for New Zealand cost?

The table shows the average prices paid by MoneySuperMarket customers for travel insurance.

How much should my travel insurance excess be?

Where you set your excess - the amount you pay towards a claim - depends on your personal preferences and finances.

A higher excess can lower your premium. Raising it is one way to find cheaper travel insurance, but you should always choose an excess that is affordable. You can also choose no-excess travel insurance.

When should my travel insurance policy start from?

It's best to start your insurance coverage from the day you book your trip, not the departure date, to cover any cancellations.

Travel risks in New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its safety, boasting low crime rates and minimal terrorist activity. However, like any destination, it's not without its risks. The main concerns for travellers are often related to the country's thrilling adrenaline activities and its nature.

Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, New Zealand is no stranger to seismic activity, which can lead to earthquakes and tsunamis. The volcanic eruption in 2019 serves as a reminder of the potential dangers. Additionally, extreme weather can cause flooding and landslides.

For those drawn to the adrenaline rush, New Zealand offers activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating. Check the provider's safety record and ensure that you're physically fit and adequately covered by your insurance.

The country's hiking trails are another draw, but they come with their own set of risks due to unpredictable weather and high altitudes. And if you're planning to hit the slopes, consider adding winter sports insurance to your policy.

Health and medical treatment in New Zealand

Thanks to a reciprocal health agreement, UK nationals have access to urgent medical treatment in New Zealand. You'll need to show your UK passport to access these services, and in case of an emergency, dial 111.

However, this agreement does not cover non-emergency treatment, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, or insurance for baggage and cancellations. You need travel insurance for those situations.

Do I need vaccinations to visit New Zealand?

It's advisable to be up-to-date with routine UK vaccinations and consider medication for Acute Mountain Sickness if visiting high-altitude areas. For the latest information, see the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) country page.

Do I need a visa for New Zealand?

While a visa is not required for stays up to six months, you do need an NZeTA before traveling. Costs for the NZeTA are NZD $17 via the mobile app or NZD $23 online, with an additional International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100. Ensure you have an onward ticket and sufficient funds for visa-free entry.

Travelling to New Zealand: Key Information

Here's a quick reference for your trip:

• Currency: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) - compare travel money

• Emergency Services Number: 111

• Embassy Details: British Consulate General Auckland and British High Commission Wellington

• FCDO Travel Advice: Check the UK gov website for the latest details.

As you prepare for your New Zealand adventure, remember that travel insurance is your ticket to a worry-free holiday. With the right policy in hand, you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and thrilling experiences that await you. Safe travels!