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The right level of travel insurance depends on what you’re planning to do. If your trip is relatively low-key (think beach holidays, city breaks, and sightseeing) a mid-range policy is likely to provide adequate cover. But if your itinerary includes scuba diving, trekking above 3,500 metres, skiing, cruising, or motorbiking, you’ll need to check that these activities are specifically covered under your policy or add the relevant optional packs before you travel.

Travel insurance comes with important exclusions worth understanding before you depart. Claims will generally not be paid if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident, if you were engaged in reckless or illegal behaviour, or if you were travelling against a government Do Not Travel warning. Riding a moped, scooter, or motorcycle without a valid New Zealand licence is also typically excluded, as is sailing more than 10 nautical miles from shore or scuba diving without an open water certification or licensed instructor. Always read the Policy Wording carefully before purchasing.

Most policies can be purchased for trips of up to 12 months at a time. If you’re planning a longer trip – such as an extended working holiday or a multi-year backpacking expedition – you may need to look into a long-stay or two year travel insurance policy instead. Always check the maximum trip duration of any policy you’re considering against the length of your planned journey before purchasing.

Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when purchasing. Given the length and physical demands of many trips, it’s particularly important to ensure your cover is valid for any relevant conditions. Some conditions may be covered automatically, while others require a medical assessment or attract an additional premium. Failing to declare a condition could result in a claim being rejected when you most need support.

If your plans include multiple trips throughout the year rather than one continuous journey, an annual multi-trip policy may offer better value than a single trip policy. However, if you’re heading off on one extended trip, a single trip policy is almost always the more appropriate choice. It’s worth comparing both options before purchasing though, as the right choice depends on how long you plan to be away and whether you intend to return home between trips.

Staying in hostels and shared accommodation face a higher risk of theft than those staying in private rooms. Most travel insurance policies cover theft of personal belongings, but cover may not apply if items were left unattended or unsupervised in a public or shared space. Always use the lockers or safes provided by your accommodation, keep your most valuable items secure, and never leave belongings unattended, even briefly.