Before You Go - We're In The Know!

While travel insurance isn't mandatory for most holidays, it can be an essential safeguard against the unexpected. A single overseas medical emergency, cancelled trip or lost suitcase can be costly, and travel insurance can help protect you from significant out-of-pocket expenses, depending on the cover you choose. Compare policies carefully to find cover that suits your trip and circumstances.

An excess is the amount you pay upfront when you make a travel insurance claim. It's important to remember that an excess usually applies per claimable event, not per claim. For example, if you make a claim for lost luggage and a separate claimable travel delay event, you may need to pay the excess for each event. Check your policy's Policy Wording for the applicable excess and when it applies.

The best travel insurance policy is the one that best suits your trip and individual needs. When comparing policies, consider factors such as your destination, planned activities, trip value, age, any pre-existing medical conditions, and the level of cover provided for medical expenses, cancellations, luggage and travel delays. Don't forget to compare policy limits, exclusions and excesses, not just the price.

Yes. It's free to compare travel insurance policies on Comparetravelinsurance.co.nz. Our comparison service allows you to compare policies from a range of New Zealand insurers based on price, cover and key benefits, helping you make an informed decision at no extra cost.

Complimentary credit card travel insurance can be a convenient option, but it doesn't always provide the same level of cover as a standalone policy. Before you travel, check the eligibility requirements, who is covered, how long cover lasts, and any limits or exclusions that apply. If you're travelling with family, have pre-existing medical conditions or are planning adventure activities, make sure your policy provides the cover you need.

Yes. Many travel insurance policies allow you to include your children on your policy, but the number of dependants covered and the eligibility criteria vary between insurers. Before purchasing a policy, check how the insurer defines a dependant, who can be covered, and whether any age or employment restrictions apply.

It's generally best to purchase travel insurance as soon as you've booked your trip. Most insurers allow you to buy a policy up to 12 months (typically 364 days) before your departure date, although this varies between insurers. Buying early may also provide cover for certain unexpected events before you travel, depending on your policy.

The travel documents you'll need depend on your destination and the type of trip you're taking. In addition to your passport and any required visas, it's a good idea to carry a copy of your travel insurance certificate, flight itinerary, accommodation details and emergency contact information. Keeping digital copies of important documents can also be helpful if they're lost or stolen.

Yes. If you're taking a cruise, it's important to check whether your policy includes cruise cover. Even on a domestic cruise in New Zealand waters, you may not be covered by government-funded healthcare or your usual health insurance once you're at sea. Requirements and benefits vary between insurers, so compare policies carefully before you travel.

Most travel insurance policies can cover multiple destinations, provided you've selected the correct destination or region when purchasing your policy. Always check that every country on your itinerary is covered and contact your insurer if your travel plans change after you've purchased your policy.

The New Zealand Government provides travel advisories through New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Before you travel, check the latest advice for your destination and continue to monitor it while you're overseas. Travel advisories can change at short notice and may affect your travel insurance cover, so it's important to review your policy and speak with your insurer if you're unsure.

Most travel insurance policies cover stopovers that form part of your journey. In many cases, you won't need to list countries where you're stopping for less than 48 hours. However, some insurers require destinations such as the USA, Canadaor Japan to be declared, even for short stopovers. Always check the Policy Wording or speak with your insurer before you travel.

Yes, many travel insurers offer family policies that allow eligible family members to travel under the same policy. However, eligibility requirements, the number of people covered and how dependants are defined vary between insurers. Compare policies carefully and check the Policy Wording to ensure everyone travelling is eligible for cover.

Yes. Reputable travel insurance providers use secure encryption to protect your personal and payment information when you purchase a policy online. Before buying, check that you're using the insurer's official website and that the connection is secure. If you're more comfortable purchasing over the phone, many insurers also offer this option.

Most travel insurers offer a cooling-off period, typically 14 days, during which you can cancel your policy for a full refund, provided you haven't started your journey or made a claim. Cooling-off periods and cancellation terms vary between insurers, so always check the Policy Wording details are correct when you receive the certificate of insurance before travelling.

Most travel insurers issue your policy documents electronically. Once your purchase is complete, you'll usually receive a confirmation email with your Certificate of Insurance, Policy Wording and any other relevant documents. If you don't receive them, check your junk or spam folder or contact your insurer.

The start and end dates of your cover depend on the policy you purchase. Many policies provide cancellation cover from the date you buy your policy, while cover for benefits such as overseas medical expenses typically begins when you start your journey. Your policy ends on the date shown in your Certificate of Insurance or when you return home, depending on the insurer and policy terms. Always check your Policy Wording for details.

It depends on the insurer and the type of policy you choose. Some insurers calculate premiums per traveller, while others offer policies that cover couples or families under a single policy. Your premium will also depend on factors such as your destination, age, trip duration and the level of cover selected.

When getting a quote, you should generally enter the age you'll be when you depart or during your trip, depending on the insurer's requirements. As age can affect both eligibility and the premium you pay, it's important to provide accurate information. If you're unsure, check the insurer's quoting instructions before purchasing your policy.

If you're planning two or more trips in the next 12 months, an annual travel insurance policy may be more convenient than buying separate policies for each trip. However, before purchasing, check the maximum trip duration, destination limits and any optional cover to ensure it suits your travel plans.

Not necessarily. Some annual travel insurance policies allow people listed on the policy to travel independently, while others require certain travellers to travel together. Eligibility varies between insurers, so always check the Policy Wording before purchasing a policy.

While an annual travel insurance policy allows you to take multiple trips throughout the year, each trip is usually subject to a maximum duration. This varies between insurers and policies, so always check the Policy Wording to ensure your planned trip length is covered.

A pre-existing medical condition is generally an illness, injury, disease or other medical condition that existed before you purchased your travel insurance policy. Each insurer has its own definition, which may include conditions you've been diagnosed with, treated for, taken medication for or experienced symptoms of before purchasing your policy. Always check the Policy Wording for the insurer's specific definition and disclosure requirements.

Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn't necessarily mean you can't get travel insurance. Many insurers automatically cover certain pre-existing medical conditions, while others may require you to complete a medical assessment or pay an additional premium.

It's important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for cover. Each insurer has different eligibility criteria, so review their Policy Wording and disclose requirements before purchasing a policy. If your condition is more complex, the insurer may assess your medical history before deciding whether cover can be provided. Read our tips for taking out travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions.

If your assessment has been refused then you would most likely still be able to claim for anything unrelated to these conditions - but you would need to check with the insurer before purchasing the insurance policy. If however you have a condition that is excluded then you might only be offered limited cover which will not cover anything medically related and no cancellation or disruption to the journey cover.

Yes, you may still be covered for other unexpected events that are unrelated to your pre-existing medical condition, such as lost luggage or travel delays, depending on your policy. However, claims arising from an excluded medical condition are generally not covered.

Some insurers may also limit or exclude cancellation and disruption benefits where they relate to an excluded medical condition. As cover varies between insurers, always check the Policy Wording and confirm the level of cover before purchasing your policy.

It's important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions that the insurer asks about when you apply for travel insurance. Disclosure requirements vary between insurers, so always answer medical questions honestly and accurately.
If you don't declare a condition that should have been disclosed, it could affect your cover or result in a claim being declined. If you're unsure whether you need to declare a condition, check the Policy Wording or contact the insurer before purchasing your policy.

Many travel insurers offer cover for uncomplicated pregnancies up to a specified stage of pregnancy, often between 26 and 30 weeks, although this varies between insurers. Before purchasing a policy, check the Policy Wording to understand the pregnancy limits, eligibility criteria and any exclusions that apply. For more information, head to our pregnancy travel insurance guide.

Many travel insurance policies include cover for emergency dental treatment while you're travelling. Cover limits and exclusions vary between insurers, and routine or elective dental treatment is generally not covered. Check the Policy Wording for details.

Generally, no. Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected events and medical emergencies that occur before or during your trip, rather than planned or elective medical treatment. If you're travelling overseas specifically for elective surgery or another planned medical procedure, you'll need to check whether your circumstances are covered by your policy.

For more information, read our elective surgery guide for additional information.

Yes, there are a handful of insurers out there that will offer cover for non-resident visitors to New Zealand. They will have their own set of exclusions on these policies, so always check before purchasing. Have a look at our travel insurance for visitors to New Zealand guide for further information.

Many insurers have age limits or apply different terms and conditions for older travellers. Eligibility, premiums and available cover vary between insurers, so it's important to compare policies carefully. When getting a quote, enter the traveller's correct age to see the policies available and review the Policy Wording for any age-related restrictions. Follow our link to our senior travel insurance age limit guide for further information.

Yes, some insurers offer travel insurance for overseas visitors travelling to New Zealand. Eligibility requirements, available benefits and cover limits vary between insurers, so compare policies carefully and check the Policy Wording to ensure the policy meets your travel needs. Have a look at our travel insurance for visitors to NZ guide for further information.

Some insurers provide travel insurance for non-permanent New Zealand residents travelling overseas, provided they meet the insurer's residency and eligibility requirements. As these requirements vary between insurers, always check the Policy Wording before purchasing a policy. For further information have a look at our non-resident travel insurance guide.

Most insurers will offer cover for certain activities and sports such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, kayaking etc. Always confirm with the insurer about what they cover.

Many travel insurance policies include cover for recreational scuba diving, provided you meet the insurer's conditions, such as depth limits or certification requirements. Some insurers may require an optional adventure sports add-on. Always check the Policy Wording to ensure you're covered for the type of diving you plan to do.

Cover for riding a motorcycle or scooter varies between insurers. Some policies include cover automatically, while others apply conditions such as engine size limits, licensing requirements or the purchase of an optional adventure pack. Depending on the insurer, you may also need to hold a valid New Zealand motorcycle licence, a licence recognised in the country you're visiting, and in some cases an International Driving Permit (IDP). Always check the Policy Wording before travelling. Read our motorbike travelling guide for more information.

Many travel insurance policies cover recreational trekking, although conditions such as maximum altitude limits, guided trek requirements or restrictions on the use of ropes may apply. Mountain climbing and rock climbing are more likely to be excluded or require additional cover, particularly for outdoor climbing. Always check the Policy Wording to confirm whether your planned activities are covered.

Winter sports travel insurancetypically covers recreational skiing and snowboarding, subject to the terms of your policy. Some insurers limit cover to on-piste skiing within resort boundaries, while others offer broader cover. Depending on the policy, you may also be covered for benefits such as ski equipment, equipment hire, ski passes or piste closure. Always check the Policy Wording to understand what is included.

Most travel insurance policies do not automatically cover professional, competitive or racing events. However, some insurers may provide cover for certain amateur competitions or organised sporting events, depending on the activity and level of risk. If you plan to compete while travelling, check the Policy Wording to confirm whether cover is available.

Many travel insurance policies include cancellation cover if you need to cancel your trip due to an unexpected event covered by your policy, such as illness, injury or certain unforeseen circumstances. The reasons for cancellation that are covered vary between insurers, so always check the Policy Wording to understand what's included.

Many travel insurance policies include cover for personal belongings such as cameras, laptops and jewellery if they are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged while travelling. Cover limits, item limits and conditions vary between insurers, and some high-value items may need to be specified separately. Always check the Policy Wording before travelling.

Many travel insurance policies provide cover for certain claims arising from natural disasters, such as additional accommodation, travel delays or cancellation, depending on the circumstances and when you purchased your policy. Cover varies between insurers, and exclusions may apply if the event was known or foreseeable before you bought your policy. Always check the Policy Wording for details.

Many travel insurance policies include cover for travel delays caused by unexpected events. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim for reasonable additional expenses, such as meals or accommodation, if your delay exceeds the minimum waiting period. Cover limits, waiting periods and exclusions vary between insurers, so always check the Policy Wording.

No.  Most travel insurance policies exclude acts of war because they represent large-scale, unpredictable events that fall outside the scope of traditional travel protection. Travel insurance is built to cover routine mishaps like cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage, not geopolitical catastrophes. Acts of war create widespread, simultaneous losses that are impossible to price predictably, so they’re excluded to ensure that travel insurance remains affordable for consumers and protect insurers from systemic collapse.

Many insurers allow you to make changes to your policy before your trip begins, such as updating your travel dates, destination or traveller details. Whether changes are permitted, and whether an additional premium or administration fee applies, varies between insurers. Contact your insurer as soon as possible if you need to amend your policy.

If your address, email address or phone number changes after purchasing your policy, contact your insurer as soon as possible so they can update your details. Keeping your contact information up to date helps ensure you receive important policy information and can be contacted if required.

Some insurers allow you to extend your travel insurance while you're overseas, provided you meet their eligibility requirements and arrange the extension before your policy expires. Extension options vary between insurers, so contact your insurer as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

If your travel dates change before you leave, many insurers allow you to update your policy. If you're already travelling, your options may be more limited. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to discuss your options, as additional premiums or fees may apply.

If you need to make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible and follow their claims process. Most insurers will ask you to provide supporting evidence, which may include receipts, proof of travel, medical reports, airline documentation, photographs or police reports, depending on the type of claim.
If your belongings are lost or stolen, or you're the victim of a crime, report the incident to the relevant authorities as soon as possible and obtain a written report, as this may be required to support your claim. Providing complete documentation can help your insurer assess your claim more quickly.

Yes, you may still be able to make a claim even if you no longer have the original receipt. Depending on the insurer, alternative proof of ownership may be accepted, such as bank or credit card statements, photographs of the item, warranty documents or purchase confirmations.

The evidence required varies between insurers, so contact your insurer to find out what documentation they'll accept to support your claim.

If you're experiencing a medical or travel emergency overseas, contact your insurer's emergency assistance team as soon as it's safe to do so. They can help arrange medical treatment, hospital admissions, emergency evacuations and other assistance. If it's a life-threatening emergency, contact the local emergency services first.

Claim timeframes vary between insurers, but you should notify your insurer and submit your claim as soon as reasonably possible after the event occurs. Check your Policy Wording for any time limits that apply.

The documents required depend on the type of claim. You may be asked to provide receipts, medical reports, police reports, airline documentation, invoices or proof of travel. Providing complete documentation can help your insurer assess your claim more quickly.

Claim assessment times vary depending on the insurer and the complexity of your claim. Claims supported by all the required documentation are generally processed more quickly. If your insurer requires additional information, processing may take longer.