Find the best family travel insurance with kids free, family pricing, and adventure cover included. Compare 10+ brands to find the right policy for your next family adventure.
the benefits
Many New Zealand family travel insurance policies include dependent children at no extra cost, provided they are under 21, not in full-time employment, and named on the policy. It’s one of the best ways to keep the cost of a family holiday manageable.
Taking out a single policy for the whole family is almost always more cost-effective than purchasing individual policies. Compare Travel Insurance makes it easy to find competitive family quotes across a range of coverage levels and budgets.
From theme parks and snorkelling to bungee jumping, white water rafting, and skiing, many family policies include cover for a wide range of adventurous activities at no additional cost, so the whole family can make the most of their trip.
key considerations
The first thing to consider is how often your family travels. If you’re planning one trip away this year, a single trip policy is likely your most cost-effective option. However, if your family takes two or more holidays a year, an annual multi-trip policy could offer significantly better value, covering unlimited trips up to the maximum duration per trip specified in your policy.
An active family holiday requires the right level of cover. If your children enjoy activities such as skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing, or hiking, make sure your policy includes them; basic policies often exclude adventure activities, while comprehensive plans tend to cover a broader range. And if you're hiring a car, check whether rental vehicle excess cover is included or available as an add-on.
Pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and allergies are common in families and must be declared to ensure your cover is valid. Look for insurers who offer online medical screening so you can declare your family’s health conditions upfront. Declaring conditions accurately can also reduce your excess, and some policies will waive it entirely for conditions that have been properly disclosed.
Most families travel with a range of valuable devices – iPads, iPhones, Nintendo Switches, and cameras are all commonplace on family trips. Check the baggage limits per person and single-item caps on any policy you’re considering, as these can vary significantly. If you’re travelling with high-value items, look for policies that allow you to list items separately for additional cover.
Most New Zealand family travel insurance policies cover dependent children at no extra cost up to age 18-21, with some extending cover to young adults in full-time study up to age 24. If you’re travelling with teenagers or young adult children, it’s worth checking the upper age limits carefully before purchasing a policy.
Family trips are statistically more likely to be disrupted; illness, school commitments, and scheduling conflicts can all force a change of plans. Make sure your policy includes adequate cancellation cover and check whether it extends to amendments and date changes, not just outright cancellations. Cancellation limits typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the policy, so it’s worth comparing this feature carefully when choosing your cover.
further reading
Expert guides to help you make an informed decision about your travel cover.
Planning something adventurous? Find out which sports and activities NZ travel insurers actually cover (and which they don’t).
Read full guideget answers
For the purposes of family travel insurance, a dependant is generally defined as a child or grandchild who is travelling with a parent or grandparent, is not in full-time employment, and falls within the age limits specified by the insurer. Most New Zealand insurers set their dependant age limit somewhere between 18 and 25, though this varies between providers. If a young adult is travelling independently or with adults other than their parents or grandparents, they will need to purchase their own separate policy.
Many New Zealand family travel insurance policies include dependent children at no additional cost, provided they meet the insurer’s eligibility criteria. However, not all insurers offer free cover for dependants, and age limits can vary; typically ranging from 18 to 25 depending on the provider. Always read the Policy Wording carefully to confirm whether dependants are included at no extra cost and what conditions apply before purchasing a policy.
Most New Zealand travel insurance policies provide some level of cover for pregnancy, though the extent of that cover varies between insurers. Generally, most policies cover pregnancies up to around 22 weeks gestation, with some insurers extending cover up to 32 weeks. Cover is typically limited to unexpected complications rather than routine pregnancy-related care, and exclusions may apply. For a comprehensive breakdown of pregnancy cover across New Zealand insurers, visit our pregnancy travel insurance guide.
Children travelling without a parent or legal guardian are generally not covered under a family travel insurance policy. If a child or young adult is travelling independently, or in the company of adults other than their parents or grandparents, they will need their own individual travel insurance policy. Some insurers do offer specialised cover for unaccompanied minors, so it is worth comparing policies carefully if this applies to your situation. Always check the Policy Wording for the specific terms and conditions that apply to younger travellers.
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