Travel Insurance Repatriation

When you are on holiday far from home it’s important to know you're properly protected should things take a turn for the worst.

If you unexpectedly fall sick, become injured, or tragically die overseas, your policy can give you peace of mind knowing you’ll be covered you to bring you back home.

There are two types of repatriation cover to consider when purchasing a policy. 

Medical repatriation covers you if you unexpectedly fall sick or become injured overseas and medical staff deem it necessary to bring you back to New Zealand. A lot of comprehensive policies include unlimited repatriation or medical evacuation cover in their policies. This also gives you access to specialist medical assistance teams around the world 24/7.

Repatriation of remains is when your body is brought back to New Zealand in the event of your death and/or cover for the cost of a funeral or cremation overseas. There are usually limits that apply to the repatriation of remains benefit. The following table details these.

Compare repatriation of remains cover

General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.

How much does repatriation cost?

Flying a sick or injured person isn’t cheap! Depending on your condition you may be required to travel with medical equipment or a nurse to be by your side during transit. Or you may not be able to fly in Economy Class due to injuries. At any rate, medical evacuation costs can end up in the tens of thousands of dollars. Cost of repatriation by air ambulance from Fiji can be upwards of $50k and Europe can be as much as $300k. If there is any reason to convince you why to get travel insurance, this is it.

What does repatriation benefits include?

• Helicopter evacuation: Had a slip on the slopes or need to be brought to shore quick-smart from your cruise? Your travel insurance will cover your medical transfer or evacuation transporting you to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment overseas
• Trained staff by your side: Arrangements to bring you back to New Zealand with appropriate medical supervision
• Hospital expenses: Guarantees of payment of reasonable expenses for emergency hospitalisation that may be required overseas
• Contacting your family: Passing on messages to your family or employer in the case of an emergency
• Bringing your loved ones to you: Arrangement for your dependants to return to New Zealand if they are left without supervision following your hospitalisation or evacuation
• Funeral or repatriation fees: An amount (usually around $15,000) for either a funeral cremation overseas and returning your remains to your home

What's Isn't covered?

• Medical treatment costs once you are back in New Zealand: You will not be covered for hospital treatment back home as this is covered by the NZ government health system 
• Advice that you decline: Your insurer is unlikely to cover you if you do not follow the advice from your medical practitioner
• Repatriation of remains to countries outside of New Zealand: In most policy documents it is stipulated that remains must be brought back to Australia or New Zealand