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Travel safe with new zealand's most trusted travel insurer ^, get a quick travel insurance quote, win $10,000 to take your holiday to the next level~.

Buy an International Comprehensive, International Medical Only or Domestic travel insurance policy between 1 July and 31 July 2024 and you’ll automatically go in the draw to win $10,000. Read the terms and conditions here . 

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Why choose Southern Cross Travel Insurance?

Trusted by over 6 million travellers on their adventures worldwide + 

+ Based upon the total number of travellers we have insured across the markets where we operate for all our travel insurance products from January 1995 to June 2024.

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You can view your policy, make claims and update your details all in one secure portal.

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With Kiwi travellers for over 40 years

SCTI is part of the Southern Cross group; one of New Zealand’s most enduring and trusted brands. We’re 100% New Zealand owned, and have worked hard to forge a reputation as our country’s leading travel insurer. During this time, we're extremely proud to be recognised both locally and internationally for our commitment to delivering quality products, value for money and dedication to customer service.

See all our awards

What is travel insurance?

Travelling is all about discovering the unknown, so it’s no surprise that there can be a few hiccups along the way! Travel insurance is designed to better protect you from these unexpected events, from the moment you book your trip to the day you return home. Whether you have an unexpected flight delay or medical emergency, we’re here to help. Let us worry about what could go wrong, so you can start dreaming about what will go right.

How to compare travel insurance

What can travel insurance cover?°

We offer cover for unexpected events, so you can travel with peace of mind. We know each traveller and trip is different - that’s why we offer different policies and add ons so you can choose the type and level of cover you need - which may, or may not, include some of the scenarios below. As with any insurance policy, terms, conditions and exclusions apply so always make sure you read the Policy Document  before buying your travel insurance policy to make sure it is right for you.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before you leave, or while on your journey, we offer cover in some scenarios

° Please refer to the individual Policy Documents to see what your chosen policy covers.

See what's covered

We offer travel insurance that suits how you want to travel

We know how important it is to make sure you have the right type - and level - of cover, so we have different travel insurance policies to suit different types of travel, and the ability to personalise your cover to suit you with our optional add-ons. Whether you’re heading to Fiji for some R&R, London for an OE or Queenstown to hit the slopes, we’re with you.

Have questions?

See all our FAQs

What our customers have to say about us

Need some inspiration.

When it comes to travelling, there’s always room for the unexpected to happen, that’s why we provide 24/7 emergency assistance and a simple process to make a claim on our website.

With New Zealand travellers for over 40 years

Already with AMI? Take 10% off your travel insurance.*

*Use promo code AMICUST

Discount applies to existing AMI customers and to premiums for the standard policies net of Government levies and GST (if applicable). Discounts do not apply to premiums for cover additional to standard policies or to any minimum premium.

Great options to suit your travel within New Zealand or overseas

Overseas cover & annual multi-trip cover

Our overseas travel covers medical, dental and hospital treatment*, lost luggage, and personal liability, and can get you and your family home in certain emergencies.

Travel a lot? Take out our annual multi-trip option and you’re covered for as many trips as you like, for 12 months.**

Domestic Cover

If your plans while travelling in New Zealand change unexpectedly, we can cover the cost of cancelling or amending your flight, accommodation or rental car bookings and other expenses, up to $10,000.

Inbound Cover - Visiting NZ

Are you a non-resident visiting friends and family in NZ, or on a working holiday? Our Inbound plan can cover medical and dental expenses, luggage and travel documents, rental vehicle insurance excess, personal liability and more!

Travel Cover During Covid-19

Planning an adventure? Check out our scenario-based FAQs explaining how we could cover you if Covid-19 plays havoc with your trip:  AMI Travel Cover and Covid-19 FAQs

Find out before you go – our Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide explains how AMI Travel cover applies when travelling to different international destinations:  Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide

*Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset. Medical and dental expenses cover is limited to $1,500 for treatment provided in New Zealand. This $1,500 sub-limit does not apply to the Inbound Plan. **For 12 months, over 100km from home, including domestic travel, up to maximum number of days as selected by you.

Still unsure? Ask us a question

Compare our Travel Cover Plans

International.

Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip Maximum benefit limits (per adult) unless stated otherwise

Up to $1,500 for emergency dental expenses

Up to $1,000 per month

Up to $2,500 for personal vehicle insurance excess

Up to $250 per month

Domestic Cancellation

Single Trip Maximum benefit limits (per person)

(Choose the amount of cover that suits, on a per person basis)  #

Policy benefits

This is only a summary of benefits provided. Please refer to  AMI Travel Policy Wording  for full details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what this policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply.

Specific terms, conditions and exclusions apply to Covid-19. See the  policy wording  for the most up to date information.

* Cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical and dental expenses cover is limited to $1,500 for treatment provided in New Zealand. This $1,500 sub-limit does not apply to our Inbound Plan. ^ Cover chosen applies per policy. See the  policy wording . • Item limits apply for any one item, set or pair of items including attached or unattached accessories. You may increase these item limits if you wish. See the  policy wording . # If you or your travelling companion are diagnosed with Covid-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and are unable to travel, you can claim cancellation or amendment costs for your prepaid trip up to a benefit limit of $10,000 per policy on an international Plan or $5,000 per policy on a Domestic Plan or if applicable, up to the level of cover purchased for cancellation (whichever is lower). There is also no cover if symptoms or diagnosis occurred prior to buying your policy. ~ The maximum liability collectively 14, 15, and 16 is $15,000 International Plan, and $10,000 on a Domestic Plan

This is only a summary of the benefit provided. Please refer to the  policy wording . For details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what the relevant policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply, and this summary of benefits table may change at any time.

Before you travel

Travel safety.

Find out more information about events that may affect you when you travel.

Travel tips

Our team of intrepid Kiwi travellers has come up with a list of handy travel tips to help make your holiday even better.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. Standard excess may apply.

AMI Travel insurance is administered by Cover-More NZ Ltd, underwritten and issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ZAIL) incorporated in Australia, ABN 13 000 296 640, trading as Zurich New Zealand. For further information see Zurich New Zealand's  financial strength rating .

Any advice is general advice only. Consider the  AMI Travel Policy  Brochure and wording therein before deciding to buy this product. IAG receives a commission for the issue of AMI branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited ("Cover-More").

IAG New Zealand Limited ("IAG"), of which AMI is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

Quick and easy claims

We're here for you if something disrupts your trip. Save time and submit your claim online.

Compare Travel Insurance

Compare Outstanding Value Travel Insurance

Compare Travel Insurance By Destination

Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

Click profile to compare 5-Star Outstanding Value Travel Insurance:

International travel, trans-tasman travel, south pacific cruise, seniors travel, 5-star international travel insurance, 5-star trans-tasman travel insurance, 5-star south pacific cruise travel insurance, 5-star seniors travel insurance.

2023 Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

Compare Travel Insurance by Destination

Canstar’s full travel insurance Star Ratings break down the best insurance providers and products for the following global holiday destinations, plus all destinations for senior travellers:

• Africa & Middle East
• Domestic Cruise
• Pacific Cruise
• Seniors – all destinations

Important information

• The Star Ratings in this table were awarded November 2023. The current features, rates and fees may be different to what was rated. The Star Rating shown is only one factor to take into account when considering a product. See our Ratings Methodology .
• The initial table display is sorted by Star Rating and then alphabetically by company.
• Any advice on this page is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this general financial advice is right for your personal circumstances. You may need financial advice from a qualified adviser. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances.  See our Detailed Disclosure .
• Data in the table is updated from time to time to reflect product changes notified to us by product issuers. Check current product details and investment options with the product issuer. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making a purchase decision.
• The table above may not include all providers in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances.
• Canstar may earn a fee for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship (advertising) of certain products. Payment of sponsorship fees does not influence the star rating that Canstar awards to a sponsored product. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship fees may be higher than referral fees. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as such on website pages. They may appear in a number of areas of the website such as in comparison tables, on hub pages and in articles. Sponsored products may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The table position of a sponsored product does not indicate any ranking, rating or endorsement by Canstar. See  How We Get Paid  for further information.

Compare Travel Money Cards

Headed off overseas and looking for the best in money cards? Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cards in New Zealand:

The display order does not reflect any ranking or rating by Canstar.

This information is not an endorsement by Canstar of travel money cards or any specific provider. Information correct as of 20/09/23. For full pricing details see individual providers’ websites.

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What is travel insurance and why do you need it when you travel?

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is financial cover for emergencies, accidents or loss that might occur to you or your belongings while you are travelling either domestically or internationally.

Why do you need travel insurance?

The New Zealand government website SafeTravel recommends travel insurance for anyone taking a trip away from home, especially overseas.

If you don’t have travel insurance and you lose your luggage, have an accident, medical emergency, or legal incident, you could face huge bills.

Cancelled flights and hotel accommodation can leave you out of pocket by thousands of dollars, but medical expenses can be even worse. A health emergency overseas can end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, if you have travel insurance, you can travel confidently knowing you can get financial help in an emergency.

What else should you do before you travel?

In addition to organising travel insurance, before you leave:

• If you are going overseas, visit the SafeTravel website’s Travel Advisories page to ascertain the current risks of travelling to your chosen destination. If a country is flagged with a “Do Not Travel” advisory, be aware that you may not be able to obtain insurance for the trip.
• Regardless of where you are going, register your plans with SafeTravel. Your details will be stored securely and only used to reach you in an emergency.
• Ensure you have all the relevant travel documentation to take with you on your trip, and that a trusted friend or relation in NZ has a copy, too.
• Record the contact details of the New Zealand Embassy in your country of destination – just in case you need it.

Types of travel insurance and what they cover

There are two types of travel insurance cover policies.

1. Domestic travel insurance

Domestic travel insurance policies usually cover you for events such as:

• Lost or stolen luggage or other items
• Cancelling your trip unexpectedly due to illness, accident, holiday leave being revoked, or a natural disaster at home or at your intended destination
• Rental vehicle excess you have to pay if you have an accident driving a hire car
• Legal liability: the vast majority of policies researched include coverage for legal liability. Don’t take this as an excuse to break the law, though – you may end up invalidating your policy!

Domestic travel insurance usually doesn’t cover you for:

• Medical cover. However, this is not a big problem because, as long as you’re in New Zealand, you can still access publicly funded health services or your private health insurance , if you have it
• Certain “hazardous pursuits”. If you’re doing dangerous activities on your holiday, such as skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping or rock climbing, you need to disclose it on your application. However, even if you disclose it, you still might not be covered for an accident that happens because of that activity, as it may be excluded from the policy. Ensure you read your policy terms and conditions carefully

2. International travel insurance

International travel insurance policies usually cover you for events such as:

• Medical or dental emergency. Typical emergency medical cover will include hospital admission, emergency care and medical evacuation to another country’s hospital. If your medical situation is not an emergency, it is recommend you contact your insurer before you receive treatment, to check if it’s covered by your policy
• Repatriation if you fall sick overseas and need to be evacuated back to NZ for treatment. Or if tragedy strikes, repatriation covers the cost of flying your body and belongings back home to NZ. Some travel insurance policies also include a separate sum for funeral expenses
• Lost or stolen luggage, passport or other items. Replacing luggage and travel documents is the most common claim for travel insurance
• Legal liability if you break a local law and need a lawyer and/or interpreter. Ignorance of local law is no excuse in most countries, so make sure you check SafeTravel before you depart. For example, in some Muslim countries it is an offence to wear a bikini on a public beach. If you break a law on purpose, your travel insurance policy may not cover your legal fees

International travel insurance usually doesn’t cover you for:

• High-risk countries. Check the government’s SafeTravel website for the travel advisory status of your destination. Countries flagged with a “Do Not Travel” advisory may not be covered under your policy
• Risky behavior. Any injury or loss caused by you behaving recklessly while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be excluded from cover. This doesn’t apply to medication prescribed to you by a doctor and taken as prescribed
• Pre-existing medical conditions. If you have experienced symptoms of a condition before travelling, even if the condition wasn’t diagnosed, medical expenses for it will generally not be covered. Read your policy’s terms and conditions carefully
• High-value items. Many policies have a dollar limit that you can claim for each item, which may not be as much as it costs to replace the item
• Notification period. Your policy may specify that you need to notify your insurer of an accident or event within a specified timeframe, such as 24 hours. It’s important to be aware of that notification period and to call your insurer as soon as you can, in the event of a potential claim
• Loss of items left unattended. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times. You might not be covered if you leave your wallet and keys wrapped in a towel on the beach, or hidden in a shared room, or even in your checked-in luggage
• Hazardous pursuits. Dangerous activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, off-piste skiing and hang-gliding are usually excluded, but they can often be added to your policy for an extra fee. Also be aware that riding a moped or motorcycle overseas might also not be covered, even if you are legally entitled to ride one in NZ

NB: No travel insurance policy will cover you for every single thing that might go wrong while you’re away, so it’s important to read your policy’s terms and conditions carefully to discover the full extent of your cover.

Travel insurance glossary of terms

• Accident : An unexpected, unforeseeable, or unusual event that was unintended and caused loss or harm while you are on a trip covered by your policy.
• Accommodation : Any type of dwelling or lodging that you pay a fee to stay in overnight.
• Additional expenses : Additional expenses for accommodation and transportation that occur because of events such as illness, natural disasters, loss of travel documents, and transport union strikes.
• Beneficiary : The person who would receive compensation from your insurance policy if you were to pass away during your travels.
• Benefits: What your insurance provider gives you according to the terms of your policy. Benefits can apply if you make a claim or they can apply if a certain event happens, e.g. during an emergency.
• Cancellation or amendment costs : The cost of cancelling, changing, or rearranging your journey because of unforeseen circumstances outside your control such as illness, accidents and extreme weather events.
• Claim: A request for your insurance provider to pay certain expenses back to you in accordance with your policy.
• Cover or coverage : The extent of protection given to you by your policy. If you are covered for an event, it means that you can claim back from your insurance provider a specified amount of expenses you incurred during that event.
• Current market value : The amount of money you could get for an item if you sold it in the current local market. This amount is based on the original cost, the current condition and age of the item, and what it could be sold for in its present state.
• Damage: Harm or injury to a person or property, resulting in the property losing value or not being able to be used properly.
• Disability : A physical or mental condition that restricts a person’s movements, senses or activities. A disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognised by the law.
• Emergency medical care : Medical care that is needed in an unexpected emergency. This does not include any type of regular medical care or foreseeable medical needs.
• Endorsement: Any special condition listed on your insurance policy as an extra reason for you to buy the policy.
• Excess: The excess is an amount that you pay instead of the insurer, e.g. “the first” $250 or $500 of a claim. Insurers usually have either a policy with different excess options that you choose between, or separate policies that each have a different excess amount. You can pay a lower premium if you have a higher excess, but you need to be sure that you could afford to pay the excess unexpectedly if you had to make a claim.
• Exclusions : Anything that is not covered by your policy. Common exclusions include travel to high-risk countries, dangerous activities such as bungee jumping, risky behaviour, such as taking alcohol or drugs, pre-existing medical conditions, and loss of items left unattended.
• Home: Your usual place of residence in New Zealand.
• Incidental:  Costs associated with an unexpected covered event, which are not directly related to the event.
• Inclusions: Any event, item or expense that is covered by your policy.
• Injury: Anything that physically harms you and occurs by accidental or violent means, which is covered by your policy.
• Journey: One of the terms insurers use to talk about the period you’re covered for, from the time you leave home until the time you return to your home. Also known as your trip, voyage, or travels.
• Limit/benefit limit: Policies have a limit on the amount of benefits you can claim per year or per journey.
• Luggage and personal effects: Personal items that you own or carry with you on a trip that is covered. This includes but is not limited to: suitcase or backpack, clothing, jewellery, computer or laptop, your phone and other portable electrical devices or equipment.
• Medically necessary: Medical treatment that is needed to preserve your health, is suitable to treat your symptoms, and can be safely provided in your current location. This does not include treatment or procedures that are performed in your current location because it is merely convenient.
• Natural disaster: An event caused by nature and not by any human activity, including earthquakes, storms, bushfires and floods.
• Overseas medical expenses: Expenses incurred overseas for ambulance transport, hospital admission, surgical nursing, and emergency dental treatment.
• Period of cover: The time your travel is covered by your policy.
• Personal liability cover: Cover for costs incurred for which you are legally liable. You are legally liable if your negligence causes loss or damage to someone else’s property. Personal liability also covers you for injury to a person who is not a member of your family or travelling party. Personal liability cover does not cover damage you caused deliberately or that breaks the law; damage caused by your business or your employee; your ownership or use of a vehicle, aircraft or watercraft; or you passing on an illness to someone else.
• Policy:  The travel insurance contract you have taken out with an insurance provider.
• Pre-existing condition: A medical condition that existed in any form before you signed up for the insurance policy, whether or not you had your symptoms examined by a health practitioner. Your policy may usually list a time limit for the condition to be pre-existing, e.g. you have seen a medical practitioner in the past 90 days before you started your journey, or you have been prescribed a medication within the past 60 days.
• Premium: The amount you pay your insurance provider for your travel insurance cover. Your premium must be paid on time for your travel to be covered.
• Reasonable: When associated with an expense or cost, “reasonable” refers to what is usual, needed, and matches the standards of your previously scheduled travel.
• Refund: Cash or company credit that can be given to you as reimbursement for your expenses, according to the terms of your policy.
• Rental car insurance excess : The excess charged if your hire car is damaged or stolen.
• Resumption of journey benefit : The benefit you receive if you claim the expense of resuming your travels. You can make a claim if you had to return to New Zealand suddenly due to a serious injury, illness, or the death of one of your relatives or business partners in New Zealand.
• Sudden illness or serious injury : Illness or injury that occurs during your period of cover and requires immediate treatment by a health practitioner.
• Travel delay : Scheduled transport that is delayed by over six hours. Scheduled transport can include plane flights, trains, trams, buses, ferries or cruises.
• Unforeseen: Any circumstance that is out of your control. This can include illness, accident, cancelled flights, or natural disasters.

Which travel insurance providers are assessed by Canstar's ratings?

Products from the following travel insurance providers were rated in Canstar’s 2023 Travel Insurance Star Ratings and Awards:

• 1Cover Direct Insurance
• AA Insurance
• Air New Zealand
• American Express
• Chubb Insurance
• Cover-More Travel Insurance
• House of Travel
• Southern Cross Travel Insurance
• World Nomads

Recent Award Winners

View Canstar's Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

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COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE

Compare our travel insurance plans to see the full list of benefits.

COMPARE PLANS (Benefits are per adult)

Expand to see benefits in detail

• OVERSEAS EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE* 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements
• MEDICAL EXPENSES INCURRED OVERSEAS * Overseas medical treatment if you are injured or become sick overseas, including hospital stays, surgery, prescription drugs, and doctor visits.
• INLUDES DENTAL EXPENSES* Cover for emergency dental treatment for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth
• HOSPITAL CASH ALLOWANCE An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas
• ACCIDENTAL DEATH A benefit payable if you die because of, and within 12 months, of an accidental bodily injury sustained during your journey. (no excess applies)
• PERMANENT DISABILITY* A lump sum benefit if you suffer a total permanent disability as result of an accidental injury during your trip. (no excess applies)
• Cancellation & Trip Disruption
• CANCELLATION FEES AND LOST DEPOSITS Cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses that you cannot recover when your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unexpected events such as illness, injuries, accidents, strikes and natural disasters.
• ADDITIONAL ACCOMODATION & TRAVEL EXPENSES Covers the cost of additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred if you cannot continue on your journey because of an injury or sickness whilst overseas. (no excess applies)
• INCLUDES FAMILY EMERGENCY Cover for additional travel expenses such as your return flight to New Zealand if a relative of either you, or travelling companion requires hospitalisation or dies unexpectedly. (no excess applies)
• INCLUDES EMERGENCY COMPANION COVER Additional accommodation and travel expenses you incur to remain with your travelling companion. (no excess applies)
• TRAVEL SERVICES PROVIDER INSOLVENCY Covers costs if you have to rearrange, cancel or cut short your journey due to insolvency of certain travel service providers.
• RESUMPTION OF JOURNEY* Reimbursement for the cost of airfares for you to return to the place where your journey was interrupted in the event of a relatives death or hospitalisation, following serious injury or illness. (no excess applies)
• DISTRUPTION OF JOURNEY* Cover for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses if your journey is disrupted for more than 6 hours due to circumstances beyond your control. (no excess applies)
• ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT EXPENSES* Reasonable travel expenses incurred to reach special events such as weddings, funerals, conferences and sporting events on time following transport delays beyond your control. (no excess applies)
• Luggage & Personal Items
• LUGGAGE AND PERSONAL EFFECTS Repair or replacement cost of any personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
• TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & CREDIT CARDS* Replacement cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution.
• THEFT OF CASH* Cover for cash, bank notes, currency notes, postal orders or money orders stolen from you during your journey.
• LUGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS DELAY EXPENSES* Cover to purchase essential personal items following your luggage and personal effects being delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours. (no excess applies)
• Personal Liability
• PERSONAL LIABILITY Cover for legal liability including legal expenses for bodily injuries or damage to property of other persons as a result of a claim made against you.
• Rental Vehicle Excess
• RENTAL VEHICLE EXCESS Cover for the excess payable on your rental car's insurance in the event of accidental damage or theft during the car rental period.
• OVERSEAS MEDICAL EXPENSES* Hospital and medical expenses incurred overseas as a result of an injury arsing from an act of terrorism.
• CANCELLATION & REARRANGEMENT* Irrecoverable costs to cancel or rearrange your travel and accommodation following terrorist threats and a subsequent upgrade in travel advice for a planned travel destination directly affected. (no excess applies)
• EVACUATION & CURTAILMENT* Evacuation to the nearest place of safety and alternative accommodation and travel expenses for you to resume your journey or return to New Zealand.
• HIJACK AND KIDNAP* If you are kidnapped, or the aircraft or vessel you are travelling on is hijacked, we will pay for each 24-hour period that you are held captive.
• Loss of Income
• LOSS OF INCOME* Weekly benefit payable if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are unable to work more than 30 days after returning to New Zealand. (no excess applies)
• $10 Million

Comprehensive

Comprehensive plus.

• OVERSEAS EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE^
• MEDICAL EXPENSES INCURRED OVERSEAS ^
• INLUDES DENTAL EXPENSES^
• HOSPITAL CASH ALLOWANCE
• ACCIDENTAL DEATH
• PERMANENT DISABILITY^
• CANCELLATION FEES AND LOST DEPOSITS
• ADDITIONAL ACCOMODATION & TRAVEL EXPENSES
• INCLUDES FAMILY EMERGENCY
• INCLUDES EMERGENCY COMPANION COVER
• TRAVEL SERVICES PROVIDER INSOLVENCY
• RESUMPTION OF JOURNEY^
• DISTRUPTION OF JOURNEY^
• ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT EXPENSES^
• LUGGAGE AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
• TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & CREDIT CARDS
• THEFT OF CASH^
• LUGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS DELAY EXPENSES^
• PERSONAL LIABILITY
• RENTAL VEHICLE EXCESS
• OVERSEAS MEDICAL EXPENSES
• REARRANGEMENT OR REPATRIATION
• HIJACK AND KIDNAP^
• LOSS OF INCOME^

If you claim for the same or similar services/facilities under Sections 6, 7, 7A and/or 7B, we will only pay the higher of the two amounts, not both. Sub-limits may apply, please refer to the relevant sections in the Policy Wording. * means that the benefit is not covered while travelling in New Zealand.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER TRAVEL INSURANCE

Get comprehensive cover all year round. If you’re planning several trips this year a frequent traveller policy can save you time and money.

Our annual multi-trip policy covers an unlimited number of trips over a 12 month period. We give you the same level of cover as our comprehensive plus international plan, meaning you get to cover less. You can choose your trip duration from 15 days or 30 days.

Because life’s a trip

Before You Buy

Top searches, popular destinations, customer rating.

About us | Contact us | Policy Wording | Privacy

• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Make a Claim
• COVID-19 FAQs

Travel Insurance

Travel a little freer knowing we're on the journey with you

AA Travel Insurance

Travel is part of the Kiwi DNA, but even the best laid travel plans can go unexpectedly wrong. That’s why we offer AA Travel Insurance plans - so you can travel a little freer here in NZ or overseas, knowing help is only a phone call away.

With AA Travel Insurance, your trip can be protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits before you even depart. So if something happens in the lead-up to your trip, we can be there to help you.

To understand what cover AA Travel Insurance provides for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19, check out our FAQs . 

Get a quote

Why choose AA Travel Insurance

Get a quote online in minutes, so you can get back to planning your adventure. All you need are your travel dates, destination and any companions.

We’ve made the process simple, with domestic and international plans to choose from.

With AA Travel Insurance being one of NZ’s trusted travel insurance brands, we are proud to take care of Kiwis’ insurance needs.

We’re backed by the Allianz Worldwide Emergency Assistance programme, ready to help you no matter where you are in the world.

Playing at home or away?

Whether you're hitting the ski slopes or ticking a Great Walk off your list, make sure your trip is covered from unexpected costs like cancellation, travel disruption, and rental vehicle excess.

International

With three plans to choose from, our International Insurance cover is designed to make sure you can still enjoy your holiday even if something goes south.

AA Travel Insurance Benefits:

• AA Member discount

AA Members can get a 10% discount* on new AA Travel Insurance policies. Simply provide your AA Membership number when you apply.

• Cover for missed connections or travel delay

If you miss connections or have any travel delays because of an unexpected situation, you’ll be able to claim up to the benefit limit of your chosen policy. That means cover for extra costs to make alternative travel arrangements or additional delay costs.

• Free cover for dependent children

Dependent children travelling with someone covered under a policy can be covered at no additional charge (for Domestic Cover – that's up to 18 years, and for International Cover – up to 21 years).

• Cover for some COVID-related situations^

Both domestic and international options include selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19. So if you’re diagnosed on your trip and need medical assistance or need to change your plans, you’ll be covered.

• Cover before you depart

Your trip is protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits the moment your cover is confirmed.

• Cover for recreational activities

Some recreational sports are automatically covered under our policies, including leisure skiing and snowboarding, hot air ballooning, parasailing and paragliding, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting in grade 4 rivers (or less).

For all of these benefits, please make sure you read the Policy Wording to understand the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that may apply.

^The policy still has a general exclusion for epidemics and pandemics, and does not cover disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind. Cover is only provided if you have not commenced your journey against the New Zealand Government’s advice not to travel. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full details.

^Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply and these are stated in the Policy Wording . Customers considering the purchase of a travel insurance policy should read the Policy Wording to check what is and isn’t covered.

Have a question?

Our friendly New Zealand-based team are here to help. Give them a call anytime from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or pop into one of our AA Centres to speak to a consultant.

Call: 0800 630 115

Frequently asked questions

What countries does my selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases (including Covid-19) cover?

All countries that do not appear on the Level 4 warning “Do not travel” advisory listed on SafeTravel.

SafeTravel houses all warnings inclusive of non-Covid-19 advisories which are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

If I contract Covid-19 prior to travelling do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the country you are travelling to does not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

If I contract Covid-19 in transit to my destination country do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the countries you are travelling to do not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

Does selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases still apply if I am unvaccinated?

Cover is in place as there is no requirement to be vaccinated/boosted under our policy. However, if the destination country requires an inbound traveller to be vaccinated, then the traveller must be able to meet these entry requirements. This also applies to the condition of carriage for example of the airline they are travelling. There is no cover if denied boarding or entry to a country due to not meeting the carrier or country vaccination requirements.

Are there any mandatory epidemic and pandemic insurance requirements to enter certain countries?

Many countries, even before the pandemic, had compulsory health and travel insurance requirements, but many more have since added rules – typically around Covid-19 medical expenses and the associated costs. The coverage type and amount varies by vaccination status and country.  Prior to travelling, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination.

If I had Covid-19, should I declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition?

At the time of purchasing your policy if you have previously had Covid-19 and are now testing negative, are feeling well with no symptoms at all, then you do not need to declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition. A Covid-19 positive test result at a later date would be considered a new infection.

However, if you are:

• still testing positive; or
• still displaying Covid-19 signs and symptoms; or
• have been diagnosed with 'long Covid';

and you wish to have cover, you need to disclose the condition as a Pre-existing Medical Condition and an additional premium may be payable.

Our insurance partner

AA Travel Insurance policies are brought to you by the New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (AA), are issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the  Policy Wording  before making any decisions about this insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. 

Financial Strength Rating

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia), ("Hollard"), has been given a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. View the full details on the  Financial Strength Rating .

An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Financial advice

The New Zealand Automobile Association provides general information about AA Travel Insurance products and services so that you can make a choice that best meets your needs. Information provided does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or goals and is not intended to be financial advice. If you'd like to receive financial advice, you can get professional advice from a registered financial adviser.

More information

Contact us Policy Wording Make a claim Terms and conditions AA Traveller Member Benefits

*AA Members can receive a 10% discount on AA Travel Insurance. Simply provide each traveller’s valid AA Membership number on application. Discount applies to the premium for each AA Member on standard policy and any additional pre-existing medical cover, but doesn’t apply to additional cover for high value items.

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Worldcare Travel Insurance Choose from our range of travel insurance plans.

Selected cover for epidemic and Pandemic diseases (Covid-19)

Cancellation and Travel Disruption Benefits

Medical Benefits

Life Benefits

Personal Liability Benefits

Baggage, Personal Effects and Money Benefits

Worldcare travel insurance benefits.

Worldcare Travel Insurance plans provide specified levels of cover from cancellation to extended benefits like travel disruption, medical, life, baggage, personal effects, money and personal liability. Whether you’re travelling locally or abroad, all Worldcare plans include 24-Hour Emergency Assistance.

Selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases (Covid-19)

Worldcare policies include selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases such as Covid-19. There is a provision to claim for cancellation and medical expenses should you contract an epidemic or pandemic disease such as Covid-19 after purchasing your policy. Cover for medical claims directly related to an epidemic or pandemic such as Covid-19 will only apply if you contract the disease after you commence your journey. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. As with any travel insurance, disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind is not covered.

Cover for Pre-existing Medical Conditions

The GoComprehensive, GoFreedom and GoLocal Comprehensive plans provide automatic cover for a variety of specified Pre-existing Medical Conditions. If your Pre-existing Medical Condition is not automatically covered under these plans, you can apply for cover. If cover is confirmed and you want to proceed with your purchase, an additional premium will apply. Please note that no cover for Pre-existing Medical Conditions is available under the GoBudget and GoLocal Cancellation Only plans.

Selecting your Travel Insurance Plan

Check which Worldcare plan best suits your travel needs . Compare benefit levels, then review the Policy Wording and request a quote online. Your quote will provide excess options and a price for our GoComprehensive, GoBudget and GoLocal Comprehensive plans. Select the excess level and plan that best suits your travel plans and the level of cover that you require for your trip. An excess will apply to each separate event giving rise to a claim unless you pay a higher premium for a No Excess policy.

The GoComprehensive plan provides the highest level of cover whereas the GoBudget plan provides lower benefit levels. If you travel more frequently, the Worldcare GoFreedom plan provides the same benefit levels as our GoComprehensive plan, but has been created for customers that take multiple journeys over the course of a year. The GoComprehensive and GoBudget plans can be purchased online. The GoFreedom plan can only be purchased over the phone with one of the Customer Care team.

Travelling around New Zealand? GoLocal provides cover for domestic travel around our backyard with two plan options. GoLocal Comprehensive provides higher benefits levels and the option to add on a Cruise pack if you’re taking a cruise. Meanwhile, GoLocal Cancellation Only has been designed for those who only want cover for cancellation costs, should you be forced to cancel your trip before you go.

Whichever plan you choose, you will have access to 24-Hour Emergency Assistance while you travel.

Quote and buy online or talk to us over the phone on 0800 553 550. Our experienced team are on standby to answer your queries.

Worldcare Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the Policy Wording before making any decisions about your insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd has a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. The Standard & Poor's rating scale is:

The rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. The rating scale above is in summary form. A full description of this rating scale can be obtained from www.standardandpoors.com . An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Allianz Partners website | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy .

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Compare Our Best Travel Insurance Plans

Are you heading off on a long-awaited break? Before you jet off, it’s important to consider protecting your trip with the right travel insurance for your needs.

You can compare our Cover-More travel insurance plans below to find the one that best fits your holiday, planned activities, and budget.

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We offer travel insurance plans for New Zealand residents looking for comprehensive or basic cover, as well as a Cover-More annual travel insurance plan.

Want to speak to someone? You can call our customer service team on (0800) 500 225 to discuss if our travel insurance plans. Otherwise, all purchased Cover-More travel insurance policies come with our 21-day cooling-off period**.

International travel insurance plans for New Zealand residents

Compare our plans below to find the most suitable plan for your overseas trip:

• International Basic : This plan is designed for travellers heading off overseas who want cover that helps protect against the essentials only. Only Single Trip policies are available on this plan.  
• International Comprehensive : This travel insurance plan provides the benefits travellers want and much more, helping to keep you – and your belongings – safe while you’re overseas. This plan is available on both Single and Annual Multi-Trip policies.  
• International Comprehensive+ : This is our best travel insurance plan for travellers looking for Cover-More’s most comprehensive international cover. It contains all our key benefits and highest coverage amounts for those travelling abroad. Both Single and Annual Multi-Trip policies are available on this plan.

Compare our International Cover-More Travel Insurance Plans

For full details on all the benefits and benefit amounts included in our international travel insurance plans, see the Policy Wording . It includes the terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that you should consider before you purchase.

Are you an overseas resident looking for an inbound travel insurance plan for a trip to New Zealand? Our Inbound Plan may be suitable for you.

Want us to safeguard your overseas trip?

Find out how we can help keep you travelling more safely today.

Domestic travel insurance plans for travel within New Zealand

Compare our plans to discover which one is best for you while you explore your home country:

• Domestic Basic: This plan is our basic travel insurance option for local budget-conscious travellers who only want our Cover-More team to provide cover for the absolute essentials. This base-level cover option is available on Single Trip policies only.    
• Domestic Comprehensive: This quality travel insurance plan provides local travellers with all the essential benefits plus a lot more, which can help provide much-needed assistance should an unexpected incident occur. Travellers can purchase this plan on a Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip policy.    
• Domestic Comprehensive+: This is our most comprehensive travel insurance plan for domestic travellers who want the top level of cover for their trip in New Zealand. This plan can be bought as either a Single Trip policy or an Annual Multi-Trip policy.

For full details on our domestic travel insurance plans – including the terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions – see the Policy Wording before you consider purchasing one of our Cover-More travel insurance policies.

Want us to cover your domestic trip?

Compare our plans to find the best travel insurance policy for you.

* Sub-limits apply. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full policy conditions.    ** Cooling-off period is available if you cancel your policy within 21 days provided you have not made a claim or departed on your journey.    ~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.    ^ Cover chosen applies per policy.    ^^ Conditions apply if you are aware of the pregnancy at the relevant time. For a single trip policy, relevant time means the time of issue of the policy and for an annual multi-trip policy for the first trip it means the time the policy was purchased. For any subsequent trips, the relevant time is the time the first payment was made towards that trip.    † Liability collectively for Loss of Income, Disability and Accidental Death is $45,000 on the Comprehensive+ Plan and $30,000 on the Comprehensive Plan.    • Item limit applies for any one item, set or pair of items including attached and unattached accessories. You may increase these items limits if you wish. See Policy Wording for full details.

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Travel Insurance For New Zealand: A Guide

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Updated: Nov 3, 2023, 2:35pm

Table of Contents

New zealand travel insurance, do i need travel insurance for new zealand, what does travel insurance for new zealand cover, best travel insurance for new zealand, frequently asked questions (faqs).

New Zealand has long been a popular holiday destination for Australians, owing to its proximity across the ditch and its catalogue of tourism hot-spots. In fact, each year (prior to the pandemic), there were about 1.6 million Aussies travelling to New Zealand, whether for the snow or summer scenery, or to simply visit friends or family who live there.

That figure is slowly creeping back up since travel restrictions have eased, and, despite the rising cost of living, this year and next are set to be big years for Australians travelling both near and far.

And while keeping travel budgets down is front of mind for many, there is one thing you should never skimp on when it comes to holidays: travel insurance. It may be tempting to forego travel insurance when heading to a place as peaceful and laid-back as New Zealand, but as our guide outlines, it’s still vital.

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To take out a travel insurance policy for New Zealand, you may be able to select one that covers solely New Zealand specifically, one that covers Oceania, or a worldwide policy (that often excludes the US and Mexico due to healthcare costs).

There are also different types of policies that an individual can choose when travelling to New Zealand, which will depend on the duration of your trip and whether you are visiting more destinations than solely New Zealand.

There include:

• Single trip: for a one-off trip in the space of 12 months
• Annual multi-trip: for more than one trip in the space of 12 months
• Long-stay/backpacker: for an extended stay of 60 or 90 days or 12 or 18 months, and occasionally 24 months, depending on the provider.

Additionally, an annual multi-trip policy can work out more cost-effective than purchasing multiple single trip policies, but not always, so it can help to compare both types of policy.

Remember to check if a policy will only cover trips to New Zealand and Australia or worldwide destinations excluding the US and surrounding countries.

While travel insurance for New Zealand isn’t compulsory, it’s highly recommended. Good travel insurance will cover lost expenses should the policyholder need to cancel their trip due to an emergency, such as illness or bereavement. It will also pay out for damaged, lost or stolen baggage, as well as other items.

The total amount of baggage cover should reflect the value of all the belongings the policyholders are taking with them. There’s also usually a single item limit which dictates how much the policyholder can claim per item.

Another key component of travel insurance is medical-associated cover. According to Services Australia, the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) we have with New Zealand may cover some of your medical costs in the New Zealand public health system. However, certain emergencies may not be covered by this reciprocal agreement, especially if you are taking part in activities which are excluded from your insurance policy.

The New Zealand site also explains that while Australians are eligible for medical treatment in New Zealand, this does not preclude the need for insurance.

“As neither reciprocal agreement provides full coverage, travellers should hold comprehensive travel insurance, including health insurance,” the site notes.

In addition to coverage for medical and lost luggage, most policies for New Zealand cover travel delay and missed departures.

For those planning to take advantage of the country’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, it is worth checking which are covered by a policy. As New Zealand is a popular snow destination, you will need to ensure that your policy covers snow sports if you wish to take part in these activities.

Often a policy covers around a hundred low-risk sports as standard. These include cricket, football and rugby. However, cover for bungee jumping (also popular in New Zealand) scuba diving and kite surfing among other higher risk activities, are likely to require an extra premium payment–just as snow activities would.

In any case, insurers usually only accept claims where the appropriate safety gear was worn, such as a helmet or harness. For activities such as scuba diving, policyholders will likely need to dive with a qualified instructor and follow official guidelines for any associated claims to be accepted.

What Does Travel Insurance Exclude?

Specific limitations and exclusions on cover differ between policies, but there are some common exclusions to bear in mind.

Most insurers will not accept ‘disinclination to travel’ (simply not wanting to travel) as a valid reason for a claim.

As stated previously, claims are often void if you have not followed the appropriate safety guidance and official guidelines for activities you participate in, even if the activities are covered.

Also, any claims arising from intoxication from drink or drugs, or disorderly behaviour, are likely to be rejected.

The best travel insurance for New Zealand will depend on your needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our pick of the leading travel insurance policies for Australians. Note that these are not location specific, so you will have to consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip.

Related: Our Pick Of The Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Providers In Australia

Does Air New Zealand offer travel insurance?

Yes, Air New Zealand offers travel insurance if your travel commences in Australia. There are certain inclusions and exclusions—as with any policy—but Air New Zealand does state that it covers for Covid-19. To read more about its policy, you can go online at the Air New Zealand website and read their terms and conditions.

Do Australian citizens need travel insurance in New Zealand?

Australian citizens are not required to have travel insurance in order to enter New Zealand and travel New Zealand. However, it is encouraged in order to have additional medical protections, and cover for things such as lost property or travel delays.

Will Australian health insurance cover me in New Zealand?

According to Services Australia, the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) we have with New Zealand may cover some of your medical costs in the New Zealand public health system. However, it is still highly encouraged that you purchase travel insurance so that you are protected for major medical events, sporting injuries or repatriation, as well as other benefits of travel insurance such as lost luggage and cancellation cover.

How do I get cover for snow sports in New Zealand?

To ensure you are covered for snow sports in New Zealand, you need to choose a travel insurance provider that includes snow cover within its base policy or as an optional add-on. It is most common for snow sports to be sold as an add-on, as the high-risk activity makes it more expensive than a policy without it would be.

To find policies that offer snow sports, you can read our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers in Australia and then find quotes from each on their respective websites when choosing to include snow cover, if applicable.

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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Which Is The Best Travel Insurance On The Market?

This is not as simply answered as you may think. When it comes to travel insurance, finding the best travel insurance for your trip requires you to think about the type of holiday you are going on and the level of cover you will need. It is about matching your needs to the various insurance policies on the market and weighing up the options.

The easiest way to explain this is:

Different travellers + different trips + different budgets = different travel needs.

1. Determine The Type Of Cover You Need

There are different levels of cover available to suit the needs and budgets of different travellers. Holidaymakers should   look at the cover available and identify what you need and what you don’t need. There is no point paying top dollar for luggage cover, if you're only travelling with a backpack and fresh undies.  The best travel insurance is one that covers you for your particualr trip, whether that's a big international trip or a  domestic  weekend break.  Don't pay for more cover than your trip requires.

Overseas medical cover and personal liability cover are often considered to be the most essential coverage items.  These are standard in most basic travel insurance policies.  More comprehensive policies will include additional cover for things like cancellation cover and luggage and personal belongings.  If you have pre-paid your flights and accommodation a comprehensive policy may be the  best travel insurance  for you.

2. Compare, Compare, Compare

Comparing policies is a great way to find the right travel insurance for your needs. All insurers offer different benefits and pricing, so once you’ve identified what level of cover you need, the next step is start comparing to find yourself a good deal.

Comparison sites such as ours will help you do this. You simply enter your details in the quote box and you’re provided with a comparison of all the features and price in seconds.

3. Cheapest Is Not Always The Best

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is purchasing a policy based on the cheapest price. Selecting the cheapest can sometimes mean missing out on valuable coverage options. The key is to get the right level of cover at the best price.

4. Not All Policies Are Created Equal

When shopping around for travel insurance in New Zealand, you may notice that many different brands are underwritten by one of a few big insurers, such as Allianz Australia Insurance Limited, Certain underwriters at Lloyd's, QBE Insurance Limited and others. Whilst they look similar on first glance, they will almost certainly not be the same. Each insurer negotiates a product policy and chooses what to include or exclude. So think about your trip and planned activities that you need cover for.

5. Get The Best Bang For Your Buck

With so many travel insurers in the market, how do you really know who covers more than the other? The ideal policy is one that provides real value for money. Some insurers definately do cover more than others. Luckily we've done all the hard work for you. If you want to know who offers the best cover for expensive items, or who has the best single item limit - see who really covers more in our handy guide right here.

6. Read The Print - Small Or Not

Whilst it can be extremely boring, the fine print in any policy needs to be read and understood. Understanding the insurance exclusions and loopholes will help you to avoid placing yourself in situations that your insurer will not cover.

Some additional considerations when purchasing a policy are:

• Is the insurer reputable?  Speaking with a few travellers and reading  travel insurance reviews  by customers can often reveal a very different tale to testimonials featured on the insurers’ site.
• Do they offer emergency assistance?  A 24-hour medical assistance hotline will be extremely useful to you if you are having troubles overseas.
• What is the excess?  The amount you pay in the event of a claim varies between insurers and may vary depending on the claim type. For instance, you may not have to pay an excess for medical claims but pay $200 for lost belongings claim. Make sure you’re comfortable with the excess amounts. You can often remove the excess by paying an additional fee around the $25 mark.
• Exclusions -  Even the best policy won't provide cover for everything. You should pay attention to your policy's exclutions before you set off. Typically you're not covered if you put yourself in danger (e.g. some  high risk activities  like skydiving might not be covered); for any items that you leave unattended which are then lost or stolen; or for any medical conditions you had before you left for your trip.

The best travel insurance is out there. All travellers have to do is have a clear understanding of what they need cover for and match this to the right provider.

Compare Comprehensive travel insurance

**Please note, the table above shows the listed insurer's most comprehensive policy - international trips only ** The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any particular personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal objectives, needs and circumstances.  Cover levels could change at any time.

WHAT DOES TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER?

24/7 Medical assistance

Don't fret should you get sick or injured on your trip, because this is exactly why you're buying protection for your holiday. Travel insurance covers your medical expenses for injury or illness including hospital stays, surgery, dental, prescription drugs and doctor visits.

cancellation cover

Sometimes trips just don't go to plan! Cancellation benefits cover the cost of rearranging or cancelling your journey because of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, accidents and extreme weather conditions. Remember, cover starts from the day you buy your policy not when your trip starts :)

Lost or damaged Luggage

It's a real pain in the ar*e when your stuff is lost, stolen or doesn't show up. At least if disasters happens on your holiday your policy will replace or reimbuirse you for your baggage and personal items if they disappear or are damaged.

Travel delays

Bummer, your flights delayed, now what!? If your transport is postponed due to an unforeseen reason, your out-of-pocket accommodation, meals, and transport costs would be covered until you get back-on-track. Note, this benefit probably won't kick in if you only have a short delay which is less than 6 hours. 

family emergency

It's always a worry going on holiday leaving loved ones behind. Never fear, should a close relative, or the person you’re travelling with become seriously ill, injured or heaven-forbid die, your travel expenses would be claimable. Restrictions can apply for relatives age, medical conditions and where they live. 

Personal liability

A lawsuit would certainly put a dampender on your dream holiday. Relax as you're covered in the event that you are found to be legally liable for accidental injury or damage you may have caused to another person or their property whilst on your trip. 

WHAT DOESN'T IT COVER?

Other handy  tips & guides.

What activities are covered?

Are you a self-confessed adrenaline junkie? If you’re planning on doing some risky activities on your trip make sure you know if they’re covered, as not all of them are!

Pre-existing medical conditions

Having pre-existing medical conditions doesn't mean you can't get cover or that it has to be expensive. It simply means that you need to dig a little deeper when doing your research.

Pregnancy travel insurance guide

Not all insurers will cover you automatically if you’re over 22 weeks gestation or have had pregnancy complications. See which companies offer cover for pregnant women.

Our Travel Insurance Comparision Helps You

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CoverDirect NZ Limited (INC 3526051) owns and operates this website.

Our comparison is a free service that makes it easy for users to compare multiple quotes, saving both time and money. Our comparison ranks quotes according to price and is limited to those insurers that have agreed to participate on the site. CoverDirect NZ Limited does not hold a financial services licence. The comparison does not take your personal circumstances into account; as such, all information provided should be considered general and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation. Whilst we take all reasonable care when preparing this information, we do not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the insurance providers and ALL policy details should be verified with the before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the insurance provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase. We do not issue insurance. Users purchase directly from the travel insurance provider.

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Take out travel insurance. Your policy should cover any activities you plan to undertake (from scuba diving to scooter riding), personal liability, medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Even minor medical treatment can be very expensive overseas.

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

If you suffer an injury overseas and return to New Zealand, ACC may be able to help with treatment costs in New Zealand, but only if you intended to be overseas for less than six months. ACC is unable to cover expenses incurred overseas. Visit the ACC website  to learn more.

Consumer NZ travel insurance guide We have worked with Consumer NZ to help create a useful travel insurance guide for New Zealand travellers. 

The guide helps you navigate the sometimes complex world of travel insurance. It provides timely and useful information on policy types, insurance coverage, personal liability and how to make a successful insurance claim if you get into difficulty while travelling. 

To read Consumer NZ’s travel insurance guide, click here .

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Travel delays, cancellations and insurance: What you need to know

Easter is just around the corner and many of us will be looking forward to a nice holiday with a side of chocolate.

But with Auckland Anniversary, Waitangi and New Year's Eve all experiencing weather issues in various parts of the country over the past year, it might be a good idea to know your rights before you travel.

RNZ spoke to Consumer NZ communications and campaigns manager Jessica Walker to find out what your rights are when your travel plans fly out the window.

Domestic flights

If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to an event within the airline's control - for example - staffing and mechanical issues, the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) says you are entitled to refund.

In this instance, Walker said it was worth keeping receipts for any costs you incur (such as food or accommodation) because the CAA stated you were entitled to reimbursement of up to 10 times the cost of the ticket, or the actual cost of delay, whichever was lower.

"You shouldn't be out of pocket because of a cancellation that's within the airlines control," she said.

But that would not mean the airline would foot the bill for you to stay in a 5-star hotel. Walker said the airline was only expected to cover costs which were "reasonable".

Meanwhile, if the delay or cancellation was outside of the airline's control - such as bad weather or a mandatory government shutdown - they do not have to reimburse you at all.

In this case, your rights depend on the terms of your fare.

International flights

What your rights are for international flights depends on where you are, where you are going and where the airline is based.

Walker said many places were covered by the Montreal Convention, but others such as the European Union had their own rules.

If flying internationally, people were best to check what protections would apply to their travel.

Other travel costs

But it is not just missed flights. If you cannot make it to your destination, there are also costs such as accommodation, booked events or tours, rental cars and any other pre-paid costs.

Walker said if the reason you could not get there was due to the fault of the airline, these were costs you could claim back from them.

But in cases not related to a fault of the airline, refunds depended on the terms and conditions set out in the booking.

Walker said in cases such as booking accommodation, it was advisable to read the terms and conditions.

"If you know the terms and conditions before you accept a booking, it puts you in a really strong position, and so at least that way you know any risks that you're taking on, but it also means that you're aware of your rights."

Walker said the provider could not retroactively change those terms and conditions.

Is travel insurance worth it?

While most of your consumer rights are protected by law, travel insurance may cover some expenses not protected - like when a cancellation is not the airline's fault.

Walker said while many scenarios - such as lost luggage - were covered under people's consumer rights, travel insurance could help them get reimbursed in situations like bad weather and provide "peace of mind."

"Especially when you're flying internationally, then travel insurance is absolutely a good idea."

But when flying domestically, she recommended people think about their personal circumstances, and whether they could afford to incur any fees if their flight was suddenly cancelled.

"If you book cheap flights and your travel insurance is going to cost more than the cost of the flights, you might want to weigh up whether it really is in your best interest."

For those travelling domestically, some insurers contents insurance policies also cover any belongings brought on holiday, but that depended on each individual insurer.

Who can help if you have a complaint

In the first instance, contact the airline or agent who the booking was made with.

If the travel disruption was not their fault, claim on insurance.

If the company was unwilling to cooperate, you can get help from the Citizens Advice Bureau and report the company to the Commerce Commission.

If you needed to take it further, your bank might be able to do a chargeback, and for a small fee, you can take your complaint to the Disputes Tribunal.

• Confused about Easter trading rules? Here's the lowdown
• Do cheese and onions belong in a hot cross bun?
• Air New Zealand disputes 'misleading statistics' about airfare increases
• Air New Zealand pleads with travellers to follow on carry-on luggage rules
• Auckland Airport denies queues are getting worse as former PM hits out

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Revolutionizing Travel: New Zealand Visa Online Simplifies Entry for Diverse Nationalities

Wellington, NZ, 26th July 2024, New Zealand Visa Online is excited to unveil its cutting-edge visa service, designed to transform how travelers from around the globe experience entry into the Land of the Long White Cloud. With an emphasis on innovation and convenience, this new service caters to a variety of nationalities, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process for everyone.

Innovative Visa Features

The New Zealand Visa Online service stands out with its user-centric approach. It offers an intuitive application system that guides users step-by-step, making the process as straightforward as possible. One of the standout features is the rapid processing time. Travelers can expect to receive their visa approval within 24 hours, ensuring their plans remain on track without unnecessary delays.

Moreover, the service provides a high level of flexibility. Applicants can easily modify their travel details or personal information if needed, all through a user-friendly online portal. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for those with changing travel plans or schedules.

Benefits for Various Nationalities

New Zealand Visa Online supports a range of nationalities, making it easier for individuals from diverse backgrounds to visit New Zealand. For example, Qatari citizens can now enjoy streamlined access through the New Zealand Visa for Qatari Citizens. Korean travelers benefit from a simplified process with the New Zealand Visa for Korean Citizens. Similarly, Romanian and San Marinese citizens can easily navigate their visa applications through the New Zealand Visa for Romanian Citizens and New Zealand Visa for San Marino Citizens services, respectively. Saudi Arabian travelers also benefit from streamlined entry through the New Zealand Visa for Saudi Arabian Citizens.

Customer Testimonials

Satisfied customers praise the New Zealand Visa Online service for its efficiency and user-friendly interface. Ahmed Al-Farsi, a Qatari citizen, shares, “The application process was incredibly smooth and fast. I received my visa approval in less than 24 hours. It made my trip planning so much easier.”

Similarly, Jihoon Lee, a Korean traveler, notes, “I was impressed by how straightforward the process was. The clear instructions and quick turnaround made my travel preparations hassle-free.”

About New Zealand Visa Online

New Zealand Visa Online is a leading provider of digital visa solutions, dedicated to making international travel more accessible and convenient. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, the company continually updates its services to meet the evolving needs of travelers worldwide. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, New Zealand Visa Online ensures that every applicant’s journey is as seamless as possible.

For more information about the new visa services and to apply, visit New Zealand Visa Online.

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR QATARI CITIZENS

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR KOREAN CITIZENS

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR ROMANIAN CITIZENS

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR SAN MARINO CITIZENS

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR SAUDI ARABIAN CITIZENS

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What we know about the global Microsoft outage

A routine software update caused cascading chaos Friday that has engulfed global businesses from airports and banks to retail and law enforcement.

It wasn’t a cyberattack, but was caused by one of the world’s largest cybersecurity companies deploying a flawed update while trying to keep their customers safe from hackers.

CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company based in Austin, Texas, that’s widely used by businesses and government agencies that run on Microsoft computers, said that a defect in one of its updates for computers running the Windows operating system had caused the issue. The result was arguably the largest global information technology outage in history. 

Here’s what we know:

What has been affected?

The outage appeared to affect almost every major business sector in one way or another.

Airports and flights across the world were severely delayed or canceled altogether, as the computers on which these services rely were disrupted by the issue. Three of the largest airlines in the United States — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — all issued ground stops, citing communications problems.

Long lines snaked through airports from Berlin to Hong Kong, as electronic systems failed and staff members resorted to checking in passengers manually. One flier in the Indian city of Hyderabad posted a picture of a curiosity usually unseen in the modern digital age: a handwritten boarding pass.

Follow live updates on the global tech outage

The issue also affected banks, leaving some customers unable to access their money. People across Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere reported problems logging into their accounts at major retail banks. Meanwhile the London Stock Exchange, the largest of its kind in Europe, said some of its services had been disrupted although trading had not been impeded.

In retail, McDonald’s closed some of its stores in Japan because of what it said in an online statement was a “cash register malfunction.” And the British grocery chain Waitrose was forced to put up handwritten notes informing customers that it was only accepting cash. Some Starbucks locations temporarily closed after the company's mobile ordering system went down, while other locations stayed open and left their baristas scrambling to come up with new workflows.

Baltic Hub, a global shipping terminal in Poland, said in a statement it had been battling issues related to the outage. The Alaska State Troopers agency was among the law enforcement agencies to report issues, warning people that 911 was temporarily not working. And the British broadcaster Sky News, which is owned by NBCUniversal's parent company, Comcast, was briefly knocked off the air.

Some computers that were not on during the software update appear to have avoided the issue, according to initial reports.

What caused it?

Cybersecurity programs like CrowdStrike’s frequently and automatically update themselves to account for new tactics that malicious hackers have discovered. And there’s always a slight risk that any software update will be incompatible with other programs.

CrowdStrike’s update should have been routine, but an error in its code conflicted with Windows and proved catastrophic.

The company’s CEO, George Kurtz , said Friday morning on the "TODAY" show that while some customers would see their computers fixed automatically, others would require manual work to fix.

“The system was sent an update, and that update had a software bug in it and caused an issue with the Microsoft operating system,” Kurtz said. “Our systems are always looking for the latest attacks from these adversaries that are out there.”

How long until things go back to normal?

CrowdStrike identified the problem and issued a fix early Friday after the problem began to emerge. On Friday afternoon, Kurtz released a statement apologizing for the outage, adding that CrowdStrike was “operating normally.”

The fix required affected computers to download another software update, which some have been able to do automatically.

Many companies and services affected by the chaos, such as the New Hampshire Department of Safety, which said its 911 system was briefly down, reported that they were back online by Friday morning. 

Others haven’t been able to load the update, which would potentially require IT workers at some companies to reboot and tinker with every single affected computer.

“Many of the customers are rebooting the system, and it’s coming up, and it’ll be operational because we fixed it on our end,” Kurtz said. “Some of the systems that aren’t recovering, we’re working with them. So it could be some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.”

Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.

Kevin Collier is a reporter covering cybersecurity, privacy and technology policy for NBC News.