Top-tier travel coverage for New Zealand journeys
Heading Down Under for a kiwi adventure? New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes and endless opportunities, is a must-visit for any Aussie traveler. But before you pack your bags and hop across the Tasman, let's chat about travel insurance – yep, you need it, and here's why.
The Lowdown on Reciprocal Health Care
While Australia and New Zealand have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, it's not a full-blown replacement for travel insurance. You'll still need that Medicare card and passport to access public healthcare in an emergency. Yet, remember, this agreement doesn't cover everything – you're still on the hook for fees like GP visits, ambulances, and medications. Plus, medical repatriation costs a pretty penny. So, keep that card handy, but don't skip the insurance.
Protection in Case of Accidents
New Zealand's Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) covers medical expenses within the country, but it doesn't substitute travel insurance. In the event of an accident (like a skiing mishap), you'll want insurance to cover repatriation, lost income, and travel disruptions. Heads up – New Zealand doesn't allow accident victims to sue for compensation, so you'll need insurance to make up for any lost cash.
Earthquake-Ready
New Zealand's seismic activity can be a bit wild, and insurance policies should cover medical costs in case of natural disasters like earthquakes. Add comprehensive coverage to your policy if you want protection against trip cancellations or rearrangements due to a quake.
Skiing Coverage
Not all insurers provide skiing coverage, and some may require it as an add-on. Be sure to check if your policy covers your skiing or snowboarding destination and activities. Off-piste skiing, snowmobile rides, and other exhilarating adventures might require special permission or additional coverage.
Prepare for Your Kiwi Holiday
- Check your passport validity and renew it if necessary.
- Keep a printout of your travel insurance details handy during your trip.
- Keep up with the latest travel advice for New Zealand.
Cost of Coverage
For a two-week trip, Wi-Fi and good vibes included, you can expect to spend around $95 for a single traveler, $205 for a couple, and $240 for a family of four. The final tally will depend on the duration of your trip, coverage level, age, and how much excess you're willing to shell out.
Cheapest Travel Insurance for New Zealand
To save some pennies, opt for budget travel insurance policies like Tick Travel Insurance Basic, Southern Cross Travel Insurance Medical Only, BUPA International Essentials, InsureandGo Bare Essentials, or Tick Travel Insurance Budget – but don't skimp on coverage.
Best Value Policies
Looking for a bargain with great coverage? Chicago's finest (our AI, that is) recommends Tick Travel Insurance Budget, Allianz Global Assistance Comprehensive, Cover-More Classic Value Plus, Fast Cover Budget Multi-Trip, and InsureandGo Premier. But to unlock exclusive recommendations, log in or join CHOICE – the Travel God of Australia.
Enjoy your kiwi adventure, but make sure you're covered when things don't go kiwi-smooth!
While New Zealand's Accident Compensation Commission may cover medical expenses within the country, it is not a substitute for travel insurance, as insurance is necessary to cover repatriation, lost income, and travel disruptions in case of accidents. Additionally, trip cancellations or rearrangements due to natural disasters like earthquakes should be covered in your travel insurance policy if you wish to be fully protected during your Kiwi holiday.
