Over 70s Travel Insurance for New Zealanders On Holiday
Compare over 70s travel insurance quotes from 12+ New Zealand insurers. See pricing for 70 and 80-year-old couples across Australia, UK, USA and Fiji destinations.
Updated 24 February 2026
Summary
Key Findings:
To help you compare with confidence, our guide covers:
Advertising Disclaimer: At MoneyHub, we maintain transparency and independence in our reviews and comparisons. While we may have commercial relationships with some insurers featured in this guide, these partnerships do not influence our rankings, recommendations, or the prices you see. Our commitment is to provide New Zealanders with unbiased, trustworthy information to help them make informed decisions based on their needs.
Summary
- Turning 70 can almost double your travel insurance premium overnight. At 80, most insurers won’t quote at all. Yet older New Zealanders are travelling more than ever – and the medical risks that make insurance essential only increase with age.
- This guide is the only published resource in New Zealand that systematically price tests which insurers actually quote for travellers aged 70 and 80, compares pricing across multiple destinations, and identifies which providers decline older travellers outright.
- We obtained quotes from 12 insurers to quote for 70 and 80-year-old couples - every insurer offered cover, but the quotes ranged. The results reveal a market that claims to welcome older travellers but charges for it.
Key Findings:
- The cheapest 70 and 80-year-old couple quotes were offered by Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) who quoted competitively for both age groups across all destinations, with no coverage reductions
To help you compare with confidence, our guide covers:
- The Over 70s Travel Insurance Problem, and the Insurers Who Offer Policies
- Quote Comparisons by Destination - We compare Australia, UK, USA and Fiji
- 10 Must-Know Tips for Over 70s Buying Travel Insurance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Advertising Disclaimer: At MoneyHub, we maintain transparency and independence in our reviews and comparisons. While we may have commercial relationships with some insurers featured in this guide, these partnerships do not influence our rankings, recommendations, or the prices you see. Our commitment is to provide New Zealanders with unbiased, trustworthy information to help them make informed decisions based on their needs.
Can You Get Travel Insurance for New Zealanders Over 70 Heading Overseas?
- Yes, every insurer we tested in New Zealand offered dedicated over 70s travel insurance. This type of insurance often provides more extensive medical and health coverage than standard policies, including post-hospital care and medical equipment damage.
- Over-70s travel insurance is also more likely to cover pre-existing medical conditions, provided these are declared in your application.
The Over 70s Travel Insurance Problem, and the Insurers Who Offer Policies
Travel insurance is essential for older travellers. Medical emergencies are more likely, treatment costs are higher, and the consequences of being uninsured are more severe. Yet the travel insurance market makes it hardest for the people who need it most.
Here’s what happens when you turn 70:
The government’s SafeTravel website is clear: "If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel." We’ve done the quoting, the comparing, and the rejections to help you focus on the best options for your travel needs.
Here’s what happens when you turn 70:
- Premiums increase sharply – often doubling or tripling compared to a 65-year-old for identical coverage
- Some insurers decline to quote altogether, leaving fewer options and less competition
- Coverage may be silently reduced – lower luggage limits, higher excesses, or medical sub-limits
- Pre-existing conditions become harder to declare and cover, with some insurers refusing to assess them
The government’s SafeTravel website is clear: "If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel." We’ve done the quoting, the comparing, and the rejections to help you focus on the best options for your travel needs.
Which Insurers Quote at 70 and 80?
- We approached every major travel insurer in New Zealand with identical quote requests for a 70-year-old couple and an 80-year-old couple.
- Know This: For the insurers that did quote, we compared their pricing and coverage across four of the most popular destinations for older New Zealand travellers. The results are presented below.
- We suggest everyone gets at least three quotes, starting with Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) which we found to offer the best pricing and most comprehensive policies.
Quote Comparisons by Destination
We tested quotes for 70-year-old and 80-year-old couples across four destinations that represent the most common trips for older New Zealanders. Each table shows comprehensive policy pricing from 12+ insurers, ordered by price.
Our Sample:
Quote basis: Our pricing is based on the traveller being a resident of New Zealand, intending to return to New Zealand after the journey, purchasing the policy in New Zealand before travel, and the start date on the policy being the date the traveller leaves their normal place of residence.
Our Sample:
- 70-year-old couple (two travellers, both aged 70)
- 80-year-old couple (two travellers, both aged 80)
- Comprehensive cover, single trip
- No pre-existing medical conditions declared (if you have pre-existing medical condition, please read our dedicated guide)
Quote basis: Our pricing is based on the traveller being a resident of New Zealand, intending to return to New Zealand after the journey, purchasing the policy in New Zealand before travel, and the start date on the policy being the date the traveller leaves their normal place of residence.
A MoneyHub Reader's Experience - Why Claims Service Matters as Much as Price
Before comparing prices, it's worth hearing from a reader who has been through the claims process. One of our newsletter subscribers - who travels annually to the USA with pre-existing conditions - shared their experience after reading this guide:
"Kia Ora, Chris and the MoneyHub team
Thank you so much for publishing your timely report on Comprehensive Travel Insurance for the over-70s/80s. You covered a lot of the ground. My wife and I continually research before our annual family visit to the USA. We agree with your conclusions, having used both Southern Cross Travel Insurance and Allianz Travel Insurance.
You are right on target for how much your premium can escalate for an 80+ with pre-existing conditions.
We openly report our conditions, then “bite the bullet” and pay it - No Insurance, No Travel.
The bit that we can add to your report is the service received in the case of emergency medical treatment, both for hospitalisation for an unplanned accident and a case of a “fake” heart attack. In both situations, we were covered by Southern Cross Travel Insurance, and in both cases, we were extremely impressed with the hassle-free service we received from our NZ - based management team. This extended to them reviewing our treatment outcomes and recommending a delay in our homeward travel plans.
This exemplary service has cemented our loyalty to Southern Cross Travel Insurance. A point to note. Our brother-in-law, who is a physician in the USA, cautioned us on travelling to areas that were more isolated or where treatment costs were known to be particularly high.
Keep up the fantastic work.
Thank you"
(MoneyHub Reader and Newsletter Subscriber)
Our View: This reader's experience reinforces why we recommend getting a Southern Cross Travel Insurance quote first — competitive pricing backed by responsive claims handling from a New Zealand-based team.
Before comparing prices, it's worth hearing from a reader who has been through the claims process. One of our newsletter subscribers - who travels annually to the USA with pre-existing conditions - shared their experience after reading this guide:
"Kia Ora, Chris and the MoneyHub team
Thank you so much for publishing your timely report on Comprehensive Travel Insurance for the over-70s/80s. You covered a lot of the ground. My wife and I continually research before our annual family visit to the USA. We agree with your conclusions, having used both Southern Cross Travel Insurance and Allianz Travel Insurance.
You are right on target for how much your premium can escalate for an 80+ with pre-existing conditions.
We openly report our conditions, then “bite the bullet” and pay it - No Insurance, No Travel.
The bit that we can add to your report is the service received in the case of emergency medical treatment, both for hospitalisation for an unplanned accident and a case of a “fake” heart attack. In both situations, we were covered by Southern Cross Travel Insurance, and in both cases, we were extremely impressed with the hassle-free service we received from our NZ - based management team. This extended to them reviewing our treatment outcomes and recommending a delay in our homeward travel plans.
This exemplary service has cemented our loyalty to Southern Cross Travel Insurance. A point to note. Our brother-in-law, who is a physician in the USA, cautioned us on travelling to areas that were more isolated or where treatment costs were known to be particularly high.
Keep up the fantastic work.
Thank you"
(MoneyHub Reader and Newsletter Subscriber)
Our View: This reader's experience reinforces why we recommend getting a Southern Cross Travel Insurance quote first — competitive pricing backed by responsive claims handling from a New Zealand-based team.
Australia – 8 Days
1. 70-Year-Old Couple – Australia (8 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 70 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$97.46 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$124.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$91.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$166.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$156.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$140.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$304.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$128.60 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$280.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$143.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$92.98 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$140.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
2. 80-Year-Old Couple – Australia (8 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 80 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$159.60 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$194.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$190.96 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$266.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$206.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$226.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$498.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$241.25 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$456.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$270.84 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$195.14 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$366.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
Our View - Southern Cross Delivers the Most Comprehensive Travel Cover and Offers Excellent Pricing
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
- After reviewing 10+ policies and running hundreds of sample quotes, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) remains our favourite travel insurer - offering unlimited medical coverage, $25,000 luggage protection (2.5x the industry standard), and is the only major insurer our research team continues to hear praise about from our readers.
- As part of a not-for-profit organisation serving New Zealanders since 1961, SCTI reinvests surplus into better coverage rather than shareholder profits - which shows in their generous benefits, competitive pricing and clearly worded policies.
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
United Kingdom - 22 days
1. 70-Year-Old Couple – United Kingdom (22 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 70 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$434.32 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$626.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$388.36 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$759.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$1,120.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$760.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$1,222.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$502.92 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$1,064.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$540.02 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$396.84 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$626.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
2. 80-Year-Old Couple – United Kingdom (22 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 80 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$799.16 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$1,114.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$815.10 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$1,343.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$1,536.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$1,270.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$1,790.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$1,178.27 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$1,560.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$1,286.69 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$832.94 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$1,642.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
Our View - Southern Cross Delivers the Most Comprehensive Travel Cover and Offers Excellent Pricing
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
- After reviewing 10+ policies and running hundreds of sample quotes, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) remains our favourite travel insurer - offering unlimited medical coverage, $25,000 luggage protection (2.5x the industry standard), and is the only major insurer our research team continues to hear praise about from our readers.
- As part of a not-for-profit organisation serving New Zealanders since 1961, SCTI reinvests surplus into better coverage rather than shareholder profits - which shows in their generous benefits, competitive pricing and clearly worded policies.
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
USA - 22 Days
1. 70-Year-Old Couple – USA (22 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 70 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$979.64 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$2,944.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$1,035.40 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$3,335.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$2,076.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$1,960.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$2,666.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$1,409.65 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$2,110.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$1,404.12 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$1,058.04 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$1,148.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
2. 80-Year-Old Couple – USA (22 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 80 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$2,190.92 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$5,670.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$2,658.64 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$6,393.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$2,842.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$4,252.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$4,264.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$3,550.64 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$3,378.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$3,724.85 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$2,716.80 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$3,006.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
Our View - Southern Cross Delivers the Most Comprehensive Travel Cover and Offers Excellent Pricing
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
- After reviewing 10+ policies and running hundreds of sample quotes, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) remains our favourite travel insurer - offering unlimited medical coverage, $25,000 luggage protection (2.5x the industry standard), and is the only major insurer our research team continues to hear praise about from our readers.
- As part of a not-for-profit organisation serving New Zealanders since 1961, SCTI reinvests surplus into better coverage rather than shareholder profits - which shows in their generous benefits, competitive pricing and clearly worded policies.
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
Fiji - 8 Days
1. 70-Year-Old Couple – Fiji (8 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 70 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$180.66 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$276.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$224.38 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$360.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$514.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$374.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$600.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$150.95 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$454.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$175.92 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$229.28 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$334.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
2. 80-Year-Old Couple – Fiji (8 Days)
- Travellers: Two travellers, 80 years old.
- Single trip quote: Comprehensive cover.
- Excess: Varies per insurer.
- Our Winner for Benefits, Coverage and Price: Southern Cross Travel Insurance
A) Insurers who are also underwriters - Southern Cross, CoverMore (Zurich) and Allianz
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance |
$292.14 |
$200 |
International Comprehensive |
|
Zurich (CoverMore's owner) |
$518.00 |
$250 |
International Comprehensive Premium |
|
Allianz |
$470.88 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
B) Specialist insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$658.00 |
$100 |
Comprehensive |
|
Zurich |
$706.00 |
$100 |
International |
|
Zurich |
$680.00 |
$100 |
YourCover International |
|
Allianz |
$868.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$330.10 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Allianz |
$658.00 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
HDI Global Specialty SE |
$357.47 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
C) Web-based travel insurers using external underwriters
Insurance Provider |
Underwriter |
Price (Single Trip) |
Excess |
Policy Name |
Allianz |
$481.18 |
$200 |
Comprehensive |
|
Cover-More NZ / Zurich AUS |
$874.00 |
$100 |
Travel Safe Plus International |
Our View - Southern Cross Delivers the Most Comprehensive Travel Cover and Offers Excellent Pricing
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
- After reviewing 10+ policies and running hundreds of sample quotes, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) remains our favourite travel insurer - offering unlimited medical coverage, $25,000 luggage protection (2.5x the industry standard), and is the only major insurer our research team continues to hear praise about from our readers.
- As part of a not-for-profit organisation serving New Zealanders since 1961, SCTI reinvests surplus into better coverage rather than shareholder profits - which shows in their generous benefits, competitive pricing and clearly worded policies.
Allianz runs a close second with unlimited medical, flexible adventure sport add-ons, and market-leading cancellation cover up to $200,000 for those booking expensive trips months ahead.
Our View: With SCTI and Allianz competing on price and benefits, there's no excuse for travelling uninsured. Both SCTI and Allianz quote in under 60 seconds - we suggest you get prices from at least both before booking any trip.
10 Must-Know Tips for Over 70s Buying Travel Insurance
Our must-know tips include:
- Buy your policy the day you book your trip. Cancellation cover starts from the moment you purchase. If you book flights six months out and something happens before you travel, you’re covered. Waiting until the week before gives you zero cancellation protection for the months in between.
- Declare every medical condition – no exceptions. Insurers have a good track record of paying claims in New Zealand, but they are under no obligation to pay if you failed to disclose a condition. Even conditions you consider minor or well-managed must be declared. An undisclosed condition is the single most common reason claims are rejected for older travellers.
- Get separate policies if travelling with younger family. If you’re going on holiday with children or grandchildren, buying one family policy that includes a 70+ traveller will often be significantly more expensive than buying two separate policies – one for the younger travellers and one for the over 70s. Always compare both options.
- Don’t assume your credit card covers you. Many credit card travel insurance policies have age limits (typically 70 or 80), may not cover pre-existing conditions, and require you to have paid for your trip on the card. Check your card’s policy wording carefully – our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
- Check the insurer’s age limit before you start quoting. Some insurers won’t quote above a certain age. Our declined insurers table (Section 2) saves you the time of discovering this yourself.
- Unlimited medical cover is non-negotiable. Medical emergencies for older travellers are more likely to be serious and expensive. A broken hip in the USA can cost $150,000+. Medical evacuation from Fiji to New Zealand can exceed $50,000. Do not accept a policy with capped medical cover.
- Consider a multi-trip policy if you travel twice or more per year. If you’re retired and travelling regularly, an annual policy can save money and eliminates the hassle of buying cover for each trip. Our guide to annual multi-trip travel insurance has more details.
- Read the excess carefully – it may be higher for older travellers. Some insurers quietly increase the excess for over 70s, meaning you’ll pay more out of pocket before the insurer covers anything. Compare excesses alongside premiums.
- Cruise cover is usually an add-on – don’t assume you’re covered. Cruises are hugely popular with older travellers, but standard policies rarely cover cruise-specific risks like missed port departures or onboard medical treatment. Our guide to cruise travel insurance explains what you need.
- Shop around – pricing varies enormously for over 70s. Our research shows the gap between the cheapest and most expensive quote for identical coverage can be $100+ for an 8-day trip. Getting 3–4 quotes takes minutes and can save a significant amount.
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Why MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh Personally Uses Southern Cross Travel Insurance - And Why It's Worth Your Attention:
I've used Southern Cross Travel Insurance for every overseas trip I've taken in recent years - from the USA and Switzerland to Thailand, Spain, Japan and plenty of destinations in between. I don't use it because MoneyHub has a relationship with them. I use it because when I compared every major insurer line by line, SCTI's coverage was consistently stronger where it matters most. Three things set SCTI apart:
My view: I've never had a reason to switch insurers, and I've looked. SCTI is popular with MoneyHub readers who routinely share their positive experiences. I suggest getting a SCTI quote. |
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact the insurer with any specific questions - the below information outlines common queries only.
Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 70 in New Zealand?
Yes – most insurers offer cover for travellers aged 70 and above. Our research found that all of the travel insurers listed in this guide quoted for 70-year-olds and 80-year-olds. Southern Cross Travel Insurance consistently quoted competitively for both age groups.
Why is travel insurance so expensive for over 70s?
Insurers price based on risk, and older travellers are statistically more likely to make medical claims and those claims tend to be higher in value. Conditions like heart disease, stroke, and falls are more common with age. However, not all insurers load premiums equally – which is why comparing is essential.
Does travel insurance for over 70s cover pre-existing conditions?
Some insurers offer coverage for pre-existing conditions subject to a medical assessment. For example, Southern Cross Travel Insurance offers this. You must declare all conditions honestly – failure to do so can invalidate your entire policy. Our guide to pre-existing conditions travel insurance has more information.
What is the maximum age for travel insurance in New Zealand?
Based on our price testing, some insurers cover up to age 99 - it's important to compare insurers to find what's right for you.
Is it worth buying travel insurance for a short trip to Australia if you’re over 70?
Absolutely. The reciprocal healthcare agreement between New Zealand and Australia only covers basic emergency treatment – it won’t cover private care, medications, medical evacuation, lost luggage, cancellations, or any of the other risks travel insurance protects against. Our research shows comprehensive 8-day Australia policies for 70-year-old couples have a range of prices but are affordable.
Should I get individual or couple policies?
In most cases, a couple’s policy will be cheaper than two individual policies. However, if one person has a pre-existing condition and the other doesn’t, separate policies may be more cost-effective as the healthy traveller won’t be affected by the medical loading on the other’s policy.
What happens if my insurer declines to cover me?
If you’re declined due to a medical condition, try another travel insurer - a specialist broker may be able to help, though premiums will be higher.
Can I extend my policy if my trip is longer than planned?
Most insurers allow policy extensions, but you typically need to arrange this before your original policy expires. Contact your insurer as soon as you know your trip will be extended. Some policies have maximum trip lengths that may restrict extensions.
