Compare Travel Insurance - November 2025 - Expert Analysis & Top Insurers & Policies

Uncover the best deals with our comprehensive analysis of over 500+ sample quotes from 10+ leading travel insurance providers. Our guide helps you understand the importance of travel insurance and what a good policy should cover.

Updated 11 November 2025

Summary

Travel insurance is an insurance policy that is intended to cover medical expenses, lost luggage, flight accident and other losses incurred while travelling. Many travel insurance companies offer a range of policies, but our research confirms that price doesn't automatically mean better cover.
We suggest you consider buying a policy when you book your tickets so you don't forget (and be sure that the policy includes cancellation cover, which will help if something happens before you fly).
Many New Zealanders are confused about credit card travel insurance. While it's free as part of your annual card fee, many policies have exclusions and caps on travel days. If you're going to use it, make sure you read the policy from start to finish to avoid any nasty surprises.

In preparing this guide, we have obtained hundreds of quotes from 10+ travel insurers. We continue to work on related resources and will publish these in due course.

Important - We have dedicated guides based on the destination to help you focus specifically on your journey. We cover:

Australia and the Pacific

Asia

Bali
China
India
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
Thailand
Vietnam

Americas & Africa

Canada
Peru
South Africa
USA

Europe

France
Greece
Italy
UK

Our guide covers:
1. Travel Insurance Must-Know Facts
2. Understanding the Meaning of the Terms in a Travel Insurance Policy
3. Travel Insurance Comparison by Destination and Age Group

4. Best Travel Insurance Policies - Single Trip and Multi-Trip
5. Credit Card Travel Insurance vs Buying a Standalone Policy
6. Making a Claim on Your Travel Insurance Policy
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Know this first:

We have published this guide to explain the ins and outs of travel insurance. We explain how travel insurance works, what you need to consider when buying a policy and what to watch out for.
We have shortlisted the best travel insurance policies for travel in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, Europe and North America for different age groups.
While we have taken the utmost care in putting together this guide, you use it at your own risk, and we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented. We recommend confirming policy terms and conditions directly with any travel insurance company before purchase, and make sure you understand your policy and are aware of all exclusions.
MoneyHub may receive a commission from insurers listed below, but this doesn't influence our analysis. Our focus is on policy coverage and price.

What information do I need to get travel insurance quotes?

You can speed up the process and focus on what matters by making a note of:

Your travel dates (include the day you arrive back into New Zealand when you price policies)
The ages of anyone travelling with you, and any pre-existing medical conditions they may have
A list of valuables you plan to bring, such as cameras, laptops and other high-value items. Some policies may require additional cover fees for them to be included.
The amount you are prepared to pay for a claim - this is called the "excess". The higher the excess, the cheaper the policy. But if you don't want to pay, for example, a $250 excess for a claim worth $400, consider paying a little more upfront to lower the excess to perhaps a more manageable $100.

Do travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 illness-related costs?

This depends on the insurance policy you select, sometimes they specifically call out Covid-19 coverage but some don't. If this is a concern for you please read the policy wording carefully or get in touch with the provider to address your queries.

Our Best Travel Insurers and Why Southern Cross Travel Insurance Stands Out

MoneyHub is focused on making travel insurance simple - we read the policies, analyse the drawbacks, compare quotes and do the hard work to bring you a shortlist of genuinely comprehensive options. After reviewing hundreds of pages of policy documents from over ten insurers, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) consistently delivers the most robust coverage for New Zealand travellers.

What Our Analysis Found:

$25,000 luggage coverage (vs $10,000 from most competitors) - that's 2.5x more protection for your valuables
Unlimited cancellation option available - the only major insurer offering this level of flexibility - $2,500 to unlimited for each person, with the option to pay a premium for unlimited coverage
Plain English policy with WriteMark certification - you actually understand what you're buying
Higher individual item limits - $3,000 per item per person for electronics (up to a maximum of $10,000 for all unspecified mobile phone, laptops, personal computers, tablets and cameras, including related accessories with depreciation applying)
Automatic pregnancy coverage up to 24 weeks excluding common pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy complications experienced in the 3 years prior to buying the policy

The Reality Check: While Allianz offers excellent adventure add-ons and multi-trip options that suit some travellers perfectly, SCTI's base coverage is significantly more generous. You're getting meaningful protection and are fully covered in the event of a disaster.

Personal Disclosure: Christopher Walsh, MoneyHub Head of Research and Founder, uses SCTI for his travel insurance and will continue to do so given the pricing and coverage for travels to UK, USA, Pacific Islands, Europe and Asia. The slightly higher premium (often just $10-20 more from other insurers) buys you thousands of dollars in additional coverage limits.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Travel Insurance: Many insurers compete on price by cutting coverage. That $30 "bargain" policy might leave you $15,000 short on stolen luggage or unable to cancel a $20,000 trip. SCTI doesn't play that game - they focus on comprehensive coverage first, competitive pricing second.

Get Your SCTI Quote - See the Difference for Yourself:

Takes 1-2 minutes online
Clear pricing with no hidden exclusions
14-day cooling-off period if you change your mind

Important: This isn't about choosing the cheapest option - it's about choosing insurance that actually works when you need it. The few extra dollars you spend on proper coverage could save you thousands in the event of an unexpected issue.

Why Southern Cross is Different: Southern Cross Travel Insurance is a subsidiary of Southern Cross Health Society – a member-driven Friendly Society that’s been helping its members access private healthcare since 1961. The Travel Insurance business returns its profit to Health Society, which it utilises to keep premium increases down for its members.

Important: Why Southern Cross Travel Insurance is Our Top Pick for Every Destination
Our dedicated guides to each country have further insights - we summarise what you need to know below:

Australia & Pacific Islands: Medical emergencies in Australia aren't fully covered by reciprocal agreements, leaving you with gaps. In Fiji or Rarotonga, medical evacuations can cost $50,000+. SCTI's unlimited medical coverage and superior luggage limits ($25,000 vs competitors' $10,000) make them essential for Pacific travel.
Asia (Bali, Thailand, Japan, etc.): Motorbike accidents and theft are real risks in Southeast Asia. SCTI covers mopeds up to 200cc with their add-on, while their $3,000 electronics limit (vs $1,000 elsewhere) properly covers your camera and laptop. For Japan's expensive medical system, unlimited coverage is crucial.
USA & Canada: American medical costs are astronomical - a broken leg can cost $100,000+. While others cap at $20 million, SCTI offers unlimited medical coverage for non-terrorism events. Their cancellation coverage, up to unlimited, is vital when US trips often cost $ 10,000 or more per family.
Europe & UK: Lost luggage in Europe is a common occurrence for claims. SCTI's $25,000 coverage means you're actually protected, not just partially covered. Their clear, plain English policy also helps when dealing with claims from overseas.

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1. Travel Insurance Must-Know Facts

Travel insurance for New Zealanders can be expensive, but saving money on your next policy is easy with our complete guide. With one in three Kiwis flying out of New Zealand without thinking they need travel insurance per 2024 research, taking a risk could be costly. If you have booked a trip but not bought travel insurance, we strongly suggest considering it. Policies are not as expensive as you may think and the peace of mind that comes from having comprehensive protection is worth the expense.

Our View: We don’t believe Travel Insurance is about picking the lowest price nor going with a well-known brand without properly comparing. Our list of facts below is published to help you make a fully-informed decision and get the most suitable cover without overpaying.

Travel Insurance is about covering the unpredictable

Many Kiwis take a risk and say “why would I get travel insurance, I probably won’t use it”. It’s the “probably” which is the issue. Any trip overseas exposes you to unpredictable events; no one can predict the future and “safe” destinations expose you to unforeseen risks. In summary, travel insurance is about protecting yourself from the things you don’t plan for and don’t want to pay for.

Buy travel insurance as soon as you've booked your trip to take advantage of cancellation coverage for a family event or pre-trip illness

Many travel insurance policies include pre-trip illness and cancellation benefits, so buying it at the same time as a flight/holiday gives you added protection for free. It’s never too early to insure your trip and get refunded if you are too ill to travel.

Don't assume all policies are the same

The coverage and terms of travel insurance are not always clear, and New Zealand insurers offer different inclusions and exclusions. There are many questions to ask yourself to make it easier, including:

Am I checking in bags, or travelling only with hand luggage?
Am I taking expensive electronics (camera, laptop, phone etc)?
Am I partaking in adventurous sports, including skiing?
Am I taking a lot of cash?

Answering these questions will help you pick the right policy.

If I am holidaying in New Zealand, do I need travel insurance?

Most policies will cover domestic New Zealand travel, but the benefits are not as useful compared to when you are overseas. As you can use ambulances, airlifts and hospitals for free as a New Zealand resident, the only significant benefits are theft/loss protection, rental car excess charges and cancellation. If you want peace of mind and protection for valuables, buying travel insurance for a New Zealand trip is a popular option.

MoneyHub user Zac writes:
"One of the main benefits of domestic travel insurance is rental car excess. For example - as an NZ resident, you rent a car for a weekend. Most car insurers will charge a rental vehicle excess fee, usually around $20 a day, to bring the excess down from $2,000 to $0 should you have an accident. Often, domestic travel insurance covers car rental excesses and is cheaper (around $10/day) and more comprehensive than what is sold by the car rental company. The only drawback is that if you have an accident, you'll need to pay the car insurance excess directly and claim on your insurance policy later".

Check with your credit card provider to see if you are already covered

Many Platinum and Gold-branded credit cards include “free” travel insurance as part of their annual fee, and you will often have to pay for some or most of your trip with the credit card that offers that benefit. If you have one of these cards, check out exactly what it covers and who exactly is protected, as well as how to activate the insurance cover. You can find the policy online or contact your card issuer.

If you are 65+ or there is a 65+-year-old travelling with you, separate policies may often be cheaper

Some insurers consider older travellers as high risk, and charge a lot more for a policy given the medical costs they can often incur. If you are buying for a group, the price of the policy might be higher if you have one or more older travellers on the policy. It is often cheaper to get separate policies, i.e. one for the family and one for the grandparents, rather than combining everyone together in one policy, but this is not universally applied so play around with separating or joining the groups together when obtaining quotes.

Get quotes for individual policies and family policies, as one policy is often cheaper than two

It's likely that covering your partner and/or family will be cheaper with one policy than buying individual cover for each person, but not always. In some situations, separate policies may be cheaper. This is usually the case when an individual:

is 65+
Has a medical condition
Has a history of making travel insurance claims

Be completely honest when buying a policy and ALWAYS declare ALL medical conditions!

Travel insurers in New Zealand have a good reputation for paying claims, but they are under no obligation to pay you if you lied when you applied. To best protect you from a big problem later on, give your insurer a full description of all of your health problems; it is also important to inform them if you are pregnant as this can affect the cover offered.

One drink can prevent a claim from being paid

The terms and conditions of a travel insurance policy make the rules around alcohol clear - if you are "under the influence" during an incident, your claim will be invalid. This means that if you go out clubbing in Bali and lose your bag while intoxicated, your policy won't cover you.

It’s important to have common sense when it comes to alcohol and travel. If you are going to go wine tasting, don’t drive your rental car until you are sober. If you have half a bottle of wine at lunch and then go skiing, you may invalidate your policy. Temptation is all around, but travel insurers won't cover when you've breached the terms of the policy.

Check our list of activities that travel insurance generally doesn’t cover, UNLESS you specifically request to add it on

If you plan to go beyond the beaten path and hire a scooter, go off-piste skiing or do anything else considered adventurous, check your policy covers it. Often it won't, which means you are uninsured if anything goes wrong.

A MoneyHub user (who wishes to remain anonymous) shares a story:
"My friend was talked into going off-piste skiing by her friends during a week in Switzerland, despite knowing she wasn’t insured for that. She had an accident, broke her leg and had to pay very expensive bills. Had she been 50 metres away on the trail, she would have been fully covered by her travel insurance”.

Avoid just taking out "medical only" travel insurance - the price difference is rarely worth it

Some insurers are offering "medical only" policies, but for a fractional increase you can get a fully comprehensive policy which includes everything from delays to cancellations and theft. The price difference may work out to be $10 or $20, but it will be worth it if or when something happens.

Read the reviews of your insurer before you purchase

Facebook pages are a good place to see how responsive the company is. Are there are a lot of complaints about delays in paying claims, or not paying claims at all? Have a read through before buying any policy to make sure you are happy with the service.

Travel insurance comparison sites don't often include more than 3-4 insurers which makes incomplete

New Zealand websites such as “comparetravelinsurance.co.nz” don’t compare every travel insurance company, but instead sell on behalf of a handful.

Our process is different and with sample pricing we aim to be as complete as possible. We also encourage everyone reading this guide to source multiple quotes to get the best price and cover.

Off on a cruise? Cruises need extra cover, so make sure you get it

Kiwis love cruises, but standard travel insurance cover often won’t protect you from cruise-specific events, such as missing your departure or being sick due to an onboard virus.

Heading off to live overseas? You'll need a specialist travel insurance policy

Long-term cover usually means travel insurance policies that last around 12 months, with the option to extend. What you will pay varies greatly, even if the cover is similar. Shopping around and comparing the market online is the best way to save the most and get the best cover.

2. Understanding the Meaning of the Terms in a Travel Insurance Policy

Travel insurance policies are made up of terms, conditions and fine print. We've explained the key terms and inclusions to help you understand what's important in a typical insurance policy.

Excess
Excess on a travel insurance policy, also known as a deductible, is the amount that you are required to pay out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest of the claim. The excess you select has a direct effect on the price of the policy you're purchasing:

Higher Excess: If you opt for a higher excess, the insurance company’s potential payout in case of a claim is reduced, which usually results in a lower premium for the policy. It's a way to share risk between the insurer and the insured.
Lower Excess: Conversely, a lower excess means the insurance company would potentially pay out more for a claim, so the premium is typically higher. This offers you less out-of-pocket expenses when you claim, in exchange for paying more upfront for the policy.

Cover preference: Choose an excess in the lower end if the price of the policy doesn't increase too much.

Medical and Dental Expenses

What it means: This coverage provides unlimited financial protection for hospital, medical, surgical, nursing, ambulance, and emergency dental expenses incurred overseas due to sickness or injury. This is arguably the most important benefit of travel insurance, and if disaster strikes and you get sick or injured, you'll be fully looked after until you recover. All significant claims on travel insurance policies concern medical expenses.
Cover preference: The best policies will have unlimited medical coverage.

Additional Expenses

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for additional accommodation and transportation expenses resulting from unexpected events such as sickness, natural disasters, severe weather, loss of travel documents and strikes. It's useful when you incur out-of-pocket expenses due to things not going to plan.
Cover preference: The best policies will have unlimited additional expense coverage; the reality is that, in practice, you'll be able to claim for any costs that cause your trip to be disrupted in a significant way.

Cancellation or Amendment Costs

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for rearranging or cancelling your trip due to unforeseen circumstances outside your control, such as illness, accidents, or extreme weather conditions.
Cover preference: The best policies will have generous amendment/cancellation costs.

Luggage and Travel Documents

What it means: This coverage protects lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items. There are limits to the coverage amount for certain items, such as cameras, laptops, and other items, and a maximum amount payable per item.
Cover preference: The best policies will cover $3,000 or more per item rather than a $500 or $750 cap per item, which can leave some people out of pocket when the value exceeds the lower limits.

Delayed Luggage Allowance

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for essential emergency items of clothing and toiletries purchased when a transport provider delays your luggage for more than 6-24 hours (depending on the policy).
Cover preference: A good insurance policy will reimburse you around $200 for a 12 hour delay in recovering your luggage.

Money

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for money accidentally lost or stolen from your person.
Cover preference: A decent amount; around $250 to $500 is reasonable. Post-COVID-19, fewer people are carrying cash as cards are widely accepted. However, anyone carrying perhaps 200 euros in cash and having their wallet stolen will benefit from cover that's $300+, and these claims are not uncommon.

Rental Car Insurance Excess

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for the excess payment you become liable to pay due to damage to, or theft of, a rental car. Many rental car companies encourage you to 'buy out the excess' at a surcharge per day, which means you'll pay nothing if your rental car is damaged. However, the costs of buying out an excess can be $30 or even $50+ per day on top of the rental costs. For this reason, a travel insurance policy that takes care of the excess is favourable to avoid the upfront 'buyout' costs. However, you'd need to charge the repairs/excess fee to your card and claim from the insurer. Our guide to rental cars has more details.
Cover preference: At least $6,000. Most car rental excesses will be at least 2,500 Euros, US$ 3,000 or £2,500 when you're overseas. If something bad happens to your car, you need cover to ensure there's no shortfall between the excess you've paid to the car rental company and what you get back from the insurer.

Travel Delay

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for additional accommodation expenses if your scheduled transport is delayed for more than 6 hours. This usually benefits people who find their flights delayed or cancelled and need to book a hotel and pay for meals.
Cover preference: Per event, e.g. delay, an amount of $1,000 is reasonable, given delays don't last that long.

Resumption of Journey

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for the cost of returning overseas if you have to return to New Zealand early due to the ill health of a relative or partner in New Zealand.
Cover preference: The costs of resuming travel can be high -the best cover will be at least $50,000.

Missed Connection

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for the cost of alternate public transport services to catch up on your planned itinerary if you miss a connection due to unforeseen circumstances outside your control.
Cover preference: A good policy should cover you for up to $15,000 in the event of a missed connection.

Special Events

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for costs due to unforeseeable circumstances outside your control that result in you being unable to arrive in time to attend a special event, such as a wedding, funeral, conference, concert, music festival, or sporting event.
Cover preference: A good policy should cover you for around $5,000 in the event of a being unable to attend a special event.

Loss of Income Coverage

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection if you cannot return to your work in New Zealand due to an injury sustained during your journey.
Cover preference: A benefit of $4,500, up to $500 per month, is reasonable, as it provides adequate protection for potential loss of income while you recover.

Disability Coverage

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for an injury that causes permanent total loss of sight in one or both eyes or the permanent loss of use of one or more limbs within 12 months of the date of the accident.
Cover preference: Travel insurers seldom offer generous disability coverage, as the policies are not designed to offer income protection or permanent disability. For this reason, a cash payout of $5,000 or $10,000 is reasonable.

Accidental Death Coverage

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection to your estate if you die within 12 months from an injury that occurred during your trip.
Cover preference: Travel insurance is not designed to act as a life insurance policy, so the benefits paid for accidental death are usually $20,000 to $50,000.

Legal Expenses Coverage

What it means: This coverage provides financial protection for your reasonable legal expenses if you are falsely arrested or wrongfully detained by any government or foreign power. However, it won't cover legal expenses if you commit a crime (such as driving over an alcohol limit) or anything else.
Cover preference: A coverage limit that is adequate to cover reasonable legal expenses is reasonable.

Personal Liability Coverage

What it means: This coverage provides personal liability cover if your negligent act or omission during the journey causes bodily injury or damage to the property of other persons, and you are legally liable to pay compensation.
Cover preference: Travel insurers are often generous with their benefits, knowing it's rarely claimed. A limit of $2,500,000 is reasonable should, in rare cases, you need to claim.

Compare Cheap Holiday and Travel Insurance NZ

3. Travel Insurance Comparison by Age Group and Destination

What we looked for:

Comprehensive cover for more than just medical - we analysed in detail, beyond the cheap policies offering nothing but accident cover. We looked for policies labelled as "comprehensive", offering reasonable levels of medical cover, and decent reimbursements for travel delays and lost or stolen personal items.
Low excess - Excesses vary, but most insurers have policies with $100 excesses so this is the benchmark we used except when not offered (TINZ and Mixandmatch).
Zero excess on essentials - some policies don't charge an excess on certain events - delays and hospital cash being some examples, which means you can claim without being out of pocket for the excess.
Value for money - We ordered our results by price, from lowest to highest and indicated if the insurer offers additional discounts for existing policyholders (the price quoted does not include the possible discount).

Our Sample

To obtain our quote data, we used a number of different ages as specified below, travelling to various popular destinations
We evaluated comprehensive policies offered by 10+ insurance companies, for both single trips and annual policies (also called multi-trip or frequent traveller policies)
In most cases, travel insurance quotes rarely move "within the range", so if you and your children are of a different age to what we used, the quotes will still be similar to what we have given below, the age of school-aged children is not a significant factor for policy prices and are often covered until the age of 18 (but check the insurer's policy).

Our sample travellers:

Individual: one 25-year-old
35 year old couple: two 35-year-olds
Family: two 40-year-olds and two children aged 8 and 10
65 year old couple: two 65 year olds

Our sample destinations:

Australia and the Pacific

Australia: 8 days
Fiji: 15 days
Rarotonga: 15 days

Asia

Bali: 15 days
China: 15 days
India: 15 days
Japan: 15 days
Malaysia: 15 days
Singapore: 15 days

South Korea: 15 days
Thailand: 15 days
Vietnam: 15 days

Americas & Africa

Canada: 15 days
Peru: 15 days
South Africa: 15 days
USA: 15 days

Europe

France: 15 days
Greece: 15 days
Italy: 15 days
UK: 15 days

Underwriters:

Most travel insurance sold in New Zealand by brands such as State, AA, 1Cover and Air New Zealand is underwritten by major insurers. This means the policy has strength, and you are not relying on the solvency and financial strength of your provider to pay out any claim.
For example, in every policy, you'll see statements that say the policy is underwritten by Allianz, Cover-More, Chubb, Southern Cross and Tower, and we have noted the underwriter with every insurance provider in our country-specific guides.
You also have the option to purchase policies directly from Allianz and Southern Cross, allowing you to deal directly with the underwriter throughout the entire process. This approach is popular among many New Zealanders, and as shown in the sample pricing and coverage benefits below, Allianz and Southern Cross offer a compelling value proposition.
Please note, we have excluded AON, Chubb, American Express (underwritten by Chubb Insurance), and nib and Worldnomads (underwritten by Pacific International) due to their higher premiums and similar coverage compared to the core insurers listed below. However, AMEX Gold Rewards, Airpoints Platinum and AMEX Business Gold card holders receive comprehensive travel insurance covering overseas travel when the minimum purchase requirements are met.

$25,000 luggage coverage (vs $10,000 from most competitors) - that's 2.5x more protection for your valuables
Unlimited cancellation option available - the only major insurer offering this level of flexibility - $2,500 to unlimited for each person, with the option to pay a premium for unlimited coverage
Plain English policy with WriteMark certification - you actually understand what you're buying
Higher individual item limits - $3,000 per item per person for electronics (up to a maximum of $10,000 for all unspecified mobile phone, laptops, personal computers, tablets and cameras, including related accessories with depreciation applying)
Automatic pregnancy coverage up to 24 weeks excluding common pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy complications experienced in the 3 years prior to buying the policy

Takes 1-2 minutes online
Clear pricing with no hidden exclusions
14-day cooling-off period if you change your mind

Australia & Pacific Islands: Medical emergencies in Australia aren't fully covered by reciprocal agreements, leaving you with gaps. In Fiji or Rarotonga, medical evacuations can cost $50,000+. SCTI's unlimited medical coverage and superior luggage limits ($25,000 vs competitors' $10,000) make them essential for Pacific travel.
Asia (Bali, Thailand, Japan, etc.): Motorbike accidents and theft are real risks in Southeast Asia. SCTI covers mopeds up to 200cc with their add-on, while their $3,000 electronics limit (vs $1,000 elsewhere) properly covers your camera and laptop. For Japan's expensive medical system, unlimited coverage is crucial.
USA & Canada: American medical costs are astronomical - a broken leg can cost $100,000+. While others cap at $20 million, SCTI offers unlimited medical coverage for non-terrorism events. Their cancellation coverage, up to unlimited, is vital when US trips often cost $ 10,000 or more per family.
Europe & UK: Lost luggage in Europe is a common occurrence for claims. SCTI's $25,000 coverage means you're actually protected, not just partially covered. Their clear, plain English policy also helps when dealing with claims from overseas.

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Best Travel Insurance For Australia and The Pacific

Australia Travel Insurance

Our extensive Australia travel insurance research covers all key age and traveller types and confirms travel insurance costs can vary significantly depending on the insurer, the level of coverage, and factors such as age or family size. Our top picks based on overall value and coverage include:

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months.
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Overall Paid Coverage: Allianz, CoverMore and Southern Cross

Southern Cross Travel Insurance is a standout brand for its comprehensive policies and trusted brand. While it may be slightly higher in price in some casesw per our research, the level of coverage provided justifies the cost, especially for those seeking peace of mind from a well-known insurer.
Allianz consistently offers competitive prices across all traveller types, making it a strong choice for individuals, couples, families, and older travellers alike. With reasonable premiums and coverage underwritten directly by Allianz, it's a go-to for comprehensive coverage.
CoverMore provides some of the most affordable pricing for both individuals and families, without sacrificing coverage. If you're looking to save on premiums but still want strong cover, this insurer is worth considering, particularly for short trips.

More details: Australia Travel Insurance

Fiji Travel Insurance

Our extensive Fiji travel insurance research covers all key age and traveller types and confirms travel insurance costs can vary significantly depending on the insurer, the level of coverage, and factors such as age or family size. Our top picks based on overall value and coverage include:

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months).
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Paid Overall Coverage: Allianz

With consistently good prices and comprehensive coverage, Allianz remains a top pick for all types of travellers to Fiji. Whether you're an individual, couple, or family, Allianz offers solid protection at reasonable prices.

3) Best Paid Cover for Value: CoverMore

Great for Families and Best Overall: Southern Cross Travel Insurance offers balanced pricing for family trips to Fiji. Their comprehensive policies ensure full coverage for all family members, and the slight premium increase is often justified by the organisation's reliability and customer service.
CoverMore is a standout for budget-conscious travellers, offering some of the most affordable premiums while still providing the necessary cover for Fiji. This insurer is especially good for families or couples who need comprehensive protection without the hefty price tag.

More details: Fiji Travel Insurance

Rarotonga Travel Insurance

Our dedicated Rarotonga Travel Insurance guide has more details.

Best Travel Insurance for Asia

Bali Travel Insurance

Our extensive Bali travel insurance research covers all key age and traveller types, confirming that travel insurance costs can vary significantly depending on the insurer, the level of coverage, and factors such as age or family size. Our top picks based on overall value and coverage include:

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months).
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Overall Coverage for Paid Cover: Allianz, Southern Cross, and CoverMore

Southern Cross Travel Insurance remains a trusted brand focusing on comprehensive coverage. While its premiums may be slightly higher in some cases per our research, the reputation and thoroughness of its policies justify the price, especially for families or older travellers.
Allianz offers competitive pricing for individuals, couples, and families, making it a reliable choice for comprehensive coverage. With a solid balance between price and protection, Allianz is a popular option for dependable travel insurance.
CoverMore stands out for affordable pricing, especially for individuals or budget-conscious travellers. CoverMore delivers strong coverage without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for shorter trips to Bali.

More details: Bali Travel Insurance

Japan Travel Insurance

Our Japan travel insurance research covers all key age and traveller types. As with other destinations, travel insurance costs for Japan can vary depending on the insurer, coverage level, and personal circumstances. Our top picks based on overall value and coverage include:

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months).
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Overall Paid Coverage: Allianz, Southern Cross, and CoverMore

Southern Cross Travel Insurance offers comprehensive policies tailored to various traveller types. While the premiums are slightly higher per our research, the coverage and trusted brand make it a great option, especially for families and older travellers.
Allianz consistently ranks as a top choice for its balance between cost and comprehensive coverage. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Allianz offers reliable protection for your trip to Japan.
CoverMore offers a budget-friendly solution for those looking to keep costs low while maintaining essential coverage. It’s ideal for solo travellers or couples who want quality insurance at an affordable price.

More details: Japan Travel Insurance

Other Asian Countries - India, Malyasia, Thailand etc

Our dedicated travel insurance comparisons for other Asian destinations include:

China
India
Malaysia
Singapore

Best Travel Insurance for The Americas and Africa

Canada

Our Canada travel insurance research covers all key age and traveller types, confirming that costs can vary significantly depending on the insurer, the level of coverage, and factors such as age or family size. Our top picks based on overall value and coverage include:

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months).
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Overall Paid Coverage: Allianz, Southern Cross, and CoverMore

Southern Cross Travel Insurance provides robust coverage, making it an excellent choice for those looking for peace of mind while travelling in Canada. Southern Cross is known for its comprehensive policies and trusted brand.
Allianz offers competitive pricing for a range of traveller types, from individuals to families and older travellers. With well-balanced premiums and comprehensive cover, it’s a top choice for those seeking reliable insurance for their Canada trip.
CoverMore consistently offers competitive premiums and solid coverage, making it a great option for travellers who don’t want to sacrifice coverage, especially for solo or couple travellers.

More details: Canada Travel Insurance

USA

Our USA travel insurance research covers all key age and traveller types, confirming that costs can vary significantly depending on the insurer, the level of coverage, and factors such as age or family size. Our top picks based on overall value and coverage include:

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months).
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Overall Paid Coverage: Allianz, Southern Cross, and CoverMore

Southern Cross Travel Insurance provides robust coverage, making it an excellent choice for those looking for peace of mind while travelling in the USA. Although priced slightly higher for some traveller types, Southern Cross is known for its comprehensive policies and trusted brand.
Allianz offers competitive pricing for a range of traveller types, from individuals to families and older travellers. With well-balanced premiums and comprehensive cover, it’s a top choice for those seeking reliable insurance for their USA trip.
CoverMore consistently offers competitive premiums and solid coverage, making it a great option for budget-conscious travellers who don’t want to sacrifice coverage, especially for solo or couple travellers.

More details: USA Travel Insurance

Other Americas and African Countries

Our dedicated travel insurance comparisons for other destinations include:

Peru
South Africa

Best Travel Insurance for the UK and Europe

The UK

Our UK travel insurance research covers all key age and traveller types, confirming that costs can vary significantly depending on the insurer, the level of coverage, and factors such as age or family size. Our top picks based on overall value and coverage include:

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months).
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Overall Coverage: Allianz, Southern Cross, and CoverMore

Southern Cross Travel Insurance provides robust coverage, making it an excellent choice for those looking for peace of mind while travelling in the UK. Although priced slightly higher for some traveller types, Southern Cross is known for its comprehensive policies and trusted brand.
Allianz offers competitive pricing for a range of traveller types, from individuals to families and older travellers. With well-balanced premiums and comprehensive cover, it’s a top choice for those seeking reliable insurance.
CoverMore consistently offers competitive premiums and solid coverage, making it a great option for budget-conscious travellers who don’t want to sacrifice coverage, especially for solo or couple travellers.

More details: UK Travel Insurance

Other European Countries

Our dedicated travel insurance comparisons for other European destinations include:

France
Greece
Italy

4. Best Travel Insurance Policies - Single Trip and Multi-Trip:

The best travel insurance for your trip will depend on what country or countries you’re visiting, so please look at the individual tables we presented for each travel group and destination, and also conduct your own research.

Looking at the results of our analysis, we found that the following insurance policies came up repeatedly at the top of our comparison tables and we consider them to provide better value.

1) Money Saving Tip for 'Free' Travel Insurance: Check Your Existing Coverage Before Buying – Save with Selected Bank-Issued Credit Cards and AMEX Airpoints Platinum

Before purchasing any standalone travel insurance policy, check if you're already covered. Many Gold or Platinum credit cards (e.g., from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac) include free travel insurance when you book trips with the card. Our guide to credit cards that provide travel insurance has more details.
If you're not covered, you may want to consider applying for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. It offers complimentary travel insurance that can save you $100–$500+ annually compared to standalone policies, with benefits like $2.5m medical cover, $30,000 baggage, and 180-day trips.
The AMEX card is popular with frequent travellers, families, and Airpoints fans. It's also a cost-effective alternative to buying standalone policies, especially with its $195 annual fee offset by 300 bonus Airpoints (new members, spend $1,500 in 3 months).
Our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Review has more information, as does our AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance review.

Please note, among the exclusions:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX's policy won't cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you're over 80, you'll need separate travel insurance.

2) Best Paid Single trip policies:

Southern Cross Travel Insurance provides robust coverage, making it an excellent choice for those looking for peace of mind while travelling overseas. Although it can price slightly higher for some traveller types and destinations, Southern Cross is known for its comprehensive policies and trusted brand.
Allianz offers competitive pricing for a range of traveller types, from individuals to families and older travellers. With well-balanced premiums and comprehensive cover, it’s a top choice for almost every destination we researched and compared.
CoverMore consistently offers competitive premiums and solid coverage, making it a great option for travellers who don’t want to sacrifice coverage, especially for solo or couple travellers.

Best Multi-trip policies:
Our results are based on research conducted earlier in 2024, which we will shortly update. For annual policies (multi-trip or frequent traveller insurance), three insurers were the top performers in our analysis. Please note that we compared plans with a maximum trip length of 60 days because most insurers provide this option, but some plans let you choose a shorter length (30 or 45 days) which would make policies cheaper.

Southern Cross: With competitive pricing and an additional discount of 5% for existing policyholders, Southern Cross consistently provides travellers with affordable coverage and lower excess costs.
Other options for multi-trips, based on our research, will be published shortly.

Get Your Own Travel Insurance Quote:
You can visit the insurers directly and get a quote for your trip or purchase an annual policy from the links below:

These banks offer travel insurance on some of their credit cards, if you have an account with them you can check if you are covered by visiting the links below:

$25,000 luggage coverage (vs $10,000 from most competitors) - that's 2.5x more protection for your valuables
Unlimited cancellation option available - the only major insurer offering this level of flexibility - $2,500 to unlimited for each person, with the option to pay a premium for unlimited coverage
Plain English policy with WriteMark certification - you actually understand what you're buying
Higher individual item limits - $3,000 per item per person for electronics (up to a maximum of $10,000 for all unspecified mobile phone, laptops, personal computers, tablets and cameras, including related accessories with depreciation applying)
Automatic pregnancy coverage up to 24 weeks excluding common pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy complications experienced in the 3 years prior to buying the policy

Takes 1-2 minutes online
Clear pricing with no hidden exclusions
14-day cooling-off period if you change your mind

Australia & Pacific Islands: Medical emergencies in Australia aren't fully covered by reciprocal agreements, leaving you with gaps. In Fiji or Rarotonga, medical evacuations can cost $50,000+. SCTI's unlimited medical coverage and superior luggage limits ($25,000 vs competitors' $10,000) make them essential for Pacific travel.
Asia (Bali, Thailand, Japan, etc.): Motorbike accidents and theft are real risks in Southeast Asia. SCTI covers mopeds up to 200cc with their add-on, while their $3,000 electronics limit (vs $1,000 elsewhere) properly covers your camera and laptop. For Japan's expensive medical system, unlimited coverage is crucial.
USA & Canada: American medical costs are astronomical - a broken leg can cost $100,000+. While others cap at $20 million, SCTI offers unlimited medical coverage for non-terrorism events. Their cancellation coverage, up to unlimited, is vital when US trips often cost $ 10,000 or more per family.
Europe & UK: Lost luggage in Europe is a common occurrence for claims. SCTI's $25,000 coverage means you're actually protected, not just partially covered. Their clear, plain English policy also helps when dealing with claims from overseas.

Get Your Quote in 60 Seconds

Credit Card Travel Insurance vs Buying a Standalone Policy NZ

5. Credit Card Travel Insurance vs Buying a Standalone Policy

Credit card travel insurance can be a convenient (and free) option to insure a trip. However, it's important to note that the coverage offered may have limitations, such as caps on the number of travel days, exclusions for certain types of activities or destinations, and no coverage for certain travel-disrupting events. In addition, the coverage may only apply if you have spent enough on your credit card or paid for a certain percentage of your trip on the credit card with said benefit to activate the insurance.

For these reasons, some cardholders of platinum and gold bank-issued credit cards decide to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy. By doing so, the benefits are more comprehensive coverage and the flexibility to choose benefits that best protect your trip. A standalone policy can cover many risks, including medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency evacuations. While it may be annoying to pay for something you already get for free, credit card travel insurance policy benefits vary widely.

Know This: If you're considering relying on credit card travel insurance, it's essential to review the terms and conditions of the policy and understand any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

Purchasing a standalone travel insurance policy may offer more peace of mind and protection if you plan a longer or more complex trip. However, if you're taking a shorter trip and the coverage offered by your credit card is sufficient, it may make more sense to rely on that coverage.

Before relying on credit card travel insurance, we suggest considering the following potential limitations:

Coverage Limits: Most credit card travel insurance policies have caps on coverage. What's offered will vary depending on the specific card and policy; reviewing the policy details is important to understand the limits and whether they're realistic for your plans.
Duration of Coverage: Credit card travel insurance policies may only cover trips up to a certain number of days, which may not be sufficient for longer trips.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: Credit card travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, so reviewing the policy details is essential if you or someone travelling with you would fall into this category.
Activation of Coverage: To activate coverage, you may need to pay for all or a portion of your travel expenses with the credit card that offers the insurance. This may be paying for half of the trip, the flights or something else. If you don't qualify, the policy won't be valid.
Coverage for Travel Companions: Some credit card travel insurance policies may provide coverage for your travel companions, while others may not. If you have a group, then it's unlikely you'll be covered.
Coverage for Adventure Sports: Credit card travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for adventure sports and high-risk activities, but in some cases, you may pay to add this. Whether this is cost-effective depends on the credit card's insurer and your plans.
Coverage for Lost or Stolen Items: Credit card travel insurance policies may include coverage for lost or stolen items, such as luggage, but the coverage limits may be lower than what you would get with a standalone travel insurance policy.
Understand the Claim Process: It's important to understand the claim process for the credit card travel insurance policy, including the documentation required and any time limits for submitting a claim. You should also be aware of any deductibles or excesses that may apply.
Consider Supplementary Coverage: If the credit card travel insurance policy's coverage is insufficient for your needs, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage to supplement the policy.

Know This: Credit card travel insurance can be a convenient option for some travellers, but it's important to carefully review the policy details and understand the limitations and exclusions that may apply.

6. Making a Travel Insurance Claim

If something has gone wrong, it's a straightforward process to claim on your travel insurance policy. You'll need to know the excess fee on your policy and be prepared to answer any follow-up questions the claim assessor asks.

If you do need to claim, follow our five step process:

1. Contact your insurer immediately (or as soon as you can) to make a claim
You'll have all the information and can gather more details if requested - do not wait until you get home to make claims. The quicker you submit a claim, the quicker it will be assessed and paid out.

2. If you are planning to claim for non-urgent medical treatment, get your insurer to accept it BEFORE you go any further
Call your insurer and talk about the medical treatment and if it is covered by your policy. For example, if your bags are lost and you have essential medicines inside them, make sure they cover this and make a note of who you spoke with so there is less chance of a rejected claim later. If it's an emergency, don't delay any treatment.

3. If you've had something stolen, inform the police
The more evidence you have of a loss, the better your chance of being successful in your claim. Don't hesitate to report the theft and get the police report and/or crime reference number details to include in your claim.

4. Keep all of your receipts
Whatever type of problem you experience, if you need to buy anything make sure you keep hold of all the receipts. This includes food and drinks for delayed flights, new clothes for delayed bags and so on. A credit card statement may suffice, but actual itemised receipts make a claim go a lot smoother.

5. If your claim is rejected, appeal and complain
Facebook is full of complaints from travel insurance policyholders who have been rejected. If you have been rejected and you think it's unfair, appeal it. Jump on the phone and explain why your claim meets the T&Cs of the policy you bought. If they don't agree, you can lodge a complaint with the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme which resolves disagreements between customers and their insurers. Their free-of-charge service will make the final decision about your claim and order the insurer to pay out if they find in your favour.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need travel insurance?

You need travel insurance for many reasons, but most importantly you need it as it can help cover any medical expenses you incur overseas. Travel insurance also can cover you for accidental damage, lost or stolen items. Some insurance policies also cover delayed flights and cancellation.

We have published this guide to help you maximise the benefits while minimising the cost of travel insurance wherever and whenever you travel outside of New Zealand.

What type of travel insurance is the best for my holiday?

Finding the right travel insurance involves knowing how long you will be away, how many people will be travelling together, where you are going and what you will be doing. Are you going solo (individual), travelling as a couple, a family, over 65 years old, or as part of a group? Your answer will determine what you pay for travel insurance.

What does travel insurance usually cover?

Standard travel insurance policies usually provide cover for the following:

Cancellation and travel delays: This includes pre-departure cancellations due to illness, delayed flights and delayed luggage
Medical expenses: The costs of visiting a doctor and/or having medical treatment, and all related medicines
Personal liability: This is to cover damage you cause to a person and/or property
Emergency evacuation: If you need medical treatment or aftercare back in New Zealand, this is the cost of flying you home.
Baggage and personal belongings: This covers you if your bags or items are lost, stolen or damaged.

Expert tip: When purchasing a policy, check that the policy covers more than just medical - the difference in cost between policies not covering baggage and travel cancellation/delays and those that do cover them is often very little.

Do I need travel insurance when visiting Australia?

You may have heard that medical costs are covered if you need treatment in Australia, but the reality is that only basic subsidised emergency care is included. Also, there are a lot of costs if you need medical care that won't be covered - medicines, unused hotel nights and re-booked flights back to New Zealand are just some of these items. Beyond medical costs, travel insurance will cover lost, stolen or damaged property as well as a number of other unfortunate events. This means that if you don't get sick, you still could experience some other out of pocket expenses and inconvenience.

Our view: Travel insurance to Australia is affordable, and to protect yourself from unknown costs and stress we suggest considering buying a policy. Our research confirms you can buy 7-day policies for less than $50 which is affordable and provide a lot of upsides should you need to claim.

Expert tip: When purchasing a policy, check that the medical cover goes beyond standard reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand and includes private care. Otherwise, you run a risk of joining a waiting list in Australia for non-urgent treatment (just as you would in New Zealand) which makes for a miserable holiday.

Do I need travel insurance if I'm on holiday in the Pacific Islands?

Yes, and for the same reasons you would buy travel insurance for a visit to Australia. The Pacific Islands offers even less protection to visitors by way of emergency care, and if an illness is serious you may need to be emergency-evacuated back to New Zealand. Remember, the medical technology and expertise you find in Auckland probably won't be the same in Tonga or Niue, so small problems may quickly turn into big ones if there's no suitable treatment.

Comprehensive travel insurance is a popular solution to eliminate the costs and stress associated with an accident or emergency when holidaying in any of the Pacific Islands.

What should I consider when shopping for a travel insurance policy?

The travel insurance policy you will need depends on what you plan on doing. A week in Australia is fairly standard and many policies offer cover which includes all the important things. However, if you're skiing for a week in Whistler or heading off to backpack around Asia for six months, you'll need a different travel insurance policy.

The most suitable policy has the right level of cover and inclusions, such as lost baggage, theft, travel cancellation, medical treatment, emergency repatriation and public liability cover. If you have something specific you need to be insured for, you should be able to add this to the policy for a small fee. Beyond the inclusions, it's essential to look at the policy limits and exclusions, as these can vary between insurers.

In terms of adding specific coverage, many insurers offer additional options for coverage, such as coverage for extreme sports or high-value items like cameras or jewellery. For this reason it's essential to read through the policy documents carefully and make sure that any additional coverage you need is included or can be added for a reasonable cost.

Your policy cost will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as your destination, length of travel, age, and pre-existing medical conditions. To get the best pricing, you'll need to obtain several quotes. However, the process of online quotes is fast and you should be able to compare 3-5 policies in about five minutes (unless you have pre-existing conditions or need specialist underwriting).

Avoid Hidden Fees & Bad Exchange Rates – The Travel Money Card MoneyHub Users Prefer

When travelling overseas, securing a great travel insurance policy is only one part of the equation - how you manage your money abroad is just as important.
Avoiding excessive currency conversion fees, ATM withdrawal charges, and hidden costs can make a big difference to your overall travel budget.
Just as we compare travel insurers to find the best coverage, we've reviewed travel money options to help you maximise every dollar you spend overseas.

Our Top-Rated Travel Money Card - The Wise Debit Card

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder (and Frequent User of Wise)

We like the Wise Debit Card because it lets you:

Get the best exchange rates out of any card on the market in New Zealand - every NZ Dollar goes further with Wise
Spend abroad without hidden fees, and track all your spending through their app
Convert and hold 54 currencies (Wise uses the real exchange rate to convert)
Go 'cardless' by connecting your Wise card to Apple Pay and Google Pay
Order the card with a low one-off $14 card issue fee and set it up in minutes via the Wise website or app.
Travel with ease, and not worry about 'locking in rates' unless you want to - it's the most transparent travel money card on offer.

Our view:

The Wise Debit Card has no tricky fees, and is years ahead of all the other traditional travel money cards.
You will convert at the best exchange rates and pay very low fees on each transaction. Best of all, it's easy to use and won't confuse you the way traditional travel money cards might.
There may be fees for anyone who relies on physical cash - you can make two withdrawals of up to NZ$350/month in total (or the equivalent foreign currency) without any fees. However, after NZ$350, you will pay ATM fees (NZ$1.50/withdrawal) and a 1.75% commission. These fees are not charged when you use the card to pay online or in-store. For most people, physical cash is likely to be less secure, and since COVID card acceptance is near-universal in most of the countries New Zealanders usually travel to.
We don't have much time for the rest of the travel money cards available and can't offer a "runner up", which is unusual in most comparisons on MoneyHub. In this case, the other options don't offer anything as innovative and cost-effective as Wise does.

Visit Wise

Our Wise Debit Card Review

Related guides:

Roaming Costs Compared

Important: Too many New Zealanders take the risk and travel without it. We compare by country to help you make finding what you need easier:

Australia and the Pacific: Australia, Fiji and Rarotonga
Asia: Bali, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam
Americas & Africa: Canada, Peru, South Africa and USA
Europe: France, Greece, Italy and the UK

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