Best Travel Insurance for New Zealand in 2025: A Complete Guide
- The best travel insurances for New Zealand
- Is it currently safe to travel to New Zealand?
- Travel insurance requirements for New Zealand visas
- Why Take Out Travel Insurance for New Zealand?
- Travel insurance coverage in New Zealand
- The cost of travel insurance for New Zealand
- How to save money on travel insurance for New Zealand
- Will my current insurance cover me in New Zealand?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for New Zealand: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for New Zealand covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and personal liability.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for AU citizens, but it is highly recommended for peace of mind.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical care can be costly for visitors; a hospital night averages between AUD 500 and AUD 1,000.
4. Price: One week of travel insurance for New Zealand from AU costs approximately AUD 35 to AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Some reciprocal healthcare exists, but insurance offers broader protection against theft, delays, or activities like skiing.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in comparing travel insurance, helping over one million travellers every month make informed decisions. After carefully analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our specialists are here to share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand.
The best travel insurances for New Zealand
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium |
| Our main pick for New Zealand, offers wide coverage. - high medical ceiling - adventure sports included - strong repatriation cover |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 |
| Great value for flexible travel dates. - 24/7 helpline - no excess - includes cancellation insurance |
| Tourist Card |
| Solid core cover for tourism and family visits. - emergency medical care - direct billing - good basic limits |
| Travel Pass Monde |
| Well-balanced for extended holidays in NZ. - good hospital/repatriation cover - civil liability included - clear claims process |
| Globe Partner |
| Easy solution for young or first-time travellers. - essential medical & hospital - return home included - instant certificate |
| Globe Traveller |
| Top for short city breaks and classic trips. - no frills approach - quick claims - robust travel support |
- AU$1.65M
- high medical ceiling
- adventure sports included
- strong repatriation cover
- AU$1.65M
- 24/7 helpline
- no excess
- includes cancellation insurance
- AU$0.8M
- emergency medical care
- direct billing
- good basic limits
- AU$1.2M
- good hospital/repatriation cover
- civil liability included
- clear claims process
- AU$0.5M
- essential medical & hospital
- return home included
- instant certificate
- AU$0.8M
- no frills approach
- quick claims
- robust travel support
Is it currently safe to travel to New Zealand?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) maintains its advice for New Zealand: exercise normal safety precautions for all travellers.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: natural hazards are the primary concern, especially earthquakes and tsunamis. For example, Wellington and Christchurch are in active seismic zones and tsunami warnings along coastlines occur several times a year.
- Health risks: although there is a reciprocal health agreement with Australia, not all medical costs are covered. For instance, ambulance services, specialist care, and non-urgent treatments may require private payment or insurance.
- Environmental challenges: weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly in alpine and coastal areas. Sudden storms are common around Fiordland National Park, and hikers should carry a personal locator beacon.
- Legal considerations: driving in New Zealand differs from many states in Australia. Use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, and roadside checks are frequent, especially for alcohol and drugs.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in New Zealand.
Travel insurance requirements for New Zealand visas
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens travelling to New Zealand, even if you enter on a visa or a short-term stay.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Health care in New Zealand is not fully covered by the reciprocal agreement with Australia and some costs, such as ambulances or specialist treatment, can be high. Insurance can also protect against risks such as lost luggage, trip cancellation, or emergency repatriation.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to New Zealand. This is mainly due to the potentially high costs of private healthcare and the popularity of adventure activities.
Why Take Out Travel Insurance for New Zealand?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to New Zealand.
In New Zealand, healthcare operates mainly through public hospitals like Auckland City Hospital, but many services for foreign travellers including non-urgent consultations, ambulances and prescriptions are charged at private rates. Private clinics such as Southern Cross Gillies Hospital in Auckland can be very expensive for specialist or emergency care.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in New Zealand.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Southern Cross Gillies Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 4,200 NZD (3,800 AUD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,600 NZD (2,350 AUD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 60,000 NZD (54,000 AUD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 12,000 NZD (10,800 AUD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel insurance coverage in New Zealand
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for New Zealand.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital, consultation, emergency care and prescribed medications. Recommended limit: at least 100,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation & repatriation | Includes air ambulance, medical repatriation to Australia and evacuation after an accident. Recommended: unlimited. |
| 💼 Baggage and personal effects | Protects against theft, loss or destruction during flights/connections. Suggested limit: up to 3,000 AUD per trip. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds non-recoverable expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness or incident. Recommended: 5,000 AUD. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Personal liability | Pays compensation if you unintentionally injure someone or damage property. Minimum recommended: 500,000 AUD. |
| 🏞️ Adventure activities | Extension that covers injuries from hiking, skiing, water sports, surfing and outdoor activities. Confirm if included. |
| 🛑 Accidental death & disability | Pays a lump sum in case of death or serious permanent disability while travelling. Suggest: from 15,000 AUD. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance & hotline | Access to multilingual helpline, advice and support anywhere in New Zealand. This service should always be included. |
Recommended limit: at least 100,000 AUD.
Recommended: unlimited.
Suggested limit: up to 3,000 AUD per trip.
Recommended: 5,000 AUD.
Minimum recommended: 500,000 AUD.
Confirm if included.
Suggest: from 15,000 AUD.
This service should always be included.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually offers much lower limits and excludes many risky activities and pre-existing conditions. It’s safer to opt for a reputable insurer with strong, flexible coverage. Compare the best policies on HelloSafe and subscribe online to get your certificate instantly.
The cost of travel insurance for New Zealand
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 45 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 70 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 110 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 250 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance in Australia is influenced by several factors: the traveller’s age, duration of the trip, destination, coverage options, pre-existing medical conditions, and whether cancellation cover is included. Keeping these in mind is crucial to ensure you get the best policy for your needs without overpaying or missing essential cover.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to save money on travel insurance for New Zealand
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to New Zealand while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travellers | Group or family plans can be more economical and offer shared benefits, especially for longer stays. | Booking together may result in discounts. Compare family policies for better value per person. |
| 🎒 Trip length | Longer stays usually mean higher premiums, but pricing varies significantly between insurers. | Consider policies with a fixed base price for trips up to 30 days for short-to-medium stays. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical costs in New Zealand can be high, especially for accidents or adventure sports. | Choose only the necessary coverage levels for medical and baggage, and avoid adding optional extras. |
| 😊 Traveller’s age | Age can greatly impact the price, especially over 60. | Heymondo does not increase its price for people over 62—compare with other providers if you’re senior. |
| 🌏 Excluded activities | Adventure sports are popular but are sometimes excluded or require higher premiums. | Exclude unnecessary risky sports from coverage to lower your premium or select adventure-friendly plans only if needed. |
| 🧳 Excess (deductible) | The higher your chosen excess, the lower your premium, but you’ll pay more out-of-pocket for claims. | Raising your excess can significantly reduce premiums, but ensure you can afford it in case of claim. |
| 📑 Policy type | Single-trip options are often cheaper than annual cover for occasional or one-off travel. | Choose single-trip cover if you plan one visit only this year, as annual multi-trip policies cost more. |
Will my current insurance cover me in New Zealand?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or the Australian public health system—can protect you during a trip to New Zealand. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in New Zealand? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Yes, partly | Some public hospital care via agreement, no private care, no emergency evacuation. | Travel insurance covers over AUD 1,000,000 for private care and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, HBF) | No, never | Not valid outside Australia, no coverage for emergencies abroad. | Travel insurance covers unlimited overseas medical and emergency expenses. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Commonwealth Bank Low Rate) | Yes, partly | Overseas medical up to AUD 20,000, excludes adventure sports and delays. | Travel insurance covers over AUD 1,000,000 and includes sports, delays, and repatriation. |
| Premium credit card (Westpac Platinum, NAB Signature, ANZ Rewards Black) | Yes, partly | Medical expenses up to AUD 125,000, some delay or loss coverage, strict eligibility. | Travel insurance covers AUD 1,000,000+ medical, AUD 10,000+ baggage and full 24/7 support. |
Example
While skiing in Queenstown, Ben suffered a severe knee injury. Surgery and a week in hospital cost AU$32,000. His Westpac Platinum card insurance only covered AU$2,000, and his private health insurance paid nothing for overseas treatment. Ben was left owing AU$30,000, a harsh lesson on unexpected costs abroad without proper travel insurance.
Expert advice
Always review the terms, exclusions, and limits of your insurance policy. Key situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death, may not be covered. Carefully reading your conditions helps avoid unpleasant surprises while overseas. For peace of mind, it’s always smarter to get travel insurance specifically tailored to your journey.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Most Australians do not need a visa to enter New Zealand for tourism or short business stays. You only need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) before passport control and have a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for New Zealand?
Start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best options for your trip. Check the coverage and exclusions specifically for New Zealand, paying attention to medical limits and activities included. You can buy your chosen cover online and receive your insurance certificate by email within minutes.
What medical coverage should I consider for New Zealand?
While public healthcare facilities in New Zealand are similar to those in Australia, visitor access is limited. Opt for travel insurance with unlimited medical and hospital coverage, including emergency evacuation, as costs can easily reach or exceed AUD 100,000 if serious treatment or repatriation is needed.
Does travel insurance for New Zealand cover adventure activities?
Many Australians travel to New Zealand for skiing, hiking, or extreme sports, but some insurers exclude these activities. Check your policy carefully to ensure that sports and adventure activities are included, or consider adding them as optional extras to avoid unexpected costs if you need medical help.
Will my travel insurance cover missed flights and baggage delays?
Most comprehensive travel insurance for New Zealand includes protection for missed connections, flight cancellations, and delayed or lost baggage. Standard coverage starts from AUD 500 for baggage issues and up to AUD 10,000 for trip cancellations, depending on your plan's level of protection.
Can I purchase travel insurance if I have pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, many insurers cover pre-existing medical conditions, but you must declare them when taking out travel insurance. Coverage and price may vary depending on your health status, and you may need to pay a higher premium or obtain written approval for certain conditions.
Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Most Australians do not need a visa to enter New Zealand for tourism or short business stays. You only need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) before passport control and have a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for New Zealand?
Start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best options for your trip. Check the coverage and exclusions specifically for New Zealand, paying attention to medical limits and activities included. You can buy your chosen cover online and receive your insurance certificate by email within minutes.
What medical coverage should I consider for New Zealand?
While public healthcare facilities in New Zealand are similar to those in Australia, visitor access is limited. Opt for travel insurance with unlimited medical and hospital coverage, including emergency evacuation, as costs can easily reach or exceed AUD 100,000 if serious treatment or repatriation is needed.
Does travel insurance for New Zealand cover adventure activities?
Many Australians travel to New Zealand for skiing, hiking, or extreme sports, but some insurers exclude these activities. Check your policy carefully to ensure that sports and adventure activities are included, or consider adding them as optional extras to avoid unexpected costs if you need medical help.
Will my travel insurance cover missed flights and baggage delays?
Most comprehensive travel insurance for New Zealand includes protection for missed connections, flight cancellations, and delayed or lost baggage. Standard coverage starts from AUD 500 for baggage issues and up to AUD 10,000 for trip cancellations, depending on your plan's level of protection.
Can I purchase travel insurance if I have pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, many insurers cover pre-existing medical conditions, but you must declare them when taking out travel insurance. Coverage and price may vary depending on your health status, and you may need to pay a higher premium or obtain written approval for certain conditions.
