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Travel insurance for New Zealand

Consider how travel insurance for New Zealand could help protect your Kiwi adventure.

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Travel insurance for New Zealand: At a glance

  • Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements are in place with New Zealand.
  • Medical and hospital treatment can be costly without travel insurance.
  • No visa needed for stays up to six months. Before you travel, check Immigration New Zealand's website for current entry restrictions and requirements.
  • 220+ adventure activities and sports covered. Cover available for skiing, hiking, bungee jumping, jet boating and more (appropriate activity level option must be purchased depending on activity).
  • Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions.
  • With World Nomads you can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, anytime, from anywhere.

Just a short flight across the Tasman, New Zealand (Aotearoa) is a land of world-class adventure experiences, stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable cultural encounters. But before you hit the slopes in Queenstown, tramp the Milford Track, or take in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, consider how travel insurance for New Zealand could help protect your Kiwi adventure.

Why you should consider travel insurance for New Zealand

New Zealand is close to home, but it’s still overseas. That means Medicare doesn’t apply when you leave Australia, and even a minor accident can lead to large out-of-pocket costs. However, Australia does have Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with 11 countries including New Zealand, some things to keep in mind when related to RHCA’s include:

  • What RHCA covers:These agreements typically cover the cost of essential, urgent medical treatment in the public system, similar to what a resident of that country would receive.
  • Limitations of RHCA:They do not cover everything, such as non-essential care, existing medical conditions, or ambulance transport.
  • Medical evacuations:Crucially, RHCAs do not cover medical evacuations to Australia, which can cost thousands of dollars.

If you have a medical emergency while in New Zealand World Nomads travel insurance may help cover:

  • Medical evacuation by air or road ambulance to the most suitable medical facility
  • Admission and treatment in hospital
  • Day surgery and out-patient medical treatment
  • Prescribed medication for sudden illness and serious injury suffered while travelling
  • Prescribed physiotherapy
  • And many more.

The above features are a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the PDS for complete details of cover and exclusions.

What’s covered?

Depending on your policy and options selected, World Nomads travel insurance may provide cover (up to policy limits) for:

We offer two travel insurance plans: Standard and Explorer. Each policy offers different levels of coverage and benefits. Consider the PDS and whether this product is right for you.

What’s not covered?

Travel insurance doesn’t cover every situation. Common exclusions may include:

  • Existing medical conditions except as described under Health conditions & your policy
  • Undeclared or excluded activities
  • Changing your mind about travelling
  • Certain activities if you haven't purchased the appropriate activity coverage option
  • Valuables left unattended
  • Reckless or unsafe behaviour

Always read your PDS carefully to ensure you understand your coverage limits and specific exclusions.

Adventure travel insurance for New Zealand

Our policies offer travel insurance for adventure activities in New Zealand, with over 220 activities, sports, and experiences available. Summer (December to February) is perfect for kayaking Abel Tasman National park's turquoise waters, tramping the Milford Track, or diving the Poor Knights Islands. Winter is for skiing in Queenstown, relaxing in the hot pools of Taupo, and exploring Franz Josef Glacier.

Coverage depends on your plan and whether optional upgrades are selected.

Skiing and snowboarding

Heading to Coronet Peak or The Remarkables? You might want to consider travel insurance for with snow sports cover for New Zealand before you go.

Road tripping in New Zealand

With winding alpine routes and coastal highways, New Zealand is perfect for road trips. If you have an accident, the Explorer Plan may cover the rental vehicle insurance excess or the cost of repairing the vehicle (whichever is less). Or if the vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your custody the Explorer Plan may cover you.

What to watch out for in New Zealand

Remote locations

Many of New Zealand’s best experiences are far from major towns. Weather can change quickly, mobile reception can drop out, and help may be hours away, making emergency cover especially important.

Adventure sports

New Zealand’s reputation for adrenaline sports comes with higher risk. Always follow safety guidelines and ensure your activity is covered under your travel insurance policy.

Car and luggage theft

Never leave valuables in unattended vehicles, even if locked. Trailheads and campervan areas are common targets for theft, and unattended items are usually excluded from cover.

The above features are a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the PDS for complete details of cover and exclusions.

Traveller’s tip: you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip or while you're already travelling around New Zealand. Waiting periods may apply.

Travel tips for New Zealand

  • Book early: Popular hikes like the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, ski passes, and wineries fill fast.
  • Explore both islands: The North Island offers culture and geothermal landscapes; the South Island delivers alpine and adventure experiences.
  • Pack for all seasons: Weather can change quickly, layers, rain gear, and sun protection are essential year-round.
  • Check conditions daily: Especially for mountain hikes and alpine driving routes.
  • Stay informed with Smartraveller for country-specific alerts.
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FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for a trip to New Zealand. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. There may be specific terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply depending on what you'll be doing. Please read your PDS carefully. If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the PDS for full details.