Water sports, snow sports, hiking, and biking, learn why Americans should protect themselves with travel insurance for New Zealand.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
At a glance:
From the waterfalls of Fjordland, to the Westland rainforests and the glacial peaks of Mount Cook, New Zealand is a dream vacation spot for many Americans.
The northland region’s Bay of Islands gives you the chance to island hop between over 100 islands, but you may also want to rent a campervan and trek over to Mount Parihaka to take in the picturesque panoramic views.
If you’re exploring Te Waipounamu (the South Island), check out the majestic Blue Pools of Makarora. The South Island has its share of phenomenal hiking opportunities and scenic cycling routes.
While a trip to New Zealand is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of. With everything from earthquakes to parasites, our nomads have learned some things along the way. We encourage you to check out our team’s insights on things to know about New Zealand before you go— and consider investing in travel insurance* for New Zealand.
Even though you can book all your excursions in advance for your New Zealand adventure, what you can’t plan for are the unexpected things that may happen along the way.
With any overseas travel, there’s always going to be some things you can’t anticipate - like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies. If you tumble off your sand board and break a leg, your travel insurance for New Zealand could help you get the medical care you need.
Unexpected natural disasters could also put a halt to your plans. New Zealand is in an active seismic zone, and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can happen there. If your trip to Tongariro National Park is canceled because Mount Ruapehu unexpectedly erupts and the US Government issues an advisory against travel to a destination, country, or region listed on the itinerary of your insured trip or the natural disaster makes it impossible for you to occupy your destination residence, your travel insurance for New Zealand could assist with reimbursing you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses for things like hotels and excursions.
There are four plans to select from. Compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Since New Zealand is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, we know you may want to take that leap while you’re there. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to New Zealand- including bungee jumping.
In a country surrounded by water, you’ll probably be having some aquatic fun as well. Things like scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, and rafting on the Rangitata Gorge could be covered too.
It’s best to have a rough idea of your planned activities. Different plans cover different activities. By knowing your activities and adventures in advance, you’ll be able to purchase the best insurance plan for your trip. While a bungee jump off Kawarau Bridge is covered by all plans, if you’d rather make the leap from the plane and skydive over scenic spots like Fox Glacier or Mount Cook, you’ll need to upgrade to the Explorer or Epic Plan.
Our nomads agree that one of their favorite must-do activities in New Zealand is glacier walking.
The Haupapa/Tasman glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier and is located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on Te Waipounamu/ the South Island. Never venture out onto a glacier alone. Instead, we recommend choosing an eco-friendly tour operator and taking a guided tour.
While the coolness of glacier walking can’t be denied, anytime you’re walking on slippery ice, accidents can happen. If you lose your footing, slide, and fall into a crevasse, you could end up with injuries.
Travel insurance for New Zealand offers coverage for emergency medical expenses because of an injury, unexpected sickness, or death occurring on your trip, including emergency medical care and ambulance transportation.
Should you have a medical emergency when traveling to New Zealand, contact the 24/7 emergency assistance team prior to seeking medical attention. If your medical conditions prevent you from calling, call as soon as medically possible or have someone call on your behalf. Also remember to save all paperwork and receipts.
If your treating physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) recommends that you return home because of your medical condition, World Nomads travel insurance for New Zealand includes coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation.
To streamline your experience seeking medical care in New Zealand, sign up for our Portable Health Records service before your trip. This non-insurance service is included in all plans and allows documents, prescriptions, test results, and emergency contacts to be accessible in one place, anywhere in the world. Whether you need to refill a prescription or deal with a more serious injury, this service can expedite the process.
You may have packed your new snorkel and mask in your checked bag if you plan to visit Goat Island Marine Reserve. If you get to Auckland and your bag doesn’t, your travel insurance for New Zealand may reimburse you for the cost to replace your snorkel, mask, and other baggage.
The bag may have just taken a detour and will eventually make its way to you before your snorkeling excursion. If this happens, and your delayed bag is 12 or more hours late, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for the expenses you incur for a change of clothes and toiletries.
If that reunion never happens, the first step is to contact the airline to try and track down your bag. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact the Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service, which is another of our non-insurance service partners. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.
You’ve put in the time to plan the perfect getaway to New Zealand, but sometimes things happen that can derail your plans.
If your travel companion unexpectedly gets sick before you leave the US, a doctor may tell him or her not to travel to New Zealand at that time. Your travel insurance for New Zealand includes trip cancellation coverage that may reimburse you for your non-refundable flights, hotels, and pre-paid activities.
Unexpected things can also happen once you are in New Zealand. If there are storms back home and you get a call that a tornado has destroyed your house, you may need to cut your trip short and go home to deal with that. Or perhaps an unannounced airline strike or a work emergency delays or interrupts your trip. Travel insurance for New Zealand helps you recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if the reason is covered under the plan.
Before you leave the United States, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for New Zealand to review their up-to-date warnings on any advisories.
New Zealand has unpredictable weather. The sun can be brutal, so make sure to always wear sunscreen. Pay attention to the weather forecasts. Weather can change quickly in New Zealand so even if the forecast shows nothing but sunny days, make sure you're prepared for strong winds and potential rain.
Remember the numbers 111. That's the emergency service number you can call if you need help from the police, fire department, or an ambulance when you’re in New Zealand.
If you purchase travel insurance for New Zealand, it’s always a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
Most Americans traveling to New Zealand have no problems at all, but since disasters like earthquakes and volcanoes are possible there, make sure to check out our information about what you need to know about natural hazards in New Zealand.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamStaying safe down under
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Ignoring the practicalities of traveling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has caught out many experienced travelers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover before you travel around Australia.
Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, while the majority are friendly to travelers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Theft is a common claim in Australia. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi while you’re swimming, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also don’t leave anything in your car as break and enters are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. Check your policy carefully for full details of cover, including the limit payable on each item, the excess (your contribution or deductible) and any exclusions or conditions of cover such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.
Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a halfday plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 24 hours for your bags to arrive. Travel insurance isn’t designed to swap your ripped jeans for a designer pair, so read this section of your policy carefully before you spend up big and then try and claim.
Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.
The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so make sure you take out a full medical travel insurance plan before you travel. This is different to the medical insurance cover you might have at home which won’t cover you overseas. Medical Insurance is your safety net if you become very unwell; it’s not designed to pay for every scratch and headache, which is why benefit limits and excesses apply. If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.
There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing; over water only. Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. Check your policy carefully so there are no surprises Your travel insurance policy will have limits and exclusions. This ensures the policy you pay for is kept at a lower cost. And, remember, engaging in risky activities, such as handling wild animals or swimming in dangerous areas (to name just two examples), may result in your coverage being voided.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFrom scuba diving to epic road trips, learn how travel insurance for Australia could help Canadians
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Australia is a dream vacation spot for many Canadians. Whether you’re visiting some of the larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, or venturing out into the remote Outback, there are so many incredible things to see and do.
You may even choose to leave the mainland and check out the many islands off the coast of Australia. Maybe you’ll visit Tasmania or take a trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. With thousands of islands to explore, you have plenty of choices.
In the Northern Territory you could explore Kakadu National Park, or if you’re in Far North Queensland you could take a hike to the top of Walsh’s Pyramid. Watch out for kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, and echidnas if you’re taking a road trip – you’ll definitely see plenty of amazing Australian wildlife.
No matter where you go, the unexcepted can happen. To protect your adventures outside Canada, we recommend checking out travel insurance plans for Australia.
International travel can bring unexpected surprises. Like accidentally stumbling upon one of the interesting pubs in the middle of the Outback. However, some surprises are not as exciting. Nobody wants to think about delayed flights or lost bags, but these things can happen unexpectedly.
A good travel insurance plan for Australia could help with those types of situations. It could also assist with helping you get the care you need if you get injured participating in any of the unbelievable adventures and activities you’ll find there.
If you fall and get hurt hiking on one of Australia’s trails, you may need to see a doctor. If you get bit by Australia’s Redback spider, you’re going to be headed to the doctor too - and your travel insurance for Australia could help you get reimbursed for the medical care you need.
When you’re doing your research and looking for the best travel insurance for Australia, check to make sure there’s coverage for things like trip cancellation, overseas emergency medical coverage, natural disasters, and repatriation.
We have two plans to choose from for different types of travellers and adventures.
There’s certainly no shortage of adventures in Australia. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Australia – and you could be covered for things like hiking the Larapinta Trail or rock climbing the Blue Mountains.
In a country surrounded by water, you’ll probably be enjoying aquatic fun. Home to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find extraordinary scuba diving spots in Australia. Whether you want to see shipwrecks like the SS Yongala in Queensland or dive with fur seals at Montague Island, there’s so much to witness beneath the water’s surface.
It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when purchasing the plan—and if something happens while you are participating in an activity you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go hiking while on your trip and you didn’t list that activity out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen on the trail. You may want to overshoot and list out all possible activities you may do, just in case.
Also keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both of our Standard and Explorer Plans. To have coverage for adventures sports, work, and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need to upgrade your adventure sports coverage and pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions may apply for certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording.
Most Canadians diving in Australia have no problems at all, but sometimes things happen. Make sure to protect yourself. Never dive deeper than your qualification limits and never dive solo. If you get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage under your travel insurance for Australia may reimburse you for your medical expenses.
If you have a medical emergency in Australia, call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. You’ll need to call and report your emergency as soon as it happens, or as soon as you’re able. Also, remember to save all paperwork and receipts. You will need these when you submit your claim for reimbursement.
If your medical team and the 24/7 emergency assistance team think it’s best for you to travel back home to Canada for treatment, travel insurance that covers repatriation may also help cover the costs to get you there.
What happens if you land in the Australian city of Melbourne and find out your bags went to Melbourne in Florida? If you’re left sitting at the airport carousel anxiously waiting for the bag that is at least 12 hours delayed, your travel insurance for Australia may reimburse you for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way to you.
Sometimes your baggage is lost forever. If you’re skiing Mt. Hotham and you packed your new ski jacket, you may be reimbursed for the cost of replacing it if the airline isn’t able to remedy the situation. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).
With travel insurance for Australia, you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted for a covered reason. Just make sure you keep all receipts and documentation in case you need to make a claim.
Sometimes unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans. What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for Australia? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for Australia that includes cancellation coverage could reimburse you for those unused, non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
Travel insurance could help if a natural disaster occurs. If heavy rain makes your destination accommodation unsafe or a wildfire breaks out near your resort, you may be thankful you have the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to call.
Australians are very friendly people and will welcome you with a smile and a “G’Day” as soon as you arrive from Canada. Crime is low there, but like any international destination, there are always things to look out for.
Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for Australia. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings.
Remember the numbers 000. That's the emergency service number you can call if you need help from the police or fire department, or if you need an ambulance when you’re in Australia.
Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of a kangaroo, only to find out you have a dead battery. Prepare ahead of time, and make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.
Speaking of wildlife, Australia has plenty of it. Of course there are the cuddly looking koalas, but the crocodiles, snakes, spiders, sharks, and Irukandji jellyfish aren’t quite as cute and cuddly. Most Canadians don’t have any issues, but it’s important to at least be aware of some of Australia’s dangerous wildlife.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamEssential travel insurance tips
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
Ignoring the practicalities of travelling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has caught out many experienced travellers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover before you travel around Australia.
Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, while the majority are friendly to travellers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Theft is a common claim in Australia. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi while you’re swimming, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also don’t leave anything in your car as break and enters are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. Check your policy carefully for full details of cover, including the limit payable on each item, the excess (your contribution or deductible) and any exclusions or conditions of cover such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.
Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a half day plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 24 hours for your bags to arrive. Travel insurance isn’t designed to swap your ripped jeans for a designer pair, so read this section of your policy carefully before you spend up big and then try and claim.
Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.
The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so before you travel, make sure your travel insurance plan covers you for emergency medical expenses when overseas. This is different to the private health or private medical insurance cover you might have at home which may not cover you overseas. Cover for emergency medical expenses in your travel insurance plan can be your safety net.
If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.
There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing (over water only). Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. And, remember, if you do something really reckless, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team