Travel Insurance for New Zealand
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:
- Travel insurance benefits for New Zealand may include trip cancellation, delay, and interruption
- Coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and natural disasters while abroad
- Protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
- Coverage for 250+ adventure and sports activities across New Zealand (high-altitude hiking and bungee jumping included!)
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility. Additional terms apply
- Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?
- Travel insurance for activities in New Zealand
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in New Zealand
- Travel insurance for lost and stolen luggage in New Zealand
- Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to New Zealand
- Tips for traveling to New Zealand from the United States
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.
Do I need 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.
Travel insurance for activities in New Zealand
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.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in New Zealand
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.
Travel insurance for lost bags in New Zealand
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.
Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to New Zealand
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.
Tips for traveling to New Zealand from the United States
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.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
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?
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Volunteering Travel Insurance Coverage
US residents can protect their good deeds while traveling
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At a glance:
- World Nomads plans may cover volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work), with some plans that include additional volunteer roles and higher limits of coverage.
- Coverage may include reimbursement for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while on your volunteering trip.
- Gear and luggage benefits may help cover lost, stolen, or damaged baggage as you travel to your volunteer opportunity.
- Plus, optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade available on some plans (additional cost and state restrictions may apply.)
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my volunteer trip?
- Volunteering travel insurance benefits
- Plans to protect your volunteer trip
- What's not covered
- Top safety tips we recommend for your volunteer trip
- FAQs
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.
We love seeing our nomads give back and help make the world a better place. If you have travel insurance coverage for Costa Rica, you may want to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary while you’re there. You may also feel led to teach English in Cambodia or help with reforestation in Madagascar. But even when you set forth with the best intentions, you should be prepared for the unexpected. Our travel protection plans include a range of travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services for volunteering that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my volunteer trip?
From animal bites to food poisoning in a remote village, unexpected issues can derail even the most carefully planned volunteer trip. Travel insurance and non-insurance services designed for volunteering may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently – whether you're volunteering on an organic farm in the Amazon or helping with environmental conservation projects in South Africa.
Travel insurance and non-insurance services for volunteering: What may be covered?
We love giving back and having opportunities to change the world, so we’ve designed coverage for losses resulting from volunteering while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For broken bones, cuts, and sprains when building houses -
Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Damaged or stolen gear or luggage that is lost in transit -
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from traveling for your volunteer work.
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my volunteer trip abroad?
World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. You’ll want to make sure you have the correct coverage based on your specific volunteer duties. Also, you may want to do other fun things while you’re traveling such as hiking, paddleboarding, or camping. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase travel insurance coverage for volunteering.
- Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work.) This plan includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation.
- Explorer Plan – This plan covers more activities, including construction or renovation work (manual work involving painting, using power tools, operating machinery, roadwork, and working at height), volunteering in roles that involve high risk work (such as offshore, underground or caves, and commercial diving), disaster relief, NGO support, and volunteering as a ski instructor or in medical and health care services. It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
- Epic Plan – This plan covers everything the Explorer Plan covers, plus even more activities – like serving as a pilot or crew of an aircraft. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
- Annual Plan – Weekend warriors, digital nomads, world explorers… this plan is for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year. It includes travel insurance coverage for volunteering, as well as all of the other activities and experiences that are covered in the Standard Plan.
NOMADS TIP: For even more trip cancellation flexibility, check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit. It can be added to Explorer and Epic plans. Available at an additional cost for U.S. residents, except in New York.
Get a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quote
What may not be covered when volunteering while traveling?
We love that you’ve planned a volunteer trip to help others in another country, and commend you for your efforts. However, if the U.S. government issues ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings for your destination, and you decide to go anyway, the travel insurance coverage for volunteering that’s included in your travel protection plan may not cover you. Some other things that are not covered include:
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment, or personal items
- Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy
- Ignoring your doctor if they have explicitly advised you not to travel to a particular destination or do certain volunteer work
- Volunteering within 100 miles of your home
Top safety tips we recommend for your volunteer trip
- Research the organization you’ll be volunteering with to make sure they’re reputable. You’ll want to confirm they have a clear mission, vision, and values. It’s also not a bad idea to look for reviews from others who have worked with them.
- Understand what your duties are before you go, and make sure you’re aware of any risks associated with those. You’ll also want to make sure all activities are covered by your travel insurance coverage for volunteering abroad.
- No matter what volunteer service you’re providing, make sure you receive proper training, as that reduces your chance of injuries or accidents.
- Take along a copy of the documents showing your travel insurance coverage for volunteering. You may even want to save a copy in your phone so it is easily accessible.
- Check with the U.S. Department of State to see if they have issued any travel advisories for your destination.
- Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay updated on emergency situations.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for volunteering. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
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Can a volunteer trip abroad be covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, volunteering may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. The Standard and Annual Plans include travel insurance coverage for volunteering in roles that involve childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work.) The Explorer Plan covers more activities including construction or renovation work (manual work involving painting, using power tools, operating machinery, roadwork, and working at height), volunteering in roles that involve high risk work (such as offshore, underground or caves, and commercial diving), disaster relief, NGO support, and volunteering as a ski instructor or in medical and health care services. The Epic Plan covers everything the Explorer Plan covers, plus even more activities – like serving as a pilot or crew of an aircraft. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
If you’re not sure if your volunteer duties can be covered, you can contact us and ask.
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What types of incidents may be covered while I’m volunteering overseas?
If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses (up to the maximum benefit amount), and this may include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable tours that you paid for in advance. If you get cut while planting coral in the Caribbean and you require medical assistance, emergency expense medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You may also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags.
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What type of volunteer work is included in my trip protection plan?
World Nomads offers travel protection plans that include non-insurance services, as well as travel insurance coverage for volunteering. The Standard Plan includes travel insurance coverage for volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work.) The Explorer Plan covers more activities including construction or renovation work (manual work involving painting, using power tools, operating machinery, roadwork, and working at height), volunteering in roles that involve high risk work (such as offshore, underground or caves, and commercial diving), disaster relief, NGO support, and volunteering as a ski instructor or in medical and health care services. The Epic Plan covers everything the Explorer Plan covers, plus even more activities – like serving as a pilot or crew of an aircraft. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage. If you’re not sure if your volunteer duties are covered, you can contact us and ask.
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Can I purchase a plan after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan that includes travel insurance coverage for volunteering online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Insurance for U.S. residents takes effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage for volunteering, you’ll need to buy your insurance at least the day before you need coverage.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance offer coverage for volunteering in other countries?
Yes, volunteering is an amazing experience and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your ways to give back. For example, if you have travel insurance for Africa, you could have the opportunity to volunteer abroad in places such as Kenya, Botswana, and Rwanda. If you have travel insurance for Argentina, you could volunteer to teach English as a second language to students there. When you get a quote for a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for volunteering, you’ll need to input where you’ll be traveling.
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What should I do if I get hurt while I’m volunteering?
If you get hurt while you're volunteering, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for your volunteering trip.
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Does World Nomads cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, when you purchase travel insurance and non-insurance services for volunteering abroad, you could be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences. Things like snowmobiling, snorkeling, yoga, and backpacking may all be covered. You can review the list of activities, but if you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.
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Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased.
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What happens if my bags are delayed?
When you purchase travel insurance coverage for volunteering, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for reasonable essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.
Need destination inspiration for your next volunteer trip?
Not sure where you can travel and volunteer? Check out some of our favorite ways to give back around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Argentina: Opportunities for Cultural Immersion
What’s It Like to be a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer?
Beyond Machu Picchu: Exploring Peru’s Other Ancient Sites
20250821-4760264. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
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
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