On 1 October 2025, the United States Government entered a shut down after Congress were unable to agree on new funding legislation. During the shutdown, many federal services and agencies are operating at reduced capacity or are suspended. This may cause disruptions to travellers, including (but not limited to):
- Delays at airports and ports of entry due to reduced staffing or longer security/customs wait times.
- Suspension or slowdown of certain government services such as passport/visa processing, permits, and regulatory inspections.
- Limited access to federally managed facilities, such as national parks, museums, and monuments.
Disruption to travel is anticipated as more than 11,000 employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are set to be furloughed.
If you’re already travelling
If you hold a policy with us and require emergency assistance due to this event, please contact our Emergency Assistance team as soon as it’s practical and safe to do so.
For the latest advice, visit https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/.
How does this event affect your cover
If you already have a policy with us, coverage may be available subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
Please note that our policies contain exclusions for losses arising from any government intervention, prohibition, or regulation; or you or a member of your travelling party not following official laws or warnings from a government authority or organisation, or from any other relevant or local authority.
Policies purchased after an event occurs will not provide cover for any losses which arise in relation to that event.
If your travel plans are affected
If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
Please retain all supporting documentation evidencing expenses incurred. Please remember as a term of your policy, you must do everything you can to minimise losses. If you need to submit a claim, please complete the claim form and if you need help doing this, contact us.
If you have any other queries, please get in touch.
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