New Zealand: what are the best travel insurance options in 2025?

The ACS Globe Partner Travel Insurance policy provides a comprehensive set of benefits designed to ensure security and financial coverage for travelers. A significant feature of this insurance is the excess, which is set at NZ$100 per claim and per file across various benefits, including legal liability, medical expenses, and luggage claims. This ensures that policyholders bear a minimal out-of-pocket cost before the insurance coverage takes effect. The presence of a fixed excess amount simplifies the claims process, allowing travelers to anticipate their potential costs in case of an incident.

The maximum amount for essential medical costs covered under this policy is NZ$300,000 per person per year, which includes expenses related to hospitalization, surgery, consultations, pharmacy needs, and paramedical care. The insurance covers 100% of actual costs for hospitalization and surgery, ensuring that policyholders do not have to worry about medical expenses exceeding their coverage limit. Additionally, emergency dental treatment is covered up to NZ$300, while dental treatment following an accident extends up to NZ$600, providing a sufficient level of protection for dental emergencies. Notably, students benefit from extended emergency medical coverage of up to NZ$15,000 in their country of residence during school holidays, making this an attractive option for young travelers studying abroad.

The maximum trip duration for this insurance is structured in a way that allows flexibility for travelers. The policy can be subscribed to for a fixed term of up to 12 months and can be renewed twice, allowing for extended coverage up to a total of three years. However, renewal is contingent on maintaining continuous coverage without interruption. The insurance is specifically designed for travelers under the age of 40, which means it is particularly suitable for students, young professionals, and long-term travelers who require consistent coverage during their stays abroad.

The flight delay and cancellation compensation ensures travelers are not left out of pocket due to unforeseen travel disruptions. The insurance provides early return benefits if a policyholder must return home due to the death of an immediate family member, covering actual transport costs. In the event of hospitalization exceeding seven days, a relative or friend can be flown in, with expenses for transportation and accommodation covered up to NZ$80 per night for a maximum of 8 nights. If travelers need to extend their stay due to medical reasons, the policy covers additional accommodation costs of NZ$80 per night for up to 15 nights, ensuring financial security during unexpected health-related disruptions. Furthermore, medical repatriation and transport costs are fully covered, guaranteeing policyholders access to appropriate medical facilities when necessary.

The luggage cover provides compensation for personal belongings lost, stolen, or damaged during transit, with a maximum benefit of NZ$1,150 per claim. This coverage applies specifically to luggage during the outward and return journey and includes reimbursement for theft, total or partial destruction, or loss during transport by a carrier. However, specific exclusions apply, including jewelry, electronic devices, professional equipment, musical instruments, food, and high-value items. The claim process requires supporting documents such as a police report, transport company loss statement, and purchase receipts. Compensation is calculated based on the replacement value with depreciation applied, ensuring a fair valuation for lost or damaged items.

Beyond these primary features, the policy offers several additional benefits that enhance its attractiveness. Legal liability coverage is provided, with NZ$4.5 million for personal injury claims and NZ$450,000 for property damage, ensuring strong protection against third-party claims during the trip. Coverage extends to objects entrusted to the policyholder during a traineeship or internship, with a compensation limit of NZ$11,500, making this an appealing option for young professionals or students engaged in work placements abroad. Search and rescue costs are covered up to NZ$3,000, providing security for those engaging in outdoor or adventure activities.

The policy includes legal assistance up to NZ$3,000, and bail bond advances up to NZ$7,000, offering financial support in case of legal troubles while traveling. Additionally, an advance of funds up to NZ$700 is available in the event of theft or loss of payment methods, ensuring policyholders have access to emergency cash when needed. Funeral costs in the event of death are covered up to NZ$1,500, while full repatriation of the body is covered at actual costs, providing peace of mind for loved ones.

In summary, the ACS Globe Partner Travel Insurance offers a well-balanced and comprehensive coverage plan tailored for young travelers, students, and professionals abroad. With reasonable excess fees, strong medical expense limits, generous trip duration allowances, extensive repatriation and assistance benefits, and reliable luggage protection, it provides solid protection in various travel scenarios. The addition of legal liability coverage, emergency fund advances, and search and rescue costs further enhances its appeal, making it a strong contender for travelers seeking dependable and extensive travel insurance coverage.

Heymondo’s International Travel Insurance offers travelers a comprehensive and customizable coverage plan, ensuring peace of mind during both international and domestic journeys. One of the standout features of this policy is the absence of any deductible or excess, meaning that policyholders are not required to pay any out-of-pocket expenses before the insurance coverage takes effect. This feature simplifies the claims process and provides immediate financial relief in case of unforeseen events.

The policy provides substantial coverage for essential medical costs, with limits reaching up to NZ$10,000,000 USD. This extensive coverage encompasses medical expenses incurred abroad due to sudden illness or accidental injury, including hospitalization, prescription medications, and inpatient physical therapy. Emergency dental treatments aimed at alleviating acute and sudden pain are also covered. Additionally, the insurance includes medical transportation and repatriation services, ensuring that policyholders can be safely returned to their home country if necessary. In cases where hospitalization extends beyond seven days, the policy covers travel and lodging expenses for a family member to accompany the insured, providing emotional support during challenging times.

Regarding trip duration, Heymondo’s policy is designed to accommodate various travel plans. For frequent travelers, the Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance covers all trips taken within a year, provided each trip does not exceed 60 days. This flexibility is ideal for individuals embarking on multiple journeys throughout the year, whether for leisure or business purposes. For those planning extended stays, the Long Stay Travel Insurance offers coverage for trips longer than 90 days, catering to long-term travelers, digital nomads, and individuals on assignments abroad.

In the event of travel disruptions, the policy offers compensation for flight delays and cancellations. If a trip is canceled due to covered reasons, such as a positive COVID-19 test or the serious illness or death of a close relative, the policy reimburses up to NZ$7,000 USD for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses. This coverage must be purchased within seven days of the initial trip booking to be valid. For delays caused by public transport issues, the policy reimburses accommodation, meals, and refreshments, ensuring travelers are not left out-of-pocket due to unforeseen delays. Additionally, if a missed connection occurs due to the late arrival of an incoming flight, the insurance covers essential expenses, including the purchase of an alternative flight ticket if necessary.

The luggage coverage under this policy is designed to protect personal belongings against theft, loss, or damage. Policyholders are entitled to compensation of up to NZ$2,500 USD in such events. In cases where checked baggage is delayed or misdirected by the carrier, the policy reimburses the purchase of necessary personal effects, ensuring travelers have access to essential items while awaiting their luggage. Furthermore, if official documents such as passports or visas are lost or stolen, the insurance covers the administrative expenses incurred for their replacement, alleviating the stress associated with such incidents.

Beyond these core features, Heymondo’s International Travel Insurance includes several additional coverages that enhance its appeal. Personal liability coverage of up to NZ$2,000,000 USD protects against claims for bodily injury or property damage to third parties, including legal costs and expenses. The policy also offers compensation of up to NZ$60,000 USD for accidental death or permanent disability resulting from incidents during the trip. For those planning to engage in adventure sports, an optional add-on extends coverage to activities such as white-water rafting, diving up to 20 meters, and bungee jumping, ensuring thrill-seekers are adequately protected. Additionally, coverage for electronic equipment is available, safeguarding valuable items like laptops, tablets, and cameras against theft or damage. The policy also addresses unforeseen events such as natural disasters, covering additional accommodation and transportation costs incurred during the trip due to events like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes. For travelers renting vehicles, the insurance provides coverage for rental car excess up to NZ$500 USD, offering financial protection against potential damages or theft of the rented vehicle.

To further enhance user experience, Heymondo offers a Travel Assistance App, providing 24/7 medical chat support, free online assistance calls, and efficient claims management, all accessible from the convenience of a mobile device. This app ensures that help is readily available, streamlining the process of seeking assistance and managing claims.

In summary, Heymondo’s International Travel Insurance stands out for its comprehensive coverage, absence of deductibles, and flexibility in accommodating various travel durations. The inclusion of extensive medical coverage, robust trip interruption benefits, generous luggage protection, and a suite of additional coverages makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking reliable and extensive insurance protection. The user-friendly Travel Assistance App further enhances the policy’s attractiveness, ensuring that support is always within reach, no matter where the journey leads.

The Chapka Cap Assistance 24/24 Travel Insurance offers a well-rounded and extensive package designed to provide financial security for travelers in various situations. A fundamental aspect of this insurance is the excess, which applies to specific claims, ensuring that policyholders share a portion of the costs before receiving compensation. Although the exact amount of the excess is not explicitly detailed in every section, the policy states that for medical expenses abroad, the insured must first use any available national healthcare coverage before additional expenses are reimbursed. This ensures that policyholders maximize existing benefits before claiming through the travel insurance, making it a practical option for those who already have partial coverage. In the event of a claim, prior authorization from the assistance center is required, which helps manage costs and streamline the reimbursement process.

A key feature of this policy is the coverage for essential medical costs, which varies depending on the geographical region. In Zone 1 (Europe, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia), coverage extends up to NZ$100,000 per insured person. In Zone 2 (Worldwide excluding specific high-risk countries), the limit increases significantly to NZ$500,000 per insured person, while for Zone 3 (including high-cost countries like the USA, Canada, Thailand, Mexico, India, and Indonesia), the maximum coverage reaches NZ$1,000,000 per insured person. This coverage includes hospitalization, surgery, paramedical care, consultations, and emergency prescriptions, ensuring that travelers have financial security in case of unexpected medical events. Additional benefits include emergency dental care up to NZ$300 per person, along with search and rescue costs up to NZ$10,000 per person and NZ$30,000 per event, which can be particularly useful for travelers engaging in adventure or outdoor activities.

Regarding maximum trip duration, this insurance policy covers trips lasting up to 90 consecutive days. This limitation ensures that the policy is best suited for short- to medium-term travelers rather than those planning long-term stays abroad. Any trip exceeding 90 days is not covered, meaning policyholders looking for extended coverage beyond this period would need to explore alternative long-term insurance options. This makes the policy ideal for frequent travelers, digital nomads on short-term stays, and students or professionals on temporary assignments abroad.

The flight delay and cancellation compensation provided under this policy is structured to offer financial relief in cases of significant travel disruptions. For flight delays, compensation of up to NZ$250 per insured person is available if a scheduled flight is delayed by more than four hours (for standard flights) or six hours (for charter flights). In the case of a missed flight, policyholders are reimbursed 80% of the total cost of the original ticket, up to a maximum of NZ$8,000 per person. Additionally, for a missed connection due to a delay of more than six hours, the insurance covers accommodation, meals, and transfer costs up to NZ$100 per insured person, ensuring that travelers are not left stranded due to circumstances beyond their control.

The luggage cover ensures protection against theft, total or partial destruction, or loss during transport by an airline or transport company, with compensation reaching a maximum of NZ$3,000 per insured person. This is particularly valuable for those carrying expensive items, as it provides significant reimbursement in case of loss or damage. Precious objects, including electronics and jewelry, are covered up to 50% of the total luggage cover, meaning a maximum of NZ$1,500 per insured person. In addition, compensation for delayed baggage is available, offering up to NZ$300 per insured person for essential purchases in the event of a delay. Further financial protection is offered through the reimbursement of travel document restoration costs, up to NZ$150 per insured person, providing peace of mind in the event of passport or ID loss.

Beyond these core features, the policy includes a range of additional benefits that further enhance its value. Personal liability insurance abroad is covered up to NZ$4.5 million per event for bodily injury and NZ$300,000 per event for property damage, ensuring strong protection against third-party claims. Legal expenses abroad are covered up to NZ$20,000 per litigation case, offering travelers financial support in legal disputes that may arise during their trip. Trip interruption coverage provides reimbursement of unused ground services, up to NZ$7,500 per person and NZ$35,000 per event, ensuring that unforeseen situations requiring an early return do not result in substantial financial losses.

For those traveling with pets, the policy offers return ticket reimbursement of up to NZ$250 per event, covering expenses related to bringing pets home in case of repatriation. Additionally, sports equipment protection ensures reimbursement of up to NZ$300 per event for stolen or damaged equipment, making it a suitable option for travelers engaged in sports activities. Home assistance coverage is also available in case of incidents at home while traveling, including emergency accommodation costs up to NZ$80 per night for up to five nights.

In conclusion, the Chapka Cap Assistance 24/24 Travel Insurance offers well-balanced and extensive coverage for short- to medium-term travelers, providing strong medical expense benefits, flexible trip duration options, robust travel disruption compensation, and generous luggage protection. The inclusion of high personal liability coverage, legal assistance, trip interruption compensation, and additional covers for pets and sports equipment further strengthens its appeal. While the 90-day trip duration limit may not be ideal for long-term travelers, this policy remains an excellent choice for holidaymakers, business travelers, students, and digital nomads looking for extensive and reliable insurance coverage during their trips.

The MondialCare World Travel Insurance policy provides a broad and well-structured range of benefits for travelers, ensuring financial security across multiple aspects of their journey. A key component of this policy is the excess, which is applied to medical reimbursements and other claims. For medical expenses incurred abroad, a NZ$50 deductible is applied per claim, ensuring that travelers contribute a manageable amount before the insurer covers the remaining eligible expenses. This excess remains relatively low compared to many other travel insurance policies, making it accessible while maintaining substantial protection.

The maximum amount of essential medical costs covered varies depending on the circumstances and the traveler’s location. The policy offers comprehensive medical and hospitalization coverage, ensuring that necessary treatment, hospitalization, and specialist care are provided without undue financial burden. Medical repatriation costs are fully covered, allowing insured individuals to be transported to an appropriate medical facility if required. Additionally, emergency dental care is covered up to NZ$250, ensuring financial relief for unexpected dental issues during travel. Another standout feature is the advance payment for hospital expenses, which allows for direct payment to healthcare facilities instead of requiring policyholders to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. This is particularly beneficial for those traveling to destinations with high medical costs.

The maximum trip duration under this policy is set at 90 days per trip, making it suitable for short- to medium-term travelers, including tourists, business travelers, and expatriates on temporary assignments. Coverage applies worldwide, with the policy catering to individuals traveling for leisure, work, or study. However, it does not automatically renew, requiring policyholders to extend coverage manually if they plan to travel beyond the initial insured period. The 90-day limit ensures that coverage remains adaptable to most travel needs while maintaining strong protection for extended stays abroad.

The flight delay and cancellation compensation under this policy provides essential financial support in cases of travel disruptions. Compensation of up to NZ$250 per insured person is granted for flight delays exceeding four hours for scheduled flights and six hours for charter flights. If a traveler experiences a missed connection due to a delay exceeding six hours, the insurance covers additional accommodation, meals, and transfer costs up to NZ$100 per insured person. Additionally, if the insured is denied boarding due to overbooking or temperature-based health screenings, a fixed compensation of NZ$50 is provided. In the case of trip cancellation, the policy covers 100% of ticket costs due to medical emergencies, visa rejections, serious damage to the insured’s home, or the death of a close family member, ensuring financial protection against unforeseen events. However, cancellations due to strikes or carrier-related issues are excluded, limiting its applicability in certain situations.

The luggage cover provides extensive protection for travelers’ personal belongings, offering compensation of up to NZ$3,000 per insured person in case of theft, loss, or damage. Valuables, including electronics, jewelry, and watches, are covered up to 30% of the total luggage allowance, ensuring that travelers carrying high-value items receive adequate compensation. Additionally, baggage delays exceeding 24 hours qualify for reimbursement of up to NZ$250 to cover essential replacement items such as clothing and toiletries. Loss of travel documents, including passports and visas, is covered up to NZ$150, facilitating swift replacement in the event of theft or misplacement.

Beyond these fundamental features, the policy includes several additional benefits that further enhance its attractiveness. Personal liability coverage is extensive, with a limit of NZ$4.5 million per event for bodily injury claims and NZ$300,000 for property damage, ensuring strong protection against third-party claims. Legal assistance of up to NZ$20,000 is available to support insured individuals in legal disputes while abroad. Search and rescue operations are covered up to NZ$5,000, providing essential financial aid for travelers engaging in adventure activities or remote-area travel.

Further benefits include trip interruption coverage, which reimburses up to NZ$7,500 per insured person and NZ$35,000 per event for unused travel expenses due to emergencies requiring an early return. Psychological assistance is also provided in the event of severe trauma or injury, covering consultation costs with a licensed psychologist. Additionally, evacuation due to political unrest or natural disasters is covered, ensuring travelers can return home safely in case of unexpected events in their destination country.

Overall, the MondialCare World Travel Insurance policy offers a well-balanced and extensive coverage plan, making it an excellent choice for short- to medium-term travelers looking for strong medical coverage, comprehensive trip protection, and generous baggage compensation. The inclusion of high personal liability limits, legal assistance, search and rescue benefits, and trip interruption compensation enhances its value, ensuring that policyholders have access to one of the most adaptable and reliable travel insurance options available. The combination of moderate excess, strong medical benefits, flexible trip duration, and broad additional protections ensures that travelers can embark on their journeys with confidence, knowing they have robust and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

World Nomads’ travel insurance exhibits notable limitations. The medical coverage is insufficient, with low limits and numerous exclusions, particularly concerning pre-existing conditions. Trip cancellation and interruption terms are stringent, restricting acceptable reasons and providing partial reimbursements. Baggage protection is inadequate, offering low reimbursement amounts and excluding certain valuable items. Additionally, an excess applies to certain benefits, especially in liability and assistance services. While the policy includes coverage for over 150 adventure activities, this benefit does not outweigh the contract’s numerous shortcomings. And for all these reasons, we do not recommend World Nomads’ travel insurance.

Cover-More’s travel insurance exhibits several notable limitations. While it offers unlimited coverage for overseas medical expenses, the excess applied per event can lead to significant additional costs if multiple incidents occur during the trip. Furthermore, the trip cancellation and interruption terms are stringent, with limited acceptable reasons and partial reimbursements, making it challenging to obtain full refunds for unforeseen plan changes. Baggage protection is also inadequate, featuring specific item limits that may not sufficiently cover valuable items such as electronics or jewelry. Although the policy provides 24/7 medical assistance, this benefit does not outweigh the numerous shortcomings of the coverage. And for all these reasons, we do not recommend Cover-More’s travel insurance.

1Cover’s travel insurance presents several notable limitations. While it offers unlimited coverage for overseas medical expenses, certain pre-existing medical conditions may be excluded, leaving travelers vulnerable to potential health-related expenses abroad. The policy’s trip cancellation and interruption terms are stringent, with limited eligible reasons and partial reimbursements, complicating efforts to secure full refunds for unexpected plan changes. Additionally, the baggage protection is inadequate, featuring specific item limits that may not sufficiently cover high-value items such as electronics or jewelry. Although the policy includes 24/7 medical assistance, this benefit does not sufficiently offset the numerous shortcomings of the coverage. And for all these reasons, we do not recommend 1Cover’s travel insurance.

AA New Zealand’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance plan, while supported by reputable providers like Allianz Partners, reveals several shortcomings that impact its reliability. Despite promising “unlimited” medical and cancellation coverage, the policy enforces strict exclusions—especially for undeclared pre-existing medical conditions and specific types of dental or non-approved treatments. Trip cancellation reimbursements require specific circumstances and pre-approval, reducing flexibility for travelers. Luggage coverage is also limited: a cap of NZ$1,500 per item is far too low to fully protect modern electronics or professional gear. Additionally, items left unattended, even momentarily, are often excluded. The base plan includes excesses (deductibles), and users must pay more to remove them. The only notable advantage lies in its comprehensive pandemic protection, including isolation orders and denied boarding due to symptoms. Still, that’s not enough to outweigh the policy’s practical limitations. And for all these reasons, this is why we do not recommend AA New Zealand’s travel insurance.

While AMI Travel Insurance offers a solid medical coverage with unlimited benefits for overseas treatment and evacuation, several weaknesses undermine its overall competitiveness. The policy does not include cancellation cover by default, requiring customers to manually select and pay for this essential benefit. Additionally, the luggage coverage, although high in total, imposes strict per-item limits that may be insufficient for modern electronics or camera gear. The exclusions around existing medical conditions and pregnancy are also quite stringent. On the positive side, the policy shines in its inclusion of adventure sports without needing add-ons. And for all these reasons, this is why we do not recommend the travel insurance offered by AMI Insurance.