- What are the best annual travel insurance plans?
- What Is Annual Travel Insurance?
- How much does annual travel insurance cost?
- What annual travel insurance covers
- The conditions of annual travel insurance
- Why take out annual travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right annual Travel Insurance
- Does Your Current Insurance Policy Cover annual Travel Insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
annual travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Annual travel insurance covers unlimited trips over 12 months, making it ideal for frequent Kiwi travellers.
2. Price: A standard annual policy for a New Zealander typically costs between $200 and $500, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and cancellations, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and some adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, ACC, and private health plans offer very limited overseas cover compared to a dedicated policy.
5. Tips: Check individual trip duration limits, pre-existing condition rules, and specific cover for your planned activities.
6. Other useful info: Look for policies with benefits for working holidays or frequent trips to the Pacific Islands.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in New Zealand, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best annual travel insurance.
What are the best annual travel insurance plans?
Here is a selection of the best annual travel insurance plans available for residents of New Zealand. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and clear coverage arrangements, ensuring strong protection for frequent travellers throughout the year.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2.0M NZD | 100 NZD |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M NZD | 150 NZD |
|
| Tourist Card | 2.0M NZD | 200 NZD |
|
| World Travel | 1.0M NZD | 100 NZD |
|
| Globe Partner | 1.2M NZD | 175 NZD |
|
| Globe Traveller | 1.2M NZD | 175 NZD |
|
- Flexible multi-trip coverage.
- Priority claims handling.
- 24/7 telemedicine.
- Strong adventure activity cover.
- Mobile app for emergencies.
- Direct billing at hospitals.
- Covers adventure sports.
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- Fast online reimbursement.
- WhatsApp support line.
- COVID-19 medical cover.
- Flexible trip duration.
- Telemedicine consults available.
- Family and student discounts.
- Pre-existing condition cover.
- Flexible worldwide coverage.
- Easy online management.
- Policy extensions abroad.
- Student and expatriate options.
- 24/7 international assistance.
- Supports trips up to 12 months.
- Multi-language support.
- Flexible for families.
- Covers medical repatriation.
The best annual travel insurance depends on your needs. Compare plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat Is Annual Travel Insurance?
Annual travel insurance is a multi-trip policy providing comprehensive protection for unlimited journeys within a 12-month period.
It is designed for New Zealand residents who travel abroad two or more times per year.
This insurance typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss and personal liability for every trip taken that year.
Annual travel insurance should not be confused with single-trip policies, which only cover one journey.
It is also called "multi-trip travel insurance" and offers convenience, cost-effectiveness, and continuous coverage across countries.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out annual travel insurance is especially important if you live in New Zealand:
- If you plan on taking two or more international trips yearly.
- For frequent, spontaneous trips to Australia or the Pacific Islands.
- When you travel several times a year for business purposes.
- To save money versus buying multiple single-trip policies each time.
- For the convenience of being covered for an entire year.
- If any trip is to a high-cost country like the USA.
- When your travel includes both long holidays and short breaks.
How much does annual travel insurance cost?
On average, annual travel insurance for New Zealand residents ranges from $180 to $650 per person per year, depending on the level of coverage and destinations.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4 business trips to Australia | $4,000 | $180 to $280 |
| 2 family holidays to Europe and Asia | $12,000 | $320 to $480 |
| 6-month working holiday in Canada | $16,000 | $450 to $650 |
| Multiple weekends in Pacific Islands | $3,200 | $220 to $350 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your annual travel insurance depends on several factors:
- number and duration of trips: more trips and longer journeys mean higher potential costs.
- destinations: travelling to countries with expensive healthcare, like the United States, will increase premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers often pay higher rates.
- level of coverage: adding extra benefits or choosing higher policy limits raises the price.
- pre-existing conditions and activities: coverage for medical conditions or adventure activities can increase costs.
What annual travel insurance covers
Annual travel insurance provides continuous protection for unlimited trips during a 12-month period.
This type of policy is ideal for frequent travellers from New Zealand who want one solution for all their trips throughout the year.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses for covered cancellations before departure. | Choose at least NZ$5,000 cover per year. Deductible should not exceed NZ$150. Change of mind and known risks are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage & personal effects | Covers lost, stolen or damaged luggage and belongings on any trip. | NZ$3,000–NZ$10,000 per policy year is recommended. Aim for deductible below NZ$100. Electronics, cash and unattended items are limited or excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensates you for accommodation and meals during long travel delays. | NZ$200 per day after 6+ hours is ideal, no deductible. Shorter delays or lack of proof are excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency medical care and hospitalisation overseas. | Always seek at least NZ$1M worldwide, especially for US travel. Deductible should not exceed NZ$100. Routine care, pre-existing conditions and pregnancy are excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Key guarantee. Pays to medically evacuate you or repatriate you home if necessary. | Set NZ$1M minimum, higher for US or remote areas. No deductible preferred. Non-medical reasons and refusal of evacuation are excluded. |
| 🏠 Trip interruption | Refunds extra costs to return home early if a covered emergency occurs. | Minimum cover of NZ$5,000 per trip. Deductible under NZ$100. Voluntary returns or minor disruptions are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers unexpected dental treatment required on your trips. | Check for at least NZ$500 per year. Deductible under NZ$50 recommended. Routine and cosmetic care not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Covers injury caused to others or damage to their property abroad. | Minimum NZ$1M per year, deductible not over NZ$200. Intentional acts, motor vehicles and professional liability are excluded. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Pays your hire car insurance excess if your rental car is damaged or stolen. | NZ$3,000–NZ$6,000 yearly cover is standard. Deductible up to NZ$100. Unlicensed drivers and off-road use are not covered. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Pays lump sum if you suffer death or permanent disability on a trip. | Recommend NZ$25,000 minimum. No deductible should apply. Adventure sports and suicide are excluded. |
Change of mind and known risks are not covered.
Electronics, cash and unattended items are limited or excluded.
Shorter delays or lack of proof are excluded.
Routine care, pre-existing conditions and pregnancy are excluded.
Non-medical reasons and refusal of evacuation are excluded.
Voluntary returns or minor disruptions are excluded.
Routine and cosmetic care not covered.
Intentional acts, motor vehicles and professional liability are excluded.
Unlicensed drivers and off-road use are not covered.
Adventure sports and suicide are excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the annual travel insurance that best suits your needs and travel schedule, compare plans easily on HelloSafe.
The conditions of annual travel insurance
Annual travel insurance in New Zealand provides ongoing protection for multiple trips over a 12-month period. To be valid for your journeys, several conditions are commonly required:
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the annual policy before your first departure, not after you have left New Zealand.
- Residency requirement: you must be a New Zealand resident or citizen when you take out the policy.
- Trip duration limit: each trip covered must not exceed a set maximum, often 45 or 90 days, as specified in your policy.
- Home return clause: between trips you must return to New Zealand, unless your policy explicitly allows continuous cover without returning home.
- No ongoing travel: your coverage cannot begin while you are already overseas, it must start before your journey begins.
- Eligible destinations: you must check that your destinations are not excluded due to government advisories or specific policy restrictions.
- Disclosure obligations: you need to declare all pre-existing medical conditions and significant travel plans for correct coverage.
- Timely claim notification: you must notify your insurer as soon as possible in case of an incident, loss, or emergency requiring support.
Watch out!
Don't get caught out! Many Kiwis believe an annual policy covers them for a full year abroad. However, most plans have a strict per-trip duration limit (e.g., 90 days). For longer trips like an OE, you'll need a specialised long-stay policy to remain insured.
Why take out annual travel insurance?
Travelling abroad exposes you to many unpredictable risks, and even minor incidents can result in significant expenses that quickly exceed your trip budget.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $1,000,000 NZ or more, per claim |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often up to 100%, no deductible |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $1,000,000 NZ or policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually up to 100% after deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Covered in full or part, policy-dependent |
- Europe: $450 NZ
- North America: $1,200 NZ
- Asia: $180 NZ
- Europe: $45,000 NZ
- North America: $85,000 NZ
- Asia: $25,000 NZ
- Europe: $18,000 NZ
- North America: $45,000 NZ
- Asia: $8,000 NZ
- Europe: $380 NZ
- North America: $950 NZ
- Asia: $150 NZ
- Europe: $280 NZ
- North America: $650 NZ
- Asia: $100 NZ
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, annual travel insurance offers other advantages: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability abroad and 24/7 emergency assistance. These help provide real financial security throughout a year of travel.
Good to know
Your bank card or ACC won't cover a $90,000 medical bill in the US. An annual policy provides unlimited trips with comprehensive medical and repatriation cover. Insurers like Chapka offer 24/7 assistance, so you can travel with total peace of mind for an entire year.
How to Choose the Right annual Travel Insurance
Annual travel insurance policies can differ greatly in reimbursement ceilings, medical limits, claim excesses, and exclusions. That is why it is important to compare the main features, especially for frequent travel from New Zealand.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💸 Reimbursement limits | Set the highest amount paid for medical or non-medical claims on each journey. | Select annual policies with no less than $1,000,000 NZ medical cover for destinations worldwide. |
| ➖ Medical excess | Is the share you must pay per claim and affects out-of-pocket expenses when travelling. | Low or no excess offers greater peace of mind for repeated annual claims. |
| 📄 Policy conditions | Define claim deadlines, cover start dates, trip length, and eligibility criteria. | Confirm every trip's length is within policy limits and all pre-existing conditions are declared. |
| 👥 Traveller profile | Different plans for solo travellers, families, seniors, and business users. | Choose policies tailored to your traveller type, family status, and work, study, or leisure needs. |
| ✈️ Individual trip limit | Annual plans often cap the length of each covered trip (e.g., 45, 60 or 90 days). | Make sure your longest planned trip fits the annual policy’s maximum per-trip duration. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Affects eligibility for trips to the USA, Pacific Islands, or high-risk destinations. | Check if all countries on your travel list, including the USA and transit stops, are covered. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Some benefits may already be offered by bank cards or private health insurance. | Review all current insurance, then choose annual cover to fill gaps without doubling up benefits. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Many annual policies exclude or restrict adventure sports and hazardous activities. | Ensure planned adventure activities are declared and covered in your annual insurance add-ons. |
| 🔍 Offer comparison | Helps you find the most cost-effective combination of price, limits, and features. | Compare annual policies online each year for the best price against the broadest covers available. |
Does Your Current Insurance Policy Cover annual Travel Insurance?
It is reasonable to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or the public health system, can provide you with annual travel insurance, but unfortunately this coverage is often insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Annual travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Health New Zealand, ACC) | Never | Emergency accident coverage only, up to $50,000 in rare cases. No hospital abroad, no evacuation, no trip cancellation, or baggage coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to $10,000,000 worldwide and protects baggage, delays, and trip cancellation. |
| Private health insurance (Southern Cross, nib) | Almost Never | Emergency medical with international plans, up to $500,000. No baggage, no trip cancellation, no personal liability, and no travel disruption benefits. | Travel insurance adds comprehensive medical, cancellation, and multiple non-medical protections up to $10,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ Visa, Westpac Mastercard) | Never | Some accident cover up to $150,000 - $250,000, sometimes medical. No trip cancellation, evacuation, lost baggage, or all-year coverage abroad. | Travel insurance offers unlimited trips, medical, baggage, and cancellation with much higher limits all year. |
| Premium credit card (ASB Platinum, BNZ Advantage) | Limited coverage | Medical up to $300,000, basic baggage, and trip cancellation, trip duration limits apply. No worldwide unlimited cover, sports or working holiday benefits. | Travel insurance always covers more trips, longer stays and includes adventure as well as comprehensive support. |
No hospital abroad, no evacuation, no trip cancellation, or baggage coverage.
No baggage, no trip cancellation, no personal liability, and no travel disruption benefits.
No trip cancellation, evacuation, lost baggage, or all-year coverage abroad.
No worldwide unlimited cover, sports or working holiday benefits.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude critical events like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Carefully review your contract's conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not legally mandatory for New Zealand residents. However, some countries require proof of insurance for entry or specific visas. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended. For example, a family holiday in the USA could result in tens of thousands of NZD in medical bills if uninsured.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to purchase annual travel insurance before you begin any of your trips in the policy year. Buying your policy in advance guarantees coverage from your very first departure, avoids gaps between trips, and often provides better value if you anticipate two or more journeys within 12 months.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
First, compare yearly insurance offers using a platform such as HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to annual policies. Then, purchase your chosen product online and receive your insurance certificate immediately via email or secure portal.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after booking my trips?
Yes, you can buy annual travel insurance after booking your trips, as long as you do so before you leave New Zealand. However, some benefits, such as cancellation cover, may only apply if you purchased your policy shortly after booking. It is always best to check policy terms carefully.
How do I make a claim on my annual travel insurance?
If you experience a loss or incident while travelling, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Gather supporting documents like medical reports or receipts. Most providers offer online claim forms. Submit the necessary information promptly to speed up the process and ensure your reimbursement is not delayed.
Does annual travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Most annual travel insurance policies in New Zealand exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless specifically declared and accepted by the insurer. Some providers offer coverage if your health is stable or you pay an extra premium. Always check the policy wording on medical exclusions and supply complete medical history details.
Is there a maximum age for annual travel insurance?
Some policies may have age limits or charge higher premiums for older travellers. Always check the age limits before purchasing. A number of insurers offer competitive annual coverage in New Zealand for travellers up to age 75 or even 80, though coverage levels and options may differ.
Does annual travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Coverage for adventure sports depends on the policy. Many basic annual plans exclude high-risk activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping. If you are planning to participate in such sports, ensure your policy either covers them automatically or can be upgraded with an adventure sports option.
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not legally mandatory for New Zealand residents. However, some countries require proof of insurance for entry or specific visas. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended. For example, a family holiday in the USA could result in tens of thousands of NZD in medical bills if uninsured.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to purchase annual travel insurance before you begin any of your trips in the policy year. Buying your policy in advance guarantees coverage from your very first departure, avoids gaps between trips, and often provides better value if you anticipate two or more journeys within 12 months.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
First, compare yearly insurance offers using a platform such as HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to annual policies. Then, purchase your chosen product online and receive your insurance certificate immediately via email or secure portal.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after booking my trips?
Yes, you can buy annual travel insurance after booking your trips, as long as you do so before you leave New Zealand. However, some benefits, such as cancellation cover, may only apply if you purchased your policy shortly after booking. It is always best to check policy terms carefully.
How do I make a claim on my annual travel insurance?
If you experience a loss or incident while travelling, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Gather supporting documents like medical reports or receipts. Most providers offer online claim forms. Submit the necessary information promptly to speed up the process and ensure your reimbursement is not delayed.
Does annual travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Most annual travel insurance policies in New Zealand exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless specifically declared and accepted by the insurer. Some providers offer coverage if your health is stable or you pay an extra premium. Always check the policy wording on medical exclusions and supply complete medical history details.
Is there a maximum age for annual travel insurance?
Some policies may have age limits or charge higher premiums for older travellers. Always check the age limits before purchasing. A number of insurers offer competitive annual coverage in New Zealand for travellers up to age 75 or even 80, though coverage levels and options may differ.
Does annual travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Coverage for adventure sports depends on the policy. Many basic annual plans exclude high-risk activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping. If you are planning to participate in such sports, ensure your policy either covers them automatically or can be upgraded with an adventure sports option.
On the same topic
