- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- What is comprehensive travel insurance?
- The price of comprehensive travel insurance
- What comprehensive travel insurance covers
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
- Coverage for comprehensive Travel Insurance Under Your Current Policies
- FAQ
- On the same topic
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive insurance covers major risks like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage before and during your trip.
2. Price: For a one-week Europe trip, expect to pay between $180 and $320 NZD for comprehensive cover.
3. Coverage: It covers medical, cancellation, and baggage, but often excludes undeclared pre-existing conditions and some adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank card or ACC/Health NZ cover is limited, often excluding trip cancellation and having low medical caps.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and check policy limits for medical evacuation, especially for adventure travel.
6. Other useful info: Many NZ policies now include some COVID-19 cover, but always verify the specific terms and exclusions.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in New Zealand, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans available for residents of New Zealand in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, ensuring strong protection for travellers worldwide.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2.0M NZD | 0 NZD | • Covers over 180 countries. • Includes COVID-19 and natural disaster support. • No age limit for applicants. • 24/7 multilingual assistance via app. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M NZD | 0 NZD | • Mobile app access to doctors. • Free support number 24/7. • Covers hotel and pet care in emergencies. • No age-based premium increase. |
| Tourist Card | 0.5M NZD | 30 NZD, 60 NZD for USA/Canada | • Quick refund system. • Flexible cancellation included. • Legal help available. • Recognised support for digital nomads. |
| World Travel | 0.7M NZD (USA/Canada), 0.3M NZD (others) | 50 NZD per claim | • Quarantine hotel coverage. • Includes psychological support. • Passport loss assistance. • Political evacuation included. |
| Globe Partner | 0.3M NZD | 0 NZD | • Low-cost for under-40s. • Paperless enrolment. • Claim tracking via email. |
| Globe Traveller | 0.5M NZD | 0 NZD | • Covers long trips (up to 12 months). • Premium stability after age 60. • Support in multiple languages. |
• Includes COVID-19 and natural disaster support.
• No age limit for applicants.
• 24/7 multilingual assistance via app.
• Free support number 24/7.
• Covers hotel and pet care in emergencies.
• No age-based premium increase.
60 NZD for USA/Canada
• Flexible cancellation included.
• Legal help available.
• Recognised support for digital nomads.
0.3M NZD (others)
• Includes psychological support.
• Passport loss assistance.
• Political evacuation included.
• Paperless enrolment.
• Claim tracking via email.
• Premium stability after age 60.
• Support in multiple languages.
The best comprehensive travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use 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 comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy covering a wide range of incidents that may occur before or during a trip.
It usually includes overseas medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability and 24/7 emergency assistance.
This type of insurance is designed to offer broad protection in a single contract, for any destination and trip length.
Comprehensive insurance goes beyond basic plans by combining several major guarantees under one policy with higher limits and customisable options.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially important for travellers from New Zealand:
- when travelling to countries with expensive healthcare, like the USA.
- if your trip involves expensive, non-refundable bookings for flights or accommodation.
- for any pre-existing medical condition, even if it is minor.
- when participating in adventure activities such as skiing or diving.
- if you are travelling with valuable items like electronics or equipment.
- for extended journeys like the traditional Kiwi Overseas Experience (OE).
- if you plan on renting a vehicle while you are overseas.
The price of comprehensive travel insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 7% of your total trip price.
| Trip | Trip cost (NZD) | Indicative price per person (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Long weekend in Australia (4 days) | $1,200 | $36 to $85 |
| Two-week holiday in France | $6,000 | $180 to $390 |
| Three-week South-East Asia tour | $4,500 | $135 to $315 |
| One-month self-drive in the USA | $9,000 | $270 to $630 |
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 comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips cost more to insure.
- destination: countries with higher medical or security risks, like the USA, usually mean higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers often pay more due to increased health risks.
- level of coverage: higher limits or lower excess increase the cost.
- selected options: adding winter sports, valuable items, or “cancel for any reason” provisions will raise the price.
What comprehensive travel insurance covers
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to offer complete protection at every stage of your trip.
It helps safeguard your health, possessions and finances before departure, while travelling and throughout your stay abroad.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund for non-refundable travel costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | Choose a minimum cover of $5,000 NZD, with no excess over $50 NZD. Cancellations for change of mind, work reasons or visa refusal are usually excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers extra transport or hotel if you miss departure due to events outside your control. | Look for at least $500 NZD cover. There should be no excess. Not covered if you are late, or if the cause is not supported by official proof. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss/theft | Compensation for baggage and belongings lost, stolen or damaged during your trip. | Opt for a cover starting from $3,000 NZD, and avoid excess over $50 NZD. Unattended luggage, valuables exceeding set limits and normal wear or tear are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays fixed amount for significant flight or train delay. | Look for $200 NZD or more after 4 hours. Deductible should not apply. Delays under 4 hours or without documentation are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Covers urgent medical and hospital care overseas. | Choose a minimum $1M NZD cover with no or low excess ($100 NZD max). Routine care, chronic illness and non-urgent dental are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Pays for return to New Zealand or nearest hospital if medically necessary. | Opt for unlimited cover where available. Costs should be approved and coordinated by the insurer. Refusal of repatriation or arranging it yourself can affect claims. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment for sudden pain or injury. | Look for at least $500 NZD with low excess. Cosmetic treatments, regular check-ups and orthodontic work are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Covers injury or property damage you accidentally cause to others. | Choose at least $1M NZD, avoid excess over $100 NZD. Damage to own belongings, family members, or deliberate acts are not covered. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Pays for essentials if bags are delayed by the airline for an extended period. | Recommend at least $250 NZD after 24 hours delay, with no excess. Inbound (return) delays, unreported claims and undocumented delays are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Helps pay legal fees or bail if you face legal trouble abroad. | Look for at least $5,000 NZD for legal fees, $10,000 NZD for bail. Excludes criminal acts, events involving drugs, or alcohol-related offences. |
Cancellations for change of mind, work reasons or visa refusal are usually excluded.
Not covered if you are late, or if the cause is not supported by official proof.
Unattended luggage, valuables exceeding set limits and normal wear or tear are excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or without documentation are not covered.
Routine care, chronic illness and non-urgent dental are excluded.
Refusal of repatriation or arranging it yourself can affect claims.
Cosmetic treatments, regular check-ups and orthodontic work are excluded.
Damage to own belongings, family members, or deliberate acts are not covered.
Inbound (return) delays, unreported claims and undocumented delays are excluded.
Excludes criminal acts, events involving drugs, or alcohol-related offences.
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 comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To activate your comprehensive travel insurance and ensure your coverage is valid, several key conditions must be met. The most common are as follows:
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before leaving New Zealand, usually just after booking your travel.
- Residency status: you must be a resident of New Zealand at the moment of purchase.
- Trip duration limit: your travel dates must not exceed the maximum coverage period defined in your policy.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be overseas when you buy the insurance.
- Incident reporting: you must inform the insurer quickly after an accident, hospitalisation or loss, often within a set timeframe.
- Valid reason for claim: claims like cancellation or interruption must be for reasons accepted in the general terms.
- Required documentation: you must provide official proof, such as medical certificates or police reports, supporting your claim.
- Destination compliance: your travel must not include countries under a government “do not travel” advisory at the time of departure.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for Kiwis is assuming comprehensive insurance automatically covers pre-existing medical conditions. You must declare all conditions when you buy your policy. Failing to do so can void your cover, leaving you to face huge overseas medical bills alone. Always check the fine print.
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
When travelling, there are many risks and healthcare costs can quickly become unmanageable in a foreign country.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $10M NZD |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $10M NZD |
| Consultation and treatment for infection |
| Up to $10M NZD |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Limits vary, usually $1,000–$2,000 NZD |
| Repatriation to New Zealand |
| Up to 100% if medically required |
- Europe: $450 to $650 NZD
- North America: $800 to $1,200 NZD
- Asia: $200 to $400 NZD
- Europe: $350 to $550 NZD
- North America: $600 to $1,000 NZD
- Asia: $150 to $300 NZD
- Europe: $280 to $420 NZD
- North America: $500 to $800 NZD
- Asia: $120 to $250 NZD
- Europe: $200 to $400 NZD
- North America: $400 to $700 NZD
- Asia: $80 to $180 NZD
- Europe: $45,000 to $65,000 NZD
- North America: $85,000 to $120,000 NZD
- Asia: $35,000 to $55,000 NZD
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.
Comprehensive travel insurance also includes important protections: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability, emergency assistance, adventure sports cover and legal support abroad. These are valuable throughout your journey.
Good to know
Your bank card won't cover a major emergency overseas. Comprehensive cover protects you from massive medical bills and gets you home safely. A provider like Chapka can offer zero excess on medical claims, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket when you need help the most.
How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
Coverage, reimbursement limits and exclusions can differ widely between comprehensive travel insurance policies. Knowing which criteria to compare helps you choose coverage that truly fits your needs and maximises protection for every trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | These define the maximum amount refunded for claims. | Always check for at least NZ$1,000,000 for medical expenses and NZ$5,000 for baggage. Never choose the legal minimum only. |
| 🏥 Deductible | This is how much you pay before insurance covers costs. | Favour policies with no medical deductible or one below NZ$200. Low deductibles reduce unexpected out-of-pocket spending. |
| 📜 Policy conditions | Hidden conditions can limit your entitlements or trigger exclusions. | Read the full policy wording and look for crucial limits, waiting periods or notification rules. Small print often matters most. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age influences eligibility and premium cost. | Check for age caps or higher excess for seniors. Choose insurers that accept older travellers without sharp premium rises. |
| 👤 Traveller profile | Solo, couple, family or business trips need different coverages. | Choose a plan catering to your typical travel style. Family plans can simplify and save money. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Maximum cover per trip can range from 30 to 180 days. | Match your plan to your longest journey. Multi-trip or annual plans suit frequent travellers best. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Regions determine policy price and what’s covered (like USA or Schengen). | Make sure all destinations, including layovers, are listed. Some regions attract much higher premiums or exclusions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Other insurances, like bank card or home, may duplicate or conflict. | Compare existing policies carefully. Avoid overlapping cover and claim delays by clarifying who pays first. |
| 🏄 Planned activities | Sports, adventure or business bring different risks—sometimes excluded. | Declare all intended activities. Add special cover if you plan to ski, dive or work abroad. |
Coverage for comprehensive Travel Insurance Under Your Current Policies
It is reasonable to ask whether your current cover, such as credit card insurance or public health insurance, can provide you with comprehensive travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Health NZ) | Never | Covers emergency treatment in NZ only, not overseas. Typical maximum: NZ$1,000 (only in some countries with agreements). No evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage, or liability cover. Major emergencies abroad are never included. | Travel insurance covers up to NZ$10,000,000 for abroad medical costs, evacuation, and trip issues. Baggage, activities, and cancellation included. |
| Private health insurance (Southern Cross, nib) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical, rarely overseas. Limits: NZ$25,000 - NZ$500,000. Sometimes evacuation cover up to NZ$50,000. No trip cancellation, baggage, travel delay, or global repatriation included, leaving many key risks uncovered. | Travel insurance offers medical, repatriation, cancellation, and liability from NZ$1,000,000 to NZ$10,000,000. Key for worldwide security. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ Visa Classic, ASB Visa Classic) | Almost Never | May cover some medical up to NZ$25,000 - NZ$40,000 and basic delay. No full repatriation. No cover for cancellation, serious illness, baggage loss over limits, or personal liability. Protection is extremely basic. | Travel insurance provides high sums for medical and much broader guarantees, often with no cap on evacuation or trip interruption. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Airpoints Platinum) | Limited coverage | Some benefits: medical up to NZ$250,000 - NZ$2,000,000, baggage or travel delay. May cover trip cancellation up to NZ$7,500. No extensive repatriation, limited support for high-value baggage, accidents, or sports injuries. Conditions may be strict. | Travel insurance can include full accident, sport, evacuation, and valuables. Sum insured often NZ$5,000,000 or higher, plus 24/7 assistance. |
No evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage, or liability cover. Major emergencies abroad are never included.
No trip cancellation, baggage, travel delay, or global repatriation included, leaving many key risks uncovered.
No cover for cancellation, serious illness, baggage loss over limits, or personal liability. Protection is extremely basic.
No extensive repatriation, limited support for high-value baggage, accidents, or sports injuries. Conditions may be strict.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude crucial cover like trip interruption for a relative’s illness. Read your policy carefully to avoid surprises abroad. For complete peace of mind, it is always safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific journey.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not mandatory for most New Zealand travelers. However, it is required for visa applications to some destinations, such as Schengen countries in Europe. Even when not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. For example, a skiing trip to Canada without insurance could leave you facing medical bills of tens of thousands of NZ dollars.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as your trip booking is confirmed. Early purchase ensures cancellation coverage begins immediately and covers any unforeseen events leading up to your departure. Delaying purchase can mean you miss out on important pre-trip protections.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find options suited for your needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully check the plan’s terms, focusing on medical cover, cancellation, excess, and policy exclusions for comprehensive protection.
3/ Purchase online: Complete your application and payment through the provider’s secure website.
4/ Receive the certificate: After purchase, you will receive a digital insurance certificate for immediate use.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase comprehensive travel insurance any time before departure, but earlier is better. Buying straight after booking maximises your cancellation and pre-trip benefits. Some insurers restrict coverage for issues that occur before the policy starts.
How do I make a claim under comprehensive travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team or claims department as soon as possible. Collect all relevant documents including receipts, medical reports or police statements. Complete the insurer’s claim form and submit your documentation for review and processing.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Some comprehensive policies cover pre-existing conditions, but you must declare them when applying. There may be extra costs or medical screening. Not disclosing health history can lead to claim denials, so always be transparent and check policy terms for coverage specifics.
Will comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure sports or high-risk activities?
Most standard comprehensive policies exclude high-risk activities like skiing, diving, or bungee jumping. However, many New Zealand insurers offer dedicated adventure sports cover as an optional add-on or as part of enhanced packages. Always confirm your planned activities are included before purchasing.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not mandatory for most New Zealand travelers. However, it is required for visa applications to some destinations, such as Schengen countries in Europe. Even when not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. For example, a skiing trip to Canada without insurance could leave you facing medical bills of tens of thousands of NZ dollars.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as your trip booking is confirmed. Early purchase ensures cancellation coverage begins immediately and covers any unforeseen events leading up to your departure. Delaying purchase can mean you miss out on important pre-trip protections.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find options suited for your needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully check the plan’s terms, focusing on medical cover, cancellation, excess, and policy exclusions for comprehensive protection.
3/ Purchase online: Complete your application and payment through the provider’s secure website.
4/ Receive the certificate: After purchase, you will receive a digital insurance certificate for immediate use.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase comprehensive travel insurance any time before departure, but earlier is better. Buying straight after booking maximises your cancellation and pre-trip benefits. Some insurers restrict coverage for issues that occur before the policy starts.
How do I make a claim under comprehensive travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team or claims department as soon as possible. Collect all relevant documents including receipts, medical reports or police statements. Complete the insurer’s claim form and submit your documentation for review and processing.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Some comprehensive policies cover pre-existing conditions, but you must declare them when applying. There may be extra costs or medical screening. Not disclosing health history can lead to claim denials, so always be transparent and check policy terms for coverage specifics.
Will comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure sports or high-risk activities?
Most standard comprehensive policies exclude high-risk activities like skiing, diving, or bungee jumping. However, many New Zealand insurers offer dedicated adventure sports cover as an optional add-on or as part of enhanced packages. Always confirm your planned activities are included before purchasing.
On the same topic
