- The best international travel insurance plans
- What exactly is international travel insurance?
- The price of international travel insurance
- What does international travel insurance cover?
- The Conditions of international Travel Insurance
- Why take out international travel insurance?
- How to choose the right international travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover international travel?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
international travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: International travel insurance covers unexpected overseas events like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between $50 and $100 NZD, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank card insurance, ACC, and Health NZ offer very limited overseas cover, unlike dedicated travel policies.
5. Tips: Declare all pre-existing conditions and check specific cover for adventure sports and high-value items.
6. Other useful info: Reciprocal health agreements with Australia/UK are not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
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 everything you need to know to choose the best international travel insurance.
The best international travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best international travel insurance plans available for residents of New Zealand in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and straightforward conditions for reliable protection abroad.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | NZ$5.0M | NZ$100 | • Worldwide medical coverage. • 24/7 assistance in English. • Adventure sports included. • Immediate digital certificate and medical teleconsultation. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | NZ$1.5M | NZ$150 | • Multilingual support 24/7. • Adventure sports covered. • Mobile app for fast claims. • Emergency evacuation included. |
| Tourist Card | NZ$2.0M | NZ$200 | • Upfront medical payment. • COVID-19 treatment included. • High baggage coverage. • Family discounts available. |
| World Travel | NZ$1.0M | NZ$100 | • Telemedicine consultations. • Adventure sports included. • Flexible policy options. • Emergency evacuation worldwide. |
| Globe Partner | NZ$5.0M | NZ$250 | • Highest medical expense limits. • 24/7 global assistance. • Comprehensive adventure sports protection. • Suitable for long trips. |
| Globe Traveller | NZ$5.0M | NZ$250 | • Covers long-term travel. • Stable premiums after 60. • Assistance in multiple languages. • Includes evacuation from remote locations. |
• 24/7 assistance in English.
• Adventure sports included.
• Immediate digital certificate and medical teleconsultation.
• Adventure sports covered.
• Mobile app for fast claims.
• Emergency evacuation included.
• COVID-19 treatment included.
• High baggage coverage.
• Family discounts available.
• Adventure sports included.
• Flexible policy options.
• Emergency evacuation worldwide.
• 24/7 global assistance.
• Comprehensive adventure sports protection.
• Suitable for long trips.
• Stable premiums after 60.
• Assistance in multiple languages.
• Includes evacuation from remote locations.
The best international travel insurance depends on your personal circumstances. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find and subscribe to your optimal plan online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is international travel insurance?
International travel insurance is a policy that provides protection for New Zealanders travelling outside the country’s borders.
It covers unexpected overseas events including medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage and personal liability.
This insurance is specifically designed for international trips, offering worldwide coverage and higher medical limits than domestic plans.
International travel insurance may also include emergency evacuation, 24/7 support and coverage for adventure activities.
It should not be confused with domestic travel insurance, which does not provide global protection or emergency repatriation.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out international travel insurance is especially important if you live in New Zealand:
- When visiting countries with high healthcare costs like the United States.
- When reciprocal health agreements do not cover all medical costs abroad.
- If your trip involves expensive, non-refundable bookings like flights or tours.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, regardless of severity.
- When travelling to remote destinations where medical evacuation is very expensive.
- For adventure sports like skiing, which standard policies often exclude.
- If you are travelling with expensive electronics or personal belongings.
The price of international travel insurance
On average, international travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (NZD) | Indicative price per person (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Long weekend in Australia (4 days) | $1,000 | $30 to $60 |
| Two weeks in France and Italy | $6,500 | $195 to $390 |
| Three weeks backpacking in Thailand | $3,000 | $90 to $180 |
| Six months round-the-world (multiple regions) | $18,000 | $800 to $1,400 |
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 international travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips require higher premiums.
- destination: countries with expensive healthcare, such as the USA, generally increase the insurance price.
- traveller’s age: older travellers pay more due to higher health risks.
- level of coverage: enhanced protection or higher benefit limits add to the cost.
- selected options: adventure sports, cover for valuables, or work/travel extensions can increase the overall price.
What does international travel insurance cover?
International travel insurance is designed to protect New Zealanders against unexpected financial risks when travelling abroad. It provides assistance and support in emergencies and covers the main issues that can disrupt or impact international trips.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/Interruption | Refund of prepaid trip costs if cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. | Choose at least $5,000 NZD cover, with maximum excess of $100 NZD. Change of mind, known risks, or work reasons are not covered. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers extra transport if you miss your flight or transfer due to circumstances beyond your control. | At least $750 NZD is recommended, no excess. Oversleeping or personal errors are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal effects | Compensation for lost, stolen or damaged luggage and contents during your trip. | Select $3,000 NZD or more and avoid excess above $100 NZD. Unattended valuables, or undeclared electronics often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays set amounts for additional costs if your trip is significantly delayed. | Aim for $200 NZD+ after 6 hours, no excess. Short delays or lack of written proof are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency treatment, hospitalisation and prescribed medication abroad. | Choose $1M NZD minimum, low or zero excess. Routine care, non-urgent dental and pre-existing conditions usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation/repatriation | Key guarantee. Provides and pays for evacuation to New Zealand or nearest adequate hospital if medically necessary. | Look for unlimited or very high cover. Insurer must approve and organise. Non-medical returns or self-arranged transport are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental treatment | Pays for urgent dental care required to relieve pain or treat injury during the trip. | Recommend at least $500 NZD, with low excess. Routine dental care and cosmetic treatment are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Covers your legal responsibility for injury to others or damage to property abroad. | Cover should not be less than $1M NZD, max excess $250 NZD. Family claims, intentional acts or business-related incidents excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers legal expenses or bail abroad if you face legal problems. | Minimum cover of $10,000 NZD, no high excess. Criminal acts, alcohol or drug-related incidents are excluded. |
| 🏄 Adventure activities | Provides cover for specified sports or high-risk activities while travelling. | Confirm specifically included sports, as limits and excess vary. Professional sports or risky activities often excluded without add-on. |
Change of mind, known risks, or work reasons are not covered.
Oversleeping or personal errors are not covered.
Unattended valuables, or undeclared electronics often excluded.
Short delays or lack of written proof are not covered.
Routine care, non-urgent dental and pre-existing conditions usually excluded.
Non-medical returns or self-arranged transport are excluded.
Routine dental care and cosmetic treatment are excluded.
Family claims, intentional acts or business-related incidents excluded.
Criminal acts, alcohol or drug-related incidents are excluded.
Professional sports or risky activities often excluded without add-on.
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 international travel insurance best suited to your needs, compare offers effortlessly on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of international Travel Insurance
International travel insurance is only valid under certain conditions that must be met before and during your overseas journey. These are the main requirements to keep in mind.
- Timing of purchase: the policy must be purchased before you depart from New Zealand and before your journey begins.
- Residency requirement: you must be a New Zealand resident at the time of taking out the insurance.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must fit within the maximum length of coverage as stated in your policy, often 90 or 180 days.
- No ongoing overseas travel: you cannot purchase or activate international travel insurance if you are already outside New Zealand.
- Incident notification: you must notify the insurer promptly of emergencies, medical events, loss, or theft to activate your benefits.
- Supporting documentation: claims require official proof, such as medical certificates, police reports, or evidence of loss.
- Destination eligibility: travel to countries with government "Do Not Travel" advisories or under active war exclusions is not covered.
- Valid reason for claim: the incident must match covered events in your policy and not fall under listed exclusions.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for Kiwis is assuming all medical issues are covered. Pre-existing conditions must be declared and may require an extra premium. Not disclosing them can void your policy when you need it most, leaving you with a massive bill from your overseas trip.
Why take out international travel insurance?
When travelling, unexpected health issues or injuries can occur and medical costs abroad are often much higher than in New Zealand.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $10,000,000 NZD, depending on plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $10,000,000 NZD, depending on plan |
| Consultation and treatment for infection |
| Up to $10,000,000 NZD, depending on plan |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Dental treatment may have lower limits |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation |
| Up to $10,000,000 NZD, depending on plan |
- Europe: $400 to $600 NZD
- North America: $800 to $1,200 NZD
- Asia: $200 to $400 NZD
- Europe: $300 to $500 NZD
- North America: $600 to $1,000 NZD
- Asia: $150 to $300 NZD
- Europe: $200 to $400 NZD
- North America: $500 to $800 NZD
- Asia: $100 to $250 NZD
- Europe: $250 to $450 NZD
- North America: $600 to $1,000 NZD
- Asia: $100 to $200 NZD
- Europe: $8,000 to $15,000 NZD
- North America: $25,000 to $50,000 NZD
- Asia: $3,000 to $8,000 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.
International travel insurance often includes valuable benefits like trip cancellation, lost luggage, personal liability, repatriation, and 24/7 emergency assistance. These extra coverages help protect your entire trip from unforeseen expenses.
Good to know
An overseas accident can be financially devastating. A medical evacuation back to NZ alone can cost over $100,000. Protect yourself with millions in medical cover and 24/7 support from insurers like ACS to ensure you get home safely without crippling debt. It’s essential peace of mind.
How to choose the right international travel insurance
Coverage limits, reimbursement ceilings and exclusions vary significantly between international travel insurance plans. Comparing key criteria is essential to ensure your policy truly protects you based on your travel needs and destinations.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Insufficient limits could leave you out of pocket for major emergencies. | Choose at least $1,000,000 NZD cover for medical expenses. Always consider higher limits for North America or remote areas. |
| 🏦 Deductible | The excess is what you pay before insurance starts covering costs. | Opt for a lower deductible if possible. Low or no excess policies prevent financial stress during emergencies abroad. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Conditions can limit when and how you claim, including excluded situations. | Read the full conditions, checking for exclusions like pregnancy, pre-existing illnesses or adventure activities. Details shape the cover. |
| 👤 Traveller profile | Age, profession and health status may affect acceptance or premiums. | Ask about senior policies or youth/student rates. Policies tailored to your profile fit best and can be less expensive. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies often have maximum lengths, with overstay risking loss of cover. | Confirm your policy matches your stay abroad. Longer or annual policies suit extended or multiple trips. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Benefits and cost change by country or region (for example, USA or adventure regions). | Add all planned destinations. Unlisted locations may void claims in those countries. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or health funds may already cover some risks, but usually with low limits. | Always compare limitations with full travel insurance. Do not duplicate basic covers, but never rely solely on credit cards. |
| 🏄 Planned activities | Many policies exclude sports, hiking, diving or work unless declared in advance. | Declare risky activities before departure. Ask for written confirmation to avoid exclusions if doing adventure tourism. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Online sign-up and policy management can save time and simplify documentation. | Prefer insurers with easy online access to support and claims. Quick digital support is vital if you need help while abroad. |
Do my current insurance policies cover international travel?
It is understandable to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or public health, can provide international travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not sufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | International travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Health NZ, ACC) | Never | Accident cover worldwide only, or limited reciprocal agreements. Maximum: Unlimited for accidents, others often $0. No medical emergencies abroad, no repatriation, or trip cancellation, or baggage loss. | Travel insurance covers medical, repatriation, baggage, cancellation up to $10,000,000 NZD with 24/7 help. |
| Private health insurance (Southern Cross, nib) | Almost never | Possible limited emergency medical abroad. Max: $100,000 - $500,000 NZD if travel add-on. No trip cancellation, minimal baggage/loss, no repatriation or adventure activity cover. | Travel insurance pays much higher for medical, cancellation, repatriation and has broader adventure protection. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ Visa Classic, BNZ Advantage) | Almost never | Basic medical, baggage, or delay. Max: $50,000 - $150,000 NZD varies. No high medical, repatriation, or pre-existing or adventure sports protection. | Travel insurance provides up to $2,000,000 NZD, evacuation, liability, and pre-existing condition options. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Airpoints Platinum) | Limited coverage | Increased medical and baggage. Max: $100,000 - $250,000 NZD (medical), $2,000 NZD (baggage). No full repatriation, adventure sports, high trip cancellation, or liability. | Travel insurance gives higher medical, full repatriation, liability, and all extra guarantees up to $10,000,000 NZD. |
No medical emergencies abroad, no repatriation, or trip cancellation, or baggage loss.
No trip cancellation, minimal baggage/loss, no repatriation or adventure activity cover.
No high medical, repatriation, or pre-existing or adventure sports protection.
No full repatriation, adventure sports, high trip cancellation, or liability.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude key events like trip interruption due to a family emergency. Scrutinise your policy details to prevent unexpected costs abroad. In all cases, subscribing to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for entry into certain countries, such as those in the Schengen Area and some other destinations requiring proof of coverage for visa purposes. Even when not required, it is highly recommended because a medical incident overseas—like an emergency surgery in the USA costing NZ$40,000—can have devastating financial consequences.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
You should buy international travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures you are protected from the day your journey is confirmed, offering coverage for pre-trip cancellations, unexpected events, and emergency medical incidents that may occur before or during your travels.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to identify suitable options for your needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review coverage details, especially those specific to international risks.
3/ Purchase online: Select your plan and pay securely on the provider’s website.
4/ Receive the certificate: Once the purchase is complete, your certificate will be sent to you via email.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy international travel insurance after booking, as long as the policy begins before your departure date. For maximum financial protection and access to cancellation coverage, it’s best to purchase as early as possible, ideally right after confirming your travel plans.
How do I make a claim on my international travel insurance?
If you have a claim, notify your insurer’s emergency assistance team as soon as possible and provide all relevant documents, such as receipts, medical reports, or police records. Most leading insurers allow claims to be filed online or through their mobile app, streamlining the process for faster resolution.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemic-related issues?
Most reputable insurers now include COVID-19 coverage for medical expenses, cancellations, or quarantine costs abroad. It’s important to double-check the specific policy wording and ensure the coverage limit meets your destination’s requirements—many policies provide up to NZ$2,000,000 for pandemic care.
Are adventure sports like skiing or diving covered under international travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance may exclude adventure sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping. If you plan on taking part in high-risk activities, make sure your policy lists them as “included” or opt for additional coverage specifically for adventure sports to ensure full protection.
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for entry into certain countries, such as those in the Schengen Area and some other destinations requiring proof of coverage for visa purposes. Even when not required, it is highly recommended because a medical incident overseas—like an emergency surgery in the USA costing NZ$40,000—can have devastating financial consequences.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
You should buy international travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures you are protected from the day your journey is confirmed, offering coverage for pre-trip cancellations, unexpected events, and emergency medical incidents that may occur before or during your travels.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to identify suitable options for your needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review coverage details, especially those specific to international risks.
3/ Purchase online: Select your plan and pay securely on the provider’s website.
4/ Receive the certificate: Once the purchase is complete, your certificate will be sent to you via email.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy international travel insurance after booking, as long as the policy begins before your departure date. For maximum financial protection and access to cancellation coverage, it’s best to purchase as early as possible, ideally right after confirming your travel plans.
How do I make a claim on my international travel insurance?
If you have a claim, notify your insurer’s emergency assistance team as soon as possible and provide all relevant documents, such as receipts, medical reports, or police records. Most leading insurers allow claims to be filed online or through their mobile app, streamlining the process for faster resolution.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemic-related issues?
Most reputable insurers now include COVID-19 coverage for medical expenses, cancellations, or quarantine costs abroad. It’s important to double-check the specific policy wording and ensure the coverage limit meets your destination’s requirements—many policies provide up to NZ$2,000,000 for pandemic care.
Are adventure sports like skiing or diving covered under international travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance may exclude adventure sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping. If you plan on taking part in high-risk activities, make sure your policy lists them as “included” or opt for additional coverage specifically for adventure sports to ensure full protection.
On the same topic
