- The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
- What Is long term Travel Insurance?
- What is the price of long term travel insurance?
- What does long term travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of long term travel insurance
- Why take out long term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long term travel insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
long term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-term insurance covers extended trips, usually over 90 days, providing continuous protection for Kiwis travelling abroad.
2. Price: A standard one-week policy for Europe typically costs between $40 and $80 NZD, depending on your cover.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical, repatriation, and lost luggage, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank card insurance and ACC provide limited overseas cover, often excluding cancellation and capping medical expenses.
5. Tips: Check if the policy allows extensions from overseas and covers any work or specific adventure sports you plan.
6. Other useful info: Some policies offer a "return home" benefit, allowing a short trip back to NZ without voiding cover.
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 long term travel insurance.
The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best long term travel insurance plans available for residents of New Zealand in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simple, flexible conditions which are ideal for extended international travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | NZ$2.5M | NZ$100 | • Global cover for up to 2 years. • Mid-trip policy extensions possible. • 24/7 English support. • Adventure sports and working abroad included. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | NZ$1.5M | NZ$150 | • Worldwide assistance 24/7. • Employment activities insured. • Online management tools. • Sports coverage included. |
| Tourist Card | NZ$2.0M | NZ$200 | • Policy extensions from abroad. • Pregnancy and family options. • Adventure sports cover. • Flexible mobile claims process. |
| World Travel | NZ$1.0M | NZ$100 | • Multiple destination flexibility. • Discounts for students and families. • Repatriation guarantee. • Fast online claims system. |
| Globe Partner | NZ$2.5M | NZ$250 | • Suitable for working overseas. • Comprehensive family options. • High medical coverage. • Emergency cash advance available. |
| Globe Traveller | NZ$2.5M | NZ$250 | • Long duration travel (up to 24 months). • Telemedicine included. • Mid-trip return to NZ allowed. • Premium stability after age 60. |
• Mid-trip policy extensions possible.
• 24/7 English support.
• Adventure sports and working abroad included.
• Employment activities insured.
• Online management tools.
• Sports coverage included.
• Pregnancy and family options.
• Adventure sports cover.
• Flexible mobile claims process.
• Discounts for students and families.
• Repatriation guarantee.
• Fast online claims system.
• Comprehensive family options.
• High medical coverage.
• Emergency cash advance available.
• Telemedicine included.
• Mid-trip return to NZ allowed.
• Premium stability after age 60.
The best long term travel insurance depends on your individual travel plans. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find and subscribe to your preferred plan online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat Is long term Travel Insurance?
Long term travel insurance is a policy that provides continuous protection for New Zealanders travelling abroad for extended periods, generally 6 months to 2 years or more.
It covers medical emergencies, repatriation, lost belongings and trip interruptions for the entire duration, regardless of destination changes.
This insurance is ideal for gap year students, working holidaymakers, digital nomads or expatriates.
It differs from standard travel insurance, which is designed for short trips and does not cover long term stays or temporary work abroad.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long term travel insurance is especially important if you live in New Zealand:
- For a working holiday, as most standard policies exclude work.
- When your trip exceeds the short limits of credit card insurance.
- If you are backpacking or taking an extended gap year.
- As ACC and NZ health insurance provide minimal overseas medical cover.
- When visiting countries with very high medical costs like the USA.
- If you need the flexibility to extend your policy while away.
- When living abroad as a digital nomad or temporary resident.
What is the price of long term travel insurance?
On average, long term travel insurance ranges from 4% to 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (NZD) | Indicative price per person (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months backpacking in Southeast Asia | $10,000 | $800 to $1,200 |
| 1 year working holiday in the United Kingdom | $17,000 | $1,400 to $2,100 |
| 18 months around the world (multiple continents) | $28,000 | $2,200 to $3,500 |
| 2 years remote work across Europe and Asia | $35,000 | $2,800 to $4,200 |
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 long term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the period abroad, the higher the insurance cost.
- destination: travel to countries like the United States, Japan, or Canada, where medical costs are high, will increase the price.
- traveller’s age: premiums are higher for older travellers.
- level of coverage: increasing medical limits, adding cancellation, adventure sports, or work coverage will raise the total cost.
- selected options: including specialist cover for electronics, working abroad, or mental health may further affect the cost.
What does long term travel insurance cover?
Long term travel insurance is designed to protect New Zealanders during extended trips abroad, usually for six months or longer. It offers continuous cover for medical emergencies and other risks throughout your journey, from departure to return.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care and hospitalisation overseas. | A minimum of $2,000,000 NZD is advised, with a deductible under $250 NZD. Pre-existing conditions and elective treatment are not covered. |
| 🚑 Emergency repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers medical evacuation back to New Zealand. | Seek unlimited cover or no less than $2,000,000 NZD; deductible under $250 NZD. Voluntary returns and non-emergency transport are excluded. |
| 🧑⚖️ Personal liability | Covers accidental injury or damage you cause to others abroad. | At least $2,500,000 NZD cover, deductible under $250 NZD. Professional liability, intentional acts and vehicle claims are excluded. |
| 🧳 Personal effects | Compensates loss, theft or damage of luggage or personal belongings. | Minimum cover of $5,000 NZD, deductible below $150 NZD. Negligence, unattended bags and high-value items not declared are excluded. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refund of paid travel if you cancel or return early for covered reasons. | Look for at least $10,000 NZD cover, deductible under $150 NZD. Cancelling for change of mind or known events is excluded. |
| ⛷️ Adventure sports coverage | Protection during listed adventure and sports activities. | Recommended cover $1,000,000 NZD, deductible under $250 NZD. Racing and high-risk sports without equipment or approval are excluded. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Pays excess charges for hire car accidents or theft. | No less than $5,000 NZD cover, deductible under $200 NZD. Unlicensed driving and off-road incidents are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses | Pays certain costs if needing legal help abroad. | Minimum $25,000 NZD cover, deductible under $150 NZD. Intentional crimes and traffic penalties are excluded. |
| 🏨 Emergency accommodation | Covers extra hotel costs after emergencies beyond your control. | At least $200 NZD per day for five days, deductible under $100 NZD. Voluntary or upgraded stays are excluded. |
| 💻 Electronics and working abroad | Protects laptops or equipment if damaged or stolen during work or remote jobs. | Minimum $2,000 NZD, deductible below $100 NZD. Unattended items and old models usually excluded. |
Pre-existing conditions and elective treatment are not covered.
Voluntary returns and non-emergency transport are excluded.
Professional liability, intentional acts and vehicle claims are excluded.
Negligence, unattended bags and high-value items not declared are excluded.
Cancelling for change of mind or known events is excluded.
Racing and high-risk sports without equipment or approval are excluded.
Unlicensed driving and off-road incidents are not covered.
Intentional crimes and traffic penalties are excluded.
Voluntary or upgraded stays are excluded.
Unattended items and old models usually 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 long term travel insurance best suited to your profile and your plans, compare options easily on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long term travel insurance
Long term travel insurance is only valid if certain essential conditions are met before and during your extended trip abroad.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before departing New Zealand and starting your long term journey.
- Residency requirement: you should be a New Zealand resident at the time of taking out the insurance.
- Trip duration compliance: your journey must not exceed the maximum period allowed by the policy, such as 12 or 24 months.
- Continuous coverage: you need to maintain uninterrupted coverage for the policy’s full duration or arrange extensions before its expiry.
- No ongoing overseas travel: you are not eligible if you are already overseas or your trip has already started prior to purchase.
- Incident notification: you must promptly notify the insurer of any emergency, illness, loss, or change in travel situation.
- Documentation requirement: you must provide official documents, such as medical or police reports, to support any claim.
- Destination compliance: travel to countries with government warnings or under active exclusions is not covered by most long term policies.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for Kiwis on a long OE is assuming you can extend your policy after it expires. Most insurers require you to renew *before* your current cover ends. If you let it lapse while overseas, you could be left uninsured and unable to buy new cover.
Why take out long term travel insurance?
For extended trips, travellers are exposed to more risks and unexpected medical events, which can result in high expenses far from 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 expenses are often subject to limits |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation |
| Up to $10,000,000 NZD, depending on plan |
- Europe: $450 NZD
- North America: $1,200 NZD
- Asia: $180 NZD
- Europe: $380 NZD
- North America: $950 NZD
- Asia: $120 NZD
- Europe: $320 NZD
- North America: $800 NZD
- Asia: $95 NZD
- Europe: $280 NZD
- North America: $650 NZD
- Asia: $85 NZD
- Europe: $18,000 NZD
- North America: $45,000 NZD
- Asia: $8,500 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.
Long term travel insurance may also cover trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, civil liability, repatriation to New Zealand, and extended 24/7 assistance. These protections are essential for both financial security and peace of mind during long journeys.
Good to know
Don't let a medical emergency ruin your big OE. A simple accident can lead to thousands in bills, with repatriation costing over $100,000. Protect your trip and savings with a specialised policy like those from Chapka, ensuring you're covered for the long haul.
How to choose the right long term travel insurance
Policy terms, reimbursement limits and exclusions differ widely across long term travel insurance plans. Comparing each criterion ensures you are properly protected for the full duration and nature of your extended journey abroad.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | High costs for medical emergencies or repatriation can bankrupt you on long trips. | Choose medical limits of at least $1,000,000 NZD. Prefer higher coverage for North America and global itineraries. |
| 📆 Maximum trip duration | Many insurers cap a single trip period, after which coverage stops. | Check the maximum allowed per trip or policy. Request written confirmation if extending beyond 12 months abroad. |
| 🌍 Geographic area covered | Coverage may not extend to every country or for entire regions on world trips. | Ensure your destinations, including layovers, are listed. Worldwide coverage provides maximum flexibility and security. |
| 🏄 Planned activities | Adventure, sports, or working abroad often require special coverage in long term policies. | Declare all high-risk activities in advance. Get confirmation that adventure and work are covered before departure. |
| 🏥 Pre-existing conditions | Most long term policies exclude or restrict pre-existing conditions and ongoing treatment. | Disclose all health history before purchase. Ask for written inclusion to avoid denied medical claims abroad. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Age, employment and reason for travel influence price and eligibility for cover. | Families and people over 65 need tailored policies. Do not assume you are eligible for standard plans. |
| 🏦 Deductible | Out-of-pocket cost before insurance covers the rest, important over several years. | A lower deductible helps avoid large bills. Weigh cost savings versus risk for extended travel coverage duration. |
| 🔁 Extension and renewal terms | Needing to extend or renew is common, but may involve lapses or higher rates. | Choose insurers allowing mid-trip extensions with no loss of cover. Always request extension process details in advance. |
| 🔎 Offer comparison | Features and prices differ significantly among long term policies and by sales channel. | Use comparison websites or seek broker advice. Comparing saves money and avoids dangerous gaps in protection. |
Do your current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
It is natural to consider whether your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or public health coverage, could provide you with long term travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Long term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Health NZ, ACC) | Never | Accident treatment abroad, but illness and repatriation not included. Unlimited for accidents only, none for illness. No ongoing medical, planned hospitalization, trip interruption or worldwide personal effects protection are included or reimbursed. | Travel insurance covers unlimited emergency medical, repatriation, interruption and belongings, up to NZ$10,000,000. |
| Private health insurance (Southern Cross, nib) | Almost Never | Limited emergency overseas, maximum NZ$2,000 per incident. Australia only for most private health cover. No cover for emergencies elsewhere, ongoing illness, adventure activities or long duration absences from NZ beyond a few weeks. | Travel insurance reimburses medical up to NZ$2,500,000 and covers long term multi-country travel and work activities. |
| Classic credit card (BNZ Platinum Visa, Kiwibank Platinum Credit Card) | Almost Never | Medical and liability up to NZ$1,000,000 - $1,500,000, sometimes rental vehicle excess. No personal effects, no adventure sports, and duration limits often end cover after 30-60 days abroad, regardless of trip length. | Travel insurance covers belongings, sports and emergencies. Maximums reach NZ$2,500,000, with no short-duration limits. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum Credit Card, Westpac Platinum Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Medical, liability and rental car excess, up to NZ$1,000,000 - $2,500,000, maximum trip length 6 months. No trip cancellation, no ongoing extensions, no cover if working or for adventure activities or any serious trip disruption lasting months. | Travel insurance is valid for 12-24 months, multiple jobs, sports, and personal belongings, up to NZ$10,000,000. |
No ongoing medical, planned hospitalization, trip interruption or worldwide personal effects protection are included or reimbursed.
No cover for emergencies elsewhere, ongoing illness, adventure activities or long duration absences from NZ beyond a few weeks.
No personal effects, no adventure sports, and duration limits often end cover after 30-60 days abroad, regardless of trip length.
No trip cancellation, no ongoing extensions, no cover if working or for adventure activities or any serious trip disruption lasting months.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude key situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Read your policy’s fine print carefully to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory only in specific cases, such as when applying for visas in countries that require proof of ongoing coverage. For most destinations, it is not strictly required, but it is strongly recommended. For example, an injury or major illness on an extended work and travel holiday could result in medical bills over NZ$20,000, making insurance crucial.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
You should purchase long term travel insurance as soon as you confirm your travel dates and destinations. Buying early protects you from cancellations or trip interruptions even before your journey starts. It also lets you lock in rates and ensures continuous coverage from your departure date through your return.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to explore and compare options for long term policies. 2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review terms, especially for duration limits, pre-existing conditions, and coverage in every planned destination. 3/ Purchase online: Select the policy that fits your needs and pay securely on the provider’s website. 4/ Receive the certificate: Your policy documents and proof of insurance are sent directly to your email.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my flights?
Yes, you can purchase long term travel insurance after securing your flights, as long as it is before your trip starts. However, arranging your insurance early allows you to access full cancellation and pre-departure benefits, so it is preferable to do so soon after booking.
How do I make a claim on long term travel insurance?
If a claim arises, contact your insurer’s emergency support line as soon as possible. Provide necessary documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police statements, and complete their online or app-based claim form. Prompt reporting helps ensure faster claim assessment and reimbursement.
Does long term travel insurance cover working while abroad?
Not all long term travel insurance policies cover employment overseas. If you plan on working, choose a policy that clearly includes coverage for working holiday, teaching, or other employment. Otherwise, incidents related to your work may not be covered, leaving you financially exposed.
Is cover for adventure sports and high-risk activities included in long term travel insurance?
Some long term travel insurance policies automatically include cover for adventure sports like skiing, diving, or trekking, while others require an add-on. Always check if your planned activities are listed in the policy. If not, request additional coverage to ensure you’re fully protected for higher-risk pursuits.
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory only in specific cases, such as when applying for visas in countries that require proof of ongoing coverage. For most destinations, it is not strictly required, but it is strongly recommended. For example, an injury or major illness on an extended work and travel holiday could result in medical bills over NZ$20,000, making insurance crucial.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
You should purchase long term travel insurance as soon as you confirm your travel dates and destinations. Buying early protects you from cancellations or trip interruptions even before your journey starts. It also lets you lock in rates and ensures continuous coverage from your departure date through your return.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to explore and compare options for long term policies. 2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review terms, especially for duration limits, pre-existing conditions, and coverage in every planned destination. 3/ Purchase online: Select the policy that fits your needs and pay securely on the provider’s website. 4/ Receive the certificate: Your policy documents and proof of insurance are sent directly to your email.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my flights?
Yes, you can purchase long term travel insurance after securing your flights, as long as it is before your trip starts. However, arranging your insurance early allows you to access full cancellation and pre-departure benefits, so it is preferable to do so soon after booking.
How do I make a claim on long term travel insurance?
If a claim arises, contact your insurer’s emergency support line as soon as possible. Provide necessary documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police statements, and complete their online or app-based claim form. Prompt reporting helps ensure faster claim assessment and reimbursement.
Does long term travel insurance cover working while abroad?
Not all long term travel insurance policies cover employment overseas. If you plan on working, choose a policy that clearly includes coverage for working holiday, teaching, or other employment. Otherwise, incidents related to your work may not be covered, leaving you financially exposed.
Is cover for adventure sports and high-risk activities included in long term travel insurance?
Some long term travel insurance policies automatically include cover for adventure sports like skiing, diving, or trekking, while others require an add-on. Always check if your planned activities are listed in the policy. If not, request additional coverage to ensure you’re fully protected for higher-risk pursuits.
On the same topic
