- The best short term travel insurance plans
- What exactly is short term travel insurance?
- The price of short term travel insurance
- What short term travel insurance covers
- The conditions of short term travel insurance
- Why take out short term travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right short term Travel Insurance
- Do your current policies cover short term travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
short term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Short-term travel insurance covers single trips, typically under 90 days, for unforeseen events like medical emergencies or cancellations.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between $60 and $120 NZD, depending on your age and coverage.
3. Coverage: It usually covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports without add-ons.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, ACC, and private health plans offer limited or no overseas medical cover and rarely include trip cancellation.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and check that medical limits are high enough for countries like the USA.
6. Other useful info: Reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the UK are limited and do not replace comprehensive travel insurance needs.
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 short-term travel insurance.
The best short term travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best short term travel insurance plans available for residents of New Zealand in 2025. These policies are among the top choices due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, offering optimal protection for short journeys.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2.0M NZD | 100 NZD | Includes major pandemic and epidemic coverage.Advance payment for hospitalisation.Electronic valuables insured.24/7 multilingual support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M NZD | 150 NZD | 24/7 assistance via mobile app.COVID-19 medical cover included.Direct settlement with hospitals.Covers adventure sports as standard. |
| Tourist Card | 2.0M NZD | 200 NZD | Rapid online claims process.High baggage reimbursement.Covers loss of documents.Rental vehicle excess covered. |
| World Travel | 1.0M NZD | 100 NZD | Upfront healthcare payments.Broad adventure sport coverage.Family and child discounts.Assistance for extended trip needs. |
| Globe Partner | 1.2M NZD | 180 NZD | Young traveller benefits.Excellent for students.Personal liability included.Easy claims by email. |
| Globe Traveller | 1.2M NZD | 180 NZD | Long trip eligibility (up to 12 months).Stable premium after age 60.Support in several languages.Covers mental health emergencies. |
The best short term travel insurance depends on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find your ideal plan and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is short term travel insurance?
Short term travel insurance is a policy that provides comprehensive protection for trips abroad or within New Zealand lasting up to 90 days.
It covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, travel delays and sometimes adventure sports.
This insurance is essential for anyone making a single journey, whether for holiday or business purposes, by limiting financial risks during the trip.
Short term travel insurance is also known as “single trip travel insurance” in New Zealand and is distinct from annual policies that cover multiple trips.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out short term travel insurance is especially relevant if you live in New Zealand:
- When visiting countries with high healthcare costs like the USA.
- For trips to Australia, as reciprocal health cover is limited.
- If your trip has expensive or non-refundable pre-paid costs.
- When participating in adventure sports like skiing or scuba diving.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, even minor ones.
- When travelling with valuable items like cameras or laptops.
- If you plan on hiring a rental vehicle during your travels.
The price of short term travel insurance
On average, short term travel insurance for New Zealand travellers costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4 days in Melbourne | $1,000 | $30 to $55 |
| 2 weeks in Bali | $3,000 | $90 to $170 |
| 3 weeks city tour across France | $4,500 | $135 to $260 |
| 1 month family holiday in Thailand | $7,500 | $225 to $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 short term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the higher the price.
- destination: countries with high medical costs, such as USA or Japan, lead to higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers usually pay more.
- level of coverage: standard plans cost less than those with higher limits or more benefits.
- optional add-ons: adventure sports cover, extra baggage, or “cancel for any reason” will increase the cost.
What short term travel insurance covers
Short term travel insurance is designed for trips that last up to 90 days.
This policy is made for New Zealanders travelling abroad for tourism, business or family visits who do not require annual coverage.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you must cancel for a covered reason. | You should have at least $3,000 of cover and a maximum deductible of $100. Trip cancellation due to a change of mind, visa issues or known events is not covered. |
| ✈️ Missed departure | Pays for extra costs if you miss your flight for unforeseen reasons. | Look for $500 minimum cover with no deductible. Being late, or missing your flight due to your own fault, are excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss/theft | Compensates for personal belongings lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. | At least $2,000 in cover is recommended, deductible under $50. Unattended bags, valuables beyond sublimits and professional equipment are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides a fixed amount if your departure or connection is delayed for hours. | Choose at least $100 per 6-hour delay, no deductible. Shorter delays and lack of proof are common exclusions. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical and hospital care if you are ill or injured. | Always insist on at least $1.5M cover, deductible no more than $100. Pre-existing conditions, ongoing care, and routine treatments are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Covers medically necessary repatriation or evacuation home. | Limits should be unlimited or at least $1.5M, no deductible. Refusal of evacuation, or non-medical returns, are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Covers urgent dental care following accident or infection abroad. | Choose at least $500, deductible up to $30. Planned or cosmetic dental work and ongoing issues are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Pays a lump sum for serious injury, death or permanent disability from an accident. | Aim for $20,000 minimum, no deductible. High-risk activities, intoxication or pre-existing disabilities are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Pays if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property. | Minimum $1M is advised, deductible below $300. Family claims, rented vehicles and intentional harm are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Pays some legal costs if you need a lawyer or bail abroad. | Should provide $10,000 for legal fees and $15,000 for bail. Criminal cases, intentional acts and alcohol-related incidents are excluded. |
Trip cancellation due to a change of mind, visa issues or known events is not covered.
Being late, or missing your flight due to your own fault, are excluded.
Unattended bags, valuables beyond sublimits and professional equipment are excluded.
Shorter delays and lack of proof are common exclusions.
Pre-existing conditions, ongoing care, and routine treatments are excluded.
Refusal of evacuation, or non-medical returns, are excluded.
Planned or cosmetic dental work and ongoing issues are excluded.
High-risk activities, intoxication or pre-existing disabilities are excluded.
Family claims, rented vehicles and intentional harm are not covered.
Criminal cases, intentional acts and alcohol-related incidents 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 short term travel insurance best suited to your needs and destination, compare offers easily on HelloSafe.
The conditions of short term travel insurance
To be valid, short term travel insurance in New Zealand must meet certain conditions. These requirements are essential and commonly apply to most policies:
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the insurance before leaving New Zealand and before your trip actually starts.
- Residency requirement: you must be a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand at the date of subscription.
- Trip duration limit: your planned trip must not exceed the maximum duration allowed, usually 90 days for short term policies.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot start insurance coverage while already overseas, the policy must begin before your departure.
- Destination eligibility: your travel destination must not be subject to a government travel ban or serious official warning.
- Disclosure of pre-existing conditions: you must declare any known medical conditions during application or these may be excluded.
- Claim notification: in case of an incident, you need to inform the insurer as soon as possible and follow their instructions.
- Supporting documentation: you must keep and provide all documents that prove your expenses, losses or reasons for claiming.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for Kiwis is assuming pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered. You must declare all conditions, even stable ones, when purchasing your policy. Failing to do so can void your cover, leaving you to face massive overseas medical bills alone. Always check the policy wording.
Why take out short term travel insurance?
While travelling, even minor health issues can result in substantial expenses, especially overseas. Without insurance, you are fully responsible for these costs, which can impact your entire 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 limit chosen |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often up to 100% with no deductible |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $1,000,000 NZ or policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually up to 100% excluding deductible |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Typically 100% after deductible |
- Europe: $450 NZ
- North America: $1,200 NZ
- Asia: $180 NZ
- Europe: $85,000 NZ
- North America: $120,000 NZ
- Asia: $65,000 NZ
- Europe: $18,000 NZ
- North America: $45,000 NZ
- Asia: $8,500 NZ
- Europe: $650 NZ
- North America: $1,800 NZ
- Asia: $220 NZ
- Europe: $380 NZ
- North America: $950 NZ
- Asia: $150 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.
Short term travel insurance also includes other valuable guarantees for travel: trip cancellation, interruption, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability, and emergency assistance. These can prevent significant financial loss if something goes wrong abroad.
Good to know
Your OE or Bali getaway can become a financial nightmare fast. A broken leg in the US can cost over $28,000. Protect your savings from massive medical bills and cancellations. A simple plan, like Chapka’s Cap Trip, ensures you can travel with complete peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right short term Travel Insurance
Travel insurance policies for short term trips vary widely in coverage limits, reimbursement percentages, and deductibles. Comparing different plans is critical to ensure you get benefits that match your destination, activities, and traveller profile.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💸 Reimbursement limits | Set the maximum the insurer will pay for claims. | Always select at least $1,000,000 NZ medical cover for overseas trips outside of New Zealand. |
| ➖ Deductible | Indicates what you pay before the insurer starts covering costs. | Try to choose policies with a low or no deductible for medical claims for fewer out-of-pocket surprises. |
| 📄 Policy conditions | Define how and when coverage applies, including claim deadlines and exclusions. | Read through all conditions to avoid rejected claims and clarify what counts as a covered event. |
| 👨👧 Traveller profile | Individuals, couples, and families have different coverage needs and risk profiles. | Look for plans with tailored benefits for families, couples, students, or seniors as your needs vary. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Different policies cover trips of varying lengths, sometimes up to 90 days max. | Check carefully that the policy matches your full trip length, including unforeseen extensions. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Determines where protection applies and affects price and coverage level. | Verify every destination on your itinerary is covered, especially if it includes high-cost healthcare regions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Some benefits may overlap with bank card, private health, or home insurance. | Review all existing insurance benefits so you do not double pay for medical, cancellation, or baggage. |
| 🎿 Planned activities | Adventure sports and risky activities may be excluded from standard cover. | If planning activities like skiing or scuba diving, check if a sports or adventure add-on is needed. |
| 🔍 Offer comparison | Comparing lets you find the right balance between costs and coverage features. | Use reputable comparison tools like HelloSafe to find a plan that meets your needs and budget. |
Do your current policies cover short term travel insurance?
It is logical to wonder whether your current insurance, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can replace proper short term travel insurance, but unfortunately the coverage is insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Short term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Health NZ/ACC) | Never | Emergency accident treatment only, up to $50,000 for some scenarios. No medical evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage loss or global coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to $10,000,000 worldwide, including assistance, cancellation and lost baggage. |
| Private health insurance (Southern Cross, nib) | Almost Never | Emergency overseas care up to $2,000 annually, sometimes more with premium plans. No trip cancellation, limited repatriation, and no liability or baggage protection. | Travel insurance gives much higher medical limits, repatriation, trip cancellation, and all-risk baggage up to $10,000. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, ANZ Standard) | Never | May include some accident cover up to $10,000. No overseas medical, no cancellation, no evacuation and almost never baggage or liability coverage. | Travel insurance reaches $1,000,000+ for medical care and covers things classic cards never do, such as delays. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Platinum, ASB Platinum) | Limited coverage | Selected medical and some baggage benefits up to $250,000. No comprehensive trip cancellation, limited duration (generally 45 days), sports/adventure and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. | Travel insurance has better limits (medical up to $10,000,000), all-risk cancellation and adventure cover. |
No medical evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage loss or global coverage.
No trip cancellation, limited repatriation, and no liability or baggage protection.
No overseas medical, no cancellation, no evacuation and almost never baggage or liability coverage.
No comprehensive trip cancellation, limited duration (generally 45 days), sports/adventure and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Expert advice
Heads up, Kiwis! Bank card and health insurance often exclude key events like trip interruption for a family illness. Read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. For true peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is not legally required for most destinations, but it is mandatory for countries like Schengen States or Cuba. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended. For instance, if you need emergency surgery while in the USA, having no insurance can result in extremely high medical bills.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures cancellation and pre-trip benefits are active immediately. The earlier you buy, the greater your protection against unexpected events that may force you to cancel before departure.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
First, compare different policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance platform. Next, check guarantees and exclusions that apply to short term trips. Purchase the policy online directly, then receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and visa applications.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy short term travel insurance after making your travel booking, as long as you have not yet departed. However, pre-departure benefits like trip cancellation will not cover events you already know about, so buy as soon as possible for maximum protection.
How do I make a claim with my short term travel insurance?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line immediately and follow their instructions. Gather relevant documents, such as receipts or medical reports, and submit a claim within the required timeframe (usually within 30 days). Always keep copies for your records.
Is COVID-19 covered by short term travel insurance?
Most short term travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 coverage for medical expenses and cancellation if you fall ill. However, exclusions may apply to travel advisories or known outbreaks, so always check if pandemic benefits and medical repatriation are specifically included before you travel.
Are adventure sports covered by short term travel insurance?
Coverage for adventure sports like skiing, scuba diving or bungee jumping varies depending on the insurer. Many policies require you to add extra coverage or pay a higher premium for these activities. Check that your planned adventure is listed in your policy before participating.
What if my trip is unexpectedly extended?
If your short term holiday lasts longer than planned, contact your insurer as soon as possible before your policy expires. Some insurers allow for policy extensions while you are still abroad, but not after expiry. This ensures you stay fully covered for the extra days.
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is not legally required for most destinations, but it is mandatory for countries like Schengen States or Cuba. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended. For instance, if you need emergency surgery while in the USA, having no insurance can result in extremely high medical bills.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures cancellation and pre-trip benefits are active immediately. The earlier you buy, the greater your protection against unexpected events that may force you to cancel before departure.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
First, compare different policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance platform. Next, check guarantees and exclusions that apply to short term trips. Purchase the policy online directly, then receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and visa applications.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy short term travel insurance after making your travel booking, as long as you have not yet departed. However, pre-departure benefits like trip cancellation will not cover events you already know about, so buy as soon as possible for maximum protection.
How do I make a claim with my short term travel insurance?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line immediately and follow their instructions. Gather relevant documents, such as receipts or medical reports, and submit a claim within the required timeframe (usually within 30 days). Always keep copies for your records.
Is COVID-19 covered by short term travel insurance?
Most short term travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 coverage for medical expenses and cancellation if you fall ill. However, exclusions may apply to travel advisories or known outbreaks, so always check if pandemic benefits and medical repatriation are specifically included before you travel.
Are adventure sports covered by short term travel insurance?
Coverage for adventure sports like skiing, scuba diving or bungee jumping varies depending on the insurer. Many policies require you to add extra coverage or pay a higher premium for these activities. Check that your planned adventure is listed in your policy before participating.
What if my trip is unexpectedly extended?
If your short term holiday lasts longer than planned, contact your insurer as soon as possible before your policy expires. Some insurers allow for policy extensions while you are still abroad, but not after expiry. This ensures you stay fully covered for the extra days.
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