Compare travel insurance for New Zealand

Booking a trip to New Zealand? We can help you compare travel insurance deals and find the cover you need to get the most from your trip.

Written by

Anna McEntee

Home, pet and travel insurance expert

Last Updated

24 FEBRUARY 2023

5 min read

Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?

New Zealand is considered a safe destination, but travel insurance is still a good idea. It can pay your costs in a medical emergency and give you the protection you need if you’re taking part in adventure sports on your trip of a lifetime. And New Zealand travel insurance can make sure you’re not out of pocket if your trip is cancelled or delayed, or your belongings are stolen.

How much is travel insurance for New Zealand?

You’ll need worldwide travel insurance for New Zealand. A 20-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions can get a week’s worldwide cover for as little as £16^[1]. But how much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on a number of factors, including:

How long you’re going for
The level of cover you want
Whether you’re planning to take part in any adventure sports like bungee jumping or white-water rafting
If you have a pre-existing medical condition.

^[1] Based on Comparethemarket data for a worldwide travel insurance policy for a 20-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling for 1 week. Prices correct as of January 2023.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, always declare any medical conditions and never lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean your claim is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.

Healthcare in New Zealand

Like Australia, the UK and New Zealand have a reciprocal health agreement, so UK nationals have access to healthcare while they’re in the country. But this isn’t a substitute for travel insurance, which can cover you for private healthcare and repatriation to the UK for treatment.

What will travel insurance cover in New Zealand?

As well as cover for medical care, a travel insurance policy for New Zealand will typically include:

Flight cancellations and missed connections – your travel insurance could protect you against the extra costs these events incur. Cover for a missed connection isn't included in all policies, so check the policy details before you buy if you want this included.
Holiday cancellation cover – if you have to cancel your trip or cut it short because of an unforeseen emergency, travel insurance can make sure you’re not out of pocket.

Damage, loss or theft of your luggage – your travel insurance should cover you for replacing clothes, medicine and toiletries if your luggage is damaged, lost or stolen. Look at the excess (the amount you’ll need to pay towards a claim) as well as cover limits overall and the single item limit (the maximum your insurance provider will pay out for one item).
Covid-19 – this can cover cancellation, medical expenses, repatriation and extended stays as a result of Coronavirus. Get a travel insurance quote with us and you can compare the levels of COVID cover available by filtering your quotes.

Check the policy details carefully before you buy as cover levels, inclusions and exclusions can vary among providers.

What won’t New Zealand travel insurance cover?

It’s important to find out what’s excluded before buying travel insurance for New Zealand. A standard policy will typically exclude:

Pre-existing medical conditions that you haven’t declared when you apply for insurance. Not all providers will cover pre-existing conditions, but specialist policies are available.
Alcohol and drugs – you won’t be covered by your insurance if you’re injured or have an accident as a result of drinking or taking drugs.
Extreme sports – typically, you’ll need to take out extra cover for skiing, water sports and high-risk activities like caving and bungee jumping. If you’re taking part in extreme sports, make absolutely certain that the company running the activity is well established and that you’re covered by insurance.
Natural disasters – there’s a small risk of earthquakes and volcanic activity in New Zealand. To be on the safe side, check to see if natural catastrophe cover is included in your policy – if not, you may be able to add it.
Terrorism – any cover is likely to be limited.

What else should I consider when choosing my travel insurance?

New Zealand is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors and jam-packed with activities for the adventurous at heart. If you’re set on the adventure of a lifetime, you might need more comprehensive travel insurance or specialist insurance with cover for:

Extreme sports like scuba diving or abseiling.
Winter sports protection – if you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding holiday
Golf travel insurance – New Zealand boasts hundreds of golf courses. If you’re planning to play a round or two, you’ll want to make sure green fees and equipment are covered.

You may be able to add cover for these activities to your travel policy for an extra cost or look for specialist policies to cover them.

Top tip

New Zealand is about as long-haul as you can get – around 24 hours each way from the UK. Wear comfortable clothes for the flight, drink lots of water and keep active by stretching and walking around the cabin. Changing your watch to New Zealand time as soon as you take off and sleeping when it will be night time in your destination could help limit the effects of jet lag once you arrive.

Do I need a visa to holiday in New Zealand?

No, UK citizens don’t need a visa to enter New Zealand and can stay for up to six months. But you’ll need to pay a small fee to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. You’ll also need to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when you apply. Once issued, a NZeTA is valid for up to two years.

Your passport also needs to be valid for up to three months after your departure from New Zealand.

Details on COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for New Zealand can be found on the GOV.UK website.

What else should I think about if I’m going to New Zealand?

Here’s a few more travel facts about New Zealand to help you stay safe and enjoy your trip:

Crime – crime is generally low in New Zealand, but make sure you don’t leave valuables unattended in your car, and keep them in a safe in your room when you go out.
Driving – local roads can be winding and tricky to navigate at first, so be extra careful.
Tipping – this isn't usually expected or required but a 10% tip at restaurants and bars is always appreciated.
Maori etiquette – if you go to a Maori meeting place, it's best to go with someone who knows the customs, although allowances tend to be made for foreign guests.
Border control – it’s illegal to bring meat, honey, fruit and dairy products to New Zealand.
Medication – if you bring any prescription medicines with you, you must declare them on your passenger arrival card.

Where can I compare travel insurance quotes?

Right here. With Comparethemarket, finding the right travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand couldn’t be easier. Simply compare offers today and get a quote in minutes.