New Zealand does not require visitors to have travel insurance to enter the country. But it is recommended if your health insurance does not extend to emergency treatment abroad.
Framed by forested mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and beaches, New Zealand is known for its natural wonder. But considering the country’s vast landscape and unpredictable weather, it can take hours to reach remote places in an emergency. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking or snowboarding, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of medical care in case of injury.
New Zealand extends some health care coverage to temporary visitors with its Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Program. However, the program may not cover all medical costs. Purchasing travel insurance can further protect you from financial burdens by offering additional medical coverage.
The weather in New Zealand is notoriously volatile, with extremes at each end of the year. Due to its geographical position, New Zealand is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Such events could cause trip cancellations or travel delays. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses (like your flight or hotel) if you experience an interruption due to severe weather.
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage allows you flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons outside those predetermined by your travel insurance policy. However, since CFAR coverage is considered a policy add-on, it is more expensive than a standard policy.
This type of coverage is also subject to disclaimers, deductibles and restrictions. You must meet certain requirements to qualify for CFAR insurance, including:
- You have to cancel your trip within a certain timeframe, like at least 48 hours before your departure date.
- You only have a specific number of days after booking your trip to buy CFAR coverage. Most insurance providers have a limit of 10 to 21 days after booking.
Gear Theft Protection
You may want to bring cameras, sporting gear or other valuables if you’re planning to explore New Zealand’s diverse destinations. Whether you want to photograph the rich Maori culture or mountain bike through the forest, gear theft protection can help recoup the cost of lost or stolen goods.
Each travel insurance policy will include specific coverage limits and exclusions regarding stolen or damaged gear. Gear theft protection is worth considering if you wish to bring the following on your trip:
- A laptop, tablet or smartphone
- Jewelry
- Professional camera and equipment
- Sporting equipment (like a surfboard or kayak)
- Golf gear
Note that your insurance may not cover the full value of your items, so review the policy wording and product disclosure statement carefully to determine your coverage. If the total of the items you plan to bring exceeds your benefit limit, consider leaving some items at home.
Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation
Although the ACC offers some medical coverage to non-residents, the program does not always cover the full cost of treatment. If your health insurance does not extend coverage in other countries, you can safeguard yourself with travel insurance for medical emergencies.
Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses in the event of an injury or illness. Most providers also cover evacuation to your home country if you can’t receive health care locally and repatriation if you die while traveling.
A standard travel insurance policy may include the following medical emergency and assistance coverage:
- Hospital admission costs
- Surgical operations and related fees
- Anesthesia
- Ambulance costs
- X-rays and lab tests
- Emergency dental fees
When booking your trip insurance, be sure to declare any pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or high blood pressure. While some providers do not extend coverage for pre-existing conditions, others may offer a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.
Travel medical insurance also may not extend to injuries sustained as a result of extreme sports, but some providers may offer add-on coverage. Read your policy’s full details for restrictions and exclusions.
Rental Car Protection
New Zealand boasts an extensive network of public transport, making it easy to travel around big cities like Auckland and Wellington. But you may prefer to rent a car to explore on your own schedule.
As a tourist, you can legally drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand as long as you have a current driver’s license. If your license isn’t in English, you’ll need to obtain an English translation. Otherwise, you can opt for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) issued or written in English.
New Zealand requires rental car companies to include basic insurance for coverage against accidents. The level of protection varies by provider, but usually covers the following:
- Collision damage waiver
- Windshield protection
- Roadside protection
- Theft protection
The insurance will include an excess or deductible or the amount of money you pay before the insurance policy covers the costs. Your rental car provider may offer a daily fee in exchange for reducing or eliminating the excess.
For example, let’s say that your rental car agreement offers a standard policy with a $1,000 excess. If your rental vehicle is damaged and costs $3,000 to repair, you’ll only need to pay the $1,000. As long as you’ve met the terms and conditions in your contract, the rental company will cover the remaining $2,000.
While you can purchase travel insurance with rental car protection, it may not be necessary for a trip to New Zealand. Consider existing rental car coverage before adding more with a travel insurance policy.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Whether it’s extreme weather or natural disasters, unexpected circumstances can impact your trip to New Zealand. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable costs like your flight, hotel or travel excursions if you have to cancel your trip due to the following reasons:
- Death of a traveling companion or family member
- Diagnosis of a serious medical condition or injury
- Natural disasters or dangerous weather conditions
- Domestic or international terrorism
- Legal obligations like jury or military duty
Source: marketwatch.com
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
