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Travel Insurance for New Zealand

It would be unwise to travel to the other side of the world without some type of precaution in place. Holiday Extras travel insurance policies provide just that, serving as a valuable measure to cover for things beyond your control.

Since the Māori migration of the 14th century, countless travellers have fallen for the wild, unadulterated natural beauty of New Zealand. Its vast, rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage affirms New Zealand's position as a country that invokes awe and intoxicates the imagination of every traveller. Though you may be eager to begin your journey through this amazing country, you mustn't forget to have a reliable travel insurance policy in place.

Lake Pukaki, New Zealand

Buying a travel insurance policy for ease might not sufficiently support you or reflect your personal situation. Should something unforeseeable and insurable happen and you needed to make a claim, you might not be financially covered if the right insurance isn't in place and your policy could be rendered invalid.

Compare our levels of New Zealand travel insurance Levels of cover

that wanaka tree

Medical insurance for your New Zealand holiday

Staying healthy is something universally sought after, but unfortunately even when you're on holiday things don't always go to plan. Sometimes it helps to have a little protection in place as a precaution. Being over 11,000 miles away from the medical treatment prescribed by the NHS, it would be unwise to fly so far from home without a precaution in place. Under the UK reciprocal health agreement, British nationals are eligible to emergency health care in New Zealand on the same terms as citizens of New Zealand.

UK-New Zealand reciprocal health agreement

According to the FCDO there are a few stipulations that Brits need to adhere to in order to recieve medical care:

  • Show a valid UK passport when requested
  • Are normally a full-time UK resident
  • Are temporarily staying in New Zealand
  • Medical care is deemed necessary by a medical practioner
  • The medical emergency occured after arriving in New Zealand, or a declared pre-existing medical treatment has been exacerbated since arrival

The service offered includes:

  • Diagnosis
  • Alleviation
  • Care of the condition
  • Acute and non-acute treatment for new conditions, or to prevent the condition becoming acute.

While this international agreement can cover you for some costs, to secure valuable cover for medical repatriation and personal accident insurance, a Holiday Extras travel insurance policy can be a good investment.

Securing a good travel insurance policy that sufficiently covers you for emergency medical treatment is paramount, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Before you buy your travel insurance online you will go through a series of discreet questions in our medical screening process to determine if you have, or previously had, a medical condition which your policy would need to reflect. To find out more about travel insurance with medical conditions please visit our page here.


Milford Sound

Working holiday travel insurance

For British citizens, New Zealand is a great place for a working holiday, as you are automatically allowed a working holiday visa for 23 months (provided you're under 30 years of age). So, if you're thirsting for a new challenge, then experiencing what it's like to live and work in this country may be just what you're looking for. Check out our working holiday page for more information on getting the most suitable cover for a working holiday.

New Zealand: at a glance

  • What is the currency in New Zealand? New Zealand dollar (NZ$)
  • How long is the flight from the UK to New Zealand? 23 hours 48 mins
  • What is the capital city of New Zealand? Wellington
  • What is the emergency number in New Zealand? '111'
  • How many hours ahead is New Zealand? 12 hours ahead of BST (British Summer Time) but 13 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
  • What language is spoken in New Zealand? Māori is the official language but since colonisation, English has become a defacto first language

Top 10 places to visit in New Zealand

  • Hobbiton - For fans of the fantasy epic Lord of the Rings, a trip to Matamata to visit the set of Hobbiton is an absolute must!
  • Rotorua - Described as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand, this unique landscape of fuming geysers and hot springs is a definite must see.
  • Franz Josef Glacier - One of South Westland's major tourist attractions, visitors can walk right to the foot of the gigantic glacier. If you're feeling brave, it's only a short helicopter ride to the top, for a trek along the glacier edge.
  • Tongariro National Park - New Zealand's first national park contains a diverse range of ecosystems, from tranquil lakes to active volcanoes.
  • Abel Tasman National Park - A hiker's dream, this national park located on the northern tip of the country's southern island makes a great destination for some serious hiking!

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.

Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.

Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register