Travel Insurance for New Zealanders

If you are going overseas on holiday, travel insurance will cover you for accidents, sudden illness and other unexpected and unfortunate events. 

Key Benefits of Travel Insurance 

There are many companies offering comprehensive travel insurance – some key benefits to look for include: 

• 24-hour emergency assistance - Including a phone number in New Zealand you can call to get help in an emergency. Make sure you write it down in a couple of safe places and take it with you.
  
• Overseas hospitalisation expenses – In some countries, your ability to pay is assessed before your medical condition and expenses can run to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Medical evacuation back to New Zealand – This can cost tens of thousands of dollars, even from relatively close destinations such as Australia. Medical and evacuation expenses due to terrorism.
• GP and prescription costs
• Emergency dental cover
• Travel Cancellation – Especially important if you are using budget airlines, some of which take no responsibility for what happens to you if your flight is cancelled.
• Travel delay and missed connections
  
• Lost or stolen passports (and other important travel documents)
• Travel companion expenses if hospitalised or repatriated
• Lump sum personal accident cover
• Personal liability
• Rental car excess
• Loss of income
• Cover for luggage and personal effects (including cash)

Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Some insurers offer annual multi-trip cover for people who travel abroad frequently, and there is also cover available for backpackers who are traveling overseas for extended periods. 

Things to watch for are: 

• Pre-existing conditions – It is essential to disclose to your insurer any medical conditions you have, including pregnancy. You may have to pay a bit more, but you will have much better peace of mind. Non-disclosure may invalidate your cover when you need it most.
  
• Exclusions – Some travel policies don’t cover people who are working abroad (specialised insurance is available for this), and others don’t cover you for extreme sports activities. Make sure you read and understand what your policy covers before you go.
  
• Excesses – Individual possessions may only be covered up to a certain dollar limit, and you may have to pay your expenses up to a certain dollar limit if you make a claim. Again, make sure you understand exactly what cover you are buying.
• Zones – Cover in places where medical costs are especially high, such as USA, Canada and Japan, costs more. Make sure you buy the right cover, and let your insurer know if your plans change.

Travel insurance is very affordable and is an essential part of your holiday planning. Have a great trip!

This article was supplied by Broadbase International Ltd (www.broadbaseinternational.com). Information contained in this article is of a general nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice based on your individual circumstances. Disclosure statements are available on request and free of charge.