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How to Choose the BEST Travel Insurance for New Zealand 🩹 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, what to look for when you choose travel insurance for new zealand + the best nz travel insurance for visitors.

Probably the least fun aspect of planning a trip to New Zealand is choosing travel insurance. Although it is not a mandatory requirement for visitors to New Zealand to have travel health insurance, some of us might appreciate the extra cover should the worst happen. To make the process of choosing a travel insurance policy much easier, we have put together a guide on how to choose travel insurance for New Zealand. We’ve also given you a cheeky little mention of a New Zealand travel insurance we like toward the end of this guide.

Choosing travel insurance for New Zealand is not as easy as simply picking the cheapest policy. Travel insurance policies include a wide range of coverage with different amounts that the insurance company is expected to pay when things go wrong, as well as what you will have to pay for yourself. If you are going to spend a significant amount of money on travel insurance for New Zealand, you will want a travel insurance policy that will help you when you need it the most.

7 Reasons to Get Health and Travel Insurance for New Zealand

While many see insurance as just an extra non-essential cost, here are some reasons why you actually might want to consider travel insurance as a visitor to New Zealand.

• Serious medical treatment or evacuation is extremely expensive
• Missing your flight is not that uncommon
• Losing your passport, wallet and other belongings can happen
• The airline could lose your luggage
• Accidents happen ; you may need emergency assistance
• Insurance is mandatory for those on a Working Holiday or Student Visa
• Adding personal items to your travel insurance is cheaper than getting separate insurance.

Now, let’s get onto how to choose the best travel insurance for New Zealand.

Does New Zealand Require Travel Insurance?

No, New Zealand does not require travel insurance from travellers visiting the country. However, for the reasons listed above, such as to cover the expenses of medical services, baggage loss, flight delays and more, some travellers make the personal choice to get travel insurance for their time in New Zealand.

A Note on New Zealand’s Universal Accident Cover, ACC

It’s important to note that New Zealand has a universal cover for injuries caused by accidents in New Zealand, called ACC . This cover applies to visitors too and contributes toward the cost of medical treatment for a range of injuries listed on the ACC website .

Note that ACC doesn’t cover illnesses, emergency travel plans to get you home, injuries while in transit to New Zealand or injuries on the craft you arrived in, such as on a cruise ship. Therefore, you will need to get travel insurance if you want any of those aspects covered.

Learn more about ACC in our complete guide, What is ACC and Employee Accident Cover?

Insurance for Working Holidays and International Students

Travelling to New Zealand on a working holiday or as an international student instead? It is mandatory to have health insurance to cover your whole time in New Zealand, so take a look at  New Zealand Working Holiday & Student Insurance: FULL Guide for a guide curated especially for you guys.

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in New Zealand?

One determining factor for deciding whether to purchase travel insurance for New Zealand or not is the cost of healthcare in New Zealand. If you were to get ill, how much would it cost you? Admittedly, the fees for doctor’s consultations in New Zealand are higher for visitors than they are for residents but many visitors still wouldn’t consider it too expensive compared to their home country. Check out typical medical expenses in How to Pay for Healthcare Services in New Zealand .

8 Things to Compare in Between New Zealand Travel Insurance Policies

1. find out where the travel insurance companies are based.

First thing’s first, where are the travel insurance companies that you are comparing based?

If you have been using an insurance company from your home country for a long time and they have provided excellent service in the past, then you may feel safer going with what you know.

On the other hand, having a travel insurance company based in New Zealand is likely to be a lot more helpful in desperate situations than back in your home country. If an insurance company is based in New Zealand, you know they are more specialised in dealing with emergencies that may occur in New Zealand, as well as the customs when it comes to medical and local travel situations.

2. Compare the Excess Costs

“Excess” is the amount of money you will have to contribute toward the cost of an insurance claim. For example, if your hospital bill is NZ$5,000 and you have an excess of NZ$1,000 then you will have to pay NZ$1,000 for your hospital bill and the insurance company will pay NZ$4,000.

The amount of excess you have to pay can range widely between insurance policies. Generally, the cheaper the policy, the more excess you would have to pay. When choosing travel insurance for New Zealand, you need to be comfortable with the excess you might have to pay. If you can’t afford the excess, then there is no point in choosing that travel insurance policy.

Note : As mentioned above, accidents in New Zealand are often covered by New Zealand’s universal cover, the ACC. To find out more, check out What is ACC and Employee Accident Cover?

3. What is Covered in a Travel Insurance Policy for New Zealand?

Travel insurance for New Zealand is meant to help you in an array of sticky situations that could occur while abroad. The most comprehensive travel insurance policies for New Zealand should include the majority of the following:

• Medical and hospital expenses
• Cancellation cover (if you need to cancel flights, accommodation, etc. due to unforeseen circumstances)
• Luggage and personal items
• Travel delay expenses
• Family emergency (covers the expenses of travelling home in case a family member gets seriously ill, injured or dies)
• Personal liability (protects you from being legally liable for injuring other people or property).

Bonus Tip : Covering possessions like your cell phone as an add-on to your travel insurance tends to be much cheaper than covering these items with separate insurance. By the way, be sure to check Will Your Phone Work in New Zealand?

4. What Do the Policies Exclude?

Some things that you think are covered might not be or there may be some conditions which can mean an item is not covered. Check what things are not covered in an insurance policy.

Most commonly, extreme activities and sports are not covered by insurance companies, or come at an extra cost, because they have a higher element of risk associated with them. Considering New Zealand is a country of adventure and adrenaline activities , this may be something you want to look into.

5. What Options are There for Pre-Existing Conditions?

If you have a pre-existing condition, chances are, you need travel insurance the most. However, many travel insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Check out how they define a “pre-existing condition” to see if it applies to you.

If you do have a pre-existing condition, being covered is likely to come at an extra cost. However, you will still be covered for any illnesses and injuries not related to your pre-existing condition.

It’s also worth mentioning that some insurance policies exclude certain diseases, situations or medical procedures, so check this out too to see if it is likely to apply to you.

6. Compare How Travel Insurance Companies Handle Claims

Before you buy travel insurance, it’s a good idea to understand how you would make a claim if you needed to. Remember, you are likely to need the help of your insurance company in a stressful situation, so having an easy insurance claim process is critical. You need to be able to contact your insurance company 24/7 in multiple ways, just in case you have no internet connection, (which can definitely happen in New Zealand ).

Read reviews of anyone who has had to make a claim with your chosen insurance companies before to see how their experience was.

7. How Long Does Your Insurance Policy Cover You For?

Knowing that most people visit New Zealand for at least a couple of weeks (usually more), you will want to make sure that your travel insurance covers you for the whole time. Ideally, you want travel insurance that covers you while you are travelling to and from New Zealand too. If you’re visiting New Zealand as part of a bigger trip, consider travel insurance that covers the other countries you are visiting too.

For those staying in New Zealand for a few months, perhaps on a working holiday or as a student, check out  New Zealand Working Holiday & Student Insurance: FULL Guide for information about longer insurance policies.

8. Check the Underwriting Company

If you want to be super safe, then check who is the company that has provided the underwriter services to the travel insurance company and if they are licensed. The insurance underwriters decide how much coverage a client should get, for example.

Many travel insurance companies use the same underwriters so that’s why many policies are so similar in the amount of excess and cover they will give you. Try comparing travel insurance companies with different underwriters to see more of a difference in cover options and prices.

What’s the Best Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

Due to many of the reasons we have covered above and because we like to support local businesses, we recommend you check out Orbit Protect . They offer insurance plans that actually meet the requirements specified in the guide above. Plus, they have some of the best-value prices on the market, especially for what they offer.

The Best New Zealand Travel Insurance for Visitors

New Zealand travel insurance for visitors that we have used and can vouch for, Orbit Protect ‘s Experience NZ Insurance is a good go-to for making sure you (and your family, if applicable) are covered for the whole time you’re in New Zealand, as well as for up to 31 days if you’re travelling in the South-West Pacific to places like Australia , Fiji and New Caledonia .

Their visitor’s travel insurance covers the essentials, such as medical care, medical evacuation and property cover, as well as the option to add a cover assessment for pre-existing medical conditions and work cover (if you’re on a work visa). What’s more, you can choose periods of cover from eight days to 12 months, so no trip is too long or short!

Orbit Protect also has insurance plans, specially designed for working holidays, international students, seasonal workers and more, so go and check them out at orbitprotect.com .

More About Travel Insurance for New Zealand

That’s it for our guide to travel insurance for New Zealand. We also recommend you have a look at our other articles for more advice on choosing travel insurance for New Zealand:

• 14 Questions to Ask Before Buying Travel Health Insurance

How to Get a Medical Prescription in New Zealand

• Things to Know Before Seeing a Doctor in New Zealand

The Easy Way to See a Doctor for Tourists Travelling in New Zealand

Finally, you might also want to look at How to Pay for Healthcare Services in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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Need some help? Use the search box below to find answers to all those tricky questions. We’ve got heaps of travel insurance tips to help you get the best policy for your upcoming holiday!

Travel Insurance  Frequently Asked Questions

Does travel insurance cover coronavirus(covid-19).

It depends! Unfortunately, the answer isn't a straightforward one. There are some situations where cover is available, and others where it is an exclusion. It largely depends on which insurer you bought your policy with ; when you bought it; where you're travelling to; when you're travelling; and, the reason for your claim. One thing that is for certain - you're unlikely to be covered for claims relating to the coronavirus for future travel if you haven't yet purchased a travel insurance policy as this is a known event.

Which is the best travel insurance in New Zealand?

The best travel insurance for you depends entirely on your planned trip and your circumstances. If you're a backpacker on a tight budget, you might want a no-frills medical-only policy. Whereas, if you're heading on a once in a lifetime cruise, have outlaid a lot of money in upfront deposits or if you have health conditions, a comprehensive policy might be best for you. While there's no single best travel insurance that's right for everyone, finding a policy that works for you is easy when you use our quote comparison to start comparing prices and features. With Compare Travel Insurance, you can also read up on travel insurance reviews from customers to learn about their customer service and importantly, claims experience.

Is it too late to buy cover?

It's better late than never. We recommend buying a policy as soon as you've booked and started paying deposits for flights, accommodation and tours, but you can buy travel insurance at any point. Even if you forgot and are already overseas . Exclusions may apply though, so be sure to check the PDS and eligibility criteria before you buy.

Can I get cover for my medical conditions?

Cover is available for most medical conditions. Whether or not you need to declare your conditions and whether an additional charge will apply depends on the condition, its stability, current treatment, the recency of the diagnosis and your age. Minor conditions such as allergies, cataracts, and certain diabetes are often covered free of charge. However other medical conditions such as arthritis, any kind of cancer, heart conditions and hip & knee replacements require medical screenings and additional charges are likelt to apply. Today, most insurers use online medical screening software which makes it easy to declare your conditions and get covered in minutes. Although finding cover for terminal illnesses in New Zealand is difficult. Learn more about covering your conditions with our guide on declaring your medical conditions .

Can I purchase travel insurance at the airport?

Yes, you can. Generally speaking, you can purchase travel insurance up to a year before your trip, right up to boarding at the airport. With comprehensive travel insurance, you are covered for cancellation benefits from the moment you buy your policy, so we recommend buying it as soon as you start paying for flights, tours and accommodation.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm already overseas?

You can buy cover if you are already overseas, although each travel insurer has different rules on age limits and waiting periods. Check out our already overseas travel insurance guide to learn more.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?

You can buy travel insurance to cover you when you're pregnant, but different brands will have different rules around how many weeks gestation they will provide cover up until. Terms may also vary on whether you've had complications, have a multiple pregnancy, conceived via IVF and whether you're looking for cover in case of emergency birth. Check out the handy table in our pregnancy guide for more information.

Do I need cover in New Zealand?

Unexpected events can happen anywhere. It is just as important to have domestic cover when travelling around New Zealand as it is when travelling overseas. If you're a New Zealand resident, a domestic policy covers you for cancellations, luggage cover and often rental vehicle excess. Medical coverage is not included, but you'll be eligible for publicly funded health care services. For non-residents visiting New Zealand, discover International visitors to New Zealand are currently not required to have travel insurance by law, but it is highly recommended to protect you from eye-watering medical bills and more.

Which is the cheapest policy?

The cost of travel insurance depends on a range of factors including your destination, duration of travel, age of travellers, planned activities, whether or not you have any medical conditions and the type of cover you choose (medical only, mid-range or comprehensive). The cheapest travel insurance is generally to less risky parts of the world - places with cheaper healthcare and less risk of injury, illness or theft - and policies which offer less coverage - so ones without benefits for adventure activities or pre-existing conditions. To get cheap travel insurance from New Zealand for your upcoming trip, create a quote and compare prices, but remember that the cheapest isn't always the best. You should consider your trip and what you require cover for.

Why should I buy travel insurance direct online?

Comparing prices and features online makes it easier to find the policy that's right for you and your circumstances. With comparetravelinsurance.co.nz , the price you see is the same price direct from the insurer. Sometimes you're not after the best policy but rather the best bang for your buck and comparing prices and features online can save you time, worry and loads of money.

Trending Tips And Guides

What activities are covered?

Are you a self-confessed adrenaline junkie? If you’re planning on doing some risky activities on your trip make sure you know if they’re covered, as not all of them are!

Pre-existing medical conditions

Having pre-existing medical conditions doesn't mean you can't get cover or that it has to be expensive. It simply means that you need to dig a little deeper when doing your research.

coronavirus and travel insurance

The rapid spread of covid-19 around the globe has thrown the international travel industry into chaos.  Find out what's covered if you're travelling during the coronavirus outbreak.

Why Buy Travel Insurance?

We’re not silly, we know that plenty of New Zealanders go on holiday and have an amazing time exploring new and exciting places without buying travel insurance. But taking a gamble on your much needed break can be risky. Here’s why!

Exxy Medical Costs

If you buy a policy for just one reason this is it! Falling ill or being injured while travelling overseas can be extremely costly. Hospital costs in the USA can reach up to $10,000 per day, while emergency transport home for treatment can easily exceed $100,000! Ouch!

Disasters Can Strike

The excitement of getting on that plane has you knotted up like a pretzel. Picture your dismay if you had to cancel last minute. Worse still, imagine you’re mid-martini when bad news breaks. Should you need to return home, you’ll be covered for unforeseen events like injury or illness of a close relative.

Your stuff is important

Loss, theft or damage to your prized possessions can be a common, yet gut-wrenching experience. If your personal belongings go AWOL while you’re away the right policy will pay to replace or repair them. Win!

For your peace of mind

Travel insurance will take a load off so you can get some R&R. A comprehensive policy will cover you for an array of sticky situations while you're travelling within New Zealand, or overseas.

Because You Have To

Still not convinced? We hate to be the fun police, but some countries simply won’t let you in without cover! For example, it is mandatory to take out travel insurance when travelling to Thailand or Cuba.

TRAVEL INSURANCE REVIEWS

Not sure which policy to pick? Our travel insurance reviews are here to help! Thousands of Kiwi's have reviewed their travel insurers to give you the inside story on everything from claims handling to customer experience.

Or perhaps you want to have your say? Whether you love or loathe your travel insurer rate and review them today to help other savvy shoppers with their travel insurance.

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Our comparison is a free service that makes it easy for users to compare multiple quotes, saving both time and money. Our comparison ranks quotes according to price and is limited to those insurers that have agreed to participate on the site. CoverDirect NZ Limited does not hold a financial services licence. The comparison does not take your personal circumstances into account; as such, all information provided should be considered general and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation. Whilst we take all reasonable care when preparing this information, we do not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the insurance providers and ALL policy details should be verified with the before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the insurance provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase. We do not issue insurance. Users purchase directly from the travel insurance provider.

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Best Travel Insurance NZ For Kiwi Travellers

Are you looking for the best travel insurance for kiwi travellers?

Are you currently in New Zealand and going on holiday soon? If so, it's strongly advised to get travel insurance. Even if you're just going across the ditch to Australia or Cook Islands, it's vital you're protected while overseas.

While travel insurance will likely add an extra hundred dollars to your holiday it’s definitely a wise investment. If you have an accident (or worse) overseas the costs can be well over 5, 6 or 7 figures. Do you really want your family to have to raise funds via Gofundme?

A recent study showed that 1 in 3 kiwi’s don’t bother buying travel insurance before going on holiday. If you do run into trouble and end up in a foreign hospital, it will be your friends and family footing the bill, no one else.

Recently we spent over 9 months in Asia. The only company we could keep extending our policy with was World Nomads .

You can’t do this with traditional NZ travel insurance companies.

Nor can you buy a policy from an NZ company if you leave the country having forgot to buy yourself a policy online. World Nomads will insure you after leaving the country.

Our 9 month policy was less than $2 per day as well .

We’ve spent many years travelling and have evaluated all the big kiwi travel insurance companies. You might be surprised to see how much you can save buying online.

Best Travel Insurance NZ

World nomads nz.

Known for helping people get the best value, cheapest travel insurance.

World Nomads is reguarly voted the best travel insurance New Zealanders can buy online and get cover right away (subject to conditions).

Their standout feature is they are the only insurer that allows you to buy a policy once you’ve left New Zealand for up to 12 months, with the ability to extend online.

Of all the other companies we reviewed, no others would allow us to buy a policy from outside NZ or allow us to receive cover for a trip of more than 3 months.

Be careful of companies such as Southern Cross promoting 12 months cover, usually they are for trips of up to 3 months. That’s not 12 months of consecutive travel and misleading.

World Nomads offer two price points for all policies called, ‘Standard’ and ‘Explorer’. Personally we recommend the ‘Explorer’ policy if you’re heading further than Australia.

If you’re planning on undertaking any ‘high risk’ activities you’ll need to pay a premium on the policy. As of today they offer three levels of risk (0,1,2). For example rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping are level 2. High value equipment over $4,000 must be noted at the time of purchase and adds a premium too.

They offer competitive cover for those up to 65 years old and will usually provide instant cover online. Their standard excess is $100-$200 so be sure to read the full policy before completing checkout.

If you do need to make a claim you can do so online without calling an overseas call centre. Very few other providers offer this service, just keep your receipts, police reports (if needed) and upload to their secure portal.

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One of the top travel insurance providers in Australia and New Zealand is 1 Cover and they offer various policies. They’ll only insure you if you buy before you leave for trips up to 3 months in duration.

If you’re tempted with their 12 month package, it’s important to note it’s only valid for multiple trips up to 90 days in length.

They offer range of policies including medical only to comprehensive. It’s strongly advisable to choose their fully comprehensive policy.

The standard excess is $200 however you can pay an additional fee to lower this to $100 or $0. The excess is deducted from your claim amount.

Unlike World Nomads, 1 Cover doesn’t offer added high risk activities so it’s important to read the policy in full to see what they will and won’t cover you for.

For example they don’t offer motorcycle cover for bikes over 250cc.

If you do need to make a claim, they’ve recently launched online claims (October 2017) or you can call their New Zealand call centre.

Southern Cross NZ

Another popular travel insurer is Southern Cross, or SCTI.co.nz and they offer large discounts for existing members and online orders. They’ll only insure you if you buy before you leave for trips up to 3 months in duration.

Their website is simple to use and offers simple country selection, i.e. South Pacific, North America, Europe or Worldwide. You can get a quote in a few seconds.

Similar to 1 Cover their 12 month annual frequent traveller is only valid for multiple trips up to 90 days so ensure you read the small print before purchasing.

The default excess cover is $100-$200 but this can be reduced to $0 by paying extra. The excess is deducted from your claim amount.

Similar to 1 Cover you need to ensure you read the policy for which activities are covered and aren’t before completing checkout.

If you do need to make a claim you can do so via their online claim portal.

State Travel Insurance NZ

Unless you’re an existing State insurance customer (car, life etc) the price for travel insurance with State is far higher than the previous three companies). On a recent search we were quoted $100 more than the average from all 3.

Similar to the other kiwi insurers you must be located at home to apply for cover. Trips (one time and annal cover) can only last for 30, 45 or 60 days.

The default excess with State is $250 but this can be reduced to $100 or $0 with an extra charge during checkout. There is only one comprehensive plan on offer.

State has a far lower per item cover (laptop, camera etc) so be sure to read the policy carefully before purchase.

If you do need to submit a claim you’ll need to call their call centre or email your documents through.

DU Insure NZ

Personally I’d never heard of this company until recently however they claim to have been around since 1992. The website looks very similar to 1Cover.

They offer four plans including, ‘Backpacker, Comprehensive, Premier and Frequent Traveller.’ It’s strongly advisable to buy the premier option for full cover however budget travelers will find backpacker sufficient.

Their frequent traveler option allows for multiple trips up to 21 days in length which is really disappointing given other providers 3 months option.

The default premium is $200 however this can be lowered to $100 or $0.

Items of value up to $5,000 are included in the default policy however if you’re heading away on business, renting a car, going on a cruise or taking your winter sports gear with you, you’ll need to fork out extra.

With these additional addons, your seemingly cheap policy isn’t cheap anymore.

If you do need to submit a claim, you’ll need to call their call centre or complete and email a claims form online.

STA Travel Insurance NZ

STA is a big name in student travel but their insurance isn’t that competitive. Buying a flight and tour package through them might get you a discount but buying insurance standalone through their website doesn’t.

Their insurance is provided by Allianz New Zealand and they offer a standard comprehensive plan with $250 excess.

They promote their pricing on a daily basis however this is asterisked so you’ll probably pay more.

Their policy covers high value items and snow gear plus most standard activities and some high risk ones (bungee jumping, sky diving) but it pays to check the policy carefully before purchasing. If you plan on renting a car you’ll need to pay extra too.

If you do need to submit a claim you’ll have to do so over the phone or via email.

There’s many spin off’s from Allianz including nz-travel-insurance.co.nz (same price/service).

Our Vote For Best Travel Insurer

After travelling ourselves for many years we’ve come to the conclusion that World Nomads ‘ is hands down the best travel insurance provider for kiwi’s.

Their industry leading stance on buying policies after you’ve left is perfect should you forget to buy before leaving and if you decide to extend your trip can do this online too.

They offer simple pricing and you’ll know before checkout which adventure activities you can and can’t partake in on your plan. You’ll even get to donate $5 to one of their chosen charities during checkout too.

If that’s not enough, you can lodge claims online or over the phone and most claims are addressed within 10 working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best travel insurance company?

After our extensive research we believe the best New Zealand travel insurance company is WorldNomads.

Who offers the best travel insurance?

The three companies we have featured each have their pros and cons. The best reviewed company in NZ is 1 Cover with World Nomads offering the longest coverage as well as coverage after you’ve left the country.

Should I get travel insurance for Australia?

Yes you should because the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) between Australia and New Zealand only covers emergency medical care that cannot wait until you return home. It also doesn’t cover ambulance trips ($500+) as well as most medical expenses. There’s a misconception out there that you’re automatically covered for travel in Australia when in fact you are not.

What level of travel insurance do I need?

You should look at the difference policies offered by your chosen insurer. Most offer a budget service which covers medical and some expenses only. Fully comprehensive, while more expensive, can be the best option to insure your luggage, personal belongings and unforeseen events.

Most insurers offer 3rd party liability on all plans which covers you should you injure or cause the death of another person accidentally.

Do I really need travel insurance?

You definitely don’t need insurance and traveling domestically most people don’t take it out. However the laws and health care overseas can be super expensive and some countries won’t admit you to hospital until someone has fronted payment for treatment. Do you really want to risk life or death because you have no way to pay the hospital, which could be 6 or 7 figures?

There’s many cases of people having issues in Bali or Thailand without travel insurance and their families have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to help them. Do you want your family to go through that because you wanted to save $100? Probably not.

I’m an adventurer, traveller and thrill seeker who loves to explore the beautiful country of New Zealand. When I’m not writing articles for Ki-Wi you’ll find me driving jet boats, hiking and riding my motorcycle. New Zealand is an amazing country to live, work, travel and explore.

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How to compare travel insurance

When it comes to something as important as travel insurance, you should be confident that you’re protected by the level of cover you need. But not all travel insurance is made equal, and finding a policy to suit you can sometimes be a minefield of confusing jargon and lengthy T&Cs.

This guide to comparing travel insurance will outline the key things to look for in a policy, dive into how our insurance stacks up, and give you some tips on how to find the right cover for you, regardless of whether you're travelling internationally or domestically.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a contract between you and an insurance provider. The travel insurance company agrees to compensate you for the cost of unexpected events (e.g. if your luggage is lost overseas). To receive this cover, you must adhere to the terms and conditions of your policy (e.g. not leaving your luggage unattended).

Travel insurers provide cover for many types of unexpected events, like medical emergencies, natural disasters and lost luggage. The amount of compensation they agree to provide is usually different for each of these types of events, and is often called a ‘benefit limit’.

Why buy travel insurance?

From slips and trips to lost luggage, none of us are immune to unexpected events taking place when we're travelling. These unexpected events can end up costing you lots of money, especially if you’re travelling by plane, or your destination is overseas and has expensive medical care.

Some of our highest claims have come from unlucky overseas travellers who have required emergency medical care, with many of these medical bills reaching over $100,000. In fact, our highest claim of 2022 totalled over $1m! *

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind that you’re protected if the unexpected happens.

Things covered by travel insurance

Different travel insurance policies offer different benefits. Our International Comprehensive  policy can cover you for things like:

• Medical and evacuation
• Cancelling or changing your journey before you leave
• Lost or stolen items
• Bank cards, passport and travel documents
• Personal accident
• Personal liability
• Rental vehicle excess
• Cash allowance while in hospital
• Emergency dental treatment
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Changes to your journey once you have left
• Some COVID-19 events

Staying local?

Domestic travel insurance covers you when you're travelling in New Zealand, whether it’s for a weekend city break or a month-long road trip to see the sights. Domestic insurance  can provide cover for things like:

• Changed or cancelled plans
• Lost luggage and personal items
• Cover for your pets or booked childcare if your plans change
• Personal accidents and liability

Working overseas or taking more than one trip?

Everyone travels differently and you may have some requirements that are different to a standard international policy. If you’re planning to work overseas or you know you’ll be taking many trips within a year, the cover you need may be different, so its important to find a policy that suits your needs. Our Working Overseas  or Annual Multi-trip  policies may be great places to start when you're looking for cover in these situations.

How to compare travel insurance benefits

When you’re comparing travel insurance policies, it’s important to compare the benefit limits, sub-limits, excess and terms outlined in each benefit type. You can find this information in the insurer's policy document. This will help you to learn:

• What benefits you're covered for (e.g. medical expenses)
• The limits and any sublimits that apply to each benefit (e.g. how much you can claim up to)
• Any conditions or eligibility requirements that you need to meet in order to be able to submit a claim
• Any exclusions that apply to the cover.   

What isn’t covered by travel insurance?

When comparing travel insurance policies, it’s important to take note of any exclusions to your cover. Travel insurers usually outline a list of general exclusions in their policy documents. For example, amongst other exclusions, you may not be covered if you’re:

• Breaking the law of the country that you're visiting
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Hitch-hiking

Travel insurance for activities

There are some activities that an insurer may be reluctant to provide cover for altogether, or there may be conditions that apply when you're taking part in more high risk activities. Reading your policy wording will help you to know how you're covered in all of these instances.

Comparing different types of travel insurers

During your research, you may come across different types of organisations that sell travel insurance. Let’s look at some of the most common types of travel insurance providers and some things to consider for each.

A key thing to note is that most insurers offer a ‘free look period’ which is a period of time between purchasing your policy and leaving home on your travels to amend or cancel your policy, without any financial penalty.

1. Direct travel insurance

Direct travel insurers, like us, provide travel insurance directly to customers without any middle men. Southern Cross Travel Insurance is proud to be a direct travel insurer – it means we can focus on being experts in travel insurance. We underwrite our own policies, so it's us – the same people that you buy your policy from – who will be making the decisions in the event that you have to make a claim. When you add on your insurance when buying your flight or holiday, you might find that your premiums are also more expensive.

2. Credit card travel insurance

Some credit cards may offer ‘complimentary’ travel insurance. However, it’s always important to check the benefits, cover limits and exclusions, so you have a full understanding of what you are and aren’t covered for.

You may be required to activate your travel insurance before you travel to ensure you’re covered. There may also be other rules that you have to follow to ensure you are covered, such as paying for your travel costs on that credit card.

3. Through travel agents

Travel agents may offer to organise your travel insurance by dealing with an insurer themselves. This may seem convenient, especially if you're purchasing it at the same time as a holiday that you've purchased through the agent. However, you may still want to consider doing some homework by understanding who is providing or underwriting the cover and reading customer reviews, looking at policy wording and comparing prices with other competitors to ensure you get the best value cover that meets your needs.

4. Through airlines

Some airlines offer a travel insurance product, which you can add to your flight booking. There may be an added convenience in buying travel insurance through your airline, but, as with travel agents, remember to check the pricing and be sure to compare thoroughly. As with any provider, pay special attention to the benefits they offer, their record of customer service and whether they provide 24/7 emergency assistance .

How to choose a travel insurer

When comparing travel insurance, as well as looking at cover benefits, it’s also good to look at whether they have been recognised with any industry awards and whether they have received positive customer reviews. These things may give you a better picture of the level of service you can expect. When comparing travel insurers, ask yourself if they:

• Have received great customer reviews
• Have won industry awards: we've won several industry awards  through the years.
• Underwrite their own policies: we underwrite our own insurance, so we’re not reselling another company’s product.
• Offer 24/7 emergency assistance: our 24/7 emergency assistance means we're just a phone call away if you need us.

If you’d like any more information on which SCTI policy is the right choice for your next adventure, click here  or contact us at [email protected] .

*Data correct as of 15 August 2023

What you need to know

This page includes some information about our products but, as with all insurance policies, terms and conditions apply. For our terms and conditions (including information about exclusions, excesses and sub limits) we recommend you read the relevant policy documents to ensure our travel insurance products are right for you.

You can find the relevant documents for all our policies here:  International Comprehensive , Annual Multi-trip ,  Domestic ,  Working Overseas ,  Visiting New Zealand ,  International Student  

Travel Insurance You Can Trust

What country are you going to?

Select the Area of travel in which you will spend most time. NOTE: If you are spending more than 20% of your trip time in the Americas Area, it is compulsory to select a destination in the Americas Area for your policy.

If you are quoting a multi-trip policy please select “see region list” and select a destination in the appropriate region. For example United States for Worldwide cover or Spain for European cover.

When are you going?

Please select the departure and return dates for your trip.

For multi-trip policies the departure date will mark the start of your cover and it will automatically run for a year from that date.

Who is travelling?

Simply enter the age of each traveller including Adults and Accompanied Children*. Enter the age they are now.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

*As per the Policy Wording: "Accompanied Children" means Your children or grandchildren plus one non-related child per adult policyholder who are identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with You on the Journey, provided they are not in full-time employment and they are under the age of 21 years at the Relevant Time. If an Accompanied Child is in full time employment then they will need to purchase their own policy.

If you require a policy for more than 6 travellers, please contact Cover-More on (0800) 500 225 as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

Compare Our Travel Insurance Plans

At Cover-More, we make it easy for you to find the travel insurance policy that's best for your trip. We offer a variety of plans and options to vary your cover. You can compare our plans below and – if you find a suitable plan for you and your budget – you can buy a policy online today or give us a call at 0800 500 225 to speak to our friendly team.

Options Plan

Featured Benefits

Essentials Plan

Cover that suits you best

Compare our Cover-More’s Travel Insurance plans to find the policy that’s best for your trip and your budget.

No matter what Cover-More travel insurance plan you choose, every policyholder has access to our 24/7 emergency assistance team and cooling-off period ~ so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

We look forward to providing you with great cover and superior service.

Find the right cover for you.

Travel Cover: How to Compare Travel Insurance

How to compare travel insurance policies

Choosing the right travel insurance is important, but comparing policies online can sometimes be confusing. To get through the lengthy policies, difficult wordings and long lists of what is and isn’t covered, we have a few tips to help make the process easier. Be sure to check the items below as you compare travel insurance plans.

Policy Excess

The word ‘excess’ is commonly thrown around when discussing travel insurance. Excess is the first amount of a claim that is not covered. The levels of excess can vary by insurer and by their policies offered, so make sure you compare the different levels.

To understand how excess works, imagine you lost your new iPad while travelling. Your travel insurance policy has a level of excess on personal electronics of $250, but the iPad is worth $450. Therefore, with this plan, you would only receive partial compensation for your lost iPad—the iPad’s current value of $450 less the excess of $250.

At Cover-More, we have a variety of international travel insurance plans that allow you to choose an excess level that works for your budget. Remember, the higher the excess chosen, the less you pay for your policy premium.  Get a quote  for our Cover-More Travel Insurance with your chosen level of excess now. 

What is not covered in your travel insurance policy is just as important as what is covered by your plan, so be sure to compare exclusions.

Our  Cover-More Travel Insurance policies provide cover for many incidents and unexpected events that other insurers may not cover. So, it is important to compare policies to understand the extent of what is covered. Start your Cover-More Travel Insurance quote  now.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency medical assistance is an essential service for any holiday. 

At Cover-More, we put our policyholders' health and safety first. We are committed to providing you with superior, round-the-clock service through World Travel Protection, our own medical and travel assistance division with over 30 years of experience.

All of our policyholders receive round-the-clock emergency medical assistance, no matter what plan you choose.  Get a quote today .

Travel Cancellation Policies

Unfortunately, sometimes a holiday must be cancelled for unforeseen reasons such as personal or family illness, in which case lost deposits, costs of prepaid flights and cancellation fees only add to the feeling of misfortune.

When comparing travel insurance plans, be sure to check the policy’s cancellation cover so you are not left with exorbitant expenses in case you must cancel your trip.  Get a quote for our  Cover-More travel insurance with cancellation coverage today.

Travel Insurance Company Ratings

Be sure to research and compare travel insurer ratings. A company’s ratings are often indicative of their financial strength, meaning their ability to pay insurance claims quickly and efficiently. Our financial strength is thanks to Zurich Australian Insurance Limited trading as Zurich New Zealand (Zurich New Zealand), incorporated in Australia. Part of the Zurich Insurance Group, Zurich New Zealand holds a financial strength rating of AA- (strong) by Standard and Poor’s (Australia) Pty Ltd. (This is correct at the time of writing: April 2022.)

Protect your trip with travel insurance that will service its obligations to you. Get your quote now.

Travel Insurance Benefits

Most importantly, compare travel insurance plans to get a better idea of the benefits offered in each plan. Many travel insurance companies do not provide the variety of levels of cover like we at Cover-More do. We have several different plans and options so you can find a policy that matches your needs and your budget.  Get a quote  for your trip and compare the benefits available on our plans:

• Options Plan: our premium comprehensive plan
• Essentials Plan: our budget-friendly option

All our travel insurance plans can be adjusted with excess cover, cancellation cover,  ski and winter sports cover , and  existing medical conditions cover .  Get a quote  today to see if one of our Cover-More plans is suitable for your trip.

Please wait, generating your policy.

2023 Travel Insurance Star Ratings and Awards

2023 outstanding value travel insurance awards.

Canstar’s Travel Insurance Star Ratings enable consumers to narrow their search to the best value products that have been reviewed, assessed and ranked by Canstar’s expert research panel. Our unique methodology compares the pricing and features of 44 products from 18 providers across a range of customer profiles and breaks down the results into four travel profiles.

Released, November 2023.

2023 Outstanding Value Travel Insurance

International Travel Insurance

• House of Travel
• Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Trans-Tasman Travel Insurance

South Pacific Cruise Travel Insurance

Seniors Travel Insurance

Numbers crunched by Canstar Researchers

Canstar's Best Value Travel Insurance NZ

Plenty of unforeseen events can ruin the best-laid vacation plans, from illness and accidents to the loss or theft of possessions. So make sure you take out the best value travel insurance before you jet off or sail away on your overseas adventure.

2023 Travel Insurance Awards

About star ratings, quick links   .

• Compare Plans
• GoComprehensive
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions
• Policy Wordings
• About Worldcare Travel Insurance
• Financial Strength Rating
• Emergency Assistance

• Afghanistan
• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Asia (Excl Japan and South Korea)
• Asia (Incl Japan and South Korea)
• Baltic States
• Cayman Islands
• Cook Islands
• Cruise Asia
• Cruise Australia and NZ
• Cruise Europe
• Cruise Pacific Islands
• Cruise Worldwide
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Falkland Islands
• Ireland (Northern)
• Ireland (Republic)
• Marshall Islands
• Middle East (Excl. Kuwait and Lebanon)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• North America
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Pacific Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South America
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• US Virgin Islands
• West Indies

Compare Travel Insurance Plans

The table below sets out a summary only of the cover that is provided under each plan and the most we will pay in total for all claims under each section. Important - please note: a maximum total limit applies for all claims by all insured persons under certain sections and other limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Where used, 'unlimited' only means that there is no capped dollar sum insured. Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply as set out in your Policy Wording , particularly in sections 1a, 1,c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1j, 2a, 2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f. Under Section 2 (MEDICAL BENEFITS), We will only pay for costs incurred within 12 month of the Illness or Injury. You do not have cover under certain sections of this policy while traveling in NEW ZEALAND. All costs and expenses claimed must be reasonable.

Go Comprehensive

*Sub-limits apply - refer to your policy wording for details.

Worldcare Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the Policy Wording before making any decisions about your insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd has a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. The Standard & Poor's rating scale is:

The rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. The rating scale above is in summary form. A full description of this rating scale can be obtained from www.standardandpoors.com . An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Allianz Partners website | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy .

Travel Insurance Plans

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Personal insurance, policy wordings, terms of business and disclosure.

Travel insurance

When you're travelling, there is so much that's out of your control: cancelled flights, missing luggage, sickness, accidents, weather, political unrest. All of which can disrupt your plans. 

Having the right travel insurance in place can cover you for those unforeseen travel misfortunes.

We can  arrange insurance for an array of unplanned situations, and any subsequent financial losses when you're travelling overseas or in New Zealand. Travel insurance means help is only a phone call away.

What does travel insurance cover?

Not all travel risks are covered by standard travel and holiday insurance policies. Unexpected risks that can be covered include:

• emergency medical health care or evacuation
• additional expenses such as flight rescheduling, extra accommodation costs, cancellation of pre-booked tourist attractions following an accident which happens while travelling
• reasonable costs to return home from travels if a close family member or business partner suddenly becomes seriously ill or dies
• accommodation and expenses when bad weather affects your travel plans
• theft of your belongings, or your luggage getting lost
• having to be swiftly evacuated from a politically unstable area
• your legal liability for injuring other people or damaging to their property

Our brokers can advise on the best protection for your circumstances and travel plans. They offer expert advice on a range of international and domestic travel options. 

• Why do I need domestic travel insurance?

TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTIONS

Single trip and multi trip cover.

We have access to a range of travel insurance plans with varying limits and benefits, which can be customised for your budget and requirements. Features include:

• Single trip and annual multi trip cover 
• Protection for travel overseas and around New Zealand 
• 24/7 emergency assistance, including access to travel advisors, translators and medical experts 
• Travel GP service
• Automatic cover for 35 existing medical conditions 
• Add on options for adventure, snow sports and cruise ship cover

Travel insurance for business customers

Travel insurance for business customers provides protection from financial losses that occur through international and domestic travel for work. 

Whether you're a self-employed professional, or a corporate enterprise our brokers can arrange cover for a  comprehensive range of travel risks.

• More on travel insurance for business 

Travel insurance for international students

Our Uni-Care plans keep international students covered during their academic travel experience in New Zealand.

• Find out about Uni-Care Student Plans

Travel insurance for visitors

Our Uni-Care plans cover visitors who come to New Zealand on working holiday visas, work visas or other temporary visas.

• Find out about Uni-Care Visitor Plans

Emergency assistance and claims

Contact details for emergency assistance and travel claims

Need to talk? Call us now

Find a broker.

• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Make a Claim
• COVID-19 FAQs

Travel Insurance

Travel a little freer knowing we're on the journey with you

AA Travel Insurance

Travel is part of the Kiwi DNA, but even the best laid travel plans can go unexpectedly wrong. That’s why we offer AA Travel Insurance plans - so you can travel a little freer here in NZ or overseas, knowing help is only a phone call away.

With AA Travel Insurance, your trip can be protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits before you even depart. So if something happens in the lead-up to your trip, we can be there to help you.

To understand what cover AA Travel Insurance provides for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19, check out our FAQs . 

Get a quote

Why choose AA Travel Insurance

Get a quote online in minutes, so you can get back to planning your adventure. All you need are your travel dates, destination and any companions.

We’ve made the process simple, with domestic and international plans to choose from.

With AA Travel Insurance being one of NZ’s trusted travel insurance brands, we are proud to take care of Kiwis’ insurance needs.

We’re backed by the Allianz Worldwide Emergency Assistance programme, ready to help you no matter where you are in the world.

Playing at home or away?

Whether you're hitting the ski slopes or ticking a Great Walk off your list, make sure your trip is covered from unexpected costs like cancellation, travel disruption, and rental vehicle excess.

International

With three plans to choose from, our International Insurance cover is designed to make sure you can still enjoy your holiday even if something goes south.

AA Travel Insurance Benefits:

• AA Member discount

AA Members can get a 10% discount* on new AA Travel Insurance policies. Simply provide your AA Membership number when you apply.

• Cover for missed connections or travel delay

If you miss connections or have any travel delays because of an unexpected situation, you’ll be able to claim up to the benefit limit of your chosen policy. That means cover for extra costs to make alternative travel arrangements or additional delay costs.

• Free cover for dependent children

Dependent children travelling with someone covered under a policy can be covered at no additional charge (for Domestic Cover – that's up to 18 years, and for International Cover – up to 21 years).

• Cover for some COVID-related situations^

Both domestic and international options include selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19. So if you’re diagnosed on your trip and need medical assistance or need to change your plans, you’ll be covered.

• Cover before you depart

Your trip is protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits the moment your cover is confirmed.

• Cover for recreational activities

Some recreational sports are automatically covered under our policies, including leisure skiing and snowboarding, hot air ballooning, parasailing and paragliding, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting in grade 4 rivers (or less).

For all of these benefits, please make sure you read the Policy Wording to understand the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that may apply.

^The policy still has a general exclusion for epidemics and pandemics, and does not cover disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind. Cover is only provided if you have not commenced your journey against the New Zealand Government’s advice not to travel. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full details.

^Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply and these are stated in the Policy Wording . Customers considering the purchase of a travel insurance policy should read the Policy Wording to check what is and isn’t covered.

Have a question?

Our friendly New Zealand-based team are here to help. Give them a call anytime from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or pop into one of our AA Centres to speak to a consultant.

Call: 0800 630 115

Frequently asked questions

What countries does my selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases (including Covid-19) cover?

All countries that do not appear on the Level 4 warning “Do not travel” advisory listed on SafeTravel.

SafeTravel houses all warnings inclusive of non-Covid-19 advisories which are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

If I contract Covid-19 prior to travelling do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the country you are travelling to does not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

If I contract Covid-19 in transit to my destination country do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the countries you are travelling to do not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

Does selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases still apply if I am unvaccinated?

Cover is in place as there is no requirement to be vaccinated/boosted under our policy. However, if the destination country requires an inbound traveller to be vaccinated, then the traveller must be able to meet these entry requirements. This also applies to the condition of carriage for example of the airline they are travelling. There is no cover if denied boarding or entry to a country due to not meeting the carrier or country vaccination requirements.

Are there any mandatory epidemic and pandemic insurance requirements to enter certain countries?

Many countries, even before the pandemic, had compulsory health and travel insurance requirements, but many more have since added rules – typically around Covid-19 medical expenses and the associated costs. The coverage type and amount varies by vaccination status and country.  Prior to travelling, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination.

If I had Covid-19, should I declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition?

At the time of purchasing your policy if you have previously had Covid-19 and are now testing negative, are feeling well with no symptoms at all, then you do not need to declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition. A Covid-19 positive test result at a later date would be considered a new infection.

However, if you are:

• still testing positive; or
• still displaying Covid-19 signs and symptoms; or
• have been diagnosed with 'long Covid';

and you wish to have cover, you need to disclose the condition as a Pre-existing Medical Condition and an additional premium may be payable.

Our insurance partner

AA Travel Insurance policies are brought to you by the New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (AA), are issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the  Policy Wording  before making any decisions about this insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. 

Financial Strength Rating

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia), ("Hollard"), has been given a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. View the full details on the  Financial Strength Rating .

An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Financial advice

The New Zealand Automobile Association provides general information about AA Travel Insurance products and services so that you can make a choice that best meets your needs. Information provided does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or goals and is not intended to be financial advice. If you'd like to receive financial advice, you can get professional advice from a registered financial adviser.

More information

Contact us Policy Wording Make a claim Terms and conditions AA Traveller Member Benefits

*AA Members can receive a 10% discount on AA Travel Insurance. Simply provide each traveller’s valid AA Membership number on application. Discount applies to the premium for each AA Member on standard policy and any additional pre-existing medical cover, but doesn’t apply to additional cover for high value items.

Travel Insurance for Covid 19: What you need to know in 2022

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If Covid-19 interrupts my travel plans, what will international travel insurance cover?

It's the question many travellers around the world are already asking and, if New Zealand's planned border reopening goes ahead, many Kiwis will soon be asking it too.

The pandemic has dramatically changed the risk involved with travel, not just from a health perspective but also a cost, as cancelled flights and changed borders can scrap plans in an instant.

From an unknown, uninsurable risk, some insurers are now providing Covid-19 cover with policies, but not everything is covered if Covid-19 hits.

New Zealand Government still advises against travel

To start, it's important to note the Government currently advises against people travelling overseas.

Due to the risk of Covid-19, MFAT's safe travel advice for New Zealanders continues to be "do not travel overseas at this time," due to the risk of Covid-19, with the exception of the Cook Islands.

A key word here is 'advice'; meaning, you aren't legally prevented from travelling but it will be far harder to get cover for Covid-19 related events.

Namely because if the Government considers something risky, insurers will too. The result? Covid-19-related travel insurance tends to be limited and, more importantly for travellers, it will not apply while Safe Travel advises against travel.

"We're a long way out of the woods yet," says Tim Grafton, chief executive of Insurance Council New Zealand.

With the possible emergence of new 'variants of concern' such as Omicron and changing travel restrictions, Grafton says travellers should be aware that some risks will not be covered.

"It will evolve and insurers will try to be as supportive as they can be, but there won't be an open, coverall approach while Covid-19 remains a pandemic."

Despite Government's recent announcement to scrap MIQ for some travellers early next year, Grafton said this won't change much in terms of insurance cover.

"Whether or not people are required to be in MIQ or not has no impact on travel policies," he said, although international travel might become more common.

What most Covid-19 policies do cover

As a general rule, most Covid-19 policies will provide cover for personal disruption by an individual case or cluster.

This means, if your trip is cancelled or cut short as a result of you or a relevant person getting Covid-19, you will be covered.

What most Covid-19 policies don't cover

One glaring exclusion from many Covid-19 policies is large-scale, government-mandated restrictions or snap lockdowns.

According to Southern Cross, including this in cover would be too expensive.

"Our customers also want affordable travel insurance, so our policies currently don't provide cover for lockdowns, which would expose us to much greater insured losses," the company told ABC news.

Yet, if Europe is anything to go by, the threat of a snap lockdown is still very real in many countries.

Additionally, most will not cover Covid-19 related costs if you enter quarantine or self-isolation you knew about in advance, visit a "Do Not Travel" country, travel against doctor advice, or are on an itinerary involving cruise travel.

Note: Much like an injury or accident, the Covid-19 related event must occur after purchasing your policy in order to be covered.

Travel insurance requirement by destination

Some destinations like Singapore, Fiji and Thailand require visitors to have travel insurance that includes Covid-19 coverage and a minimum cover value.

Buy insurance before you buy anything related to your trip.

SOUTHERN CROSS

Limited cover for events relating to Covid-19 if fully vaccinated and purchase Domestic or TravelCare travel insurance policies. Covered:

If you or a relevant person are diagnosed with Covid-19 and you must change or cancel travel plans.

Medical expenses if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 while travelling.

If you or a relevant person are diagnosed with Covid-19 after you leave and the journey is interrupted or cut short.

Not covered:

Destinations without a SafeTravel website of 'Exercise normal safety and security precautions' (level 1) or 'Exercise increased caution' (level 2).

Government-issued travel bans, lockdowns or border closures relating to Covid-19.

Do not cover any cancellation costs or additional costs incurred because of Coronavirus (Covid-19) at this time.

NZ Government-sanctioned quarantine or self-isolation that means you cannot go or continue on your trip.

If you are denied boarding on any scheduled public transport service based on the suspicion that you have Covid-19.

Other epidemics and pandemics.

Disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind.

Travel taken against New Zealand Government advice.

Quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population.

Single trip policies cover:

Your leave is revoked due to Covid-19 as an essential worker.

Denied boarding due to positive covid-19 test at NZ airport or port.

Cancellation or amendment when non-travelling relative falls ill with covid-19 or passes away.

Treatment for Covid-19 while travelling.

Accommodation and transport costs if you have to stay/quarantine in a destination after getting Covid-19.

Repatriation flight if you fall ill with Covid-19.

If you can't stay with someone because they have Covid-19 (only AU + NZ).

Travel delay or missed connection due to Covid-19 on premises (only AU + NZ).

Holiday activity, show or concert cancelled due to Covid-19 on-premises (only AU + NZ).

Early return if a non-travelling relative or business partner in NZ or Australia is diagnosed with a life-threatening case of Covid-19.

Mandatory quarantine or isolation related to arriving to an area.

Cruise related travel.

The international insurance broker began providing 'Epidemic Coverage Endorsement' this year as an add on for Covid related travel claims.

Emergency medical care should holders become ill with Covid-19 on their trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption policyholder, their family member or travel companion becomes ill with Covid-19 before or during or the trip.

Additional accommodation and transportation expenses should a member of the party catch Covid-19.

Expenses incurred during individually-ordered quarantine.

Should your travel be rescheduled you can change the dates of cover by up to 770 days.

Voluntary cancellations, should you decide not to travel for whatever reason.

Insurers AMI have begun offering some Covid-related cover since the beginning of the year. This is largely dependent on where, and how you are travelling. Cruises, for example, continue to be excluded from many of the Covid-related inclusions.

What's covered:

If you are diagnosed with Covid-19 and must change or cancel travel plans.

Flight costs should you be denied board due to a positive Covid-19 test.

Cancellation should you be required to isolate pre-trip (requiring your travel does not involve cruise and are travelling to Australia or New Zealand).

Missed travel, cancelled activities or accommodation in Australia or New Zealand due to Covid-19.

Cancellation should a non-travelling relative fall ill with Covid-19.

Not Covered: Government interventions or travel restrictions such as national or regional lockdowns

Voluntary change or cancellation of travel plans.

ADD ON COVER:

Air new zealand.

All international single trip travel insurance policies receive below benefits relating to specified Covid-19 events.

Cancelling your trip if you have Covid-19.

Emergency medical expenses related to Covid-19.

Repatriation to help you get back home.

If you're denied boarding with a positive test for Covid-19.

A travelling companion(s) or people you live with are diagnosed with Covid-19.

Daily benefit if you are ordered to self-isolate in your holiday accommodation if you have Covid-19 (travel to Australia).

Disruption if the person you are due to stay with is diagnosed with Covid-19 (travel to Australia).

Not Covered:

Covid-19 cover in the policy does not apply in the event that any government calls for border closures.

Single trip cover for Covid-19 'Cover-More' is add on cover from travel agents including Flight Centre and travellers with a set itinerary. What's covered:

Cancellation or amendments travel because you are diagnosed with Covid-19 before departure.

Cancellation or changes due to a non-travelling relative or business partner contracts Covid-19 in New Zealand or Australia.

Disruption if the person you are due to stay with is diagnosed with Covid-19 or told to isolate.

Disruption of travel within New Zealand and Australia, should there be an outbreak of Covid-19 the location where you are due to stay or visit.

What's not covered Travel disruption or cancellations due to a government mandated lockdown.

Most travel outside of Australia and New Zealand, or anywhere with a 'do not travel' advisory on the MFAT or DFAT safe travel advice.

Credit card travel insurance

Bnz credit card.

BNZ Platinum credit card International Leisure Travel Insurance, provides Covid-19 cover if you purchase a single-trip travel insurance policy from BNZ and travel overseas within a NZ Government sanctioned bubble.

If you/travel companion or relative contract Covid-19 after purchasing policy but before travelling and have to alter or cancel plans

If you/travel companion or relative contract Covid-19 after purchasing policy but before travelling and accrue related medical costs outside of New Zealand

Early return to New Zealand in order to care for someone diagnosed with Covid-19 while you are travelling.

If you must enter managed isolation or quarantine while on your trip due to Covid-19.

Cancellation or reasonable additional travel costs if a travel provider, relative you planned to stay with or event organiser cancels or alters services due to a Covid-19 outbreak and is ordered to undertake a deep clean.

Travel outside a bubble sanctioned by NZ government from the date the bubble opens.

Government directives including the pause, closure or suspension of a bubble.

Government mandate for all travellers to isolate, quarantine or lockdown upon return.

Any cruise travel.

American Express NZ Credit Card

Policies purchased after 23 March 2020 will not provide any cover for claims directly or indirectly arising from, relating to or in any way connected with Covid-19 (or any mutation or variation thereof or any related strain).

Therefore, no travel, health or expense claims related to Covid-19 will be covered.

ANZ Credit Card

If you have paid at least half of all prepaid travel expenses on a qualifying ANZ credit card, for a trip that is 90 days or less to and from New Zealand, you qualify for ANZ Premium Card Overseas Travel Insurance.

Whilst there is no General Exclusion for pandemic or epidemic mentioned in the Premium Cards, ANZ Eligible Cardholders should be aware that other exclusions have the potential to apply.

Additional Information

Contact individual providers for additional information on policies ad travel insurance cover.

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Saga cruises sails back into the black as passenger numbers soar

S aga cheered an ‘outstanding’ year for its cruise business – but still racked up a £129million loss as troubles at its insurance arm took their toll.

The company, which specialises in insurance and holidays for over-50s, sailed back into the black at its ocean cruise business where profits came in at £36million for 2023, up from the £700,000 loss the year before.

Its river cruise arm unveiled annual profits of £3million, from a £5million loss in 2022.

Saga’s travel business, which includes both the Saga Holidays and Titan brands, saw passenger numbers surge from 47,000 in 2022 to 57,800 last year.

‘Ocean Cruise had an outstanding year and, as a result, we far exceeded our initial earnings targets, while River Cruise and Travel both returned to profit for the first time since the pandemic,’ said chief executive Mike Hazell, the company’s former chief financial officer who took over from Euan Sutherland in November.

He added: ‘Forward bookings are strong, with all three businesses significantly ahead of the same point in the prior year.’ 

In 2023, tours around the fjords and Scandinavia were a particular sweet spot, while cruises to Greenland were increasingly popular.

But despite bumper demand for cruises and getaways, Saga still clocked up losses of £129million as its insurance arm continues to feel the sting of high inflation, driving up the price of payouts.

Motor insurers are being significantly affected by surging claims due to more expensive repair and labour costs and semiconductor shortages pushing up second-hand car prices.

In addition, they are banned from ‘price walking’ – giving cheaper premiums to new customers while making loyal customers pay more for renewals.

Saga was reportedly in talks to sell its underwriting business last year to Open, an Australian insurer, but failed to get a deal over the line.

But the company recently said that it was ‘exploring opportunities’ as it tries to drive down its debt, which currently stands at £637million.

Last year it tapped chairman Roger De Haan for £35million, adding to the pile of cash it owes him. It said it was looking at a partnership, with an outside firm taking over the running of its cruise operations.

Its two flagship vessels, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, run cruises across the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Nordics and the Caribbean, with prices ranging from £1,300 to £15,000.

Analysts at Peel Hunt said ‘further strategic action is needed’ to get the company on a ‘firmer financial footing’.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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