20 July 2020

Insurance considerations when travelling in New Zealand

With Covid-19 restricting international travel, Kiwis are inevitably looking to travel more within New Zealand.

Most New Zealanders are unaware that many of the risks we consider when travelling internationally also apply when travelling domestically. This advisory is to outline some of those risks and explain why domestic travel insurance should be considered when planning your next trip.

Many of the risks we consider when travelling overseas also apply in NZ.

Why buy domestic travel insurance?

Kiwis have a love of travel, whether it be for a holiday or to attend important events - such as birthdays, weddings and honeymoons.

Even when travelling within New Zealand, costs for flights, accommodation and pre-booked tourist attractions can add up to amounts comparable to international travel. The risk of cancellations, delays, vehicle accidents, sickness or injury still apply and it’s important to have sufficient travel insurance protection in place.

Some scenarios you may need cover for are:

• Reimbursement of non-refundable cancellation costs associated with domestic airlines, inter-island ferries, scenic rail travel, accommodation providers and tour operators, should you have to cancel a trip due to the death, injury or illness of the traveller, child or relative
• Weather events such as fog and snowstorms, or a natural disaster causing flight cancellation or travel delay and resulting in additional accommodation and transport expenses
• Emergency dental treatment
• High excesses on rental vehicles 
• Additional expenses following an accident which happens during the trip (e.g. a broken bone part way through a holiday requires the rescheduling of flights, staying on in rented accommodation, and the cancellation of remaining holiday accommodation and pre-booked tourist attractions)
• Reimbursement of medical expenses where sickness is not covered by the public health system e.g. ambulance costs, in-house (hotel) doctors’ visits, prescriptions, as well as ongoing medical costs once returning home.

These scenarios are for illustrative purposes only. For full cover and insurer details always refer to the policy wording.

Our brokers are here to help

One of our core responsibilities as a broker is to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about the risks you face.

If you have any questions or if you would like to speak to us regarding your personal insurance please contact a broker.