Redpoint Destinations

New Zealand

New Zealand Travel Insurance

Essential Information for Travelers to New Zealand

New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa, is a unique destination that is known for adventure, natural beauty, Maori culture, and the warmth of its people. There is no shortage of epic landscapes to see, from the jagged peaks and stunning Milford Sound on New Zealand's South Island, to the vibrant cities like Auckland and Wellington on the North Island.

With its fair share of adventure, a trip to New Zealand also comes with a few risks. New Zealand's remote locations, changeable weather, and high-risk activities mean the potential for delays, injuries, or cancellations is relatively high. For this reason, you'll want to purchase travel insurance before you head out on your trip. Read on to find out everything you need to know about New Zealand travel insurance and some handy tips for planning an epic trip.

traditional rock carving lake taupo north island new zealand

Health & Safety in New Zealand

Medical Care and Hospitals

New Zealand has an excellent healthcare system, which is publicly funded and free for citizens and residents. However, visitors and tourists are not entitled to free care and must pay out of pocket for any care they receive, whether it’s from a public facility or a private clinic. The cost of emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, prescription medication, and more can add up quickly, which is why it’s essential to purchase travel medical insurance before you go.

If you have a medical emergency while you are hiking or trekking in New Zealand’s rugged backcountry, you may require emergency evacuation. This will help you access the care you need in a more advanced facility. Rescue operations, while well-coordinated, are not free and can be extremely expensive. This is why emergency evacuation coverage is also essential for your New Zealand trip.

Health Risks and Vaccinations

While no vaccinations are required to visit New Zealand, the CDC recommends that, in addition to being up to date on all routine vaccinations, U.S. travelers are also vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and measles, which is on the rise worldwide. It’s always wise to carry a basic medical kit with common over-the-counter medication, as well as spare prescription medication or copies of your prescriptions. This is especially true if you will be hiking, kayaking, skiing, or climbing in New Zealand’s remote or alpine regions.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Turkey Trip

What Does New Zealand Travel Insurance Cover?

When considering travel insurance for New Zealand, you will want to make sure your travel insurance company policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared, no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:

Unexpected trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to New Zealand is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, family emergencies, or certain government advisories. New Zealand has its fair share of natural disasters due to its geographic location and geological activity. So it’s wise for your trip to be covered in case of a catastrophic weather event like an earthquake, volcano, or tsunami.

Travel medical insurance:

Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. New Zealand has high-quality public healthcare, but it is not free for visitors. That’s why it’s so essential to have emergency medical coverage of at least $100,000. If you’re covered, you’ll be able to make a travel insurance claim for any out-of-pocket costs you incurred. In addition, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll also need to apply for a waiver when you purchase your policy. Health insurance plans from the U.S. are typically not accepted when you need medical treatment overseas.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. New Zealand is known for its adventure travel opportunities, and if you’re traveling in remote areas and have a serious medical emergency or accident, you may need to be airlifted to a more advanced facility. So it’s vital to have this coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Lost luggage and personal belongings insurance:

Baggage coverage is a benefit that covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip to New Zealand.

Trip delay insurance:

Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

Optional add-ons:

There are several additional policy benefits you can add to your travel insurance depending on the nature of your trip. These include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, if you think you may need to cancel for a reason not covered by the typical cancellation policy; extra protection for specialist or expensive gear; adventure sports travel insurance if you plan to do any extreme or dangerous activities; and car rental protection.

Choosing the Right Plan

Ripcord has a variety of plans suited for different trips to New Zealand. For adventure travelers who want to explore New Zealand’s adventure-packed South Island, Ripcord is an extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation, perfect for trips to remote or rural destinations. Cavalry is suited for urban travelers who are seeking luxury and cultural experiences, while broadly sticking to major cities and established destinations such as Auckland and Wellington. Meanwhile, Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler who may be backpacking through Australia and New Zealand. You can compare all of Redpoint’s comprehensive plans and figure out which one might be right for your trip here.

Entry Requirements & Practical Information

Entry and Visa Requirements

No visa is required for U.S. visitors who are in New Zealand for 90 days or less. However, visitors from the U.S. need to apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This can be done online via the official webpage or via the dedicated mobile app. You should apply for this authorization before your trip and leave 72 hours of processing time; once issued, it will be valid for two years and allow multiple entries. In addition, visitors must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which costs NZD $35. Finally, your passport must have validity for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand.

What To Do in an Emergency

If you have an emergency in New Zealand and require assistance, emergency services can be contacted by dialing 111. In addition, Redpoint offers 24/7 support on its helpline to travelers who have an emergency or need assistance. If you are having trouble locating help locally, Redpoint’s associates can help connect you to the help you need on the ground.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Wellington, with a consular office in Auckland. Consular services, such as passport assistance, legal advice, and general assistance, are only available at the consulate in Auckland.

23 Customs Street East
Auckland Central,
Auckland 1010,
New Zealand

Telephone: +(64) (9) 303-2724
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(64) (4) 462-6000

Popular Activities and Adventure Travel in New Zealand

If you’re interested in extreme sports and adventure activities, then it’s hard to think of a better travel destination than New Zealand. From amazing walks like Milford Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit, and Abel Tasman, to hiking and mountaineering through Aoraki/Mount Cook and Arthur’s Pass, there is so much to explore. For a true adrenaline rush, don’t miss bungie jumping in Queenstown and Taupo and whitewater rafting in Kaituna and Rangitikei. Just make sure that your travel insurance policy includes adequate coverage for any high-risk activities. Redpoint’s Ripcord policy is ideal for this, as it includes remote-area evacuation, search-and-rescue coordination, and 24/7 global medical and security support.

FAQs for New Zealand Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance required for New Zealand?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter New Zealand, but it is always a risk to embark on overseas travel without adequate coverage. Should anything go wrong during the course of your trip, such as a medical emergency or a disrupted itinerary, your out-of-pocket costs can easily exceed the price of a travel insurance policy.

What does New Zealand travel insurance cover?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy should include medical care and emergency medical coverage (at least $100,000 to cover medical emergencies and unexpected costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

How much does New Zealand travel insurance cost?

Your travel insurance policy will be priced based on a range of factors, including trip length, cost, age, and activities. Most of Redpoint's insurance plans range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs. You can also opt to buy an annual multi-trip policy if you are planning multiple trips in the year.

Will travel insurance cover hiking accidents or evacuations?

It depends on your policy. Comprehensive travel insurance policies that include coverage for extreme and adventure activities typically do. Redpoint's Ripcord policy is designed with adventure travelers in mind and is a great option if you are planning to hike or trek in remote areas.

Can I buy travel insurance while already in New Zealand?

Typically, you need to purchase travel insurance prior to departure for your trip, and ideally, as soon as possible after booking your trip. Some providers may issue policies once you're already in the country, but those policies may be costlier and have more exclusions, so read the policy wording carefully.

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Protecting yourself on your trip to New Zealand requires comprehensive travel insurance, and Redpoint Travel Protection has a global reputation for providing high-quality policies to fit every traveler. It also offers 24/7 support — even in New Zealand’s most remote corners — to give travelers peace of mind and help them enjoy their trips. Explore Redpoint’s policies here, which can support backcountry adventurers and city hoppers alike