From the enchanting Waitomo Caves to the stunning Southern Alps, New Zealand is filled with amazing landmarks just waiting for you to explore. You're going to love your kiwi adventure!
Before you go, it's a good idea to think about travel insurance. The right policy can cover you for a whole host of unexpected issues.
If you're ready to start comparing policies click 'get a quote'. But, if you want to learn a little more about New Zealand, and the insurance you might need in the 'other land down under', read on!
Healthcare in New Zealand is quite similar to the UK. And here's the great news—there's a reciprocal health agreement between the UK and New Zealand.
This means that as a UK citizen visiting short-term, you'll be entitled to the same public healthcare as New Zealand citizens. How convenient is that?
To break it down further, New Zealand's healthcare system works a lot like the NHS. For example, emergency care is typically covered by the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC). This means if you're injured, emergency medical treatment is usually free.
But, there's certain things that you'll need to pay for. So, it's good to be aware of them:
Emergency healthcare is free in New Zealand, but you still might have to pay for other health-related things. Travel insurance with medical cover can help you out with that.
If you need to cancel your trip, your policy's travel cancellation cover can help here.
If your personal possessions are damaged, stolen or lost while you're away, your policy's baggage cover could help here.
If you need to be returned to the UK for medical treatment, your policy's repatration insurance could help here too. Without insurance, this could cost thousands of pounds.
If weather or something else grounds your flight, travel insurance could help here too.
If the Foreign, commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination, but you decide to go anyway, you won't be covered.
If anything happens as a result of these substances, your travel insurance won't cover you.
If an event that was known before you began travelling - like an earthquake - impacts your trip, your insurance won't cover claims related ot it.
Most standard travel insurance don't cover high-risk activities. You'll need extreme sports travel insurance here.
If you decide you no longer want to go on your trip to New Zealand, you won't be covered for the cost of cancellation.
New Zealand travel insurance prices:
Solo traveller
£6.01
Couple
£7.85
Family
£10.97
Travel insurance for New Zealand could set you back as little as £6.01.
Just bear in mind that what you pay depends on your personal circumstances and the nature of your trip. So you might pay more for your cover.
But don't fret: Find out exactly what you could pay by getting a quote! It's quick, easy and lets you see exactly what's out there.
1 Lowest price for a single traveller, aged 30 with no health conditions staying in New Zealand for 7 nights. Prices correct October 2024.
2Lowest price for a couple, both aged 30, with no health conditions staying in New Zealand for 7 nights. Prices correct October 2024.
3 Lowest price for a family of two adults, both aged 30, and two children, both aged 5 with no medical conditions staying in New Zealand for 7 nights. Prices correct October 2024.
There's no 'one size fits all' answer, as the type of insurance you'll need depends on the nature of your trip and personal circumstances.
So, let's dive into the different options available to you:
Depending on what you're doing, you might also want to consider travel insurance policy add-ons.
You can add these to your chosen travel insurance for enhanced cover. You'll need to pay an extra cost for them. But, depending on your plans in New Zealand, it might be well worth buying.
Some that might be relevant to your trip include:
Nope, you won't need a visa to enter New Zealand. That's one less thing to have to worry about, right?
But, there are a few things you'll need to do before your trip. Let's walk through them:
Maybe you've got plans to soak in steaming hot springs beneath the stars in Queenstown. Or, perhaps you want to revisit your favourite characters in the picturesque Hobbiton village.
Whatever's on your itinerary, here's some important things to keep in mind before boarding your flight:
New Zealand is generally safe. Crime is low, but it can happen.
Thieves might target unattended hire cars or campervans. Usually, in tourist spots like Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua. Avoid leaving your valuables in your vehicle when you leave it parked.
If you're camping, consider campsites with facilities—many of them have on-site security.
Good news! You can drive on a full UK licence, but just check your car insurance covers you. And, no need to worry about driving on the other side of the road—Kiwis drive on the left, just like in the UK.
Public transport is reliable and covers most places. But, buses can be a bit slow for sightseeing. If you're looking to explore more freely, hiring a car or campervan is a great option.
If driving isn't your thing, there's plenty of guided coach tours available, too. And, if you've got plans to venture out to the North and South Islands, ferries and water taxis are readily available.
Get ready for big travel days! On average, it takes around 24 hours to get to New Zealand from the UK. And, as there's no direct flights, you'll need to get at least 1 connecting flight.
Tipping isn't customary or expected in New Zealand. But, you can provide a tip if you'd like after receiving a good service or experience. In other words, it's entirely up to you!
Certain landmarks are sacred to the Māori people and are considered to have 'Mana', a term that means spiritual power. At these special places, it can be offensive to do certain things.
So, Before you go hiking or sightseeing, research natural landmarks to see if there's any cultural rules you should know about. Usually, there will be signs to let you know what you shouldn't do. If you're unsure, just ask.
New Zealand's climate is a lot like the UK's, but it can be unpredictable! The warmest months are December through February. Although, March to May is still warm and tends to have fewer tourists.
Head's up: The weather can be cold in the evenings, even during the summer! Make sure you pack a few warm items of clothing in your suitcase. And, don't forget to pack your insect repellent, either—sandflies can be a bit of a nuisance in the summer!
Your travel insurance policy might cover you for working abroad. But, this isn't a guarantee.
The kind of coverage you can get for working in New Zealand can vary depending on your insurer. So, check your policy to see if it covers working.
Keep in mind—even if your policy covers you for work-related activities, you'll still need to make sure you have an appropriate working visa. If you don't have the correct visa in place, your travel insurance won't cover you. You can find out more on GOV.UK.
Planning to visit New Zealand for a business trip? It's worth considering business travel insurance. This type of insurance can offer enhanced cover for the things that can go wrong on a work trip. For example, stolen, damaged or accidentally lost equipment.
You should be able to get cover if you have a pre-existing condition. You may not be covered for treatment relating to your known conditions though, so check with your insurer to see exactly what you're covered for. Otherwise you may need specific travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Any planned treatment you'll need while away typically will not be covered.
Make sure to declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurer, otherwise your policy could be voided.
There aren't any specific vaccinations required for your trip to New Zealand. Hooray!
But, rules can always change. So, it's a good idea to check vaccination guidance prior to travel.
Top tip: If you have any concerns, you can always book an appointment with your GP before your trip. They'll be able to offer specific guidance tailored to you.
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