From the peaks of the Southern Alps to the hot springs of Rotorua, New Zealand is packed with unforgettable moments and with our travel insurance, you can enjoy your trip knowing we’ve got your back.
Our holiday insurance for New Zealand helps protect you if things don’t go to plan. It can cover emergency medical care, cancellations and lost or stolen belongings. Choose from bronze, silver and gold cover levels - get the cover that suits your trip and travel with confidence.
Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for New Zealand, but it’s a smart choice. The local New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme may cover some injuries caused by accidents, but it does not cover illness or existing medical conditions, so you may need to pay for treatment if you don’t have appropriate insurance. Some medical conditions may affect the price of your policy. When applying, it’s a good idea to have details of your medical history to hand and ensure you answer all questions accurately. You may also wish to check that you are fit to travel before your trip.
Unexpected medical bills can be costly, our holiday travel insurance can cover things like lost luggage, illness and flight delays. It can also help if your plans change or something unexpected happens that way, you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Make sure you read your policy documents carefully for full details of what is and isn’t covered, and remember to declare any pre-existing medical conditions.
Compare travel insurance cover levels
Choose from three different levels of cover, each with its own cover limits. Ranging from a simpler 'Bronze' plan to a higher level 'Gold' plan, you can tailor your policy to suit your needs. Browse the key benefits below, or see the full breakdown in our cover-level table and Policy Documents.
Bronze
| £15,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £1,000 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £2,000 | Personal belongings |
| £500 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Silver
| £20,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £2,500 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £3,000 | Personal belongings |
| £750 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Gold
| Unlimited | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £5,000* | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £5,000 | Personal belongings |
| £1,000 | Personal money |
| £750 | Gadget Cover |
*Or as specified on your schedule
Why can New Zealand travel insurance be expensive?
While New Zealand has a public healthcare system, it is not generally free for visitors, as the reciprocal health agreement between the UK and New Zealand gives access to some immediately necessary treatment in public hospitals, often at reduced cost or sometimes free.
If you have a medical condition, insurers may see this as a higher risk, which can increase the cost of your policy. To find the right cover for travelling with your condition, you can read more here: holiday insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, or continue your quote and answer a few quick questions about your health.
Will my GHIC card cover medical costs in New Zealand?
A GHIC card won’t cover you in New Zealand. This card is only for use in certain European countries and a few specific territories. The UK and New Zealand have a deal for urgent medical care, but it is limited. It does not cover ambulance fees, existing medical conditions or the cost of getting you back to the UK. For more details, visit our global health insurance card page.
Covering medical conditions in New Zealand
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may need to declare it when applying for travel insurance. This can include conditions you take medication for, have discussed with a doctor, or have experienced symptoms of. Even if your condition feels well managed, not declaring relevant medical conditions may affect any claims you make. New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme only covers injuries caused by accidents. It does not cover illness or existing medical conditions, so you may need to pay for treatment if you do not have appropriate insurance.
Some medical conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, may increase the cost of your policy. When applying, it can help to have your medical details ready and answer all questions accurately. You may also wish to check that you are fit to travel before your trip.
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Does travel insurance to New Zealand include activities?
New Zealand has lots to see and do, from skiing in the mountains to exploring the coast. It’s important to make sure your travel insurance covers your plans. Many activities are covered as standard, and for those a little more adventurous, we’ve got add-ons to keep you covered.
Winter Sports
Heading off on a snowy adventure to The Remarkables or the mountains of Wanaka? If you’re planning to take part in winter sports, Holiday Extras has your back with a Winter Sports add-on, designed to help you stay safe on the slopes.
Water Sports
Kayaking or surfing at Raglan? Some water sports may be covered as standard. Trying something more adventurous, like black water rafting in the Waitomo Caves? Our Extended Risk add-on can help keep you protected.
Extended Risk add-on
If you plan to do high-risk activities like bungee jumping, you may need our Extended Risk add-on. With Holiday Extras, you can add our Extended Risk cover before you pay, so everything’s sorted ahead of your trip.
Use our handy activity checker to see whether your chosen activity or sport is covered as standard, or if you’ll need to add extra cover.
Working holidays in New Zealand
Planning a working holiday in New Zealand? With Holiday Extras travel insurance, you can travel with confidence while doing certain types of work. We can cover non-manual jobs, such as bar and restaurant work, office or admin roles, online work from home, fruit picking (without machinery), and jobs like musicians or singers. Manual work, including construction, building, installation, or using heavy electrical or mechanical machinery, isn’t covered. If you’re planning to do volunteer work, cover is subject to approval and policy terms. Always check your policy details before you travel to make sure your work is covered.
Do you need a visa to enter New Zealand?
Most UK travellers do not need a visa for New Zealand. But you will need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel.
- Apply at least 72 hours before you travel. Many requests are quick, but it’s best to apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
- The NZeTA is valid for 2 years. Once approved, you can use it for more than one trip, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Cost of the NZeTA: NZD $17 if you apply via the official app, or NZD $23 if you complete it online (as of 2026).
- International Visitor Levy (IVL): Most visitors need to pay a NZD $100 fee. You can pay this at the same time as your NZeTA.
Find more information on the official NZeTA website or take a look at the official advice for travel to New Zealand on the UK Gov website.
Top tips for travelling to New Zealand
Travel InsuranceNew Zealand is a safe place to visit, but medical costs and getting you back to the UK can vary. Travel insurance can cover things like cancellations, lost belongings and flight delays. It’s a good idea to have the right cover before you travel.
Travelling with medicationNew Zealand has strict rules about bringing medication into the country. If you are bringing medicine for personal use, ensure it is in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. It’s a good idea to pack extra in your hand luggage just in case of delays.
TippingUnlike the US, tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand. Service staff are paid a living wage, so you don't need to add a tip to your bill in restaurants or bars. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip is always appreciated as a kind gesture.
BiosecurityWhen you arrive in New Zealand, biosecurity checks are taken seriously to protect its unique wildlife and environment. You’ll need to declare any food, plant or animal products, it only takes a moment and helps you get through smoothly without delays.
Staying connectedNew Zealand uses type I plugs (the same as Australia), so don't forget your adaptor! For more details on New Zealand travel adaptors, check out this useful guide by electrical safety first.
Over 40 years experience in travel services.
Voted Best Insurance Provider 16 years running – since 2009.
A choice of cover levels and add-ons to help you pick the policy that suits your trip
£10.4 million paid in 2025, providing reliable support when it matters most.
Let us answer your questions
Do I need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand?
Yes. If you hold a UK passport, or are a citizen of another visa waiver country, you’ll need to apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you travel. This authorisation allows you to travel to New Zealand, but entry is subject to checks at the border. While an NZeTA permits travel, it does not provide cover for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, cancellations or lost baggage. This is where Holiday Extras comes in. Although not a legal requirement, travel insurance can help protect you against these costs. Once your NZeTA is in place, you may wish to consider arranging a travel insurance policy so you can explore with greater peace of mind.
What is covered by ACC for tourists in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) helps if you’re injured in an accident during your trip. It can cover some medical treatment, such as doctor visits, hospital care and support while you recover. However, ACC only covers accidents. It does not cover illness, existing medical conditions, or the cost of getting you back to the UK. It also won’t cover things like cancellations or lost belongings, so travel insurance is still important.
What biosecurity rules apply in New Zealand?
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules to protect its wildlife and environment. When you arrive, you must declare any food, plants, animal products or outdoor gear, such as hiking boots or camping equipment. These items may be checked, cleaned or taken away. If you do not declare them, you could face fines. It’s always best to be honest and declare anything you are unsure about.
What are the biggest safety concerns in New Zealand?
New Zealand is generally a safe place to visit, but many of the risks come from its natural environment. Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly in mountainous or coastal areas, and some activities take place in remote locations where help may not be immediately available. With Holiday Extras travel insurance, you can explore New Zealand with added confidence, policies include 24/7 emergency assistance services. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Am I covered for work in New Zealand?
At Holiday Extras, we can cover non-manual work in New Zealand. This includes jobs like office work, bar or restaurant roles, online work from home, fruit picking without machinery, and working as a musician or singer. We cover this type of work because it is generally lower risk and does not involve heavy physical labour, hazardous tasks, or the use of dangerous equipment. We don’t cover manual work, which means jobs that are more physical. This includes roles like construction, building work, or using heavy machinery or equipment. If you are doing volunteer work, cover is subject to approval by our underwriters and policy terms. Always check your policy details before you travel to make sure your work is covered.
Can I get travel insurance with an aortic aneurysm?
It may be possible to get travel insurance if you have an aortic aneurysm, depending on your individual medical circumstances and the outcome of medical screening. When applying for cover with Holiday Extras, you’ll need to declare your condition and let us know if you’re receiving treatment or have had surgery. This helps make sure you have the right cover in place, so you can travel with confidence knowing everything’s sorted before you go. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to get a quote and complete the medical screening, or speak to our team who can guide you through the process to find the right cover for you.
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Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.
Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Our flight delay cover is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited and serviced by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.