We’ve reviewed over 100 international travel insurance policies and rounded up our pick of the best travel insurance policies that cover pregnancy. These are available to ÌÇÐÄVlog members (jump to the results here) plus we share the essential things to know before choosing a policy.

On this page:

• Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?
• Can you travel when you’re pregnant?
• What you need to know about travel insurance cover for pregnancy
• Which travel insurers cover pregnancy?
• The best travel insurers for pregnancy

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?

Most travel insurance policies will cover cancellation and a mother’s medical costs as a result of pregnancy complications, up to the gestational period specified by the travel insurer.

Different policies will cover you up to different stages of your pregnancy, so which provider you go with will depend on when you plan to travel (and return home). 

Travel insurance usually does not cover for childbirth or for medical costs relating to your newborn if you give birth while on holiday.

Travel insurance pregnancy cover will protect you in circumstances such as if you need to cancel your trip due to doctor’s advice, or if you are on holiday and incur medical costs that are a result of unexpected complications (something that you weren’t already treated for and had no history of).

Can you travel when you’re pregnant?

As long as your pregnancy is uncomplicated and your general health is good, government advice says it’s fine to travel when pregnant, with the safest time being in the second trimester, as long as you aren’t experiencing complications.

If you’re pregnant, seek your doctor’s advice before you travel and ensure you pick a travel insurance policy that provides the coverage you need.

Make sure you check with your airline before you travel too, because many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation before allowing you to board.

If you have an uncomplicated single pregnancy, most travel insurers won’t require you to do a medical assessment, but if you have a history of pregnancy complications, or you’re expecting multiple births, you may need to undergo a medical assessment to get travel insurance that covers your pregnancy.

Best general travel insurance for your destination

Heading abroad? Check out our best insurance policy guides for Bali, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, USA and UK.

What you need to know about travel insurance cover for pregnancy

Travel insurance cover for pregnancy can vary widely between insurers. There are differences in the pregnancy related costs they do and don’t cover, and the specific wording around what stage of gestation you are covered until can be confusing. So make sure you check your policy before you buy. Here are some basics you should be aware of.

1. Travel insurance pregnancy cover is limited by gestational period

Most policies only cover you until between 23 and 26 weeks gestation, but there are some that will provide insurance up to 30 or 36 weeks.

2. Not all travel insurers cover multiple pregnancies or medically assisted pregnancies (e.g. IVF)

If you’re pregnant with twins or have conceived with any kind of medical assistance, your pregnancy is usually considered to be complicated and therefore not covered by many insurers. 

3. Many travel insurers don’t cover giving birth

Policies that cover pregnancy do not always cover medical costs associated with childbirth or for the care of a newborn.

So if you’re on holiday and you unexpectedly go into early labour, you might not be covered for your medical costs or any associated costs if your child has to be put into intensive care (a likely scenario if the baby comes early). 

Insurers that do cover costs associated with childbirth – such as hospital or obstetrician fees – usually only do so when the birth is caused by accidental injury, but not, for example, if it’s a pre-existing medical condition.

If a policy states that it does cover you for childbirth, this coverage will only extend up to the period of gestation specified in their policy – for example, Southern Cross Travel offers coverage for pregnancy up until 24 weeks, so they will only cover you for childbirth if the child is born before the 24-week mark.

Which travel insurers cover pregnancy?

All of the travel insurers in our comparison cover pregnancy. Below is a snapshot of how many weeks of gestation your cover extends to. This number is inclusive, meaning the policy covers you for that entire week of gestation.

Visit our travel insurance comparison or see below to find out which insurers also cover childbirth costs for the mother or child.

The best travel insurers for pregnancy

Below, we reveal which travel insurance policies provide the best cover for which gestation, and which companies will cover IVF-assisted pregnancies and neonatal care.

Log in to unlock this members-only content, or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

As a member, you’ll also be able to access our full travel insurance reviews, as well as other reviews that might be helpful if you’re expecting, such as cot, stroller, high chair and portable cot reviews. 

The post What are the best travel insurance policies for pregnancy? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Cruising is more popular than ever. More than 1.45 million Australians cruised in 2025 – that’s 1 in 20 people – and a new record for the number of Australians who opt to holiday at sea. 

There are a lot of things that can go wrong on a cruise, so if you’re planning one, read on to discover the cover you need to look for and which travel insurance policies are the best for cruises.

On this page:

• Does travel insurance cover you on a cruise?
• How much does travel insurance for a cruise cost?
• Cheapest insurers for cruises
• Travel insurers that cover international cruises
• What to look for in cruise cover
• What’s not covered by cruise travel insurance
• When to buy travel insurance for a cruise
• Best value travel insurance for cruising

Does travel insurance cover you on a cruise?

Most travel insurers will cover cruising holidays that start and end in Australia as an optional extra, so you’ll need to make sure you select this option and pay an additional fee.

Some providers also offer tailored cruise travel insurance, which can give you access to additional inclusions that are unique to cruising and that may not be covered in standard policies, such as cover for missed ports, missed departures, or cabin confinement due to illness.

When choosing a policy, it’s important to make sure the region you’re visiting is covered, and that the policy suits your needs and itinerary.

How much does travel insurance for a cruise cost?

The price for your trip will vary depending on where you’re going, the length of your trip, how comprehensive your cover is, how old you are, how far in advance you purchase your policy and how much excess you’re willing to pay. 

HOW WE CALCULATED: We looked at how much the average travel pays for travel insurance for a cruising holiday to the South Pacific (including quotes for travel to Fiji, Indonesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu); to Asia (including quotes for travel to South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Phillipines, China, India, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and Cambodia); to Europe (including quotes for travel to Italy, France, Spain, Turkey and Germany); to the UK and Ireland (includes travel to United Kingdom and Ireland); and the Americas and Canada (including quotes to America, Brazil and Canada). Quotes obtained in March 2026. Average prices and average trip length based on between 7500 and 32,000 quotes for market-representative scenarios from 28 policies, including additional charges for cruise cover when appropriate. 

Cheapest insurers for cruises

Zoom Comprehensive was, on average, the cheapest travel insurance policy for cruising in all the regions we looked at, except for New Zealand. The cheapest policy with cruise cover in New Zealand was Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International. 

Allianz Comprehensive, Travel Insurance Direct Basics, World Nomads Standard, NIB Essentials and Wordcare Comprehensive were the other low-cost options.

Note that all these policies mentioned have different levels of cover. It’s essential you understand your needs and compare cover options, including reading the policy documents, to determine the right policy for you.

Cheap, but are they the best?

These may be the cheapest travel insurance policies for cruises, but are they the best? For example, the Zoom Comprehensive policy provides no cover for pandemics other than COVID-19. You might want more protection than that.

Log in, or become a ÌÇÐÄVlog member, to find the best value travel insurance policy for your destination.

Unlike other insurance comparison websites, we »å´Ç²Ô’t get paid by any of the insurers we’re comparing. So we only recommend the best insurance policies for you.

Travel insurers that cover international cruises

Almost all insurers we review cover cruises as an optional extra for an additional fee to some of their policies. Only Jetstar, NIB, Travel Insurance Direct and World Nomads include cruise cover by default.

The age limit for policies vary; often a brand’s multi-trip policy has a lower age limit than their single-trip policies. Some policies have no age limit (marked as 110 years in our table), some only cover you up to age 69, with others landing in between.

It’s also worth noting that if you want cancellation coverage in case a relative in Australia becomes ill or dies, the relative will also need to meet the age limit on the policy and satisfy the existing medical condition requirements.

Do you need insurance for a domestic cruise in Australia?

Even if you book a cruise that won’t be leaving Australian waters, you’ll still need travel insurance because shipboard medical expenses are likely not covered by Medicare. 

Doctors working on cruise ships don’t need Medicare provider numbers. You can check with your cruise line if they have a Medicare doctor on board. But if not, you will need international or cruise-specific insurance. Domestic travel or health insurance won’t cut it.

Domestic travel insurance doesn’t cover medical costs, so you’d need either international travel insurance (check that it covers domestic cruises) or domestic insurance with a cruise add-on, or special ‘domestic cruise’ insurance, which is available from a few select insurers. Unfortunately, we don’t have access pricing data for domestic cruises.

What to look for in cruise cover

The main reason to take out travel insurance is for medical insurance, and this is no exception when going on a cruise.

Even if your cruise doesn’t leave Australian waters, it’s possible the doctors on board aren’t registered for Medicare, which means you won’t be able to claim back medical costs from the government or private health funds.

Regular domestic travel insurance is unlikely to cover medical costs on a cruise, so it’s important that you buy a cruise-specific domestic policy, or an internation policy that covers cruises in domestic waters.

Medical cover

While COVID-19 may seem like a thing of the past, cruise ships are still a high-risk environment for the transmission of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and influenza, as well as other infectious diseases like gastroenteritis. And they’ll be a high-risk environment again should any other pandemic start.

Sometimes payment for medical treatment is required upfront. If you have a serious case, you may need to be evacuated from your ship by helicopter, so it’s important to look for a policy with a high limit for medical cover.

This advice also applies to local cruises that don’t leave Australian waters. See further information on this below.

Cover for shore destinations and activities

Make sure you check the government advice on the government’s for all destinations your cruise is planning to visit.

Each destination is given an official advice level, which is updated regularly. If the , which is ‘Reconsider your need to travel’, or 4: ‘Do not travel’, that destination may not be covered by your insurance.

If you plan to participate in onshore activities, it’s important to check out the product disclosure statement (PDS) to see which activities are included and which are not.

Some, such as motorbike or moped riding, come with special conditions. Adventure activities in other countries may not meet the same safety standards as in Australia.

Theft

Theft of personal items has been known to occur both on ships and during shore visits by professional thieves who target cruise passengers.

If you’re taking anything of value with you, read the limits for personal items in your PDS before buying a policy. Many policies let you increase the limits for ‘specified items’ for an extra fee.

Some cruise policies provide specific cover for formalwear as standard, including theft, damage and loss.

Death

While it’s not something that we like to think about, sometimes the worst does happen. If a passenger dies onboard a cruise ship, the cruise line won’t pay for repatriation of remains, and neither will the Australian government.

Death and repatriation of remains are usually covered under medical expenses in an insurance policy, but it’s important to check so that relatives or others are not left with this significant cost.

What’s not covered by cruise travel insurance

Existing medical conditions and pregnancy

As with other types of travel insurance, some pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered, and others will need to be disclosed in order to be covered. If in doubt, contact the insurer to discuss your needs.

It’s also worth noting that pregnancy is considered an existing medical condition. Some insurance policies cover pregnancy up to 30 weeks, but most cruise lines won’t allow you onboard if you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.

Claims resulting from being under the influence of alcohol

Some people liken cruises to a floating RSL club. Sounds fun, but the combination of alcohol and a seagoing vessel can cause accidents. 

In an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) case, Phil* fell down a flight of stairs on a cruise ship, and suffered a moderate brain injury, skull fracture and right lung contusion.

Phil said the area was not well lit and the steps would have been slippery, while his wife said he was walking steadily. He was taken to a hospital in Austria and a test showed that he had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.198%.

The insurer had an exclusion for “any conduct engaged in whilst under the influence or effect of alcohol or drugs”, and AFCA sided with the insurer, determining that Phil’s claim for expenses should be denied.

All travel insurers have a similar clause that excludes cover for claims resulting from a person being under the influence of alcohol.

_{* Not their real name. Policyholder names are not disclosed in AFCA case records.}

When to buy travel insurance for a cruise

Cruises are often booked well ahead of time, so you could be forgiven for forgetting or delaying the purchase of your travel insurance. But if your cruise is cancelled ahead of time and you don’t yet have cover, you could lose your money. The earlier you buy the policy, the better.

On the flip side, there aren’t many insurers that cover you more than a year out from starting your trip. If you book your trip more than a year out, shop around for a policy that will cover you.

The best value travel insurance for cruising

For our members, we’ve analysed the cost of travel insurance for cruises and the level of cover a policy provides, to reveal the best value insurance options for cruising by region.

Log in or sign up to ÌÇÐÄVlog to see the best value insurance options for cruises through New Zealand, South Pacific, Europe, UK and Ireland, Asia, US, South America and Canada.

As a ÌÇÐÄVlog member, you’ll also gain access to all of our expert independent reviews, including the best value travel insurance policies for cruising in various locations.

Unlike other insurance comparison websites, we »å´Ç²Ô’t get paid by any of the insurers we’re comparing. So we only recommend the best insurance policies for you. Log in to unlock this members-only content, or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access.

How we test

We used our extensive dataset of quotes for top-tier travel insurance for each of the regions, with their cruise option included. The ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating, which is the overall score, is made up of 60% cover score and 40% destination-specific cruise-inclusive price score. 

Quotes for 29 international single-trip travel insurance policies were analysed. Scenarios used to obtain these quotes use a market-representative range of holiday duration and lead time, covering singles, couples and families with a variety of ages.

To obtain a price score, each quote was assigned a score, with the most expensive in each scenario scoring 0 and the least expensive scoring 100. The average score for each product was calculated. The products listed above had the highest average scores. Cover scores are the same used for our overall travel insurance review. Read more about how we calculate that. 

The post The best travel insurance for cruises appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

But, whether you’re looking for nightlife and surf in Kuta or Seminyak, relaxation in a resort in Nusa Dua, or a romantic getaway in Uluwatu, you need to make sure you also budget for travel insurance.

Our experts have examined thousands of quotes for travel insurance to Indonesia to find the policies with the best prices, and gone through their fine print so you don’t have to. Below, we reveal the cheapest policies for Indonesian travel, and the policies that provide the best bang for your buck.Ìý

On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for Bali?
• What activities does travel insurance cover in Bali?
• Checklist for your Bali holiday
• How much does travel insurance for Bali cost?
• What is the cheapest travel insurance for Bali?
• Best value travel insurance policies for Bali

Do you need travel insurance for Bali?

If you’re heading to Bali, travel insurance is a must-buy. Travel insurance provides cover for when things go wrong, like medical care in case of an accident, alternative accommodation if something interrupts your travel, and cancellation costs. Medical evacuation, for example, can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so cover for this is essential. 

Medical cover

The standard of Indonesia’s medical care is typically lower than in Australia, and can be quite basic in regional areas. Hospitals expect families to support patients, including all financial support, and may require confirmation of medical insurance before providing treatment. Cover for medical repatriation is essential in case you need to be transported to a place with better medical facilities.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, read the fine print to make sure you understand whether you’re covered if you need medical treatment for the condition while in Bali. Some insurers will only cover pre-existing conditions for an extra fee and pending a medical assessment – so read your product disclosure statement (PDS) carefully.

 warns of drink spiking incidents in Bali, where urgent medical attention can be lifesaving – highlighting the importance of both vigilance and medical cover when enjoying the nightlife in Bali. Make sure you also read their .

Natural disaster cover in Bali

Flooding and storms may interrupt travel around Bali, particularly during the wet season (November to March). There are 76 active volcanoes in Indonesia, including Mount Agung and Mount Batur in Bali, but they don’t have to be in Bali to disrupt your holiday plans. Ash clouds from volcanoes anywhere in Indonesia can cause flight disruptions and airport closures with little to no notice. Volcanic alert levels and exclusion zones may rise quickly. Indonesia also suffers from the occasional earthquake and tsunami, so make sure you check travel advice sites like  before travelling. 

Download the  onto your phone for real-time updates when you’re travelling. And be sure to choose a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides natural disaster cover. Most travel insurance policies cover medical expenses related to natural disasters, but ensure you check that your policy also covers cancellation and travel delay for natural disasters.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano in Indonesia threw ash clouds over Bali in November 2024 and June 2025 that shut down flights in and out of Denpasar. Many insurers will list on their website when they will cut off cover for claims that result from the volcano. Some insurers stopped cover in June 2025, but others cut off cover earlier, in November 2024. See our advice on natural disaster cover in travel insurance to understand your travel insurance cover.

Terrorism

Smart traveller warns that there’s an ongoing risk of terrorist attack in Indonesia, and that popular tourist areas may be the target of attacks. It’s important to keep across government warnings and check your PDS, which will outline the cover in case of terrorism. Watch out that you’re at least covered for medical and cancellation costs in the event of a terror attack.

Scooter and motorbike cover

Most insurers only cover you for riding scooters and mopeds if you have an Australian motorbike license and many require you to wear a helmet. Motorcycle accidents in Bali are not uncommon. Make sure you think about how you’re going to get around and read the fine print of your policy documents if you need cover for scooter, moped, or motorbike riding. 

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Do a ‘find’ (Ctrl F) on your PDF and search for ‘natural disaster’, ‘terrorism’, or ‘moped’ to check for cover or exclusions. Don’t rely on ChatGPT or other AI tools to do it for you (we’ve tried it, it’s not always right). 

What activities does travel insurance cover in Bali?

Many businesses in Indonesia do not follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes providers of adventure sports such as bungee jumping, paragliding and scuba diving. Australians have been seriously injured or died when participating in such activities in Indonesia. If you are going to participate in any adventure sport, first make sure that it’s covered by your travel insurance, then insist on minimum safety requirements.  

Swimming at beaches around Bali can be hazardous. Several Australians drown each year in rough seas and strong rips at popular tourist beaches in Indonesia, including in Bali. Swimming conditions can change rapidly. Many beaches are not patrolled and do not have warning signs, and local rescue services may not be of the same standard we’re used to in Australia. Checking weather reports regularly is essential, as is making sure your travel insurance policy covers you for any planned water activities. 

Many insurers will cover you for scuba diving with some special conditions, for example to a certain depth, and many offer further cover as an optional extra for an additional fee and some special conditions.

Checklist for your Bali holiday

• Read the Bali Government’s advice for tourists. 
• Read the Australian Government’s full advice for visiting Indonesia on the . 
• Check if your passport is still valid, and if not, .
• Keep a printout of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip. It”s also a good idea to share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.

How much does travel insurance for Bali cost?

A couple or family will pay about $210 for travel insurance for a 6–12-day Balinese holiday. A single person will pay around $115. These estimates are based on over 23,000 quotes.

How long your trip is, the comprehensiveness of your cover, your age, how far in advance you buy travel insurance and the policy’s excess will all affect the cost of travel insurance.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for Bali?

We analysed a database of over 33,000 quotes, varying all these factors, to reveal the cheapest insurance policies for a trip to Bali.

Note that medical-only policies provide medical cover and cover for medical repatriation, this is why they are cheap. They don’t provide cover for things like cancellation costs, lost baggage or missed connections. See further down for travel insurance policies that also provide good cover. 

AHM Medical Only

• Price score for Bali travel – 99%
• Medical cover only.

Tick travel insurance Basic

• Price score for Bali travel – 94%
• Unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation; $2000 limit for lost baggage.

Zoom Medical Only

• Price score for Bali travel – 94%
• Medical cover only.

However, the cheapest travel insurance policy isn’t always the best. To find out the policies that provide the best bang for your buck – that is the best cover for the cheapest price – log in or become a ÌÇÐÄVlog member.

Best value travel insurance policies for Bali

Exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ve listed the best value travel insurance policies for travelling to Bali. 

Below, we reveal the best value policies. Log in to unlock this members-only content, or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.  

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Luckily, we’ve combed the fine print of more than 60 travel insurance policies and analysed prices from nearly 14,000 quotes to find you the cheapest, and the best value cover for your trip to the UK.Ìý

On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for the UK?
• Travelling around the UK
• Checklist for your UK holiday
• How much does travel insurance for the UK cost? 
• What is the cheapest travel insurance for the UK?

Do you need travel insurance for the UK?

Travel insurance is essential for every Australian’s trip to the UK. If something goes wrong, if there’s an accident, or even if your baggage is delayed, the right travel insurance policy can prevent your trip turning into a disaster. 

Medical Cover

The standard of the UK’s medical facilities and care is similar to that of Australia. 

There’s a reciprocal healthcare agreement in place between the UK and Australia, which means if you stay less than six months, some GP and hospital treatments are free. The services covered are limited to those that are medically necessary and don’t include dental or medicines. Make sure you take your medicare card as you’ll need to show this and your passport to prove that you’re eligible for subsidised medical care. 

The reciprocal agreement will not cover the cost of medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, so when you’re purchasing a travel insurance policy it’s essential to look in the product disclosure statement (PDS) to make sure you have this cover.

Cover for terrorism and civil unrest

Smartraveller warns of the potential for terror attacks in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, related to Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing ideology and the status of Northern Ireland.

It’s possible that some events in Northern Ireland could be classified as civil unrest and Smartraveller warns that tensions can worsen in the weeks leading up to 12 July each year (also known as the ‘Twelfth’ or ‘Orangemen’s Day’). So it’s important to check you’re covered for both terrorism and civil unrest

A travel insurance policy’s PDS will outline the cover it offers in case of terrorism and civil unrest. Many policies cover medical expenses, cancellation expenses and the cost of additional accommodation in case of civil unrest, but terrorism cover is often more limited.

Beware, also, that travel to areas that the Australian government recommends avoiding will affect your travel insurance cover. It’s essential that you keep across government warnings before you travel, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Travelling around the UK

Hiring a car

The UK is a fabulous place for a road trip. It’s compact, with diverse landscapes and historic villages, and they drive on the same side of the road as we do!

You can drive a car or motorbike using your Australian licence for up to 12 months. Many travel insurance policies come with collision damage excess cover, meaning you don’t need to pay the insurance excess reduction that the car hire company charges. If you choose a policy with this cover and damage a hire car, you will need to initially pay the car hire company, but then you can claim it back on your travel insurance. See our advice on car hire insurance for more details.

Train travel

Train travel is also a popular choice for getting from A to B within the UK. The rail network is easy to navigate and extensive, but can be subject to industrial action, weather disruptions or trackwork. Did you know that travel insurance can help with additional costs if your transport is delayed by circumstances beyond the provider’s control, such as a strike?

recommends you check the and websites for the latest service updates.

Checklist for your UK holiday

• From 2025, Australians visiting the UK who don’t require a visa will require an
• Check if your passport is still valid. If not, .
• Keep a print-out of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip. It’s also a good idea to share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.

• Keep on top of the .

How much does travel insurance for the UK cost? 

On average, a family pays $336 for travel insurance for a 3–4-week UK holiday. People under 60 years pay an average of $178 for a similar trip as a single, or $332 as a couple. However, a UK travel insurance policy for travellers over 60 years old for the same length holiday costs an average of $488 for a single, or $617 for a couple. The estimates above are based on over 4000 quotes for a 3–4-week UK holiday.

How comprehensive your cover is, your age, how long your holiday is, how far in advance you buy travel insurance and how much excess you nominate will all affect the cost of travel insurance.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for the UK?

We analysed a database of nearly 14,000 quotes looking at a huge variety of scenarios to identify the cheapest insurance policies for a trip to the UK.

Note that medical-only policies provide medical cover and cover for medical repatriation. They »å´Ç²Ô’t provide cover for things like cancellation costs, lost baggage or missed connections. 

Zoom Medical Only

• Price score for UK travel: 99% 
• Unlimited medical cover only.

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

• Price score for UK travel: 98% 
• Unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation; $2000 limit for lost baggage.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only 

• Price score for UK travel: 97% 
• Unlimited medical cover only

These policies are the cheapest travel insurance policies, but their cover isn’t necessarily the best. To find out the policies that also provide good cover, log in or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to see the best value policies as ranked by our experts.

Best value travel insurance policies for the UK

Below, we reveal the best value policies for UK travel. Log in to unlock this members-only content, or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

Top UK policies

Exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ve listed the best value travel insurance policies for travelling to the UK.

The post Best travel insurance for the UK appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Medical care in the US is expensive and Australia doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement like we do with some other countries. 

Some travel insurance policies also offer cover for if your travel is interrupted by civil unrest, a natural disaster, losing your passport and credit cards. Another benefit included in most policies is help paying car insurance excess or legal liability if you’re involved in a prang. 

We take you through how to choose a policy that could prevent your magical Disneyland holiday turning into a travel nightmare.

On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for the US?
• How much does travel insurance for the US cost? 
• Cheapest travel insurance for the US
• Best value travel insurance for the US

Do you need travel insurance for the US?

Travel insurance is essential for Australians travelling to the United States. It’s best to buy your insurance at the same time as you book your trip so you’ll be covered if you have to cancel for some reason before you go.

Medical costs in the US

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and the US, and medical care in the States is expensive. If you need it, you could end up paying thousands of dollars, even for a minor issue. Payment may be required upfront for medical assistance, or you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

If you have a pre-existing condition, read the fine print of your policy to make sure you understand if you’re covered in the event you need medical treatment for that condition while in the US.

Minor conditions are often covered if you haven’t required treatment in the previous 12 months, but some insurers will only cover pre-existing conditions for an extra fee and pending a medical assessment. For these reasons, it’s vital to read your product disclosure statement (PDS) before taking out a policy.

Travel insurance policies also tend to cover personal liability and sometimes legal expenses, which may be useful if you end up being liable for someone else’s medical costs.

Hiring a car

What better way to see the US than driving between destinations in a big American car? 

Many travel insurance policies cover collision damage excess cover, so you don’t need to pay the insurance excess reduction that the car hire company charges. 

If the car hire company hits you up for damage, you’ll need to pay that to the car hire company, and then claim it back on your travel insurance.

Natural disasters

Due to the large size and diversity of the US landscape, the natural disasters you might face while travelling can vary from tornadoes to blizzards to wildfires.

Thankfully, cover for natural disasters is pretty common in travel insurance policies, but it’s still important to research possible dangers in the areas you’re travelling to, follow government travel warnings, and read your travel insurance PDS to make sure you’re covered for medical treatment and travel cancellation for natural disasters.

How much does travel insurance for the US cost? 

For a 10- to 20-day trip, a family pay on average about $519 for their travel insurance.  Insurance for a similar trip costs single travellers under 60 years an average of $283 as a single or $514 as a couple, while travellers aged over 60 will pay around $572 as a single person, or $878 as a couple. 

The length of your trip, how comprehensive your cover is, your age, how far in advance you buy your policy and how much excess you’re willing to pay will all affect the price of your travel insurance policy. 

We looked at over 11,000 varied quotes for 10- to 20-day holidays to the US, which we used to calculate the estimates above.

Cheapest travel insurance for the US

We used our database of nearly 30,000 quotes for US holidays that cover a huge range of scenarios to find the cheapest insurance policies for a US holiday. 

These policies only provide medical cover and cover for medical repatriation. They don’t provide cover for things like cancellation costs, lost baggage or missed connections. 

Zoom Medical Only 

• Price score for US travel: 100%
• Provides unlimited medical cover only.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance Medical Only

• Price score for US travel: 95% 
• Provides unlimited medical cover only.

1Cover Medical Only

• Price score for US travel: 91%
• Provides unlimited medical cover only.

Things to keep in mind

• Buy your travel insurance as soon as you start booking your holiday – that way you’re covered, even if you have to cancel early.  
• If you’re going skiing or snowboarding, find the best travel insurance options for skiing and make sure you’re covered.
• If you’re hiring a car, look at the excess cover for car hire.

Best value travel insurance for the US

Exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ve also listed the best value travel insurance policies for travelling to the US.

If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to see the top-rated policies for travelling to the United States. Unlike other insurance comparison websites, we »å´Ç²Ô’t get paid by any of the insurers we’re comparing. So we only recommend the best insurance policies for you.

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On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for Thailand?
• Will travel insurance cover scuba diving in Thailand?
• Checklist for your Thailand holiday
• How much does travel insurance for Thailand cost? 
• What is the cheapest travel insurance for Thailand?
• Best value travel insurance policies for Thailand

Our experts have sifted through thousands of quotes and the fineprint of more than 65 travel insurance policies and found the policies that give you the best value cover for your trip to Thailand. 

Do you need travel insurance for Thailand?

Travel insurance is a must-buy for Australians heading to Thailand. Travel insurance provides cover for things that you’ll need if something goes wrong, like medical care in case of an accident, alternative accommodation if something interrupts your travel, and cancellation costs if your trip needs to be cancelled or cut short. Medical evacuation, for example, can cost tens of thousands and is not something you want to hesitate about if you need it. 

Medical cover

The standard of Thailand’s medical care varies across the country. Hospitals often need to confirm your insurance before treating you, otherwise they may require cash payment upfront, which can be very expensive. In the case of serious accidents and illness in more regional areas, you may need to be transferred to hospitals with better facilities in Bangkok and other large cities, so cover for medical repatriation is essential.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, read the product disclosure statement (PDS) to make sure you understand whether you’re covered if you need medical treatment for the condition while in Thailand. Some insurers will only cover pre-existing conditions for an extra fee and pending a medical assessment.

Natural disaster cover in Thailand

Flooding and storms may interrupt travel around Thailand, particularly during the wet season (May to October). Thailand also experiences occasional earthquakes. so make sure you check travel advice sites like before travelling. Most travel insurance policies cover medical expenses related to natural disasters, but you should make sure you check that your policy covers cancellation and travel delays for natural disasters too.

Civil unrest

Smartraveller warns that the security situation in Thailand is unpredictable and can turn violent with little warning. This particularly relates to tension in border areas and the potential for protests in Bangkok. At the time of writing, the Australian Government advice is to reconsider your need to travel to the three most southern provinces of the Thailand-Malaysia border.

Beware that travelling to areas the government recommends you avoid will affect your travel insurance cover. So keep across government warnings and get in touch with your travel insurance provider if you need personalised advice.

A travel insurance policy’s PDS will outline the cover in case of civil unrest. Watch out that you’re at least covered for medical and cancellation costs in the event of civil unrest.

Scooter and motorbike cover

Most insurers only cover you for riding scooters and mopeds if you have an Australian motorbike licence, and many require you to wear a helmet and protective clothing.

Motorcycle accidents in Thailand are common, and if you just have a regular car licence, chances are your insurer will reject your claim for not being licensed to drive the vehicle.

Make sure you think about how you’re going to get around the country and read the fine print of your policy documents if you need cover for scooter, moped or motorbike riding. 

Will travel insurance cover scuba diving in Thailand?

Many insurers will cover you for scuba diving with some special conditions; for example, to a certain depth with licensed operators only. Many offer further cover as an optional extra for an additional fee and with some special conditions.

Before getting insurance for a diving holiday, make sure it will cover you for the specific dives you intend to do by reading the PDS or getting in touch with the insurer. We don’t review these products, but you can get specialised diving insurance from organisations such as the Divers Alert Network that may cover diving activities not covered by regular travel insurance policies. But make sure you check their PDS to ensure you understand what they cover and what they don’t.  

Decompression chambers are located near popular dive sites in Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok.

Checklist for your Thailand holiday

• Complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card () within three days in advance of your arrival in Thailand. It must be submitted online through the Thailand Immigration Bureau website. 
• Use our guide below to buy a travel insurance policy that suits your needs. 
• Check if your passport is still valid, and if not, .
• Keep a printout of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip and share them with family or friends before you leave.
• Keep on top of the .

How much does travel insurance for Thailand cost? 

A couple pays around $255 for a one to two-week trip to Thailand. A single person or family pays roughly $142 or $236, respectively.

How comprehensive your cover is, your age, how long your holiday is, how far in advance you buy travel insurance and how much excess you nominate will all affect the cost of travel insurance.

We analysed more than 6000 quotes for 7–14 day trips to Thailand to provide the estimates above.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for Thailand?

We analysed a database of over 12,000 quotes for Thai holidays, covering a variety of scenarios to identify both the cheapest insurance policies for a trip to Thailand, and those that provide the best cover.Ìý

Note that medical-only policies provide medical cover and cover for medical repatriation. They don’t provide cover for things like cancellation costs, lost baggage, or missed connections. 

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

• Price score for Thailand travel: 100%
• Includes unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation; $2000 limit for lost baggage.

Zoom Medical Only 

• Price score for Thailand travel: 97%
• Includes medical cover only.

Southern Cross Medical Only

• Price score for Thailand travel: 94%
• Includes medical cover only.

These may be the cheapest policies, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they offer the best value. Below for members we share the best value travel insurance for Thailand.

Best value travel insurance policies for Thailand

Below, we reveal the best value policies for a trip to Thailand, as recommended by our travel insurance experts. Log in to unlock this members-only content, or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.  Unlike other insurance comparison websites, we »å´Ç²Ô’t get paid by any of the insurers we’re comparing. So we only recommend the best insurance policies for you.

The ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating is calculated using the Thailand-specific price score combined with the policy cover score to find policies that give the best return on your investment. All policies have unlimited cover for medical expenses and repatriation, and allow you to choose your limit for cancellation cover. 

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On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for Singapore?
• Will travel insurance provide cover for pandemics in Singapore? 
• The cheapest travel insurance for Singapore
• Best value travel insurance policies for Singapore

We explore why travel insurance is a must-buy for your trip to Singapore, and our experts reveal the best policies for your holiday.

Do you need travel insurance for Singapore?

Travel insurance is a must for Australians travelling to Singapore. It provides cover for when things go wrong, such as medical care in case of an accident, alternative accommodation if something interrupts your travel, and cancellation costs. 

For example, medical care in Singapore is expensive and if you need it, you could end up paying thousands.

Medical cover

Singapore’s medical care is of a high standard, but it’s much more expensive than medical care in Australia. And payment may be required upfront, so it’s important to make sure your travel insurance policy covers medical costs and medical repatriation (the process of returning you home to Australia for medical treatment or recovery if needed).

If you have a pre-existing condition, read the fine print to make sure you understand whether you’re covered if you need medical treatment for the condition while in Singapore. 

Minor conditions are often covered if you haven’t needed treatment in the previous 12 months, but some insurers will only cover pre-existing conditions for an extra fee and pending a medical assessment – so read your product disclosure statement (PDS).

Cancellation cover

One of the most common travel insurance claims is for a flight or tour being cancelled, or cancelling a trip before the departure date. 

A number of situations are commonly excluded from cancellation cover such as terrorism, or travel agent insolvency, but you’re usually covered for natural disasters or the illness of a close relative. 

Make sure you read your PDS to understand your policy’s cover. 

Top tip: If you buy your insurance at the same time as you book your trip, cancellation cover may come in handy if you have to cancel for some reason before you go.

Scooter and motorbike cover

If you plan on renting a motorbike or moped while you’re away, be aware that most insurers only cover you if you have an Australian motorbike licence. If you just have a regular car licence, chances are your insurer will reject your claim for not being licensed to drive the vehicle. 

Make sure you think about how you’re going to get around, and read the fine print of your policy documents if you need cover for scooter, moped or motorbike riding.

Will travel insurance provide cover for pandemics in Singapore? 

Most travel insurers now offer cover for COVID-19. But what about the next pandemic? Some policies now offer medical-only cover for a pandemic, or more comprehensive cover for pandemics other than COVID, but the type of cover varies from policy to policy.

There are also other exclusions, especially for cruises and pre-existing conditions, so you need to read the insurer’s PDS carefully to check what you’re covered for.

How much does travel insurance for Singapore cost? 

On average, a single person will pay about $167 for a 7–10-day holiday, and a couple will pay about $291.

Costs will depend on the length of your trip, how comprehensive your cover is, how old you are, how far in advance you purchase your policy and how much excess you’re willing to pay. We looked at over 2000 quotes for a 7–10-day trip to give the estimates above.

Checklist for your Singapore holiday

• Use our guide below to buy a travel insurance policy that suits your needs.Ìý
• Check if your passport is still valid, and if not, .
• Keep a printout of your travel insurance details with you at all times on your trip. It’s also a good idea to share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.
• Keep on top of the .

The cheapest travel insurance for Singapore

​To find the cheapest policies, we used our database of nearly 11,000 quotes for holidays to Singapore covering a huge range of scenarios.Ìý

Note that medical-only policies provide medical cover and cover for medical repatriation. They don’t provide cover for things like cancellation costs, lost baggage, or missed connections. The five cheapest travel insurance policies for Singapore are:

Zoom Medical Only

• Price score for Singapore travel: 99%
• Medical cover only.

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

• Price score for Singapore travel: 98%
• Unlimited medical cover, no cover for cancellation but $2,000 cover for lost baggage.Ìý

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only

• Price score for Singapore travel: 96%
• Unlimited medical cover only.

As is often the case, the cheapest travel insurance policy isn’t always the best. To find which policies provide the best value – good cover for a good price – log in, or become a ÌÇÐÄVlog member to see our results below. 

Best value travel insurance policies for Singapore

Exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ve listed the best value travel insurance policies for travelling to Singapore. 

If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to see the policies we think provide the best balance of cover and price for Singapore travel.

As a member, you’ll also be able to access our full travel insurance reviews, as well as other reviews that might be helpful if you’re expecting, such as cot, stroller, high chair and portable cot reviews.

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On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for Japan?
• Will travel insurance cover skiing in Japan?
• Checklist for your Japan holiday
• What is the cheapest travel insurance for Japan?
• Best value travel insurance policies for Japan

Do you need travel insurance for Japan?

Yes, travel insurance is a must for Australians travelling to Japan. This insurance covers things like medical care and cancellation costs if your trip is interrupted by the unexpected.

It’s best to buy your insurance at the same time as you book your trip so that you’ll be covered if you have to cancel before you leave.

Medical costs in Japan

Medical cover is essential for any trip to Japan. Medical facilities in Japan are of a high standard, but you may need to pay upfront before receiving treatment.

The cost of being transferred back to Australia can also be expensive, so look at the PDS before buying a policy to make sure you’re covered for medical care and medical repatriation.

Natural disaster cover in Japan

Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. You may remember the earthquake-triggered tsunami that destroyed the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant in 2011. All major disaster warnings are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The Australian government recommends downloading Japan’s public broadcaster to your phone to keep abreast of natural disaster and emergency reports. Also check your travel insurance PDS to see if you’re covered for medical and cancellation costs for natural disasters.

Civil unrest

warns of regional tensions in Japan, including tension with North Korea, which could worsen with little warning. A travel insurance’s PDS will outline what is covered in the case of civil unrest – make sure that you’re at least covered for medical and cancellation costs.

Will travel insurance cover skiing in Japan?

Many insurers will cover you for skiing and snowboarding, but most offer this cover as an optional extra that comes with an additional fee and some special conditions.

For example, off-piste (backcountry) skiing or snowboarding is often not covered, and when it is covered, it’s usually only if you’re still within the resort boundaries or skiing with a guide. Riding a snowmobile tends to be an optional cover – check directly with insurers as some may only cover riding a snowmobile if you’re using it as a mode of transport rather than recreationally.

Before getting insurance for a ski holiday, make sure it will cover you for your specific skiing or snowboarding destination, as well as for the activities you intend to do. 

Checklist for your Japan holiday

• Use our guide below to buy a travel insurance policy that suits your needs. Check if your passport is still valid, and if not, .

• Keep a printout of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip. It’s also a good idea to share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.
• Keep on top of the .

How much does travel insurance for Japan cost? 

For Japanese holidays ranging from 14-18 days in duration, a family pays an average of $298 for a policy, based on over 5000 travel insurance quotes. Singles and couples under 60 years pay $141 and $259, respectively, while singles and couples over 60 pay $355 and $532, respectively, on average.

Costs will depend on the length of your trip, how comprehensive your cover is, how old you are, how far in advance you purchase your policy and how much excess you’re willing to pay.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for Japan?

To find out, we analysed over 11,000 quotes for a Japanese holiday, covering a variety of scenarios and trip durations. 

Note that the Medical Only policy from Zoom provides cover for medical care and medical repatriation only. It doesn’t provide cover for things like cancellation costs, lost baggage, or missed connections. 

Policies are listed in order of cost from cheapest, on average, to most expensive. 

Zoom Medical Only

• Price score for Japan travel: 100%
• Unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation.

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

• Price score for Japan travel: 96%
• Unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation, but $2000 for lost baggage.

Southern Cross Medical Only

• Price score for Japan travel: 89%
• Unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation.

However, there’s not much point in buying a travel insurance policy that doesn’t cover what you need. To find out which policies also provide good cover, log in or become a ÌÇÐÄVlog member. 

Best value travel insurance policies for Japan

Below, we reveal the policies that offer the best coverage for the cost. Log in to unlock this members-only content, or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

Becoming a ÌÇÐÄVlog member also gives you access to a massive library of product and service reviews and comparisons based on our rigorous independent lab testing and expert knowledge so you can choose products and services with confidence.

How we score
The ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating for Japan travel is made up of the policy cover score (60%) and a Japan-specific price score (40%).

Quotes were adjusted for a $20,000 cancellation benefit.Ìý
Over 11,000 quotes were analysed from over 65 different single-trip travel insurance policies. Scenarios used to obtain these quotes are market representative and ranged from a holiday duration in Japan of six through 123 days, purchased between 6 and 283 days before travelling, and covered singles, couples and families with a variety of ages.
To obtain a price score, each quote was assigned a score, with the most expensive in each scenario scoring 0 and the least expensive scoring 100. The average score for each product was calculated. The products listed above had the highest average scores.
Cover scores are the same used for our international travel insurance review. Read about how we calculate our travel insurance cover scores.Ìý

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On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for Fiji?
• Will travel insurance cover scuba diving in Fiji?
• Checklist for your Fiji holiday
• How much does travel insurance for Fiji cost? 
• What is the cheapest travel insurance for Fiji?
• Best value travel insurance policies for Fiji

Our experts have analysed the prices and policy features of more than 60 travel insurance policies to take the hassle out of this task.

Below, we reveal the cheapest travel insurance for Fiji, as well as the policies that offer the best value cover.

Do you need travel insurance for Fiji?

Yes, travel insurance is essential for Australians travelling to Fiji. Depending on the level of cover you choose, travel insurance can be used for medical costs in case of illness or injury, medical repatriation to Australia, cover for lost baggage, cancellation costs, and alternative accommodation should something interrupt your travel. 

Medical Cover

The standard of Fiji’s medical care is generally lower than in Australia, and fairly limited, with many hospitals only providing basic care. Before admitting patients, hospitals usually require a payment guarantee, proof of medical insurance and/or an upfront deposit.  In the case of serious accidents and illness, you may need to be transferred back to Australia, making cover for medical repatriation essential. 

If you have a pre-existing condition, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to make sure you understand whether you’re covered if you need medical treatment for the condition while in Fiji. Some insurers will only cover pre-existing conditions for an extra fee and pending a medical assessment.

Natural disaster cover in Fiji

Fiji can experience severe weather and natural disasters like cyclones, flooding, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis.

Cyclone season is November to April, but they may also occur at other times. Flooding is common in Fiji, particularly around Nadi and the Coral Coast. Keep your eye on the for updates. 

Earthquakes can also occur in Fiji and may be followed by a tsunami. urges travellers not to wait for official warnings but to move to higher ground if you feel more than a minor tremor or see or hear unusual changes from the sea. Once on higher ground, monitor local media and follow the authorities’ advice. 

See our advice on natural disaster cover in travel insurance.

Do a ‘find’ (Ctrl F on a PC computer or Command F on Macs) on your PDS and search for ‘natural disaster’ to check for cover or exclusions. Don’t just rely on ChatGPT or other AI tools to read it for you (we’ve tried it, it’s not always right).

Will travel insurance cover scuba diving in Fiji?

Many insurers will cover you for scuba diving with some special conditions â€“ for example, to a certain depth with appropriate qualifications or a certified instructor.

Before getting insurance for a diving holiday, make sure it will cover you for the specific dives you intend to do by reading the PDS or getting in touch with the insurer. 

We don’t review these products, but you can get specialised diving insurance from organisations such as the Divers Alert Network that may cover diving activities not covered by regular travel insurance policies. But make sure you review their PDS well to ensure you understand what they cover and what they don’t.    

There are two decompression chambers in Fiji, located in Suva and Nadi. 

Checklist for your Fiji holiday

• Check if your passport is still valid, and if not, . Australian travellers don’t need a visa to enter Fiji if staying less than four months.
• Keep a printout of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip. It’s also a good idea to share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.

• Keep on top of the .

How much does travel insurance for Fiji cost? 

A single person pays about $100 for travel insurance for a one- to two-week holiday in Fiji, while a couple and family pay an average of $208 and $162, respectively.

The length of your trip, how comprehensive your cover is, your age, how far in advance you buy your policy and your excess will all affect the price of your travel insurance policy. 

We looked at over 8,000 varied quotes for one- to two-week holidays, which we used to calculate the estimates above.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for Fiji?

We used our database of nearly 11,000 quotes for a huge range of scenarios to reveal the cheapest insurance policies for a Fijian holiday, detailed below.

But while these policies might be cheap, they won’t necessarily cover everything you need. For the policies that provide the best coverage for your buck, log in or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to discover the best value policies as evaluated by our experts.

Note that medical-only policies provide medical cover and cover for medical repatriation. They don’t provide cover for things like cancellation costs, lost baggage, or missed connections.  

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

• Price score for Fiji travel: 99%
• Unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation; $2000 cover for lost baggage.

Zoom Insurance Medical Only

• Price score for Fiji travel: 97%
• Medical cover only.

AHM Medical Only

• Price score for Fiji travel: 96%

• Medical cover only.

Although these provide basic cover, sometimes you need to spend a little more to get the cover that will really save you money in the long run. 

Best value travel insurance policies for Fiji

Exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ve listed the best value travel insurance policies for travelling to Fiji. Log in to unlock this members-only content, or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

Unlike other insurance comparison websites, we »å´Ç²Ô’t get paid by any of the insurers we’re comparing. So we only recommend the best insurance policies for you.

All of these policies provide unlimited cover for medical care, allow you to choose your limit for cancellation expenses, and cover for scuba diving up to at least 12 metres with appropriate qualifications. 

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The land of the long white cloud often seems like an extension of Australia, so some might wonder whether it’s actually worth buying travel insurance for a New Zealand holiday.    

We explore why you should buy travel insurance before you embark on your trip across the Tasman, and reveal which policies are best for your holiday.

On this page:

• Do you need travel insurance for New Zealand?
• Will travel insurance cover skiing in New Zealand?
• How much does travel insurance for New Zealand cost? 
• Checklist for your New Zealand holiday
• What is the cheapest travel insurance for New Zealand?
• Best value travel insurance policies for New Zealand

Do you need travel insurance for New Zealand?

Travel insurance is essential for Australians travelling to New Zealand. Buy your insurance at the same time as you book your trip so you’ll be covered if you have to cancel before you go. 

Medical costs in New Zealand

New Zealand and Australia have a reciprocal healthcare agreement, meaning that Australian travellers can access New Zealand’s public health service in an emergency, and vice versa. So remember to take your Medicare card with you – you’ll need it, along with your passport, to prove that you’re eligible. But the agreement isn’t a replacement for travel insurance.

You still have to pay some fees for treatment and medication. For example, reciprocal health care does not cover you for free or subsidised care by a GP or ambulance, and if you get seriously ill, medical repatriation is very expensive and only covered by travel insurance.

Accident cover in New Zealand

It’s essential that visitors to New Zealand are covered by travel insurance for repatriation, loss of income, and disruptions to travel plans in the case of an accident. 

For example, if you have a skiing accident you’ll need travel insurance to cover your trip home. Repatriation isn’t covered by the reciprocal healthcare agreement and, even if the accident was someone else’s fault, you won’t be compensated for it.

In New Zealand, accident victims cannot sue a third party for compensation. Instead, the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) covers the cost of medical care within New Zealand.

Because of the ACC fund, CTP car insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand as it is in Australia. However, it’s still recommended and is provided with most rental cars, but it’s important to check before you hire. Travel insurance can reduce the excess on the insurance your car hire company offers you, but only if the hire company has insurance in the first place.  

Earthquake cover in New Zealand 

Most travel insurance policies should cover medical costs for natural disasters like earthquakes in New Zealand. Comprehensive policies will also cover cancellation, or costs to rearrange your trip. Check your insurer’s travel insurance product disclosure statement (PDS) to make sure.

New Zealand sometimes experiences severe seismic activity. The 2011 Christchurch earthquake claimed 185 lives and levelled much of the city centre.

Safety campaigns in New Zealand advise you to “drop, cover and hold” – drop to the ground, take cover and hold on – in the event of an earthquake. See for more specific advice. 

Do a “find” (Ctrl F) on the PDF file of the policy’s PDS and search for “natural disaster” to check for cover or exclusions. Don’t rely on ChatGPT or other AI tools to do it for you (we’ve tried it, it’s not always right).

Will travel insurance cover skiing in New Zealand?

Many insurers will cover you for standard skiing and snowboarding, but some only offer coverage for these activities as an optional extra and some have special conditions.

Before getting insurance for a ski holiday, make sure it will cover you for your specific skiing or snowboarding destination, as well as for the activities you intend to do. We outline which of the best value policies for New Zealand cover skiing below.

For example, off-piste (backcountry) skiing or snowboarding is often not covered, and when it is covered, it’s usually only if you’re still within the resort boundaries or skiing with a guide. 

The same goes for riding on a snowmobile, which tends to be an optional cover – check directly with insurers as some may only cover riding a snowmobile if you’re using it as a mode of transport rather than recreationally.

How much does travel insurance for New Zealand cost? 

On average, for a 6- to 12-day trip, a single person will pay about $96, and  a couple about $160.

The price varies depending on the length of your trip, how comprehensive your cover is, how old you are, how far in advance you purchase your policy and how much excess you’re willing to pay. 

We analysed more than 6,000 scenarios for a 6- to 12-day trip covering a variety of scenarios to provide the estimates above.

Checklist for your New Zealand holiday

• Check if your passport is still valid, and if not, .
• Keep a printout of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip. It’s also a good idea to share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.
• Keep on top of the .

What is the cheapest travel insurance for New Zealand?

We analysed over 20,000 quotes from 63 different policies, covering a variety of scenarios, to find the cheapest insurance policies for a New Zealand holiday. 

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

• Price score for NZ travel: 98%
• Unlimited medical cover; no cover for cancellation; $2000 limit for lost baggage.

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International

• Price score for NZ travel: 97%
• Unlimited medical cover; choose your own cancellation limit; no cover for lost baggage.

Zoom Medical Only

• Price score for NZ travel: 97%
• Unlimited medical cover only.

Bupa International Essentials

• Price score for NZ travel: 95%
• Unlimited medical cover; choose your own cancellation limit; no cover for lost baggage.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only

• Price score for NZ travel: 94%
• Unlimited medical cover only.

Best value travel insurance policies for New Zealand

Exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, below we reveal the best value policies for travelling to New Zealand. Unlike other insurance comparison websites, we »å´Ç²Ô’t get paid by any of the insurers we’re comparing. So we only recommend the best insurance policies for you.

Log in or join ÌÇÐÄVlog to see the best value travel insurance for New Zealand and get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

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