Travel insurance for New Zealand

Do you need travel insurance for New Zealand?

Travel insurance can help with unexpected costs before and during your trip to New Zealand, from cancelling because of illness to needing emergency medical treatment abroad. Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in New Zealand, so it’s important to arrange suitable cover. Ireland and New Zealand have no reciprocal healthcare agreement, so you should arrange suitable protection before travelling.

• Medical emergencies: New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) can help with treatment for accidental injuries, including those suffered by visitors. However, it does not cover illness or emergency travel home. Travel insurance can help with eligible medical and repatriation costs.
• Disruption to your plans: A long journey with connecting flights gives you more to consider. Check what your travel insurance includes for cancellation, delays and missed departures, particularly if your journey involves connecting flights.
• Activities on your itinerary: The Department of Foreign Affairs recommends checking that your insurance covers the activities you intend to undertake. Whether you’re skiing in Queenstown or hiking in Fiordland, check your planned activities and sports and whether you need an optional extra.

With JustCover travel insurance for New Zealand, you can travel knowing you have cover in place for eligible medical emergencies, trip disruption and selected activities.

How much does travel insurance for New Zealand cost?

The cost of travel insurance for New Zealand depends on your trip, your age, your medical history and the level of cover you choose. Getting a personalised quote is the best way to find out how much your New Zealand travel insurance could cost.

• Trip Length: Longer holidays may cost more to insure, especially for long-haul trips to New Zealand.
• ‍Age and Medical Conditions: Your age and any pre-existing medical conditions can affect the price of your policy.
• Level of cover: The amount of cancellation, medical and other travel cover you choose can also affect the cost. Cheaper policies may have lower limits or fewer benefits, so it is important to compare the cover as well as the price.
• Activities: If you plan to go skiing, hiking or take part in other adventure activities, you may need extra cover.

Speak to our team for a personalised New Zealand travel insurance quote and we’ll help you find cover that suits your trip and your needs.

Do Irish passport holders require a visa for a New Zealand holiday?

Irish passport holders can usually visit New Zealand for up to three months without applying for a visitor visa before travelling. However, you’ll need an approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and must meet the entry requirements.

Before you go, check the following:

• Travel authorisation: Request your NZeTA through the official website or app. You’ll also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Allow at least 72 hours for processing.
• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand. Use the same passport for your NZeTA application and your journey.
• Supporting documents: You’ll need a ticket out of New Zealand and may be asked to show that you have enough money for your stay. Keep proof of any prepaid accommodation available too.
• Traveller declaration: You must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. This is separate from your NZeTA.

Check the latest entry requirements with Immigration New Zealand and apply for your NZeTA well before travelling. An approved NZeTA allows you to travel to New Zealand but does not guarantee entry.

Adventure activities in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the world’s best-known destinations for outdoor adventure. From the mountains and lakes of the South Island to the geothermal landscapes and fast-flowing rivers of the North Island, there are plenty of opportunities to add something adventurous to your trip. However, not every activity is automatically covered by a standard travel insurance policy, particularly where an activity is considered higher risk.

Popular adventure activities around New Zealand

• Queenstown and Otago: Queenstown is often described as New Zealand’s adventure capital. Visitors can try bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding. Nearby destinations such as Wānaka and the Southern Alps are also popular for hiking, climbing and winter sports.
• ‍Rotorua and the Central North Island: Rotorua is well known for activities such as white-water rafting, mountain biking and ziplining. Further south, the Tongariro National Park attracts walkers and hikers, including visitors taking on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
• Canterbury and the Southern Alps: The Canterbury region offers skiing, snowboarding, hiking and mountaineering, while more experienced travellers may head into alpine areas around Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
• Fiordland and the South Island: Fiordland is home to some of New Zealand’s best-known walking routes, including the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. Kayaking, boating and other outdoor activities are also popular around Milford Sound and the surrounding national parks.
• Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Coastal Areas: Around New Zealand’s coastline, travellers can take part in kayaking, surfing, sailing, diving and other water-based activities. The type of cover you need may depend on the activity, where you are taking part and whether specialist equipment is involved.

Why travel insurance matters for adventure activities

Adventure activities can be one of the highlights of a New Zealand holiday, but accidents can happen.

An injury while skiing in Queenstown, hiking in the Southern Alps or rafting near Rotorua could result in medical expenses, changes to your travel plans or additional accommodation while you recover. In more serious situations, you may also need assistance getting home to Ireland.

Having appropriate sports or activities travel insurance in place can help protect you against eligible unexpected costs, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.

Check your cover before you book

Some activities may be included as standard, while others may require additional cover or may not be covered at all.

Before booking, check our activity cover and exclusions alongside your policy wording. Pay attention to any restrictions, such as altitude or depth limits, and requirements for qualifications, equipment or supervision.

If you’re unsure whether your plans are covered, speak to our team before booking or taking part.

Why choose JustCover for your New Zealand holiday insurance?

Travelling from Ireland to New Zealand is a major trip, and having the right travel insurance in place can give you extra reassurance before you set off. At JustCover, we specialise in travel insurance for Irish travellers and offer cover designed to help protect you against a range of unexpected situations while you are away.

Specialist cover for pre-existing medical conditions

We can consider cover for more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions, depending on your circumstances. Tell us about your medical history by answering the screening questions fully and accurately when you get a quote.

If you need help, our team can talk you through the questions and the cover available.

Your age or medical history needn’t rule out travel insurance. Our team can help you explore the cover available for your trip.

Comprehensive protection for a long-haul trip

A holiday to New Zealand can involve significant upfront costs, from long-haul flights and accommodation to internal travel, tours and activities. Depending on the level of cover you choose, JustCover policies can include unlimited emergency medical and repatriation cover, as well as cancellation cover of up to €10,000.

These benefits can help with eligible costs if you need emergency treatment abroad, need to return home for medical reasons or have to cancel your holiday for a covered reason.

24/7 emergency medical support

Ireland and New Zealand are on very different time zones, so it is important to know that help is available when you need it.

Our emergency medical assistance team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you become ill or injured during your trip. Wherever you’re staying in New Zealand, you can contact the team for help in a medical emergency.

Cover designed with Irish holidaymakers in mind

As an Irish travel insurance specialist, we understand the practical considerations involved in travelling long distances from Ireland.

From medical emergencies and cancellation to repatriation and other insured travel disruptions, our policies are designed to provide protection for some of the situations that can have the biggest financial impact on a long-haul holiday.

Before buying, always check the Policy Wording, limits and exclusions to make sure the level of cover is suitable for your New Zealand travel plans.

New Zealand travel risks

New Zealand is a safe and popular place to visit. However, its location means that natural events can sometimes affect your travel plans. These can include earthquakes, volcanic activity, heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and snow.

If you are planning to travel around the country, it is a good idea to know about these risks before you go.

• Earthquakes: Earthquakes can happen anywhere in New Zealand and may affect roads, buildings and transport. Familiarise yourself with New Zealand Civil Defence’s earthquake guidance, including what to do if you feel shaking.‍
• Volcanic activity: New Zealand has active volcanic areas, including Rotorua, Taupō and Tongariro. Before visiting, read the official volcanic safety guidance and follow local warnings and restrictions.‍
• Severe weather and flooding: Heavy rain and storms can cause flooding, landslides and disruption to journeys. Check MetService’s weather warnings before setting off and follow Civil Defence’s storm guidance.‍
• Mountain conditions: Weather can change quickly on alpine routes, with snow, ice and strong winds affecting walking conditions. Check forecasts and route alerts before heading out. The Department of Conservation provides detailed safety information for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, for example.‍
• Transport disruption: Weather and sea conditions can affect ferry journeys between the North and South Islands. Check your operator’s updates, such as Interislander’s sailing conditions, and leave extra time between connections. Check directly with your airline for flight updates.‍
• Travel insurance and natural events: Cover for disruption caused by natural events depends on your policy and the circumstances. Read your Policy Wording before travelling to understand the benefits, limits and exclusions.

Be prepared before you travel

Before your trip, check the weather, transport updates and local safety advice. If you are travelling to mountain areas or remote parts of New Zealand, try to keep your plans flexible in case the weather changes.

Knowing about these risks and checking your travel insurance can help you feel more prepared for your New Zealand trip.

Travel tips for New Zealand

A little planning can make it easier to get around New Zealand and enjoy your time there. Before leaving Ireland, work through these practical checks:

• Allow time for road trips: Narrow, winding and mountainous roads can make journeys longer than they look on a map. Read NZ Transport Agency’s guidance for visiting drivers and use its Journey Planner to check travel times, roadworks and closures. Leave time for breaks and sightseeing too.
• Pack for changing weather: Take layers and a waterproof jacket, particularly if you’ll be spending time outdoors. Check MetService’s forecasts and weather warnings before setting out, and be ready to change your plans if conditions deteriorate.
• Prepare for remote areas: Mobile reception can be patchy or unavailable outside towns and cities. Carry navigation tools, extra food and water, and consider a distress beacon for remote walks. Follow the New Zealand Land Safety Code and check the Department of Conservation’s outdoor preparation guidance.
• Share your plans: Give someone at home your itinerary and contact details. Before a hike, tell a trusted person your route, when you expect to return and when to raise the alarm. The Department of Conservation recommends using tools such as Plan My Walk to share your trip details.
• Register your travel details: Irish citizens can use the Department of Foreign Affairs’ citizen registration service. This helps the Department contact you if an unforeseen crisis or family emergency occurs while you’re overseas.
• Keep essential information accessible: Store copies of your passport details, insurance documents and emergency contacts securely, with a copy available offline. Save your insurer’s emergency assistance number before travelling. If your passport is lost or stolen, follow the Department of Foreign Affairs’ guidance on getting help abroad.
• Check your insurance against your itinerary: The Department of Foreign Affairs’ New Zealand travel guidance recommends comprehensive travel insurance that covers your planned activities. Check JustCover’s activity cover and exclusions before booking, including whether you need an optional extra.

Enjoy your New Zealand trip

Allow enough time for long journeys, check the weather, keep in touch with someone at home and make sure you have suitable travel insurance before you go. That way, you can spend more time enjoying everything New Zealand has to offer.

Healthcare in New Zealand

Irish holidaymakers should be prepared to pay for medical care in New Zealand. Ireland has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with New Zealand, and the country’s accident compensation scheme does not cover illness.

• If you become ill: You may need to pay for consultations, hospital treatment, tests and medication. If you do not qualify for publicly funded healthcare, you are responsible for these costs. Check New Zealand’s healthcare eligibility guidance before travelling.‍
• If you have an accident: The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) can help with eligible accidental injuries, including those suffered by visitors. However, you may still need to pay part of your treatment costs. ACC does not cover illness.‍
• If you need to get home: ACC does not cover emergency travel back to Ireland. Suitable travel insurance can help with eligible repatriation costs if you need to return home for medical reasons. Read the ACC’s guidance for visitors to understand the scheme’s limits.‍
• In an emergency: Call 111 for an ambulance, police or fire service. The New Zealand Police website explains when to use this number. Contact your insurer’s emergency medical assistance team as soon as you can, and keep your policy details accessible.‍
• Check your medical cover: Immigration New Zealand strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover. Before you buy, check your Policy wording for medical and repatriation benefits, limits, excesses and exclusions.